Trending Lounge Discussions

Then why use them at all Monette? I choose to only speak the things I want. It is important to point out to the lurkers, that is not a failure if you don't book. That is what Aaron's video is about. Having directed a play before, I can confirm that it is not always the best actors who get the parts. Aesthetics have a lot to do with it. Budget. Production company. The director sometimes. I recommend listening to casting director podcasts if you really want to know the ins and outs of what goes in to casting. The important takeaway is DON"T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.

Aaron, yes nI'm skilled in several creative fields, but I have 25 years of experience and I'm passionate about what I do. I really want to found a way to tell the stories I wanted. so why not learn to write, direct, and act in them? For a French person, I work a lot, lol!

I really love the way you think and run your life. It really takes a brave person to look into things they are not familiar with, get skilled and make things happen. You are amazing.

So it's not okay to feel the pain when you lose out where you think you nailed it? I'm an emotive and passionate person. But as I said, and will say, over and over, that doesn't mean you quit. Why would you suggest I quit, Suzanne? I'm familiar with directing, too, and love the process of casting. When I cast my first play, The Odd Couple, I had guys upset because I pre-cast the two leads. I only did the play becuase I knew they'd be perfect. Some things just are that way.

Thank you for your encouragement and video tips. "The small acting jobs", in particular, will be very useful when I will arrive in Los Angeles, and best of luck with your projects.

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.

That would be nice, if I could afford it. I'd prefer someone edit it who can then get it to a producer.

Yes, it's unusual and it is happening more and more.

Twenty is too many.

Why thanksgiving? It’s not explained in your synopsis. Especially since most teenagers would be with their families on thanksgiving.

I too love that premise and the synopsis - all the best on your journey to bring it to life and success!

Really helpful feedback, thank you Mike . I’m already reconsidering the group size to keep it tighter and more character-driven. And you’re right about Thanksgiving — I need to make its relevance clearer in the synopsis so it doesn’t feel arbitrary.”

“Really appreciate that, thank you Pat ! It means a lot and keeps me motivated to push this story further.”

How's the screenplay coming along?

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.

Sandra Michelle Appreciate the perspective — that distinction between editing and refining is an important one.

At the moment I’m still focused on deeper structural development rather than manuscript-level polish, but I agree that having the right editorial eye becomes critical once the foundation is fully in place.

Wishing you continued success with your work.

Radoslav Isakov, This really resonates, especially the idea that stepping away isn’t losing momentum, it’s resetting perspective. I’ve noticed some of my best clarity comes after taking a break from the work.

Congrats on the placement!

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.

Great job, Leonardo! Here's wishing you more and more success with "18!"

$100?! Heck no - way out of budget for me... but I do hope you get good feedback!!

Good luck with your screenplay on The Black List !!

Blacklist should not be used for coverage, or be in a writer's toolbox. It's not designed that way. It's a system that allows a writer to gauge where their script might fall industry-wide. The only one that really benefits is the multi-millionaire owner, Franklin Leonard. High scoring scripts are not a superhighway to success that Blacklist self-believes.

Beside that limitation, the vastly underpaid writers hastily skim scripts for a paltry sum. It's part time 'Mad Money'. Their notes are frequently incorrect, ill-advised or half-baked. There have been many instances where the same script has been awarded both an 8 and a 3. Taste is taste, but that's beyond the pale. A script deserving a rare 8 should not also stand as a POS 3.

Also, AI has been creeping in though Leonard swears on his mother's grave this does not go on.

An anecdote about AI. A writer friend received Blacklist feedback spit out by AI. They complained and offered pages of proof. They sought either a refund or another eval. Nope, nope, nope said Blacklist support. The writer sent a refund request to their CC provider who agreed it was definitely AI and refunded the $100 fee.

Caveat emptor. Blacklist sucks money from writer's pockets with a crevice tool. All a writer is left with is lint.

BTW, anyone know where we can find an independent book editor and translator who works closely with authors who want their manuscripts to feel polished, professional, and truly ready for readers?

@E Langley - spot on! And no, unfortunately I only know of someone who loves working with authors, especially those who are passionate about their stories but want a professional eye to help bring everything together!

E LANGLEY - You just shot into my hall of fame. I LOVE honesty and you just dished it up nice and dirty. This is a very emotional moment. There is hope for humanity.

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.

Thank you! So excited!

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! ❤️

Hi Charmane Wedderburn, it’s really inspiring to see how your journey has evolved over time. The way you’ve embraced the learning process and kept moving forward really shows. Congratulations on your books and upcoming film. Wishing you continued success!

You welcome

Joseph Donald Thank you, you are all amazing!

Hi Michael Yuan, welcome! Wishing you the best as you connect and explore opportunities here.

Thank you Ayesha Simra looking forward connecting

Welcome to the community, Michael Yuan!

Well then you've misinterpreted my comments. I like flashbacks and voice-overs very much when they're done well. But doing them well isn't the easiest part of screenwriting to master IMO. That's all I meant to say.

Spencer Robinson Really valuable insight. I’ve realized the same while writing devices like flashbacks or voiceover only work when they’re serving the story, not decorating it.

The point about placement really hit. When it doesn’t connect to the present moment emotionally or thematically, it breaks the flow instantly.

I think as writers, we sometimes use these tools thinking they’ll make the script feel more “cinematic,” but clarity and intent matter more than complexity.

This really resonates, especially the idea of being intentional with every device. I’ve found that when something like a flashback is used just to explain something, it often weakens the present moment instead of strengthening it.

When it works, it usually feels like it’s adding emotional context or shifting how we understand a character, not just filling in information.

Otherwise it starts to feel like the story is stepping away from itself instead of moving forward.

Spencer, I hear you loud and clear!

I'm not really a flashback fan when it comes to writing scripts...that said, during the October 2024-April 2025 period, I worked with a producer named Dennis Erichsen to help script out his "Mental Lockdown" psychological thriller.

Because "Mental Lockdown's" lead character, Kenny Martin, was a suspect in the murder of his mother Ella, and had to spill the beans to a police detective named Nancy Brigati, Dennis wanted the story primarily told in flashbacks...beginning with the day Kenny's father John was robbed and murdered: 9-11-1984...Kenny's seventh birthday. (And that also was the day Ella started forty years of messing with Kenny's head.)

Other than that...as long as I can find a way to tell a story free of devices, I feel I'll be fine.

Thanks for sounding off...glad you're here on Stage 32!

Hmmm. My second novel, Terminal Cascade, I have converted into a screenplay and the whole story is "Present", "Past", "Present", "Past". Every chapter throughout the entire book follows this. The reason is that I take you through the development of this mild, brilliant, GRU scientist, how he develops this thrombotoxin, and how he figures out how to develop immunity for himself, at great...I mean great...personal sacrifice. At the end of the "Past" chapters there is a great reveal...how is he deploying the toxin? He is the walking Grim Reaper...able to take out city blocks and walk away completely unscathed. It is a very unusual format...but for my story I believe it works... I guess they wouldn't be considered flashbacks...but two completely intertwined stories that collide at the end...

Hi Terence Barnes. It's great to have you here on S32.

Here’s a useful post to help you navigate the world of Stage 32: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-p...

Also, try and stop by the Screenwriting Lounge and get to know some of your fellow writers: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting

And here are all the S32 Lounges: https://www.stage32.com/loungeSee what you can find and enjoy your time here!

Best.

Welcome Terence Barnes

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.