Trending Lounge Discussions

Hi Alicia Charette - i’ve actually sold an unscripted project to two different networks E! and USA. Is this family that you are wanting to write about an actual family? If so, you’ll have to work on getting the rights to tell their story. I would recommend putting together a pitch document that outlines your characters with photos and unique traits, as well as locations that you envision your unscripted series is taking place, and then a breakdown of what you think could potentially happen to this family in a season arc.

also, I think you’ll find this webinar really helpful: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/what-makes-an-unscripted-show-attractive-to-a-cable-or-streaming-buyer

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!

Hi Alicia, welcome! This sounds like a really strong concept, especially since it’s rooted in real personalities and dynamics, that’s usually what makes unscripted stand out.

From what I’ve been learning, clarity seems to be key at this stage — being able to communicate the core idea, tone, and why this specific family is compelling to watch.

I’ve also seen people mention that having a clear proof-of-concept or a strong pitch deck can really help when approaching producers.

Curious to see how this develops — it sounds like something with a lot of energy and heart!

Hi everyone! Thank you for the feedback! I really appreciate it all!

Amanda Toney Yes this is an actual family, and I have their permission to advocate for them, for this project. They are 100% on board!

I know the pitch is currently focused on Vanessa being at the center of it all- which she is, there is also another concept with Cody, the 18 year old, childhood brain cancer survivor, who sees life through his own lens and doesn’t let his disability hold him back. He is an absolute riot, very strong personalities all around here. Currently, I have a lot more content on Cody than I do Vanessa, as Vanessa has always been the one behind the camera. Vanessa and Cody together are priceless, but they’re both very strong personalities individually as well. I have been working on Cody’s social media accounts, and people are loving him!

I feel like there is too much content for this to be strictly on social media, and for it to be successful, they would need a camera crew following them around. With their unique lifestyle and circumstances, there are always, constant and natural occuring arcs, that the average, normal family doesn’t experience, along with those in which are relatable.

I think I am going to work on creating a pitch deck, to document everything you mentioned, and can use past real-life experiences and events as potential arcs/plotlines.

Thank you again!

Derrick, congratulations on your two screenplays, both projects sound very strong and engaging. Equally impressive is your ability to rise above personal adversity and channel that experience into your work—you're not alone. That kind of perspective brings authenticity to storytelling. I look forward to viewing your work!!

Love that writing gives you peace Derrick Vernon .

Thanks, James Ward I just need to get my work in the hands of a producer. I have some other scripts that are my bread and butter, but I need to see what these does, I really appreciate it

Thanks, Marie yeah writing and coming up with stories has a way of giving me a joy I can't describe with words.

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!

It's a great community. Lots of positivity. Welcome!

I appreciate your information and professionalism. Erik Gagnon

This is a daily and continuous process for me personally

I do this all the time. I primarily do surreal stuff but I do have some stories that are dark, sexy, and ordinary (which are naturally the hardest ones for me to write).

Right now I’m working on a social satire.

Congrats on the finished script!

Congrats!

Congratulations! I can't wait to hear more

Charmane Wedderburn - this is such a lovely post, and I’m glad that you made it. I hope this encourages other people who may be introverts that are reading this to put themselves forward and step into the light on Stage 32. Being creative doesn’t mean you have to be alone, you have a supportive community here that will help you through it. Congratulations on your book and book signing!

Thank you so much, Amanda. I truly appreciate your encouraging words. Stage 32 has been a wonderful space to keep learning, connecting, and growing creatively. I hope my journey can indeed encourage others to keep moving forward step by step. Grateful to be part of this community.

Congrats on growing your creative career and being a published author... and soon to be filmmaker! Cheers.

Great news! More success to you!

Love this so much! Find me on the exec side if you ever need support in your storytelling journey Sis! I’m here for you and all of US! ❤️

Jaz Lagrimas Huge congratulations to Ted Sperling on the win TREASURE INC. sounds like an absolute blast with a really fun, high-concept setup. Love that mix of action and comedy with ensemble energy.

Also big kudos to Lissette Jean-Marie and Emma Pyne & Sarina Taylor those projects sound bold, current, and tonally unique, which is not easy to pull off.

And of course, congrats to everyone who placed—getting recognized in a contest like this is a big achievement. Great to see such diverse and original voices coming through!

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.

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.

Sandra Michelle what if I gave you one of these 500 word stories and see what you have for it? Test if a working relationship can be established.

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.

Congrats on the milestone!

That's awesome. Congrats!

Go head with your bad self!

Congrats! Reach out to a film school & see if any of the students want to help you make a proof of concept. I’m sure someone would want to shoot an award winning script.

CONGRATULATIONS! That's huge! Not just because you're a Semi-Finalist! But because you kept showing up and kept working hard! That's badass!

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.