Screenwriting

I'm throwing down a gauntlet to my fellow writers! Take a script you haven't touched in a while and write 2 pages by Sunday. Keep me posted on your progress right here!

Greetings! Allow me to introduce myself -- my name's Mike Thompson, veteran Hollywood writer/producer of feature films, Dragonfly, starring Kevin Costner, and Love Happens, featuring Jennifer Aniston. I also co-created the FOX television series, John Doe, and have written and produced indie film and award-winning documentary features as well. In addition to my produced credits, I've written and sold dozens of high-profile spec scripts, pitches and teleplays to nearly every major Hollywood studio, including multiple seven-figure deals and at one point, the “highest-paying scripter deal ever" ~ Variety. I've collaborated on projects involving the likes of Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Will Smith, Edie Falco, Chris Pine, Richard Gere, Michael Keaton, Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis, and blockbuster producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

In my role as a Script Consultant and Screenwriting Coach, I'm always looking for better ways to appeal to and provide value for my potential clients. So, aspiring screenwriters out there, I ask -- what are you most in need of help with (ie. loglines, structure, pitching, finding representation, etc.) and how do you prefer to receive said help (ie. webinars/workshops, e-courses, Zoom consultations, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for those that might take the time to respond!

~Mike

To the Stage 32 Community! Why did you want to be a Writer?

Hey everyone! I wanted to congratulate our fellow community members who had scripts requested through Stage 32 pitch sessions over the last 2 weeks. We are thrilled for the opportunities for the following writers to have their scripts requested by various producers, LINK Entertainment, Verve Talent & Literary, Established Artists, Orenda Entertainment, and more! Please join us in congratulating your fellow writers for their accomplishments!

Congrats to:

Pavan grover

Daniel Eric Finkel

Robert Husted

Brenda Lee Boddy

Danny Ashkenasi

Matt Otstot

Delaney Bishop

Courtney lochner

Sunil Dhokia

Darren Yeboah

Sam Tahhan

Mike Radlovic

Laurie Woodward

Ronald L. Ecker

Brett Block

David Fein

Scott Liapis

Rosemary Griggs

Michael Fitzer

Janice Leverett

Will Jones

Michael Fitzer

Tom Firestone

Skylar Schapiro

Kim

Stan Evans

Leigh Sheehan

James Hoddinott

Paul Thind

Michelle Dionne Wardlaw

Thomas Newman

Jeff Ingber

Maggie Yanko

Pavan grover

Judy Klass

Yair Avivi

Lindsay Eleanor Smith

Delaney Bishop

Austin Francis

Marc Prey

Zafar Ayub

David H. Fein (D. Hunter Fein)

Les Weiler

Lance Inman

Sandy Fox-sohner

Robert Wooldridge

Benita Cullingford

Jeff Galante

Martin Bartlett

Mark Williams-Abrams

Don Resio

Carlo Armenise

Dea Divi

Dempsey Gibson

John Park

Melania Crisan

Claudine Pierre-Louis

Stefan Alexander

John Park

michael madden

Austin Francis

A.K. Moore

Behzad Dabiri

Julie Shackman

michael madden

Robert Husted

Sam Tahhan

Samuel P. Coppage

Margaret Doner

Sam Tahhan

Terri Jay

Daniel Callaghan

Stefan Alexander

Jonathan Millett

Plus! We had 39 meeting requests from producers for our writers! Congratulations to the following writers!

Maanasi Patel

Alexander Shaida

Stan Evans

John Park

Keith Hanson

Richard Turner

Niles Welikson

Austin Francis

Bill Osinski

Thomas Newman

Robert Husted

Andy Borses

Lance Inman

Robert Husted

Payne Patchett

William Meisel

Robert Husted

Aaron Bierman

Jackie Zabel

Estella Gabriel

Eric Walters

Mark Stouffer

Scott Liapis

Josiah C Brown

L. Kay Berman

Lindsay Eleanor Smith

Robert Husted

Owen J BandJudy Klass

Delaney Bishop

Sunil Dhokia

Brett Block

Rosemary Griggs

Michelle Dionne Wardlaw

Janice Leverett

Will Jones

Tom Firestone

Judy Klass

Lindsay Eleanor Smith

David H. Fein (D. Hunter Fein)

Martin Bartlett

Rick Omi

Mark Williams-Abrams

Behzad DabiriTerri Jay

Lance Inman

Stacy Bannerman

The crime thriller film is written by Sean Farley and produced by Luke Daniels, Greg Lauritano, Vince Jolivette, Chris Bellant, Kurt Fethke, and Jake Robinson.

Two years ago, Sean met Chris via Stage 32 in a Feature Read + 30 minute talk. After hitting it off, Chris agreed to rep Sean and went on to produce the movie coming out in theaters April 25, 2025!

The film also stars Malin Akerman and is directed by Duncan Skiles, who is best known for his work on “The Clovehitch Kiler.”

So here's a little tale I wish to share with you and get your take on it.

A connection from Stage 32 send me a link to a craigslist ad where people were looking for screenplay in many different genres and had a budget of around $8M. I used to answer Craigslist ads and did some side jobs that I was fairly paid for so I thought, "What the hell."

I sent them my synopsis of my $1.5M budget action/thriller film, THE CURMUDGEON, and told them that Don Most was extremely interested in playing the title role. They responded with, " Send the script, but if Donny Most is attached then they aren't interested in it."

This caught me as kind of strange. I only said Don Most was very interested in playing the part, but there was no, "That's interesting," or any acknowledgement of trying to attach talent to a project and coming up with a strong lead. It was their way or the highway. I didn't like that. I mean their first response is an ultimatum? Do I not matter as well? Secondly, they didn't even bring up the possibility of signing an NDA. I know most of them are meaningless, but not even mentioned? Lastly, the gentleman that contacted me complete with a company name attached, didn't seem to come up in a search. Not even the company, let alone the guy. There were similar matches, but no complete matches. I responded with a "No thanks" written with all the grace and class that they chose to use with me.

I don't care who you are. You can be a money guy or the greatest producer in the world, but you better talk to me like I matter. Not even a "Please." Just "Send the script." Not even send "your" script. Do they have to? Of course not, but why should I trust my sweat and hard work to a "group" that doesn't care what I put into my work? I have a gut feeling about everything I do, who I contact and who I think would be good choices to try and put together a package that will not only deliver a production that will bring in positive revenue on a lower risk budget, but will also entertain a movie going public that's looking for escapism after a tough week at work. You better treat me better then a doormat. I don't have "Welcome" tattooed on my forehead.

Maybe they were legit and maybe not. Stories are tough to come by and they take many hours, days and sometimes years to finish. Try and work with people that have an appreciation for your efforts.

Did I jump the gun or do you think I made the right choice? Have you ever been treated like dirt by people that think you should lick their boots?

You got to love the film industry!

You can only have one or the other: would you rather have your script be a blockbuster or academy winner?

Now that I've got this great script that has won 19 awards so far, what's my next step towards production? I joined IMBD Pro, but noticed many of the producers and directors I feel would be perfect don't provide any contact information. And I keep getting "no unsolicited material accepted". So, how do I get my toe in the door? Any successful suggestions?

Just like the title says I would like to post parts of my 60k word script here for people to review and critique, I think AI can only do so much that I really need human eyes on it and hope the help make it better. I saw ashley's blog post here and though I could post parts of my script but just wanted to see if I could or put parts that are causing the issues I have with it and get advice. if not I could put it in the authoring lounge?

GIANT KILLER

BY GREGORY BARONE

GENRE: Fantasy

LOGLINE:

A brave tailor uses his wit and guile rather than swords and spears to rid the land of menacing giants and gets the king into giving him half his kingdom and his daughter’s hand in marriage.

(Please note that this is done as it would a script for a comic, I have a background in comics so I use comic terms for the script. I do hope to get this made as a movie of short tv show.)

Ch1 Page1 - Four Panels

(Ch1 Pg1 Panel One)

(Wide Establishing Shot, Semi-Splash)

Sunset over Cloister. The bustling streets begin to quiet as shopkeepers close their stalls. In the foreground, two men—a meager merchant and his ward- stand outside a tavern, "Ye Old Lock & Bolt," its wooden sign creaking slightly in the breeze.

Prince KYDUAN (smirking): This is the tavern in all of Cloister that's said to have the best ale!

Rodrick GUARD (grinning): Indeed it does...Sir.

Prince KYDUAN (gesturing toward the door): Let's go in and see if it lives up to its reputation.

(Ch1 Pg1 Panel Two)

(Interior shot of the tavern, warm candlelight glow, filled with patrons.)

They both enter. On the left, they passed by two men at a table who whispered to each other, eyeing Prince Kyduan's attire with suspicion.

GUY ONE (whispering): Look! Is that the prince?

GUY TWO (smirking): Indeed it is. He's not fooling anyone dressed like that.

(Ch1 Pg1 Panel Three)

(Medium shot - Kyduan and his guard approach a long wooden table, two ales in hand.)

A lone man, Gerarit, sits at one end, His posture relaxed but observant. Nearby, a rowdy group of drunken men laugh boisterously at their jokes.

KYDUAN (polite, to Gerarit): Excuse me, sir. Mind if we join you, or are you expecting company?

GERARIT (casual, gesturing): No company. By all means, have a seat.

(Ch1 Pg1 Panel Four)

(Closer shot - The prince and his guard sit at the table with Gerarit.)

KYDUAN (grateful): That's very kind of you. Thank you.

GUARD: Yes, much appreciated.

GERARIT (slight smirk): You're welcome.

Issue 1

Dear all,

I know that every screenwriter starts somewhere, but when you haven't achieved any success yet—no produced scripts, no industry recognition—it can be hard to stay motivated. I’m passionate about screenwriting, but since I haven't had any success yet, sometimes it’s really tough to stay motivated. Balancing writing with daily responsibilities, finding the energy, and believing in the process can be challenging.

For those who’ve been through this phase, how did you push through? How do you find the time and motivation to keep writing when there are no tangible results yet? Any tips, mindset shifts, or routines that helped you stay dedicated?

Would love to hear your experiences!

Does it feel like for certain contests, for example: a female driven script contest, that certain genres play better than others. I feel like dramas do better in these contest than a science-fiction or fantasy.