"Allow me to re-introduce myself..." I'm Craig, probably a bit OG myself in this crowd since I'm 50, heh, but wanting to transition from tech manager to screenwriting, which is my true passion. I've been on Stage 32 for a minute, and this dream of mine started in January 2014, but I just completed my first feature-length screenplay a few weeks ago, and it feels like a great achievement. I've started several projects in that timeframe, but never finished any of them, mainly out of self-doubt, "can I really do this?" I feel like I've finally answered that for myself, and that I belong in this creative space. I really like what RB has setup here for us all, it feels more positive than places like the Reddit subthread, where the commentary is pretty ruthless, I've found. Anyway, let's keep the good energy going in here. I'm waiting on my script to come back from consulting, I wanted a first pass to go to a story developer who can help me lock it in, then I plan on shopping it to the right manager, and in a month or so out to some of the competitions (Nicholl, Screencraft, AFF). Let's make this happen, Stage 32 people!
Here's the logline for the current project, 'Mr. Faded Glory':
A washed-up ’80s rock singer gets one last shot at redemption when a young guitarist pulls him back into the scene—but as he fights to prove he still belongs, he must finally pen his long-lost song or fade away for good.
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Love this post, Craig Anderson, and I appreciate all the kind words. I'm especially appreciative of the recognition for the positive environment we've cultivated here. Credit goes not only to my team, but to the incredible people in this community who bring the energy, passion and knowledge every day. As you mentioned, many of the broad based platforms have become toxic and the ones that allow people to hide behind an alias, even more so. This is one of the many reasons we've seen a surge in new members, old members returning and overall activity. We hear from many people every day that have made this platform their one and only home. We're, of course, grateful.
MR. FADED GLORY seems to follow one of my favorite kind of stories - the person that had it, lost it and is trying to recapture it.
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Thanks Richard "RB" Botto - I've always admired how involved you are on this platform, it's great to see you address everyone, regardless of status or where they're at in their journey. Pretty good stuff. And some may get some value out of other communities, but yeah, I've just found personally that a lot of them are fairly toxic, and usually accompanied by reasoning like, "I'm a produced writer, so therefore my opinion matters and I can crap all over your silly little ideas." A lot of mean girl energy there, heh.
'Faded' definitely taps into 'The Wrestler' a bit, though the main difference is my lead never quite made it, while Rourke's Randy was at the top, and holding onto the top rope for dear life. But a lot of similar story elements about redemption, both professional and personal.
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Craig-Z. :D Congratulations on finishing your first feature-length screenplay, Craig Anderson! Mr. Faded Glory sounds interesting! I love underdog stories.
Here's a blog for up-and-coming screenwriters I suggest checking out: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...
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Maurice Vaughan Aha, Craig-Z, that's funny! Self-inflicted, I suppose, left myself wide open for that one.
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Haha You did, Craig Anderson. Have you thought about making posters for your scripts or using stock photos on your logline pages? They'll catch the eyes of producers, directors, etc. when they look at your profile. I use Canva to make script posters.
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Maurice Vaughan - no, but that's an interesting idea. When I pitched my first idea in 2014, I had a one-sheet with an image on it, and suppose I hadn't thought about that yet for this current project. Thanks for getting me thinking about it, I'll see what I can come up with.
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You're welcome, Craig Anderson. Here's a site where you can download free images and photos: https://unsplash.com/
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The mentality from Day One is not only that we're all in this together, Craig Anderson, but that everyone starts somewhere. There's not a ton of empathy in this business, but it's the mission of everyone on Team 32 to lead with it no matter what the situation.
Sounds very intriguing. Look forward to hearing how it progresses!
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Hey Craig Anderson - it's great to see you here on IYW and so awesome that you finished Mr. Faded Glory and are navigating forward. Bravo. Wishing you huge success with it!
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Thank you for the kind words and encouragement, Sam Sokolow - much appreciated!