Screenwriting : Tar & Feather #2: You enjoy to help newbie writers? Just option yourself to get credibility by Jean-Marie Mazaleyrat

You're probably right Lisa, which is a shame here and on Amazon... Doesn't make it ethical though when you're hoping to use that new found 'credibility' to get new writers to pay you for advice... Still, you should always research anyone you are gonna pay for these type of services, mentors, coverage, competitions etc.

But this is often difficult to distinguish the good from the bad, with two consequences of course: - Many people are cheated, - Many people don't use honest services due to discrediting. So each time you have a proof of something, it's important to share it IMO.

Of course. That's just a way to trick "newbie" writers, which doesn't even need you make a fake option!

He's positing a 'script search' poster on Stage 32. In case no one has seen the advertisement, I'm going to post my response below. (be very careful sending your work to Geno) ATTENTION! Do not submit your screenplay to this poster. "Screenplay Search; Various Genres, Geno Scala" I worked for him as an unpaid intern this summer. When you submit your screenplay to Geno he does one of two things! 1. He collects email addresses from screenplay writers and uploads them to his database. You will then receive multiple emails daily where he advertises his script mentoring program. 2. He will take your screenplay, offer story notes and return the notes back to you. For some reason he thinks this warrants his affiliation with the script. He makes himself co-writer and begins submitting the screenplay to agents and studios. Just Google or Yahoo his name and you will find horror stories from real writers about this guy! Just ask yourself this one question? If the producer of "Twilight" wanted to conduct a script search, wouldn't the producer just post the search on Stage 32? Why would he have Geno conduct the search and use Stage 32 as the medium? Be smart, folks. I'm new to screenwriting, but I do have years of researching under my belt in the Reality Television world! Ideas get stolen everyday!

Hello Allison, Please tell us what one is his script search poster. That's important to let RB know.

This makes me insanely happy because that guy has been a thorn in everyone's side for years!! He'd fight with us actual professionals on Facebook, linkedin- anywhere!! He has been kicked out of every group, and this finally validates everything I said for 2 years. thank you for posting and yes - stay away from this con man from Kentucky or Arkansas or wherever he's from.

Thank you so much Allison. @ everybody, look at this: http://www.sharkeatingman.com/#!about http://www.thescriptmentor.com/#!testimonials/c1vw1 (click on the posters) https://www.stage32.com/jobs/3791/Script-search-for-twilight-producers https://www.stage32.com/jobs/3791/Screenplay-Search-Various-Genres

damn Geno, what a prick

He just created a new ad. Everyone please comment on it.

This is completely manufactured, and "Allison Miles" has been reported to Stage 32 for continual abuse.

You have also been reported, "Geno Scala". People are on to you.

Geno is the real deal! I have worked with him on more than one such ad that he helped me get my scripts in front of people who could get it made, to people who needed an adaptation screenwriter. Please stop maligning him! He works hard to get screenwriters deals -- he charges nothing for this service.

Thanks, Marla. I'm glad someone had a good experience. If you get a chance, Marla, open up the linkedin thread on him. There is an estimated 60 people who think differently and either have been ripped off or verbally abused by him. Best of luck. He's a bully.

Geno IS the the real deal, My partner and I sent in 7 screenplays to the people he suggested and not once were we asked for anything in return. He has in no way imposed on us, nor charged us a dime, nor asked us to join anything, nor has he imposed on us in any way. He has always been open and above board in all matters. I have and will continue to tell my writing friends and my students about Geno and the opportunities he offers all of us. He is truly paying it forward, as we all should! I'm not sure the reason some folks are bad mouthing him, personally I think they are spouting pure CRAP!

You tell 'em Wally Lane! I agree with you wholeheartedly! This bad mouthing of the genuine embodiment of kindness HAS to STOP!!

Geno Scala is for real and Shark-Eating Man Productions is a legitimate company. In the past he helped to improve my logline and bio before sending it to his client. I didn't want to admit it at the time, but looking back a few months later I could see the mistakes I had made with my logline. Recently he notified me that my screenplay submission to his recent post here had made it through the initial screening and is currently being considered. I think a lot of writers do not understanding the process. It is people like Geno that the big companies hire to separate those submissions that poor, weak, and not ready to advance to the next level, from the next blockbuster. I have had 2 features opted, 1 feature produced and another currently in pre-production.

Hello Everyone; For those who are not familiar with Geno Scala and his cronies, let me rewind. When Geno Scala tried to fake an option agreement to become a "screenwriting mentor", a long thread of comments started on Linkedin ----- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/GENO-EXPOSED-WHAT-HE-IS-2968299.S.247937153. Once Geno Scala was thrown out completely by everyone in the screenwriting community, he messaged the only friends left, just to write a positive recommendation on his linkedin. It didn't convince anyone that already knew who Geno Scala was, it only distracted the new people Geno Scala would cheat. This has now happened again on Stage 32. There was a list about this long on the last job poster Geno Scala posted... but those actually calling him out. Geno never responded to those questions and concerns. Instead, he deleted it, and created this new one today. He then messaged the "same" people from linkedin to write a comment on this page. To learn more about Geno's theft, war on women, and criminal background, visit his blog ---------- http://truthaboutgenoscala.wordpress.com/ I thank those who responded to Geno's plea to save his honor, but there are far too many people that truly understand who he is. I, for one, am one of them. I'm not just an "online" friend of his, like many of you are.... but someone who worked under him, unpaid, cheated because of my gender, and told boldly to lie and steal. I will continue to expose Geno's lies. I'm not looking out for those who commented, I'm looking out for those deciding whether to submit or not. And thank you to those who sent me hateful, borderline threatening emails. It just goes to show who's in Geno's corner. I will not give anymore time to this matter. I will, however, continue to write on any posting where I feel Geno Scala will steal a writer's work.

So, who wants another order of cheese fries?

I can only speak for me and my experience with Geno. He has never cheated me, never ask me to join anything, never required me to accept a news letter, or join a group, what he offered was free, with no strings attached. He has given me the opportunity to send my work out to a production company, with no strings attached. I don't know Ms Allison Miles so I will refrain from talking about her except to say I have had the exact opposite experience with Geno than what she claims. He's always been straight up with me.

Sad that some people will spread fear and negativity amongst the community, with a motive of destruction causing many people to be scared to further their careers. The last thing we need in this industry is people causing drama and bagging other people. You should focus on being an asset instead of a troll. I doubt producers would think "Oh a troll! I have to work with this person. They are so good at trying to destroy people's careers." Oh well.

Steve Hammon's statement makes sense, in that being a troll and ruining someones reputation will probably do a lot toward turning off people wanting to work with a troll as well! This ends up in everyone losing all the way around. Revenge only seems to extend the hurt and cures nothing. If you have a scab, its best to let it heal, rather than keep tearing it off time and time again. And if you have been wounded, how does wounding another, over and over again, help your wound heal? When one makes a priority of ruining someones life, they discredit themselves at the same time.

I can tell you this- those who spoke "ill" of me, have never, ever talked with me, consulted with me or communicated with me in any way. Those who have had some experience with me, have been treated like professionals, and have NEVER been "hit up" for money in any way. This "Allison Miles" is not a real person- at least not her real identity. I know EXACTLY who these people are, and it's a systematic attempt to besmirch my character. Mr. Manus claims I've been "kicked out of every group; funny, I'm in most of the same groups he's in. He doesn't like me, and the feeling is quite mutual. So what? If you don't want to submit to the script search- don't. I will tell you, that since this online troll attack started, I've received over 40 more script concepts through Stage 32, so it has had zero effect on the search. I'm just disappointed that Mr. Mazaleyrat chose to re-post such a disparaging comment- when HE has never been in contact with me either. I doubt he knows "Allison" at all, too. Ms. Jefferson makes an important point- she ASKED that I review her work- and I chose not to. I didn't promote my business- and I had the opportunity to do so. I run a several flourishing businesses and if I choose to promote them, I will, and I won't ask permission to do so. H8ters gonna h8.

"Allison", who is really Sarah Stutsman, infiltrated a group of which I am a member, and spread hateful correspondence to all of the members of the group. I have all of the emails of this incident, and if you wish to review them as proof, simply email me. This is all retaliation for that incident, as well as the pending lawsuit I have against her for stealing over money. She claims she works at "Net Geo", yet her Linked profile says "Nat Geo". Google her- she doesn't exist. Wise up, people. Stop hating on people you don't even know.

https://truthaboutgenoscala.wordpress.com/

Hello Dan, Hello Geno, Hello everybody, Absolutely no... maybe because I haven't tested his services or maybe not. But too many people scam screenwriters all around this business. I have nothing against Geno personally, and if I can prove that he's an honest profesional, I'll do that with apologies. If he only pay to buy credits, no matter. If he make this for false advertising, or steal credits or others' work, or in order to charge people for services he doesn't provides honestly, things are different. For now, his main argument is to deny the real existence of people who say bad things about him. In his shoes, I'd probably try to regroup them because they are many! (However, I think that some people like Danny Manus cannot be confounded with any of his other detractors...) Allison Miles (https://www.stage32.com/profile/364805/about) doesn't seems to be the spitting image of Sarah Stutsmann (https://www.stage32.com/profile/359481/sarah-l-stutsman, https://pro-labs.imdb.com/name/nm5658223), but she can tell us the truth about this if it is. Allison, your credibility depends on your answer. Geno: "This is completely manufactured, and "Allison Miles" has been reported to Stage 32 for continual abuse." Unless I'm mistaken, Allison is a Stage 32 member since January 2015 and have posted some comments in only 3 threads including this one (Crime stories, Screenpaly rights). Are you sure she has been reported to Stage 32 for continual abuse? Dan: you also posted in Crime Stories. Geno, It seems like the two offers that Man Eating Shark Productions posted in the Job section have been removed. Could you remember us about what they were please? Geno, there were be a great way to show us who you actually are: Just upload some of your scrips in the Logline Section. This topic "tar and feather" is not especially about Geno Scala; That's a series. I'll come with other interesting cases later. Nota bene: I'm a real person and Jean-Marie Mazaleyrat is my real name. I exist in this world and Happy Writers can testify that I bought several services to them, payed with my Paypal account. And this is my real headshot taken in my own real library, in real France. At least one other Stage 32 member can testify this. And I have nothing to do with any Geno's detractor at this time. Best :o)

So let me get this straight, Jean-Marie, you are basing all of your opinions on what someone else said, with out hard proof to back it up? In other words, all of this seems to be gossip... slanderous gossip at that! Hear say! Shame on you!

This is ludicrous. For Jesus sake's, Geno Scala hired me to manage one of his groups. My duties were to lift leads from other sites, like Ink Tip, Stage 32, and Craigslist. This is why I quit. Geno and I spoke on many occasions before he brought me onto his team, which is a "one man operation". The only reason he says I'm fake or a "sarah", is because when I found out about his sinister behavior I messaged every single group member. I agree with Jean. Geno spends more time rounding up the same people to defend his honor, but spends little time explaining himself. I would love to know how Geno Scala expects anyone to believe he doesn't know me. So either Geno hires people who he doesn't know, or Geno knows I'm real, and is trying to fool everyone on Stage 32 . Another good point Jean makes is how come there are so many people who have bad Geno stories??? If it were just one or two, I'd call bull. But I'm talkin' 60 to 70 people who have publicly told their bad Geno stories on linkedin. How does that happen? My inbox is full of messages that say, "way to throw Geno to the thugs", "you aren't the only one who had Geno trouble", "Geno is a fraud and will always be a fraud". I wish these people would speak up on this forum, but I do understand that Geno will send you personal threats if you do.

He gave me a lead to a Mandy advertized job, with instructions to apply through Mandy on their website. Mandy still gets the credit, Geno got nothing! How is that crooked? I have also applied through Ink Tip, Geno got nothing out of that. Yhe fact is, because of Geno, I am a member of Mandy and Stage 32 -- And I don't think he got any thing from that!

I think what Allison was saying that he has an FB page/twitter etc that re-post ads from Mandy, Craigslist, Stage 32 etc... I think the assertion is that this is without their permission... BUT he does always list the source of the Ad and link directly back through to it... and as far as I can see he makes no money from this effort. Would Mandy, Craiglist care in this case - not sure?

Actually what I am saying, and you can find my ripoff report online about it, he told me to steal leads from other sites, specific ones to be exact, and post them on his sites, not crediting the original poster. It seems he now credits the original poster, but initially he did not. He told me he hated ISA and SSU, and gave me permission to steal their leads and post them on his sites, without giving them due credit. Look people, go on my ripoff report, I attached email correspondence and screenshots where he says to steal leads, and that he does "script searches" for companies so he can "get in" with them, that way he can submit to them and his screenplay gets to the top of the pile. I'm not going to explain it all here. Just google rip off on Geno Scala. My complaint is buried under many others. Albeit, I only worked for him for 2 weeks once I saw what his intentions were.

I am connected to a web site and we are forever trying to get our brand out there in front of as many people as we can. I've never heard Geno bad mouth Mandy's List or Stage 32, all he did was pass on their ads to his followers. No crime in that! No one got hurt by that. I think this is a case of "Much ado about nothing!"

(What Geno emailed me when I first started managing his rip off group on linkedin in July) "Even ISA does basically the same thing, he does charge only for the five-day lead, but he has no compunction in admitting that he cuts-and-pastes each ad word for word. I can't stomach that. As far as those leads- specifically SSU's leads, I do research each of them and if it's a paying gig…. yes, I post it and do not credit them. Absolutely. Those are the ones that I'm most excited to see posted. Keep in mind- the FREE newsletter generally promotes only free jobs..." - Geno Scala, July 27, 2014, thescriptmentor@hotmail.com (He does credit the source if you have to submit through the site - like a mandy or media match. If the email or link can be found in the poster - Stage 32, Ink Tip, Mandy - he just "cuts-and-pastes" that ad...)

It's cut-and-dried, Dan.

Re-posted text: Jayson Louis Amoroso of Diabolic Pictures wrote: Eugene Geno Scala is not an expert. He is an amateur screenwriter w no credits & no formal education. I don't think he has an agent or a manager, never has. I would bet that he hasn't earned any money as a screenwriter either. He is the farthest thing from legit. He bought a PO Box in HOLLYWOOD & uses it as if he were in the business. He is an older man who lives in ALABAMA. He plagerizes the majority of the material he posts. It's important that writers stick together & help me other. He is a frequent poster, claiming has many services. His name is Eugene Geno Scala. His company is the Script Mentor. Everybody must be careful especially if you are paying somebody. Do your research. Get referrals, verify the referrals, don't be lazy, don't trust anybody on the Internet, a lot of wanna bees lurking on LinkedIn for the naive. . . .

That "secret squirrel" under the enchanting fedora - - he's all through with the nuts. (Couldn't help myself, Dan.) :-D

The "wide awake" (the style I am wearing) did good things for Lou Costello. The porkpie did Buster Keaton proud. Sally forth in Napoleonic headgear, Dan, and you will have the competitive edge. :-D

MY FINAL THOUGHTS. THEN I'M FINSHED

Yes, I did work for Geno back in July. Before people sing his praises, people need to understand the other side of Geno. There are 3 documented statements online where Geno Scala has tried to steal screenwriting credit from those he mentored. There is also a list of statements online where he has harassed and verbally abused a collection of screenwriters online(including myself). He is also a thief, and will steal poster jobs and credit when he can. He also buys credits off funding sites. He still has not produced any work, and tried to cheat an option. He is a womanizer, with a temper. Just with anyone in this biz, there are good and bad, and everyone will have different experiences. But for those who run to Geno's rescue, do your due research on him... and know you are judged by association. It looks like Geno has started to remodel his brand. His blogs and threads were all about hate, jealousy, and judgement. He spent more time criticizing screenwriters and contest sites rather than encouraging screenwriters. I think the purpose of social networks, like this one, is to encourage and network. That's why I joined. Hopefully Geno changes his ways. THE END.

Changing your ways doesn't necessary mean changing your goals of course. Who knows? There are always better ways to make a bad job as well as worse ways to make a good job... Aha!

Another one of those antique threads that pop up every now & again - I vaguely recall his shenanigans back then. Is the same guy who is posting in here nowadays?

Hmmm that guy set off some warning bells for me. He kept asking for my loglines and telling me he had a director or producer interested in something. Def wary of this kind of "just go ahead and send me your script" weirdness from strangers.

It’s such a shame how far certain individuals would go to criticize the work and reputation of others- for one petty reason or the other. I’ve known Geno Scala for two years now- and never for once did he ever try to steal my work, or set off any “warning bells”. When he asks to read a script, I consider it an absolute honor, because he’s taking the time out of his busy schedule to read and consider a work for a shot at success. He’s a completely honest man, dedicated to cheer writers unto success. He’s a selfless man, who doesn’t consider his personal gain when rendering help. This defamation has to stop. Geno is one of the few honest script consultants around. He’s true in every sense of the word.

Geeze, musta touched a nerve. All I can say is that if you are that guy from something I recall as Man Earing Shark something or other: So be it (you deserve all the grief that's do), if you're not - so be it. Personally, I don't care at all.

lol.. this is why legit ppl don't accept "unsolicited material", and I feel for y'all needing to teach/mentor for income. Clusterfuck business- either you coming up or going down.

You're not supposed to count the digits after the decimal point, Geno!

Wow. Just making a little joke, man. You okay?

No, I'm confused. I don't understand why you're attacking someone's writing ability and calling someone jealous in response to a bit of friendly banter. I have a comedy that just secured US distribution that I'm very proud of. Comments like that could directly impact its prospects and my ability to secure future work.

There's being funny and then there's directly attacking someone professionally.

CJ - My Uncle taught me to never argue with a tar-baby.

Geno, I'm not going to engage in such an unhealthy tone of discussion with you, my dude.

The Stage 32 Lounge is one of the friendliest and most supportive screenwriting communities on the net and you seem to be constantly coming across as bitter and full of angst. You even stated that this forum will not scare you off and that's an unfortunate way to approach a group of potential long-term friends.

I respect the frustration you've expressed with my relative popularity here but please understand that I've been here the best part of ten years now and grown, along with others, from a complete newbie to a working writer-producer while sharing my journey and what I've learned. I've also built up one of the largest hosting platforms on the net and these things combined have gained me a wonderful circle of peers who genuinely want to see each other succeed. You can't just join up and expect to have people championing you on after two weeks, especially when you're antagonising so many regulars.

My advice is not to let your emotions consume you and lash out in personal attacks. I also think it's perhaps the wrong approach to state that you are ahead of everyone here in terms of your tolerance for idiots, liars and frauds as it may make others feel like you are demeaning them.

Another tip is to try breaking down your comments in clear paragraphs so we can all better understand what you're trying to get across. This will help in all your professional communications.

Personally, I think it's great that you have gained a producing credit in not one but five crowdfunded productions since 2013. Go you! Yes, most are shorts but any of these could lead to you breaking in and gaining that elusive first writing credit. Fingers crossed for you!

Don't let someone like me live rent free in your head. Focus on challenging all these accusations with provable facts and I'm confident you can become a valuable contributor here.

After many years working for the Government in consumer protection here are the possible red flags in the chat above.

When the customer mentions a legitimate organisation. That organisation is immediately undermined.

There is also an undermining of the customers confidence. Pointing out that no one has ever misunderstood that the WGA registers non-member screenplays.

This is replaced with a “don’t worry I will save you statement”.

To distract from that conversation an offer is immediately made “you interested in a paid writing gig?”

Then there is more credibility layering. “I have a conference call” and “I have a director looking for …”.

To me these are red flags. But I have spent years looking at this type of conversation.

As part of due diligence I also noticed that you just joined in March 2022. So I am guessing these overt pissing contest are to create credibility in a hope of attracting customers.

I wouldn’t have commented. But you asked if anyone saw any red flags.

The comment about there being no benefits to WGA membership is certainly an odd one, as is recommending WGA as a priority when creating a paper trail. WGA membership is literally required to work with signatories (i.e all the studios) while coming with a whole host of other benefits including credit attribution and auditing of royalties. WGA isn't going to cut the mustard as chain of title with most producers worth their salt who will be looking for proof of registering an LoC claim.

This certainly isn't the kind of advice I'd expect from a consultant but I'm sure Geno can explain.

Can you guys take this back to twitter? I think someone liked the old post by accident and made a zombie thread come back to life.

Geno, I'm not sure how me patting you on the back about your short movie credits and trying to help you be a more productive and liked member here is bullying. I've contributed nothing but kindness and encouragement to someone who sounds like they're in a lot of distress and has a lot of bad air chasing them.

Again - try not to let your emotions take control and cloud your vision here. You seem to be very sensitive judging by your posting history and the Internet can be tough. It always pays to walk away and calm down before responding.

Your comments on Script Revolution are a bit odd on two counts;

1) I ran the site for free for years and users themselves insisted on helping to contribute. That grew into the Rockstar Member system where anyone who signs up not only helps keep the site running but also gets more discounts that the cost of the subscription. Everybody wins.

2) You can't have read any screenplays from the site as you have to be a member and request permission to read them. There's over 11K scripts, so you would have to have read 110 screenplays just to sample 10%. Besides, there's verified Nicholl winners, Austin Finalists, Coverfly top 1% badge winners, and plenty more. The standard is high.

It kinda feels like you're just making sweeping dismissals without any research, to be honest. Therefore, I encourage you to try and seek out the facts before you speak. Much like you have asked others here to do.

If I am a bully then I totally apologise for hurting your feelings. I hope that apology is accepted and we can move on to discuss the various issues raised.

I highly doubt you've managed to cross reference a significant number of scripts you've read with scripts listed on Script Revolution. That seems like a bizarre claim to me.

You've now insulted both everyone here and on my platform too. Yet you keep claim you're getting bullied and it's unfair other people are better embraced by the community. I've tried to show you the light, my dude.

Either way, out of respect for other members and the tone this is bringing to the lounge, I'm ducking out at this point. We know how this dance goes and we know it goes on for a while. See you guys on the other side LOL!

It's incredibly alarming when strangers pretend like they're going to do you favors in any industry. Always.

That is all haha (Man I walk away for a few days and a bomb goes off)

Oh CJ you bully hall monitor LOLOLOLOLOL. How dare you.

I wonder if people have heard of the concept of reflection. When they superimpose their own faults onto others. Interesting.

Seems the angry Alabama potato has disappeared.

CJ - Guys like that never go away on their own. Unfortunate.

Hey, my Stage 32 Loungers! Your friendly Stage 32 Community Manager here. Couple of things before I return to my regularly scheduled annual celebration/mourning for St. Patrick's Day:

1) Thank you all for joining in this conversation. That's why we're here - to learn, to grown, and to build relationships so we can continue to improve our craft and our business.

2) That being said, name-calling, slandering, or otherwise attacking someone else's character does none of those things. You have every right to recall your personal account of an event, especially if it unpacks a topic like "what ways can you legally option a script?" as a talking point. However, if you use your personal account as fodder for a personal attack, like calling someone a "thief" or a "liar", then not only have you forgotten the purpose of the Stage 32 community, but you've also violated its very clear rules about using abusive language. Please feel free to refer to our Terms of Use under the "No Objectionable Content" clause, where such language would be deemed "malicious" and "defamatory": https://www.stage32.com/terms

3) I ask each of you to consider before you comment on such a post - who are you helping when you approach these threads with negativity? You may believe that the person you are accusing is being torn down, but in reality, everyone loses - you, other commenters, even other readers.

This brings me to my final point. Yes, this is a 7-year-old post, but every thread that is "liked" or commented on is refreshed in that lounge's feed. This means that any current members, whether they comment or not, are now forced to face this vitriol. And they will see this as a CURRENT REPRESENTATION. Of you, of this lounge, and of Stage 32. Please consider all of the interesting, inspiring, and professional members that you are dissuading from participating in this community by participating in this thread instead. That's how I heard about this post - someone cool, whom I invited to become a Community Leader, may now not become one because of threads like this.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to only comment on the posts that bring you joy, enlightenment, and encouragement - for you and for your fellow members. If you have an issue with an individual member or another upsetting thread such as this one, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at K.Ross@stage32.com or support@stage32.com

Thank you for reading, and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Hi Kay,

If I called someone a liar or acted questionably please hold my feet to the fire.

One thing that I will always do. Ia defend my fellow loungers. If that gets me banded I will live with that outcome.

But calling people “Human Centipedes” is offensive. The vicious words used against CJ (he can defend himself I know) also raises my hackles. Stage32 appears in the Script Revolution website. So casting that in a bad light does flow bad on to Stage32.

I have the skin of a Rhino. Nothing said will ever effect me. But the behaviour of some people needs to addressed for me to hold true to my moral compass.

I have refrained from commenting on this thread because I knew how it would end. And I knew CJ, Craig, Dan and Doug would ferret him out of here eventually and I didn't want to get involved. I was one of the people in the original thread 7 years ago, though since then - and since he was run off Stage32, numerous Linkedin groups, and numerous Facebook Groups - I have not had any contact with Mr. Scala. I have stayed off S32 for a while because I saw he was back on here spewing his expert "advice" from Alabama (with his 3 different S32 profiles).

Now, I believe people can change and grow over the years - I know I have. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt... But every time Geno was challenged back then, or his credits (which somehow are not on IMDB or anywhere else) were questioned, he would get incredibly abusive and engage in extreme name calling - and it's clear he hasn't changed all these years later. He even created a fake profile for my company on Linkedin years ago and made numerous homophobic remarks. He hates (liberal) Hollywood and everyone who actually works in it.

Personally, if I had written 2 produced films and executive directed the Oscars and had a successful production company for 10 years that was making people's films -- I'd probably list those things on my IMDB. But hey, that's just me.

I'm not commenting here to start problems, nor will I engage in any way with him, but I'm glad you all now see what we knew then......

And in case CJ hasn't mentioned it in another thread -- he and I used to argue on here and disagree. But now, we lift each other up. One of my clients and mentees posted the script we worked on, on Script Revolution with my Recommendation. Not only did it get optioned, but that writer got hired for an OWA by that company - and that film he wrote for them started production today!! So... good things can happen when you grow and change. When you don't... you get kicked off message boards for the 87th time. Goodnight all!

In a situation like this I feel it's critical not to point fingers at one another. At the end of the day, the onus is entirely on the individual who brings a toxic attitude and/or a toxic history into the community. You let them walk away, shunned or otherwise, with fallout in their wake and that's letting them win.

My philosophy is to shield downward and punch upward. I will always defend myself, my friends, and the most vulnerable when I can. Personally, I'm incredibly proud that there's people here, professionals who give up their precious time to share their knowledge and experience for free, willing to stand up against antagonisers, intimidators, and exploiters, not because they're personally impacted but because more susceptible people might be.

Yeah it can get ugly. Life gets ugly. My heart doesn't exactly bleed for the bystanders who have the option to walk on by while being thankful they aren't the ones being targeted. This guy stated publicly that I wasn't a professional writer or a serious producer last week. That cut deep man and I had to go lick my wounds alone.

One thread and a few days for someone to show their true colours. That's a blessing in my opinion and we should be thankful. Alle S and Kay L were able to worm their way around the lounges for years, recruiting people and driving away valuable members while they did and being defended until they became utterly indefensible.

Anyway, time to move on to sunnier days without this dark cloud over us. I can't help but think of the perfect movie quote to sum things up;

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!"

Danny Manus, yes a wonderful Script Revolution success story and a great example of acknowledging the strengths in others for a greater good. Together we helped a writer kick off a career by leveraging what was already there and boy am I proud of that partnership. If the cost is just a little sparring in the early days to figure one another out then that seems like a good deal to me.

Kiss & make-up gives me a warm an' fuzzy feeling; combat, not so much (I was a treetop flyer).

Someone get me a shovel so I can give this thread a decent burial. Or cremation would be okay too,