Anything Goes : When Rules Rule Out Common Sense by Philip David Lee

So I do like Stage 32 because everyone has dreams and they need a chance to make them come true. Of course every site has rules and they are there for the legal protection of the site and for those that like to abuse others don't get a chance to. However, if the "main" purpose is to help struggling (and I would think mostly independent) filmmakers, some rules just don't make sense.

So Stage 32 has "Pitch Sessions" that you have to pay $35 to reserve a time to pitch your wares to any number of producers and development executives. Why? Now for some people that could be 2 hours at work, maybe even one hour at work but that's before taxes. What are you getting for your money? I don't know especially if some of the credits for these producers were money losers. I've never lost $100M for anyone. What can you do for me except option my script and bring in a host of other writers to change what I've written. You can say, "Sorry, I'm not interested." Hell, I can tell you that for $5.

Lets say I written a script and I'm allegedly looking for a female actress who might like to play a major role and give me permission to use her name for possible investors. Where would I post this to get the most attention to this opportunity? Now the deal I might make with this alleged actress would be a solid commitment to her. She wouldn't have to worry about being replaced because she would literally have a co-producer role. It would literally be her project. The most logical placement would be to put it in the actors Lounge, but you can't because of the rules. You literally would have to bury it in lesser traveled territory. This industry is all about timing and getting things moving. Why are there so many dark corners? If you are placed in the closet and ask why and only a simple response is needed but you get no answers.

A producer from Stage 32 contacted me about a project. I did my research on him and he sounded professional. I sent him the 411 on my project and only the first 10 pages of my screenplay. Two days later his profile on Stage 32 was deleted. Was he a fake? Where were the rules to limit fake profiles on this site. We all know about the thievery that happens in the entertainment industry. Are there rules to lessen this occurrence.

I understand the need for rules. If you're making them, just make sure that the rules don't end up ruling over you.