It was suggested that I post news of my “success” here. While happy to share, it’s not clear to me that anything is a success - yet. But there is definitely progress.
My horror screenplay “Painted Mom” was chosen as one of several that were selected to be forwarded to Blumhouse, as part of the first Writers Room Open Writing Assignment (OWA). Thank you to all involved.
I have an accomplished horror/thriller director willing to attach; as well as a couple of accomplished actors whose work I respect, also willing to attach.
Before Painted Mom was accepted for the OWA process, I booked a written pitch with Sarah J. Cornelius. That was on a weekend. The following Wednesday she replied with a good rating, some pertinent feedback on the pitch, and a request for the script – which I sent immediately.
I then revised the two-page pitch, based on Ms. Cornelius’s feedback, and proceeded to book and submit three more pitches for Painted Mom. You could say I’m a real “don’t put all your eggs in one basket and don’t count your chickens before they hatch” kind of guy.
So, using what I’ve learned so far, my first pitch for “V.R.A.I.” - a grounded sci fi feature - was submitted today through Stage 32. Let’s see what happens.
Yesterday I spent an hour on the phone with an old friend who is revered in the animation space I wanted his feedback before submitting my pilot for an adult animation streaming series titled “Robots vs Vampires” for a reading by an exec followed by a phone call. (My friend, at my suggestion, may become part of the team here at Stage 32. If that happens, it will be announced by the appropriate parties.)
Another feature screenplay – Mash Up - and another adult animation series – The Secret Adventures of Tom Buck - are now going through some more polishing before I use the Stage 32 script services again, and again, and again, etc.
Like I said, progress – definitely. Success? A much fatter bank account must be part of that. Standing by.
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That is amazing. I think it is a success for sure and very encouraging to those of us looking to make it where you are. Well done!
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It's already leaps and bounds from away from the starting point so far, so congratulations to you for that! I hope it ends up in your bank account :D
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Wow, terrific news Stephen! Very happy for you. I'm glad that your journey towards success is on such an exciting path. Please keep us posted.
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Thank you, Mackleen, Audrey-Rose, and John.
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Ey that's awesome news, Stephen! Seems like you got a lot of stuff on your plate. Let's hope one of your scripts gets optioned and sold in the coming weeks. Keep on persevering!
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That would be sweet, Frank. Thank you.
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I agree with everyone here Stephen DiLauro! This is definitely a success. We can be measured in our reactions to things but forward momentum and progress is always a success in my book. And the more you celebrate, acknowledge, and respond with gratitude toward the success, the more you allow in. Keep at it!
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What Jason said. This is certainly amazing progress as you said, Stephen, but it is ALSO certainly a success. If you're lucky, your artistic journey is full of hundreds of successes and in my book, each one is worth celebrating.& ESPECIALLY successes like this (YOU HAVE MADE IT TO THE NEXT ROUND OF BLUMHOUSE'S OWA, STEPHEN! WHAT!? THAT'S HUGE!!!) Look at your journey with this piece thus far and look how far you have come. Man, if that's not a success, I don't know what is.
I, for one, am celebrating you :)