Hello! My name is John R. Sullivan. I have been a Stage 32 member since 2014. I am looking for a production partner for the purpose of producing high-quality socially responsible science fiction outside of mainstream Hollywood. I have written scripts in a variety of genres including historical and horror; but I feel that science fiction is a more effective starting point. I have written a complete original 12-episode limited series called Troubadour (the first four episodes are posted on my profile page). I have also written a short film called Michelle Wilson and the Robot Man, which could be produced cheaply on location. And, as perhaps a more viable option to begin with in the age of reboots, a treatment for a reimagining of the Maya spinoff of Space: 1999 that was planned but never made (that, of course, would necessitate acquiring the rights from the current holders; but it could also be reworked into an original story if acquiring the rights were not possible).
My ultimate ambition is to produce non-profit entertainment, where all net profits go towards organizations that are actively working in the field to improve human and environmental conditions, and getting positive, tangible results (think Newman's Own, but with TV shows and movies as opposed to spaghetti sauce). Granted this is an experimental idea in the context of the entertainment industry, but one I am willing to try. The goal is to change the way content is consumed, since the current for-profit industry model is in crisis and untenable. Pursuing an independent course would be more viable in achieving this goal, as opposed to attempting to produce in an unstable corporate environment.
Please contact me here at Stage 32 if you are interested. You can also contact me at johnrichardsullivan@hotmail.com. It's not important if you have an extensive CV or production credits. What's important is that you are sympathetic to this idea. If successful, this approach could include the production of other people's scripts through the formation of a production company specifically for this purpose (it could also be extended into publishing and theater).
Thanks for taking the time to read my pitch! I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers!
John
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Hi John, nice to meet you! You're an old school member, awesome! This is a really inspiring, complicated idea. Do you have any current models you're using for guides or inspiration? At first brush it would seem you'd need to be very low budget, have some angel investors and ensure each production was "successful" so they return some sort of profit. Nothing is impossible though, I love the idea and hopefulness.
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Hi John Richard Sullivan! So glad that you're here! Thanks for sharing your goals and project, it sounds really interesting!
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It's great to meet a Stage 32 OG here, John. Wishing you great success with all of your projects!
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Hi Niki! Thanks for reaching out! The idea is for all net profits (after taxes and costs) to be donated (I didn’t specify that). I don’t know of any studios or production companies working in this way; which is why my model is Newmans Own
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Your ultimate ambition sounds great, John! You could search the Browse Section (www.stage32.com/browse). You might find a production partner that way.
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Great! Thanks for the tip, Maurice!
You're welcome, John Richard Sullivan.