We've all been through it. Life throws a curveball at us so deep that it sidelines us even for a moment. Even so, NWC comes at a time when I need it the most to encourage me to not stand still - keep walking even if it's on a bed of coals.
I don't nec have a "write" goal but learning one. Over the past year, I've learned through trial and error that learning all I can about producing globally is likely the best road to venture on because of the state of the industry right now. So with all of that said, here are my goals.
#1 Recover from the hardship of life, encourage someone else and trust that the best is yet to come even if it doesn't feel like it.
#2 Start and finish a class on producing and international producing.
#3 Draft a plan based on the class I've taken.
So if you've been thrown a life curveball, stand up, shake it off and keep walking. I believe in you.
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Excellent goals, Leonardo Ramirez! I'm rooting for you to reach them, especially the first goal!
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Thanks so much Maurice Vaughan!
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You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez.
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Leonardo Ramirez your goals comes from your heart, I can feel them and they will be your achievements for this month :)) I am with you and if you need motivation, I am here! I’ve been learning from zero to write my screenplay, to pitch and all the subjects about it! I am here now with experience and steps forward and back, and that’s the amazing thing of life :)) let’s go my friend!
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That means the world to me Sandra Isabel Correia! And to be your friend is my honor.
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28 years of life's curveballs, fastballs, and sliders, Leonardo Ramirez. That's how long I didn't write for before returning to it. I was never bitter or disappointed in myself though, and I use those experiences during that time in my writing now. Your learning goal is very interesting, and smart. The more you learn within the industry, and not be a one-dimensional player, the more value you bring to yourself and others. Well done!
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Thanks John Mezes. I do believe that looking outside of what I’ve known is where the answers lie. And life’s curveballs will serve as food for many pages to come and encouragement for others.
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Leonardo Ramirez - everyone gets knocked down. Champs get up. I know you're a champ. Here's to the next chapter.
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Much thanks Sam Sokolow. Here’s to many more chapters!
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Hello Leonardo Ramirez
i have found the Stg. 32 community to be extremely diverse and supportive. We too experience our pains and here we help each other write through them. i think that t takes courage to stand, to make a plan, and to finish that plan-no matter what. looking fwd to hear that you ‘ve reached your goals and have gone far beyond your expectations.
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Thanks so much G.Smokey Campbell - means the world to me. Here's to you achieving and surpassing your goals!
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Take a moment to exhale and Write On!
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Hi Leonardo!
I'm Raven LaRue, a new screenwriter with a deep interest in the power of storytelling—and your message really resonates with me. Life’s curveballs can be brutal, but your determination to keep moving forward, even if it feels like walking on coals, is so inspiring. I admire your goals, especially your focus on international producing. Learning to navigate the global industry sounds like an incredible path, and I’m sure it’ll open up amazing opportunities.
I'm on a journey to build my screenwriting career, and your words are a timely reminder to stay resilient and believe that the best is yet to come. Thank you for sharing your strength and encouragement—it means a lot!
Looking forward to connecting more and cheering each other on!
Warmly,
Raven
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Hello Raven LaRue - it's a great honor to meet you. And you're right - we have to stay strong and keep encouraging each other no matter the landscape. Looking forward to hearing about YOUR journey! What genre(s) do you write?
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Leonardo Ramirez Life can certainly slow us down. Recovering from its hardships may only be learning how to move on despite those hardships. Some of them never go away but we chip away and slog on to get to that end game, which may take a bit longer, but at least we move in the right direction. Baby steps. :) I love what G.Smokey Campbell said: exhale and write on! Great tag.
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Love that Debbie Elicksen - always good to hear from you!
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Leonardo Ramirez this was a refreshing post. Authentic and real. Life has been doing what it does best so to hear some words of encourage definitely bring some sort of relief. Hopefully life eases up on your end but I continue to look forward to getting to know you and seeing your success in your endeavors.
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Life likes to hit us with obstacles when we least expect them, but I have no doubt that you’ll push through and be better on the other side my friend! And I know that this community will be here for you every step of the way. I love that you’ve been challenging yourself to learn more about Producing this year and that you’re focused on having a more well-rounded understanding of the industry and the processes involved. That will only make you a stronger writer and creator! I’m excited to cheer you on while you’re achieving your goals this month and every month following, Leonardo Ramirez.
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Very much looking forward to getting to you know you as well Cyrus Sales. So glad we connected on Stage 32.
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Thank you so much Ashley Renee Smith for your faithful support and friendship. And you're right, the life experiences we journey through are fuel for our writing. Knowing I have a community like this makes all the difference. Here’s to pushing forward and making each day count. I’m grateful to have you in my corner!
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Really appreciate these sentiments Leonardo Ramirez and it's even more inspiring to see the feedback and support your thoughts have engendered.
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Thanks so much Nick Phillips. Means a lot.
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Just MET GOAL #2. One of which was to watch a webinar on international co-productions. This one was by Birgit Kemner and it was great. Topics includes how to choose your projects and partners and producing yourself as a minority producer in collaboration with international producers and finally, financing. https://www.stage32.com/education/my-library/8944854073651/learn
Also watched Producing Globally: Learn How To Find International Partners To Make Your Projects Happen by Alexia Melocchi: https://www.stage32.com/education/my-library/8944900079923/learn
Alexia Melocchi, Emma Louis Smith, Jeanette Milo and David Zannoni also have other phenomenal webinars on international production that are just as fantastic and highly recommended.
MET Goal #1 - Today is a new day and it’s a good one. I disconnected for a short time and recharged with loved ones. Every year, since she was 11 months old, my daughter and I have a “daddy/daughter dinner” on the eve of her birthday. Last night made #23 and it was beautiful.
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Congratulations on meeting your goals, Leonardo Ramirez! It's great to disconnect and recharge with loved ones! Happy Birthday to your daughter!
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Thanks my friend. Means a lot Maurice Vaughan. I need to check out your goals post!
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You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez. I appreciate it.
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Woohooo! You're killin it, Leonardo Ramirez! Also, I love your daddy/daughter tradition. Adorable.
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Thanks Ashley Renee Smith. Of course, pretty much the entire dinner conversation revolved around Batman!
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As. It. Should. Leonardo Ramirez
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Haha, rightly said Ashley Renee Smith
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I would like to add, if I may Leonardo Ramirez that if you want this bad enough to go through hell, then go! I have the attitude that I have nothing to lose but everything to gain, and life will get in the way of your quest like the hero's journey, you are the hero of your story, and only you can get the things you want. Some things can help you with your quest, and you should use them. and don't let failure or the fear of failure stop you, if it doesn't work out, ask yourself why and move forward. I've had things fail for me in the past and this year but I still want to make it happen, I learn from my failures and do better as I go. I'm not sure what things drive you. you could listen to motivational speeches or music that drives you to go and do the thing you want to do.
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Thanks Gregory Barone. I appreciate your words but just to clarify, the hardship had nothing to do with my creative efforts or any sort of perceived "failure". It had to do with something that happened in my personal life and is totally unrelated. I do know the creative life is a journey that I've accepted and enjoy along with the company of friends here on Stage 32 and I'm keen to that journey no matter where it takes me or how long it takes. But to be transparent (and human), being forced to leave my mother in a nursing home due to her growing mental decline was a gut punch that I'm on the mend from.
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Leonardo Ramirez sorry to hear about your mom but is the best for her. keep charging and rock on!!
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Leonardo Ramirez I’m with you on these, Leonardo!
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Happy New Year Geoff Hall!!
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happy new year.
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Happy New Year Gregory Barone !
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Leonardo Ramirez Love this. We have to roll with what life throws at us. Sometimes the setbacks help us find a better direction and/or tell us what we have been ignoring and need to work on. I kind of feel like 2024 did that for my physical health. While that was my goal to improve and get stronger physically, the curveball was learning to walk again from a wheelchair. However, that's exactly what 2024 was -- getting stronger physically and concentrating on full body health instead of just one area. Also, my writing goals haven't sucked too bad. :) I'm one of your biggest cheerleaders, so I can't wait to see what 2025 brings you.
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That means the world to me Debbie Elicksen and so do you. I'm hoping that 2025 brings you the strength to conquer every single area of your life. Happy New Year, my friend.