Screenwriting

let’s try this—do you find this time-jump (‘epilogue as prologue’ device) effective, or just disorienting?

GUNPOWDER

By James Luo

ON BLACK - TITLE CARD

2075

FADE IN

Dashing Don’s Diner is quiet.

PHOEBE (age: 105) sits on the sun-warmed bench.

Across the square, a small group of children play.

The veranda overlooks the collapsed quarter, low arcologies nestled between what remains of the old city’s bones.

Phoebe looks at the cup in her hands.

It had been broken once.

Someone had put it back together with gold.

CUT TO

TITLE CARD

1995

Hottest summer on record and the elevator’s broken again. KARIM and Phoebe lug their groceries up five flights. Before he’s finished dead-bolting the door, she’s peeling off her sodden dress.

KARIM

(mock pleading)

Babe - it’s too hot to fuck…

She flips him two birds and rushes, nude, to the shower.

PHOEBE (O.S.)

Jeeezus - the pipes are boiling!

Austin Film Festival coverage just gave my screenplay, The Art of Suffering, a perfect score and a "Recommend" which they say is rare. I'm not sure exactly how to leverage this so more agents and producers read it?

So I have nearly finished my second horror tv script called IDOL - to put it brief it's about a woman who moves to a town and the towns people begin to become obsessed. I wrote this scene and would appreciate any feedback! for context it's a scene way into the script.

INT. GRACE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

GRACE (28, exhausted, increasingly paranoid) sits at her kitchen table, laptop open. Empty coffee cups scattered around—all from "Park Family Coffee," the local shop near the activity center. She's researching something obsessively.

Her phone BUZZES. She glances at it—another text notification.

Mrs. Patterson: "Hope you're resting well, sweetheart! Sweet dreams!"

Grace sets the phone face-down, tries to focus on her screen. It BUZZES again.

Mr. Davies: "Thought about you today. You're such a blessing to us all."

BUZZ.

Ms. Rodriguez: "Can't wait to see your beautiful face tomorrow! Sleep tight!"

BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ.

GRACE

(to herself, frustrated)

Stop. Just... stop.

She picks up the phone, scrolls through dozens of messages from different residents. All sent within the last hour. All overly affectionate.

A KNOCK at her door makes her jump.

GRACE

(CONT'D)

(calling out)

Who is it?

MRS. PATTERSON

(O.S.)

(cheerful, sing-song)

It's Mrs. Patterson, dear! I brought you some soup!

Grace doesn't move. Checks her watch...10:47 PM.

GRACE

(calling back)

Mrs. Patterson, it's really late. Maybe tomorrow...

MRS. PATTERSON

(O.S.) (insistent)

Oh, it'll just take a moment! I made your favorite!

Grace hasn't told her what her favorite is.

GRACE

(standing, moving toward door)

I really appreciate it, but I'm actually about to go to bed—

MRS. PATTERSON

(O.S.) (voice suddenly flat, emotionless)

I know you're standing right there, Grace. Just open the door.

Silence. Grace takes a breath. Decides to confront this directly. She opens the door, the chain still on.

MRS. PATTERSON (40, blonde, well-dressed, holding Tupperware) stands in the hallway. Her smile is too wide. Too fixed.

GRACE

(firmly)

Mrs. Patterson, I appreciate the gesture, but with all due respect, it's very late. You need to go home.

MRS. PATTERSON

(smile not changing, not blinking) But I made it special. Just for you.

GRACE

(more firmly)

I'm asking you to leave. Now. This isn't appropriate.

MRS. PATTERSON

(tilting head, still smiling)

You seem upset, dear. Are you upset with us?

GRACE

(uncomfortable with the "us")

No, I just... I need you to respect my boundaries. Please go home.

MRS. PATTERSON

(not moving, voice taking on a strange quality)

We've been so good to you. So nice. Haven't we been nice?

GRACE

(closing door slightly)

Mrs. Patterson, I'm closing the door now—

MRS. PATTERSON

(suddenly stepping forward, pressing against door)

You're not being very grateful, Grace.

Grace sees movement behind Mrs. Patterson. MR. DAVIES is in the patio now. Just standing there. Watching.

GRACE

(alarm rising)

You both need to leave. Right now. Or I'm calling the police.

MRS. PATTERSON

(voice flat, wrong)

No, you won't.

More movement. MS. RODRIGUEZ emerges from shadows. Then ARIANA HENSON, her work colleague. They're gathering in the patio.

GRACE

(backing away, trying to close door)

Get away from my door!

MRS. PATTERSON

(pressing harder against the chain)

We just want to give you a hug, honey. We just want to be friends.

Her voice cracks on the word "friends" something desperate, hungry in it.

GRACE

(slamming door shut, locking it)

NO!

Through the door, she hears them. Multiple voices now, overlapping

Grace backs away from the door, grabbing her phone. She calls 911.

911 OPERATOR

(V.O.) (female voice, professional but with an edge)

911, what's your emergency?

GRACE

(urgent)

There are people at my door. Multiple people. They won't leave. I'm at 412 Maple Street.

911 OPERATOR

(V.O.) (pause, then)

…how many people?

Grace freezes.

GRACE

(looking through peephole)

There are... at least....I don't know! A couple? They're on my front patio. From the activity center where I work. They won't leave.

911 OPERATOR

(V.O.)

The activity center? Greenwood Senior Center?

GRACE

(uneasily)

Yes. How did you—

911 OPERATOR

(V.O.) (interrupting, voice taking on that same desperate quality)

And what are they doing? Are they trying to hurt you?

GRACE

They're... they keep saying they want to hug me. That they want to be friends.

911 OPERATOR

(V.O.) (a small laugh, but it's unhinged)

Oh, Grace. They DO want to be friends! They want to be friends SO badly. Don't you understand?

The realisation hit her. Grace never gave her name.

GRACE

(voice shaking)

What...

911 OPERATOR

(V.O.) (between laughs, voice breaking)

They're lonely, Grace. SO lonely. The residents, they need someone. They need a coordinator to love. To hold. To keep.

GRACE

(horrified)

Who are you?!

Beat.

911 OPERATOR

(V.O.) (CONT'D) (whispering, voice cracking)

They just wanted a hug, Grace. Just wanted someone to care about them. Is that so wrong?

(Please keep in mind that this is done as it would be 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 or short TV show. I'm looking for feedback on the pages. If you can take the time to read and leave a review in the comments, replace panels with shots.)

Ch5 Pg 9

(Ch5 Pg9 Panel 1 - Wide Panel)

The two of them continue their journey, and Garna is looking ahead at the road. Garna is continuing with the tree trunk while Garerit rides along in the branches. The landscape stretches out ahead of them, and their destination is unclear, leaving the reader with a sense of adventure. The comical nature of the situation remains, but there's also an underlying camaraderie developing between the two as they walk toward their next challenge.

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "Just a little farther, we'll make it before the sun sets."

SB (Garerit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "That will be excellent."

(Ch5 Pg9 Panel 2)

Garna walks with the full weight of the tree plus Garerit, their breath visible in the cold mountain air. The forest is quiet, save for the distant chirping of birds. Garerit smirks, as if debating whether to tell the truth or spin another tale. Garna nods, committing the name to memory.

SB (Garna - Glancing at Garerit, Curious): "You never told me your name."

SB (Garerit - Casually): "Garerit."

SB (Garna - Thoughtful): "Garerit... I'll remember that."

SB (Garna): "My name is Garna by the way."

SB (Gareirt): "Nice to meet you."

(Ch5 Pg9 Panel 3 - Medium Panel)

A winding, treacherous mountain path leads up to the enchanted castle in the sky, perched at the very peak of a towering mountain. The path is narrow, flanked by jagged cliffs and mist-covered ravines below. Garna, the giant, marches forward confidently, his heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Garerit, still hiding in the tree, listens intently as Garna begins to speak, his deep voice echoing against the mountainside.

SB (Garna - Dialogue Bubble): "We are almost there, Gareirt. The castle awaits."

(Ch5 Pg9 Panel 4 - Full-Width Panel)

Garna, the giant, walks confidently through a vast, mist-filled landscape as he brings Garerit toward the enchanted castle in the sky. The castle is visible in the distance, floating high above the ground on clouds and surrounded by an ethereal glow, hinting at its magical nature. The scale of the castle is imposing, with high towers and spires reaching into the heavens. The tailor, his small figure appearing even smaller against the backdrop of the giant and the floating castle. The sense of a journey to an otherworldly place is emphasized here, with the magical atmosphere and surreal landscape drawing attention to the mystical adventure ahead.

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "Ah, Garerit, you do not know what kind of place you are entering."

(Ch5 Pg9 Panel 5 - Medium Panel)

This panel zooms in on the enchanted castle, showing it in greater detail. The floating towers are adorned with golden filigree and mysterious runes, glowing faintly in the twilight. The castle hovers above a shimmering cloud sea, with magic-charged winds swirling around its perimeter. The magical nature of the structure is clear, as it seems to exist outside the natural laws of the world. The contrast between the grounded, earthy giant and the ethereal castle highlights the otherworldly challenge that awaits. This is no ordinary destination's a place of mystery and enchantment.

SB (Garerit - Thought Bubble): "A castle in the sky... I never thought I'd see such a thing?"

Ch5 Pg 10

(Ch5 Pg10 Panel 1 - Wide Shot)

A dramatic, towering view of the enchanted castle perched at the peak of the mountain. Dark clouds swirl above it, and lightning flashes in the distance, giving the structure a mystical yet ominous aura. The walls are colossal, built from massive black stone blocks, and glowing arcane symbols pulse faintly along their surface. Garna stands near the cliff's edge, facing a short stone pillar with strange carvings on it. Garerit, still hiding himself, carefully watches from a safe distance.

(Ch5 Pg10 Panel 2 - Wide Shot)

As they reach the top of the mountain, the castle stands before them, its towers spiraling toward the heavens and glowing with arcane symbols. Outside the gates, other giants patrol the area: some stand guard while others lounge near massive stone tables, feasting and sharpening their weapons. Their voices boom with laughter and conversation, making the castle feel both alive and dangerous.

SB (Garna - Dialogue Bubble): "My lord and maker, who controls this castle, is no fool. He traps all who enter with powerful magic. There's a lady here, a Duke's daughter, who is the most precious prize and has been transformed into a white doe by his magic power."

(Ch5 Pg10 Panel 3 - Wide Panel)

Garna stands with the enchanted castle in front of them. The magical aura of the castle is seen in the background, swirling in vibrant colors. Garerit listens intently, his mind working, considering the implications of freeing the captives and undoing the curse.

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "And, of course, you will meet my many other brothers, who dwell in the castle."

SB (Gerarit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "Many other brothers!"

(Ch5 Pg10 Panel 4 - Wide Shot)

Garerit sits in the tree resolutely in front of the castle. He is determined to free the captives and undo the sorcery that binds them. His eyes are sharp with focus, and his small frame now stands tall in the face of such overwhelming odds. The castle in the sky looms beyond him, both a literal and figurative obstacle to overcome. This panel shows Garerit's bravery and resolve as he faces the unknown.

SB (Gerarit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "I will liberate them. No curse can withstand a mind as capable as mine."

(Ch5 Pg10 Panel 5 - Medium Shot)

A closer view of Garna as he turns his head slightly, speaking aloud. The tailor remains hidden within the branches, his face partially visible as he listens carefully. Garerit's eyes widen at this revelation, gripping the tree bark tightly.

SB (Garna - Dialogue Bubble): "The castle is home to more than just my brothers. Many knights and ladies are prisoners of my great elder Brother."

Hi all!

This post is specifically geared towards writers out there who have experience with optioning their work.

What should a writer keep in mind when considering an option?

What are the common pitfalls or red flags?

And what makes a "good" option actually worth taking vs. holding out?

Open to any general advice, experiences, or things you wish you knew beforehand. Appreciate any guidance!

(Please note that this is done as it would be 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 or short TV show. I'm looking for feedback on the pages, if you can take the time to read and leave a review in the comments. replace panels with shot.)

Ch5 Pg 7

(Ch5 Pg6 Panel 1 - Close-Up Panel)

Garerit, who explains with a calm, confident smile, clearly anticipating the giant's confusion Garerit is still standing with a relaxed posture, arms crossed as he speaks. His demeanor is assured, and his eyes convey a sense of understanding that knows what he's doing. The small branches behind him are gently swaying in the breeze, symbolizing the task he will handle.

SB (Garerit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "The branches, though, are light enough to be carried. It's the perfect balance."

(Ch5 Pg7 Panel 2 - Full-Width Panel)

Garerit climbs onto the tree. He's quickly scaling it with ease. This moment emphasizes Garerit's agility and resourcefulness, as he's able to adapt to situations quickly. The background shows the dense forest around them, providing context for the scene and the enormity of the task they're facing. Garerit's quick thinking is evident as he prepares to ride the tree instead of carrying it.

SB (Garerit - Thought Bubble): "I'll climb up! It'll be easier if I ride the tree."

(Ch5 Pg7 Panel 2 - Medium Panel)

Garerit is sitting on the evergreen hidden in the tree's branches, his feet dangling down. He appears comfortable and confident, almost as if he's been in this position before. The tree's branches spread out around him, creating the illusion that he's helping to support the branches. From this angle, it seems like Garerit is doing the work, even though Garna is still carrying the tree. The tree trunk continues to rest on Garna's shoulder, with Garerit's weight distributed, which is easily balanced by the giant.

SB (Garerit - Thought Bubble): "Let's see if I can make it look like I'm carrying all the weight."

SB (Garerit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "I got hold of all the branches, let's move forward and get to the castle."

(Ch5 Pg7 Panel 3 - Full-Width Panel)

We see the task in motion. Garna is lifting the massive tree trunk, which he carries with ease, though his face shows a slight strain due to its weight. Meanwhile, Garerit has found a spot in the tree to sit and hide among the branches. Garna, who is still adjusting his grip on the trunk, contrasted with Garna's strength and slow, steady pace.

SB (Garna - Thought Bubble): "He's keeping pace with me. He doesn't seem to struggle at all!"

(Ch5 Pg7 Panel 4 - Full-Width Panel)

Garerit is riding on the tree with a look of satisfaction. Garna continues to carry the tree trunk, but now there's a certain lightness to his steps- he's carrying both the trunk and the tailor without much effort. The forest around them continues to stretch wide, showing the distance they've already covered and the impressive teamwork between the two. Garerit's cleverness is on full display here, as he manages to manipulate the situation to his advantage without losing any of his charm.

SB (Garna - Thought Bubble): "He's small, but the branches are no burden to him! He's Clever!"

Ch5 Pg 8

(Ch5 Pg8 Panel 1 - Full-Width Panel)

Garerit is perched on the tree, now almost invisible behind the branches, making it appear as though he's holding them up with all his might. Garna continues to carry the tree trunk, his massive body hunched slightly under the weight, supporting the entire tree. The image emphasizes the illusion, with Garerit giving a subtle smirk as he realizes how easily he's tricking Garna into thinking he's helping. The giant is unaware of how the tailor has turned the situation to his advantage.

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "You're good at this!"

SB (Garerit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "Been doing this type of thing for most of my life."

(Ch5 Pg8 Panel 2 - Full-Width Panel)

Garna walks as he continues carrying the tree trunk, now with a more relaxed and confident stance, while Garerit leans back and enjoys the sway of the branches. The background should depict the wide open forest, with mountains looming in the distance, showing that their journey is far from over. The image conveys a sense of manipulation and trickery, with each using their strengths in the way that best suits them.

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "You have!"

SB (Garerit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "The road ahead is long, Garna. We'll need to quicken the pace if we want to make it before nightfall!"

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "Right."

(Ch5 Pg8 Panel 3 - Close-Up Panel)

Garerit's face shows his satisfied grin as he glances over at Garna from the far end of the tree. His eyes twinkle with amusement as he realizes how successful his plan is. The playful aspect of his personality comes through here, as he's enjoying the wit-based victory. He's using his small wit to manipulate the situation, and the panel highlights that Garerit knows he's in control, even if Garna doesn't fully realize it yet.

SB (Garerit - Thought Bubble): "He has no idea. This is going perfectly." "We're doing so well at this pace we just might make it before sundown."

(Ch5 Pg8 Panel 4 - Close-Up Panel)

Garerit's satisfied grin as he rides the tree, looking ahead. His face is pleased with his success, and there's a twinkle in his eye, signifying his awareness of the illusion he's created. This small moment emphasizes how Garerit can outsmart the giant while maintaining a sense of humor and confidence in the situation. There's a playful element to Garerit's character here, and this panel highlights the ongoing theme of wits over brute strength.

SB (Garerit - Thought Bubble): "Let's see how long it takes him to realize he's carrying me."

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "You're doing great, better than expected."

(Ch5 Pg8 Panel 5 - Wide Panel)

In this wide panel, Garerit and Garna continue along the road with the tree. The illusion of Garerit holding up the branches remains intact, and the two of them make their way through the forest. The size contrast is evident again, with Garerit small on the tree, while Garna carries the trunk. This panel shows them moving toward the next stage of their journey, and it visually reinforces the teamwork and misunderstanding between the two characters.

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "Let's keep going. We're almost there."

SB (Garerit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "Right, I'm bearly tired at all."

Hey Stage 32 Family! I hope your week is going smoothly!

As I near the end of my 3rd pass of my debut psychological thriller screenplay, "Confidence," I’m starting to seriously consider pitching. (I’ve never pitched outside of undergrad and grad school, so this is all new territory, lol) I wanted to bring some questions to the community for insight, especially regarding the difficult jump to bringing your words to life when you're solely a screenwriter and don't yet have connections with filmmakers or producers.

I’d love to hear from writers and creators who have successfully made this jump. Any insight, personal experience, or resources you can share would be extremely helpful!

Q1: Pitch Readiness and Approach:

- How do you know when your script is truly "pitch-ready"? Is it about a certain level of contest placement, professional coverage scores, or something else entirely?

- What are your preferred pitching approaches? Do you lean heavily on verbal pitches (e.g., networking events), written loglines/one-sheets, or paid pitching opportunities (like hosting services or pitch festivals)?

Q2: Getting the Work Made When You're Solely a Screenwriter:

- If you are solely a screenwriter and not a filmmaker, what's the most effective strategy for bringing your work to life? Do you prioritize pitching directly to independent producers, targeting literary managers, or building "heat" through high-level screenwriting contests?

- What's the best way to find and pitch to filmmakers (directors) who are looking for their next project?

Thanks in advance for the advice! I'm looking forward to engaging and learning from your experiences.

The Writers Guild of America has joined other industry groups (SAG, theater owners, heck even the European film world) in coming out against Netflix‘s proposed blockbuster deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery‘s studios and streaming business.

The WGA warned that the $83 billion Netflix-WB deal would eliminate jobs, reduce wages — and raise prices for consumers.

“The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent,” the guild said in a statement. “The outcome would eliminate jobs, push down wages, worsen conditions for all entertainment workers, raise prices for consumers, and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers. Industry workers along with the public are already impacted by only a few powerful companies maintaining tight control over what consumers can watch on television, on streaming, and in theaters. This merger must be blocked.”

Doesn't help that the "CEOs" on both sides of this sale have come out with egregiously tone deaf statements following the announcement. Zaslav used a child's logic to infer that WB wouldn't face layoffs after merger because "Netflix doesn't have a lot." Meanwhile, Sarandos called the traditional theatrical window "outdated." Both of which were incredibly dumbfounding things to say, showing zero awareness for the realities of this move.

(https://variety.com/2025/film/news/wga-opposes-netflix-warner-bros-deal-...)