Introduce Yourself : Aspiring Writer by Marcus Morgan

Marcus, focusing on sports can be quite marketable and commercially successful. Watch some of Jeff Deverett’s videos on YouTube. He talks about making movies based on a sport. He made a couple of gymnastics movies that made it to Netflix and did well. It’s much easier to market a sports film because you have a built in fan base. You picked a great niche to give yourself a good chance to make commercially successful films. Wishing you all the best!

Great to meet you, Marcus Morgan. What are your teams? Ravens, Orioles, and Terrapins since you're from Baltimore?

Thanks and nice to meet you also. I’m a huge Orioles fan. In football I like the Carolina Panthers. Even through the recent seasons. In college I root for the smaller schools, but the terps are okay too.

Hey a question as far as this current situation. During this strike am I able to get a script proofread or get coverage on a script? What about entering a competition? I’m not really sure on all the rules, this is new to me.

Cool, Marcus Morgan. I live in NC. The Panthers is my second NFL team. Bryce Young! The Eagles is my first team. Jalen Hurts! DeVonta Smith! Maybe you can tell, Alabama is my favorite college football team. :)

Here's Stage 32's statement on the strike (the statement talks about how Stage 32 is handling its services during the strike): www.stage32.com/strike

Hey, thanks for the info. Your team has a bright future. Especially when their stars come from the SEC lol.

You can still submit for script coverage, and even accept agent representation, but you should not be accepting any writing gigs until after the strike. Am I right, guys?

You're welcome, Marcus Morgan. Thanks. The Eagles did great in the draft. So did the Panthers.

"You can still submit for script coverage, and even accept agent representation." That's right, Destiny T Wilcox.

You said, "but you should not be accepting any writing gigs until after the strike." In Stage 32's statement, it says, "What is a signatory company? A signatory company or “struck company” is a studio or production company that has signed an agreement with the WGA to hire only union writers and abide by its rules. So, any major studio, broadcast or cable network, streamer, and most production companies owned by a studio fall into this category. Companies that work with studios, networks, streamers, etc. are independent companies and not signatories."

WGA writers and non-WGA writers can't submit to writing gigs if the companies are signatory companies, but non-WGA writers can accept writing gigs if the companies are non-signatory. And non-WGA writers can pitch to non-signatory companies.

BUT I (and a lot of other non-WGA writers) am choosing not to accept writing gigs or pitch at all during the strike because non-WGA writers are standing in solidarity with WGA writers. By choosing to not accept writing gigs or pitch at all during the strike, it keeps the Hollywood pipeline dry (no new scripts means no new movies or shows being filmed and released).

Hi Marcus, lovely to meet you! What's your favorite sport to write about? I'm a sucker for sports movies.

Nice to meet you also.I would say either football or racing type movies. I specifically like creating characters who don’t fit the normal mold. I feel in reality what we imagine is what we get. I prefer to change the narrative and imagine something different. Almost a shock that this person is in this sport.

Hi Marcus! Welcome to the platform! If you want someone to read over your scripts rn I’m happy to do that!

Alright that sounds good. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks.

Write what you know. Write what you're passionate about. Write what your brain won't put down. Finish and keep writing the next. (Says the woman who has yet to finish her third screenplay after doing two mini screenplays.) You are in the right place for motivation and a community of support. Go Marcus Morgan !

Some of my favorite musicians that I’ve had the honor to share the bandstand with have been from Baltimore. It can be a tough city, but seems to breed strength and creativity. So nice to meet you, Marcus.

It’s nice to meet you also. It’s a tough place, but it’s what motivates me to work hard and never stop believing.

That’s the key. You never stop because you can’t stop. It’s what you do. :)

Hi Marcus - it’s great to meet you here in the community! I’m the Director of Education here at Stage 32. I’m also a massive sports fan and live sports movies. If I can ever recommend any of our education for you or be of any help on your Stage 32 journey please reach out to me directly at edu@stage32.com. Also, here is a link to the Stage 32 education landing page so you can check out all of the webinars, classes and labs that are your fingertips as a community member: https://www.stage32.com/education

Thanks so much for the welcoming introduction. It’s always great to meet another fan of sports. I will definitely use these resources. This community is so supportive and helpful.

What are your sports teams, Sam Sokolow?

Dear Marcus, I am working on a Sports Drama. Very serious about getting the film produced or producing it on my own. If you want to collaborate and be apart of this project. Just let me know. FYI (beginning stages) Best, Jasmine Acquaah jasacquaah@msn.com