Hey,
My name is Zulaikhah. I'm from Nigeria and I'm a storyteller.
Mostly, I've done a couple of short stories over the last decade or so. I've tried to write novels but for some reason, I constantly come up blank after a few thousand words.
Recently I've gotten fascinated by the movie industry and I really want to get into writing, producing and everything in between. I have a ton of ideas for scripts but my challenge always seems to come down to two things.
The first is I've never actually written a script and I'm afraid I won't know how to write one. The second is the fact that the industry appears to be very Western-focused (that is, American) and I'm not sure if there's any room in the mainstream for the kind of local stories I want to tell. On top of that, the local industry is even harder to penetrate and honestly quite uninspiring.
Lol, anyway I joined Stage 32 regardless and I don't really know where I'm going with this but I'm willing to find out.
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Some years ago (2008), we were producing a film and Jim Iyke planned to fly out to Los Angeles to star in it. We were so excited to have a Nollywood film star in our little Hollywood production. There is absolutely room from films that are not western-focused. Look at the South Korean series "Squid Games". I suggest you buy the book "Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting" by Syd Field. It will help you structure your idea, and by the time you finish reading Field's book, you will have a completed screenplay. Welcome to Stage32. PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPH OF YOURSELF ON YOUR PROFILE.
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Wow, Jim Iyke that is definitely exciting AND encouraging.
Thank you so much for the recommendations. I'll do that right now!
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Greetings. If you have a computer I would suggest getting some screenwriting software to aid in formatting. Some of the free programs are just as good as the paid ones.
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Welcome to the community, Zulaikhah Agoro. Here's the Lounges on Stage 32: https://www.stage32.com/lounge They'll help you learn about writing, producing, and everything in between. :)
Don't be afraid because you don't know how to write a script. I suggest reading scripts so you can see how they're written, then writing your first script. Don't worry about how your script will turn out. You can make it better during rewrites.
"The second is the fact that the industry appears to be very Western-focused (that is, American) and I'm not sure if there's any room in the mainstream for the kind of local stories I want to tell..." There is definitely room in the mainstream for the kind of local stories you want to tell. There are a lot of recent movies that take place in Africa (https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/african-movies-currently-on-netflix/).
"...On top of that, the local industry is even harder to penetrate and honestly quite uninspiring." You can network with executives, producers, directors, actors, and other industry people all over the world on Stage 32. You might find success for your projects internationally.
Here's a blog that'll help you navigate Stage 32: "Navigating Stage 32 For Your Best Experience" https://www.stage32.com/blog/navigating-stage-32-for-your-best-experienc...
Hope you learn a lot on here!
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I was offered a free month of Writer's Room. I've tried it, but now I'm trying to cancel my Writer's Room subscription (no shade, just financially strapped). However, when I follow all of the FAQ suggested prompts to do so, two things happen::
1) Manage Plan HERE button (via bottom of page prompt) isn't highlighted, so no go. So, I tried Manage Plan on Home page. It sent me in a loop, with no way to cancel my Writer's Room subscription.
2) Tried to log into my Stage 32 account, it prompts "Looks like you dont have an account with us"
And i'm not tbe only one - see the most recent Writer's Room lounge conversation.
I've done all of this on my desktop, not my phone... Have we been somehow scammed? Was the original Free Month offer email a phishing scheme for bank details (blocking payment with my bank asap!) If there is a glitch is the system, please sort it, Stage 32. This experience is putting me off your otherwise lovely website.
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My advice: Watch as many movies as you can.
And I'm not just talking about the big popcorn blockbusters - I'm talking about everything; in different genres, award-winners, B-movies, indie movies, foreign films, etc. Think about what you liked about them, what you disliked about them, what hidden messages the artist was trying to communicate, why they chose those specific words to speak, why the director decided to put the camera where they did, etc. Study in film literacy.
Download scripts to the movies you enjoy and read along while you watch; see how the screenwriter chooses words to describe what you see on screen and how to make the read as smooth as the watch.
Afterwards, when you have got a good grasp on the art of screenwriting, start outlining your first story and go from there...
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Hi, Delia Chandler. You haven't been scammed. Stage 32 redesigned the Writers' Room page, which is why I think you and a few other people are having a hard time canceling their Writers' Room memberships. You can contact Stage 32 Customer Service about cancelling your membership. writerhelp@stage32.com
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Wow!
I never expected so much support and encouragement. I don't know where to begin.
I'll definitely be using all these resources on this new journey.
Looking forward to having a lot of fun!!
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Zulaikhah Agoro If you have any questions about screenwriting or this platform, let me know.
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I will be sure to do that Maurice. You've been so helpful, thanks!
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Hello Zulaikhah, nice to meet you!
As others have already said, the art of writing a screenplay comes with time, practice and passion! I would suggest you to simply start writing what you want to tell and also try to read something from screenwriters gurus such as Robert McKee and John Truby.
Also, as I've learned two years ago in a uni exam, African production (especially Nollywood, in Nigeria) is increasing a lot in terms of investments and popularity, so don't be discouraged by the fact that the industry feels "too American", there's enough space for everybody and every type of story in this industry :)
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Hi Zulaikhah!
As a (very) new screenwriter myself, I know how it feels to not know how or where to start with a screenplay. What helped me was understanding the basic structure of a screenplay - nothing is set in stone - but familiarizing yourself with the basic 3-act structure is a great place to start. There’s loads of easily-accessible online resources(Stage32 included!) that discuss how to structure a screenplay, how to create well-rounded characters, and even how to write in screenplay format. Blake Snyder’s Beat Sheet model helped me plot the entire course of my film within a few weeks! Writing free-association essays about your characters and world is another great way to get started - it doesn’t have to be a screenplay format, or in any particular order of events - just writing and thinking about the story will help you flesh out the concept and guide your process.
As for being based outside the US/Europe, I’m in the same boat! What’s good is that some writers’ rooms allow remote work, so accessibility is possible. Also, special talent visas are granted in some situations to allow foreigners to take up work on film/TV projects. I’d say don’t worry about this aspect just yet; where there’s a will there’s a way! Focus on learning more about screenwriting and telling the best story you can, and everything else will fall into place :)
Best of luck with everything!
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Welcome Zulaikhah! Nice to meet you. Glad you're here.
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I hear you and I hope it turns out well for us both
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Welcome to Stage 32 Zulaikhah Agoro! You've got a community of entertainment professionals here to help you get started. I recommend checking out Stage 32's YouTube page - lots of information for you to dig into about the industry!
https://www.youtube.com/user/stage32com
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Welcome to Stage32. We will help you make it to your dreams and I hope you have a great time here.