Hi everyone! I’m currently at a crossroads and would love to get some professional perspective.
I have a feature-length screenplay that I’m passionate about, and I’m ready to get behind the camera. However, I’m torn between two options:
Should I produce a standalone short film (completely unrelated to my feature) to sharpen my skills and build a festival run?
Or should I shoot a Proof of Concept specifically based on a scene or the world of my feature script?
I’ve heard that PoCs are a powerful tool for pitching, but I’m struggling to understand their true value in the current industry.
Why do filmmakers choose to shoot "excerpts" of their features instead of just a great independent short?
Once a PoC is finished, what’s the strategic next step? Is it purely a pitching tool for investors/producers, or can it live on its own?
From a producer’s standpoint, what looks more promising: a director with a great standalone short or a director with a solid PoC for a project they want to sell?
Would love to hear your experiences or any advice on which path offers better leverage for a first-time feature director. Thanks!
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Hey, Gordon Carrick! Welcome to the community. Congratulations on your scripts winning/placing in major competitions!
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Congrats to you Gordon Carrick ! And may I add, you have excellent taste in shows and movies.
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Hi Gordon Carrick, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and congratulations on having multiple scripts place and win in competitions, that’s...
Expand commentHi Gordon Carrick, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and congratulations on having multiple scripts place and win in competitions, that’s a strong position to be in!
As you’re looking to make that jump from festival success to the next level, I’d encourage you to become a regular contributor in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). Consistent participation, sharing your perspective, asking questions, and engaging with others, is one of the most effective ways to build relationships that lead to real opportunities.
You may also want to connect with our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you share your current projects and goals, they can help guide you toward curated resources, introductions, and next steps that align with where you want to go professionally.
I’m also hosting our March Community Open House webcast next week. It’s a free, interactive session where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32 strategically, build meaningful industry relationships, and position your work for real traction on the platform:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-march-2026-communit...
Really glad you’re here, Gordon.
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Great to have you here Gordon! Just looked at your loglines and The Platform sounds really cool!
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gGordon Carrick ,
you welcome