Trending Lounge Discussions

I think the first goal of short film scripts is to stay focused as much as possible. Don't get carried away on the story or characters.

Bill Albert I agree. It seems like some of the 5 minute shorts focus, but longer ones may pack in one too many added ideas, and that takes the audience a moment to digest.

Peter D. Marshall Great breakdown—this really highlights how context isn’t just background, it’s active storytelling.

What I like most here is how each example shows context shaping character decisions, not just atmosphere. That’s where it becomes powerful—when environment, culture, or history actually drives behavior.

Personally, I feel environmental setting and personal relationships are two of the most impactful ones. If done right, they can carry the entire story without needing heavy exposition.

Also a good reminder as writers: if you remove the context and the story still plays the same way, then the context isn’t being used to its full potential.

Great breakdown—this really highlights how context isn’t just background, it’s active storytelling.

What I like most here is how each example shows context shaping character decisions, not just atmosphere. That’s where it becomes powerful—when environment, culture, or history actually drives behavior.

Personally, I feel environmental setting and personal relationships are two of the most impactful ones. If done right, they can carry the entire story without needing heavy exposition.

Exciting day. Pumped that "Yankee" made the cut. Congrats to all who made the quarterfinals! These next two weeks are gonna feel like forever. Keep pushing.

“Quarterfinalist – Stage 32 Period Piece Contest

THE HUB

How cool is that?

Congrats to all the quarter finalists. Somehow managed to sneak 2 in. First Spear - A hardened Roman centurion races to seize a hidden treasury while a corrupt general, an enemy spy, and his past turn on him, and Selection - In WWI Belgium, an American zoologist uncovers his research is fueling the German war machine and is dragged into espionage and betrayal.

Congrats to all quarter finalists. Somehow managed to sneak two in. First Spear - A Roman centurion hunts a hidden treasury as betrayal, espionage, and guilt close in, and Selection - In WWI Belgium, an American zoologist uncovers his research is fueling the German war machine and is dragged into espionage and betrayal.

Jaz Lagrimas Big congratulations to all the Quarterfinalists! Period pieces are never easy they demand such depth in world-building, authenticity, and storytelling, so this is a huge achievement.

Would love to hear more about the stories that made it through always exciting to see what worlds and eras you all are bringing to life.

Hi Chidera, this is a very interesting project. Good luck with your campaign. I'm a writer-director based in New York. I'm in pre-production on a bilingual narrative short called The Hands That Beat The Drum, a father-daughter story about grief and cultural legacy in the Haitian diaspora. Always open to connecting with other filmmakers, especially if you're doing independent work that actually means something to you. Feel free to reach out.

Sure , thanks for reaching out am also working on chasing Light it tough because it's a series about 10 Episode

that is very true, having the understanding of the characters emotions and acting on those emotions can bring to light a better acting performance.

making things more natural and having a better flow with the performance.

I've always thought the best way to act was to make sense of what the character is feeling in a given situation. Understand motives to understand reactions.

What and awesome background Leander D'Silva ! I totally understand that you are trying different things to figure out what your path is creatively. That’s totally normal. As far as your creativity, no matter what make sure you are always moving forward creatively every day so you can stay inspired. Right now you’re in a great position in that you have access to the entire world of opportunities for filmmaking. What I will say is that the development side of the industry right now is very active, but there isn’t as much money to make a living on the development side right now. I would recommend focusing your efforts to make money on the production side and get involved with films that are filming in tax incentive rich countries. I’d also recommend taking our Stage 32 certification for below the line roles. Once you get certified, you get entered into a global database or film productions, and film commissions can search and hire you for their projects. We are working with over 50 Film commissions now! . https://certification.stage32.com/?\_gl=1*17vieoh*\_gcl\_au*NDgxNTI5OTE3LjE3NzQ5MzcwNTU.*\_ga*MTc3NDU0MTA0MC4xNzc0OTM3MDU1*\_ga\_XLNHJMK8VC*czE3NzU4NDYxMzgkbzEwJGcxJHQxNzc1ODQ2OTg2JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..#/

Welcome! I hope you get everything you need out of this platform. The blogs are great and Geoff F. gives a serious amount of weekly insider intel to keep us all informed as to what is happening in the industry. Also, the Open Houses are good to attend so keep an eye out for those. Cheers!

Hey Leander, welcome! That sounds like quite a journey, especially the shift toward script development and production.

Also really interesting that you’re focusing on horror within Indian subcultures and folklore.

All the best with your screenplay and the transition!

Welcome in, Alicia. The energy is great, but here's the thing that trips up a lot of first-time unscripted pitchers: in this space, the idea is almost never enough on its own. Producers hear "amazing family, big personalities, natural chaos" constantly, so what actually makes them stop is proof of concept. That means a sizzle reel, even a self-shot one, that shows this family's dynamic in action rather than describes it. Social media following has also become real currency in unscripted pitching because networks want to see a built-in audience before they invest [Entertainment Partners]. The other thing worth knowing is that most legitimate production companies don't take unsolicited pitches without representation or a submission agreement in place, so partnering with an established unscripted producer who can shop it through proper channels will get you further than cold emailing networks directly [Producing Unscripted]. The biggest early mistake to avoid is treating "they're just naturally entertaining" as the pitch, because every family thinks that about themselves. What producers want to see is a clear format, a repeatable episode structure, and a hook that separates this from the hundreds of family docu-series already out there.

Hi Joshua Young ! Thank you soo much for the advice and recommendations! Everything you said makes perfect sense! That’s currently my main goal right now, providing the ‘evidence’ to show how much this family stands out, and why! I do have a sizzle reel created, that offers a bit more insight and depth into the characters in the family! What I am working on now is how to provide all these details into one format, document, or post. I’ve been told creating a clean and clear pitch deck in PDF form without over cluttering it would be helpful to create a full picture.

My goal on here is absolutely what you said; I am hoping to partner with an established, unscripted producer. That seems like it’s the hard part in the process!

Do you have any suggestions on how to promote the reel to get it in front of more eyes? I did link it to this post, and this is totally understandable, but I have had more attention, if you will, on this post, than I have on the reel itself! So I would love to shift focus more on the visual aspect! As a lot of people have mentioned how much any type of video/reel can really bring this to life!

Thank you!

Alicia

This is the link to the sizzle reel!

https://www.stage32.com/media/4040921364176054065

I would love any feedback, thoughts, etc!

I'm going to echo some of the folks above, Alicia! Welcome!! I'm mostly focused on scripted but spent several years in reality. Such a fun, chaotic medium! Great instinct on leaning into authenticity...but I’d challenge you to push one step further on why this matters in today’s marketplace.

The reality is, most buyers aren’t actively looking for “unknown family” docu-series right now unless there’s a very clear hook, access point, or built-in audience. The space has shifted...projects tend to get traction when there’s either a recognizable name or platform...a unique subculture..or unexposed world we havent seen before, or a strong engine that naturally generates story and stakes. So the key question to pressure-test is: why will audiences care about this family specifically?

What makes them undeniable beyond being entertaining?

What’s the entry point for a viewer?

What’s the thing that makes someone click?

If you can clearly answer that…and pair it with a repeatable format…you’re in a much stronger position.

Also, launching on social and viral traction helps when exploring this medium. Nowadays the question is - why does it merit a traditional platform/tv show? Why cant it just exist online.

Alicia Charette thank you for sharing your project. Alternative/ Reality is such a different beast but the characters and storytelling is still incredibly important. Echoing Geoff you def need a sizzle. I watched the footage that you included in the link however, I kept asking where is Vanessa? She should be front and center. What makes this show special in a market saturated by Real Housewives and celebrities? Why do people need to watch this? Why would advertisers buy this? All things to consider as you continue to work on this. Xo

Oh now this is the post! Congratulations on prioritizing your stories! You’re my favorite type of storyteller. You know all about risks and chased down your purpose. Find me on the exec services side if you ever need support in your journey! I’m here for you.

Welcome Ananya Maity what an exciting transition. I did the same in 2024 and have been travelling the world since, writing my projects. I can't imagine not having done it now even though I wondered if I was making the biggest mistake of my life. The whole process has been transformational in all areas of my life. I hope you enjoy an equally fulfilling journey yourself.

Welcome Ananya.. Wish I had your courage.

Ananya Maity Welcome and honestly, that’s a big step stepping away from something stable to follow writing seriously.

I like what you said about writing becoming your comfort zone that usually means you’re already connected to the process in a real way. Finishing two novels is no small thing either.

It’s a learning curve for all of us, but being in that phase of exploration is where a lot of growth happens.

Looking forward to seeing how your work evolves.

Congrats, Jack!

I’m an independent book editor and translator . I work closely with authors who want their manuscripts to feel polished, professional, and truly ready for readers, not just “edited" but refined with care. I genuinely love working with authors, especially those who are passionate about their stories but want a professional eye to help bring everything together. If you’re working on a manuscript and need thoughtful, honest feedback, I'm a Freelancer working on Fiverr.

Calm, clear and grounded, definitely. If chaotic, I cannot focus... :/

Kat Spencer For me, it’s a mix but if I had to choose, I’d say B: emotional and in the middle of it. That chaos brings out raw, honest ideas that feel real.

But the calm phase is where I shape it, refine it, and give it structure. So chaos creates… and calm perfects.

Abhijeet Aade That's a fantastic way of putting it.

Kris Foye I love bluegrass, I'm from the area where it originated so it's probably part of nurture rather than nature but if you love Celtic or Americana music I think you will like it. If I might suggest, start with the song Cumberland Gap by David Rawlins (there are many versions but this is my favorite - it was the opening song to The Gentleman as well) and then go to Billy Strings as his contemporary take will be a nice bridge to more original blue grass artists like Ricky Skaggs and of course the originator, Bill Monroe. My hometown has the Bluegrass Hall of Fame AND the best American BBQ available so keep Owensboro, KY in mind if you fall in love with it haha.

Darrell Pennington Ok thanks so much for this, I do like Celtic music. In fact I used to listen to some during my creative process. I'm going to make my way through these name and educate myself properly. And you said BBQ? Ok I'm booking my flight xD.

Have you registered any copyrights?

yes

well done! The world needs more laughter! Thanks for making that happen!

Congrats on the milestone!

That's awesome. Congrats!

Go head with your bad self!