Trending Lounge Discussions

Hans Zimmer is an incredible composer in my opinion, Amanda Toney! I talked with him way back about composing a feature film I was making. He was busy though, and I probably wouldn't have had the budget to hire him. He's a nice guy.

I prefer the old-school melodists like Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone…oh and John Barry!

Boy is this a tough question. His success is completely undeniable so I would say he, like many famous composers found his sound or niche, does that make him over rated probably not. I would say, it makes him different that attracted many director / producers to his sound, which I think is a bit more synth based in a lot of cases, not all though. He comes from a synth back ground which he carried in to the film score world. That all being said I agree with Ville Hilden I prefer the amazing melodies of, John Barry, Ennis Marricone, John Williams (the theme master in my option), Dimitri Tiomkin, Eric Korngold...

So I would say, he's not over rated just different, and different in some ways that make him unpopular with a traditionalist composer for sure.

I have always loved his scores...

I've used some of the production features in Final Draft 12 to turn spec scripts into shooting scripts for a producer-director, Sebastian Tudores.

ah - that's a very good call on the FD prod features Maurice Vaughan . thank you.

Sebastian Tudores I use different apps depending on the production/project, and what it has to offer that specific project. However, one of the production management principles I follow is never, ever to rely on any centralized app, and never, ever to use open-ended communication apps like Slack in this industry. The reasons are too many for this comment.

You're welcome, Sebastian Tudores. I'll check out Causality. Thanks.

great advice Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg on both issues - it's appreciated. My mind went straight to Cloudflare being down yesterday (and so many other instances) and re Slack-like comms... well, let's ask the National Security Council members about that one lol cheers

Nice to meet you Fatima

Hi, Fatima Abdolhamid. You could post about your books on your profile. Producers search profiles for projects. That and networking are how I sold four short scripts to a producer. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Loglines” and click “Add/edit loglines” to the right of “Loglines.” You can also post about your books on your profile this way: www.stage32.com/loglines (near the top where it says “Add a Logline”)

Something I do to pitch my scripts is post pages in Stage 32's Your Stage Lounge, on Twitter/X, and on Instagram, like First Page Friday, Third Page Thursday, and Sneak Peek Sunday. I post loglines and script posters with the pages. And sometimes I post short pitches (like two-word pitches and three-word pitches) on social media. You could do the same things for your books.

And it's Stage 32's November Write Club. It can help you reach a goal(s), it's a chance to connect with writers, directors, producers, etc., and you can get support for your goal and projects. Week 3's blog came out Monday. There's three prizes you could win this week! www.stage32.com/blog/november-write-club-week-3-how-to-make-a-strong-fir...

What a great Q&A Ashley Renee Smith, Geoff. Ethan - thank you so much for spending an hour with us. Really enjoyed it!

Thank you everyone for joining! Great questions. Looking forward to hosting another soon. Let me know here if there's anyone else or another industry persona you'd love to hear from.

Must-watch webcast for writers, producers, directors, actors, and more! Thanks again, Stage 32, Ethan, Geoff, and Ashley Renee Smith!

Thank you Ethan and Stage 32! What advice would you have for a multi-hyphenate; Writer-Actor-Brand New Film producer? What is a good starting point once you have a script? Would you recommend finding a producer to work with initially? Or a director, ect...?

This was pretty cool

Hey, Raveness Thorne. You could also make a post on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs).

Yeah Raveness, I would be interested in working/mentoring you being that I have a full Black series myself & am looking for other writers to build with! Here are my numbers 240 486 7754 267 487 5100 Leon....when & where do u want to meet..Im located in the DMV area rn!

Yeah, I haven't thought about her backstory too much yet. Haven't even decided what nationality she's going to be. Once I do, something may suggest itself, though honestly, I'm not a huge advocate of detailed backstory. I usually just want to give enough information to show what brought the character to the particular point in time where story takes place.

Look Tim, does it really matter what other people think? You're writing this so it's your world. The only question you really have to ask is did I give my character the ability to get her herself out of the mess she finds herself in and what does she need as far as knowledge and skills to believably make her self-reliant. Is she witty? Does she think fast on her feet? Does she have a talent for noticing her environment and adapting what's there to aid her should she find herself in peril? And if you must have some kind of backstory, please try and find something original. I am so sick and tired of the ex-marine or the ex-FBI agent or the ex-CIA agent. Maybe she's just an ex-wife that picked up martial arts for exercise and found it be a body positive experience. Just be original. Maybe she was an ex- female baseball player that left the sport to become a Muslim bride but when she was accused of cheating and was being stoned in a public honor killing, she picked up the rocks and threw beanballs at her attackers killing them all and pitching a perfect game. Now I don't think any writer would have the balls to write a scenario like that except me, but you catch my drift. Just don't think outside of the box, kick the box as far away from you as possible. Studios, directors, and producers will always change everything anyway. Just write like the wind and get it done.

I actually have a bit of a reputation for writing pretty good women characters, but there is something missing in this one that I can't quite put my finger on. So, I thought I would pose the question to the actresses out there to see what traits attracted them to roles, in the hope it might inspire a new perspective I hadn't considered. The next step will be to go back and look at some of the classic noirs like Chinatown, and Double Indemnity, and Body Heat to see how those writers handled the question of attraction and danger but, hopefully, finding a slightly different lens to filter it through,

Tim Morell yes I would want to know what led her to where she is. Also, how she handles/views giving 'favours'. By that I mean what is the story she tells herself about why she does it. I would also want to know her hopes and dreams. As well as about her childhood and how it influenced her to feel disempowered up until that point. Can't wait to hear more at some point.

Does the character have any phobias? How does it affect how she interacts with the people in her life? Does she have pets? Is she more of a cat person or a dog person? Does she not have pets at all? Does she have a phobia of cats or dogs due to being attacked by one in her childhood? Also, what was her childhood like, her time in school? Was she bullied? Being bullied might give her ptsd and affect her trust in people later in life. Just throwing ideas out there. Overall, it's your decision how to write the character.

I just started writing a holiday screenplay myself, and would love to swap and give each other feedback if you're willing

If you're writing in acts, you already have an idea of where you want to go. If your deadline is late December, then it's not for this year so don't wait for other's opinions. Just write it out. With all the titles you have listed in your credits, you are more likely far more qualified to judge your own work. As a writer, you should know that you write for yourself and hope that you can build a fan base off of your inspired creative thoughts. Just go for it. On other sites for producers looking for screenplays, I only submit the first 10-30 pages for them to judge if they want to read the rest, but the work is finished. I think you're already on the right track, just remember that what you finish with should be something that audiences will want to revisit every year. A one and done viewing of a film is a failure. Make it memorable and make it part of a family tradition and you'll be fine.

I'll read it and let you know what I think. I do a good amount of this and the people whose works I read usually compliment my comments. Let me know if you want me to read it and I'll send my e-mail address where you can send it.

Looking for Management or Producing Partner – Original Sci-Fi Series: THE PHOENIX

Hello Stage 32 community!

I’m seeking representation or a producing partner for my original series THE PHOENIX, a

mythic sci-fi drama that explores humanity’s lost history and the legends written in our DNA.

Materials completed:

Pilot Script

50-Page Show Bible

Full Pitch Deck

Storyboards + Music Direction

Season One Draft (with arcs through Season Four)

The Phoenix is built for HBO-level storytelling — cinematic, character-driven, and deeply

mythological.

If you manage or produce genre content and love stories with scale, mystery, and heart, I’d love

to connect.

Ilanna: Send it to lenilevi@comcast.net

Oh, you might laugh at this — but it’s 100% true! :D

While writing my novel, I was listening to music from a well-known artist. Since my main character is also a musician, I had this wild idea: why not reach out and ask if he’d like to make a cameo someday? Not as a lead, of course — more like how Ed Sheeran appeared in Yesterday or Bridget Jones.

With no direct contact, I ended up emailing his media team and pitched the idea. I even explained how everyone would win:

it would be a guaranteed hit,

and if studios saw his name attached, I wouldn’t even need to shop the script — they’d come straight to me! :D

They haven’t replied (yet), but I’m proud I tried. Honestly, I’d give a kidney for someone to notice Grace and Mason’s story. :D

I love your passion @sanna and its stories like this that make me want to see stories come to life. It's how they are created. How they are presented. That little seed of awakening like yours did through song. Keep me posted on this one and in the mean time i pray for success for you. Would be good to read about this in the success stories lounge!

Lauren Hackney boarder Collie lol , I love your enthusiasm. The creative decision I made was not to ignore an idea ( that wouldn’t be ignored ) even though it meant starting from scratch on my feature . The bold move I’m yet to make but I think choosing to believe and choosing to write is one that I’ll never stop needing to do .

Brilliant and brave Darrell

That’s incredible Mone’t

James Lagrimas This is really good information!

James Lagrimas are these classes available as replays?

CONGRATULATIONS!

Best of luck!!!

This is AMAZING Cameron! Please keep us up to date on developments!

Success! Love to hear this! Asked for an add!

Cameron, thanks so DOGGONE much for the great news! Here's to plenty of success!

You're welcome, Tayyab Jajjvi. Hear Me First is a unique concept! I think it could be a hit. You could post the bible on your profile. Producers search profiles for projects. That and networking are how I sold four short scripts to a producer. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Loglines” and click “Add/edit loglines” to the right of “Loglines.” You can also post the bible on your profile this way: www.stage32.com/loglines (near the top where it says “Add a Logline”)

You could also post the sizzle reel on your profile if you have one. You can add them by moving your mouse over "Profile" on the bar near the top of Stage 32's home page and click "Video/Audio." You can also post the sizzle reel by moving your mouse over "Browse" on the same bar and clicking "Video."

And it's Stage 32's November Write Club. It can help you reach a goal(s), it's a chance to connect with writers, directors, producers, etc., and you can get support for your goal and projects. Week 3's blog came out Monday. There's three prizes you could win this week! www.stage32.com/blog/november-write-club-week-3-how-to-make-a-strong-fir...

Great , looking forwad to it

You're welcome, Tayyab Jajjvi. I'm a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. If you ever have any questions about Stage 32, let me or another Lounge Moderator know. We have badges on our pictures. Or you could email support@stage32.com.

Thank you so much for the welcome and the moderator tips!

You're welcome, Tayyab Jajjvi. Hope you make connections on here and sell Hear Me First!

Hi, Luciano Mello. I think "turns into a manufactured fantasy controlled by a powerful billionaire" is vague. What's the manufactured fantasy?

Thank you and you are right Maurice Vaughan "Manufactured fantasy" is her modeling carrear , I think this may sound better “A shy small-town teen’s modeling dream is taken over by a powerful billionaire who controls her rise, forcing her to confront the predatory industry behind it.”

You're welcome, Luciano Mello. I think that's a stronger logline. What's the "it" in "behind it"?