With every site like Stage 32, you will get your earnest optimistic beginners, your savvy veterans, your bitter never give uppers and your scammers. No one of any true weight to really make things happen and a series of pitch sessions that are like gambling where you will lose more than you win. I'm not trying to be mean. I like the spirit of Stage 32, but the application of it can maybe use a few tweaks if the goal of this sight is really promote talents of screenwriters, help producers find viable projects or help independent filmmakers get their dreams up and running. All altruistic ideals, but how big is the percentage of success. If you're only selling hope, rejection is the poison arrow of that dream. So what can happen to instill more positive engagement other than a steady response from moderators and a few other site enthusiasts? Membership here is stated at being 1M people. There should be more interaction.
How mush can you truly have though? We all know that there are limited spots for a project to come alive so competition is tough. Content can be stolen if one is not careful and even though the Netflix is logo is attached to Stage 32, what real involvement does Netflix have? I haven't really seen them have much of an impact and is Your Stage a place where they go daily to see if there are projects worthwhile enough to invest in?
I could be wrong but there seems to be a real lack of enthusiasm here and I think the energy needs to be turned up to 11. Maybe Stage 32 could have a suggestion box where we could suggests improvements that fit more into the goals of Stage 32. Independent filmmakers need a direct line to serious investor that are legit and not through some project usurping producer so they can pitch to people that matter while still protecting both the creative and the identities of the investors until a deal is reached. Stage 32 could be paid a fair percentage of the budget or become part of an investment team itself.
There just seems to be a more efficient way to please all sides and build Stage 32 into something unlike anything that has come before it. LinkedIn has too many know-it-alls and pretenders and some of them are vicious. I can be as vicious as the next guy if that's what you want to see, but I prefer a more affable working relationship.
Maybe I'm just blowing sunshine up my own butt. Maybe cutthroat is all you're going to get out of the film industry. If that's the case, give me a minute to metaphorically sharpen my knives and let's dance. Otherwise lets be civil to each other and move forward. Just saying...
What do you guys think?
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Hi, Philip David Lee. Hope you had a great weekend. Stage 32 is working for me. I'd had a lot of success on here (paid jobs, sold four short scripts, script requests, etc., mainly from networking/being active in the Lounges! I'm also learned a lot on here! From the Lounge posts to webinars to the AMAs and so on.
“No one of any true weight to really make things happen and a series of pitch sessions that are like gambling where you will lose more than you win.” The Pitch Sessions are mainly to get feedback on pitches. Members have gotten managers, signed shopping agreements, etc. through the sessions though (www.stage32.com/scriptservices/success-stories).
“So what can happen to instill more positive engagement other than a steady response from moderators and a few other site enthusiasts? Membership here is stated at being 1M people. There should be more interaction.” You gotta keep in mind that everyone isn’t on Stage 32 at the same time throughout the day, and it’s a busy platform, so members might not be able to respond to some posts (at least right away).
“…and even though the Netflix is logo is attached to Stage 32, what real involvement does Netflix have? I haven't really seen them have much of an impact and is Your Stage a place where they go daily to see if there are projects worthwhile enough to invest in?” I’m not sure if people at Netflix search Stage 32 for projects (they could), but here’s an event that Stage 32 and Netflix partnered up on: www.stage32.com/blog/the-secrets-out-netflix-stage-32-are-partnering-for...
There’s actually a lot of enthusiasm and energy on Stage 32, especially during events like November Write Club and Introduce Yourself Weekend.
You’re welcome to email suggestions to support@stage32.com.
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Hi Philip David Lee - I agree with Maurice Vaughan. Stage 32 is unlike any other platform in or around the industry. And when I say that, I include the global industry and not just one country or city. That is a phnomenal opportunity to connect and callobaorate with people in a business that is becoming more intercontinental each day in terms of development, prodcution and distribution. I've met creatives from all corners of the world on the platform and have seen deals happen, projects materialize and poeple signed by managers and production companies.
I also love how positive the platform is. It is the opposite of a LinkedIn in that way - this is a supportive community that respects each member's vision, talent and dreams. After working for years on the front line in Hollywood, that's a pleasure to be a part of. The industry has always been super competitive - I'm not sure that will change any time soon - but IMHO its not about being vicious, its about being driven and savvy and building an instinct for successful dynamics.
Stage 32's founder and CEO, RB, says that you get out of the platform what you put into it. That's the same if you drove to Hollywood, NY, London or any large network of creative potential to figure out how to get projects made. Most aren't usually handed direct avenues to financing when you arrive in town but if you create, network and collaborate things do happen.
What type of material are you currently developing? Are there genres that you specialize in?
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Maurice Vaughan Thank you, Maurice. I respect the time it took you to answer my post so thoroughly. I am trying to grow my network and I also understand the traffic scenario, still some things could use more clarity.. The first priority of any site is to protect their visitors and members. I would never debate that, but we don't know the check and balances you use to see who the frauds are. Yes, I have seen suspended accounts and it's up to the members to have some knowledge of the pitfalls of the industry but no one has really challenged me as to the legitimacy of who I am. My goals do from the heart so when I post something where I think will get the most attention, and moderators move it to maybe a less traveled area, it's not really helping me or any actress looking for an opportunity. Now you state suggestions can be sent to "support" but how much responsibility is support responsible for? If they are dealing with the fraudsters, technical issues, or any other issues that should befall on a member, do they have time to sift through suggestions as well? Support is important to keep the site moving smoothly. You don't want to move anything over to them that might delay more important issues as well as having a helpful suggestion get lost in the pile. We've all seen the stacks of scripts in the office of some reader. I do love Stage 32 and do think this site will help me. I have to do my work, but if we're more of a community than connections looking for connections, I just feel we can all benefit from each others' input..
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Hey Sam. I mostly work in the action genre but I have screenplays that span all of them with some that cross over some genres. Basically I just write what I feel will be entertaining to a large audience. I believe is structuring my budgets that are appropriate to the material that will give the best chance of generating a positive ROI while the formulas are nothing more than a best guest at best. So while I can't go into details here, I just want to give anyone that believes in my work my blood and sweat so they have the highest level of confidence that our association will be beneficial to all parties involved. If you contact me at philip162166@yahoo.com, I can give you a list of the top 3 projects I'm trying to bring to life. I'll give you a very quick, very brief breakdown. 10 minute read tops.
You're welcome, Philip David Lee.
“My goals do from the heart so when I post something where I think will get the most attention, and moderators move it to maybe a less traveled area, it's not really helping me or any actress looking for an opportunity.” I understand what you mean, but if everyone started posting promotional things and ads in the main Lounges so they could get more attention, it would prevent the educational posts from being seen by the community. One thing you could do to get more attention on the things you post in the Your Stage Lounge and on Your Wall is build your network, because the people in your network can see what you post. Here are some blogs about networking that you might want to check out: https://www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41
“Now you state suggestions can be sent to "support" but how much responsibility is support responsible for? If they are dealing with the fraudsters, technical issues, or any other issues that should befall on a member, do they have time to sift through suggestions as well?” It's fine because Support will pass your suggestion (or anything else) on to the person or department that can handle it.
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Phillip David Lee, I often get no response from Customer service!