Trending Lounge Discussions

Nice, that's dramatic. I haven't had a script take such a major turn while writing, but in outlines such wild things happen for me.

On the converse, I'd had characters survive due to the heroes and villains constantly foiling each other's plans.

I’m working on a novel right now where the outline says a character dies but in the writing he ended up living. It was a Jesse Pinkman situation. I grew to love him so much I didn’t have the heart to kill him, and the story is stronger for it!

Yup. I won't give spoilers, but I 100% still haven't recovered from it. I say this despite it being HEAVILY foreshadowed, even by the character in question.

Hi Ludivine! That's really a great success! Congratulations!

Congratulations. What's next?

Congratulations! This is an exciting accomplishment and an important milestone.

Hi Ludivine Allegue, it’s so wonderful to see you here again, and congratulations on Spinzone making the Quarterfinals. That’s an incredible achievement!!

I love hearing about your journey from visual artist to animation writer, and how intentional you’ve been about learning, growing, and building toward this moment over the years. There’s something really special about seeing that kind of long-term commitment come full circle.

As you continue building on this momentum, I’d encourage you to stay active in the Animation Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation) and the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). Both are great spaces to share your process, connect with collaborators, and be part of conversations around animated storytelling and international co-productions.

What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of seeing Spinzone resonate in this way?

“Admirable to return to writing with such dedication. Reconnecting with storytelling will certainly yield powerful narratives.”

Thanh, it’s never too late to return to what truly inspires you. Many writers step away at some point, but the passion for storytelling often finds its way back stronger. Every experience you gain adds depth to your voice as a writer. Wishing you renewed motivation and success as you continue your screenwriting journey.

If writing and creating feeds you soul then do it to fill your cup. take breaks, rest if you must but don't quit. If storytelling is who you are then that's a part of you that should never be ignored.

https://open.spotify.com/track/57LyPRrScKiIDD8aVxlkKc?si=klRWAPC8Q3mbzJQq0\_yINw

This is a very in depth and character driven story. I can see it being done in Anime Style along the line of stories like "The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity", "The Dangers in my Heart" and "Your Lie in April".

What are your plans going forward?

Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it.

My goal is to develop Elara the Painter into an animated feature film or possibly an animated series, depending on how the story evolves. I am currently focusing on strengthening the story, characters, and overall world.

I am also open to collaboration and discussions with creatives or professionals who might be interested in helping bring this project to life.

Thanks again for your feedback, it truly means a lot.

Congrats Jackie Letkowski !

Jackie Letkowski, huge congratulations to you! Making the quarterfinals is such an exciting milestone, and it’s wonderful to see your work recognized alongside so many talented writers.

Moments like this are such a great reminder that your voice and storytelling are connecting. What kind of project did you submit, and what are you most excited to keep developing next?

Jackie Letkowski, congratulations!

Hi Szabina Györei, welcome to Stage 32 and huge congratulations on making the Quarterfinals!! It’s always inspiring to see someone pivot into a creative path after building such a strong career elsewhere.

As you continue building momentum, I’d encourage you to become a regular contributor in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). Jumping into conversations, sharing your process, and connecting with other writers will help you grow your network and visibility.

You may also really enjoy exploring the Writer’s Room, especially with your goals around representation and developing vertical series. It offers access to industry professionals, exclusive discussions, and Open Writing Assignments. You can try a free month here:

https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

What drew you specifically to writing for vertical series, and what do you enjoy most about that format?

Honestly, it started with wanting to improve my English — both my listening and writing skills. As a hopeless romantic, I stumbled upon some vertical series episodes on social media, and I was instantly hooked. After watching a few, I thought — why not try it myself? I wanted to see if I had a natural talent for storytelling. What I love most about the format is the intimacy of it. The close-ups force actors to convey incredibly deep emotions, and as a writer, that's a beautiful challenge to write for.

Thank you so much for your help and the links you shared — I still feel like a complete beginner in this world, and every bit of guidance means a lot to me.

Hello R.L. Canupp. Wishing you every success!

Wayne Jarman thank you so much.

R.L. Canupp., I’m really glad you decided to step into the Introduce Yourself Lounge, and I always enjoy seeing your posts in the Screenwriting and Authoring Lounges. I hope you’ll continue to stay active in those spaces and jump into even more conversations. The way you engage and share your perspective really adds value to the community.

If you haven’t already, I’d definitely recommend reaching out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. Sharing more about your interconnected projects and long-term goals can help them point you toward curated opportunities and resources that align with what you’re building.

You might also really enjoy spending a month in the Writer’s Room, especially with the kind of cross-format storytelling you’re working on. It’s a great space for deeper conversations, industry access, and Open Writing Assignments:

https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

You’re juggling a lot of layered work right now, which of your current projects feels the most creatively urgent for you to push forward next?

Hi Nebukadresia Lungwecha, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and I love your ambition to pursue an international acting career.

This is a great place to start building those connections with both peers and mentors. I’d encourage you to spend time regularly in the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing). Joining conversations, asking questions, and sharing your journey will help you get noticed and start forming real relationships.

You should also take some time to explore Stage 32’s Acting Education (https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/acting). There are some really valuable classes and resources there that can help you build your skills and better understand the industry as you grow.

You have a clear vision for where you want to go. What’s one step you’re planning to take this year to move closer to your goals?

Nebukadresia, welcome to Stage 32. It’s great to see young creatives with clear goals and passion for storytelling and acting. Stay consistent, keep developing your skills, and connect with others in the community. Wishing you success on your journey toward becoming an international actress.

thank you so much its a plesure to meet all of you my loves

i really need to connect with some people who would help pull me to some place i need to reach.

lately ive been writing short scripts cause i am still a beginner but i need a mentor and someone who can read and lead me through. So i guess i landed on the right platform

Welcome to the S32 Club, Emma Wilson!

Emma Wilson Welcome to the community!

It’s great to see someone with both a legal and creative background supporting emerging filmmakers that balance is really important, especially when projects start moving toward production.

As a director and writer, I’m currently developing a character-driven feature and navigating that space between creative development and the business side of things, so it’s always valuable to hear perspectives from professionals working with producers and financiers.

Wishing you a great experience at Cannes hope it leads to some exciting collaborations!

Nice to see you here Emma Wilson!

Welcome Emma! Nice to chat with you here! I’ve been a Stage 32 member since 2021. I am a screenwriter and script consultant with my own script consulting and pitch coaching business. I also co host the Pitch Practice sessions Thursdays on Stage 32 and I’m on the Pitch Tank webcast Wednesdays as a judge. Reach out anytime!

nice to meet you here Emma ! I have a project that I feel could get your opinion on , it’s a tv series independently done and I know you of all person will understand the difficulties. nice to meet you hit me back if you can chat.

Sounds like an awesomely uncomfortable place to be Salustiano Berrios! Who or what would you say were your biggest influences for your work?

For this particular project, my son. I struggled accepting his autism diagnosis for more years than I’d like to admit. Writing this script—and my novel it was based off of—was cathartic, exciting, and ultimately healing.

I managed to write something that is at once a thrilling horror ride, as it is a meditation on the expectations we bring into parenthood.

This script goes places most don’t, anymore. It is The Excorcist for this generation, and I say that with my chest. It’s a movie that SAYS something, and will have audiences debating it for years.

Would love to share more with you Amanda Toney

I love that your writing gave you your outlet and that you were able to channel it to completed work. You're going to find a great collaborator here in the community, I'm sure of it!

Thank you Amanda Toney … that collaborator is You!

Hi Salustiano Berrios, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and your focus on psychological horror and grounded sci-fi rooted in family dynamics sounds like a really compelling space to explore.

I’d encourage you to spend time in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). There are a lot of writers there working in darker, character-driven genres who would really connect with what you’re building. It’s a great place to share your work, join conversations, and find like-minded creatives.

You may also want to check out the Writer’s Room, especially if you’re looking to take things to the next level. It offers access to industry professionals, exclusive discussions, and Open Writing Assignments. You can explore a free first month here:

https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

I did take a look at your profile to learn a bit more about you, especially since your professions include an interest in acting, but I noticed your bio is still blank. Taking some time to fill that out with your interests, experience, and goals will go a long way in helping others understand your voice and connect with you more easily. I highly suggest giving that some time this week.

What draws you most to exploring those darker themes in your storytelling?

Hi there Naveen Miriyala I'll move this post to the screenwriting lounge. If producers and film is ideally your goal you should approach creatives in the film, production and screenwriting lounges.

Hello Naveen,

Thank you for connecting! It’s great to be part of the Stage 32 community and connect with fellow screenwriters.

Best regards,

Ana Cristina Rodrigues