Trending Lounge Discussions

Leonardo Ramirez 2 Thanks Leonardo!! Happiest weekend to you too!!!

Juliana Philippi, it's wonderful to see your growth—two script requests from 10+ pitches shows you're connecting with industry professionals effectively. The range across drama, comedy, and thriller demonstrates versatility, though you may eventually want to establish a primary genre identity. Your dual actor-writer perspective gives you unique insight into character and performance. Keep that momentum going, and congrats on the holiday script bringing you joy during the process!Retry

Pat Alexander Thank you Pat, I really appreciate that, it is growth, learning, and just doing the thing. I love writing, and sometimes it just wants to come out! Lol. I do have a core voice though, lots of female-driven stories, genre-bending tones, and challenging plots…yet, more refinement will come: ) Indeed!

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Juliana! It’s wonderful to see you reintroduce yourself with such clarity and momentum. I’d love to invite you to join our free November Community Open House webcast. It’s a great way to deepen your connections here and meet creatives across every discipline:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

Your passion, drive, and sense of responsibility to create meaningful work come through in every line you wrote. I’m so glad you’re here, Juliana, and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you.

Ashley Renee Smith Thank you Ashley, I really appreciate your words and kindness ; )

Hi, Cyrus Sales. Hope you're doing great and you enjoyed the weekend! I was thinking about something. Turning my live-action scripts into animation/anime scripts and turning my animation scripts into live-action.

Cyrus Sales I love that name, Creative Station; it really stands out. Very versatile company, and you don’t see that kind of range very often!

Hi Cyrus. Pleased to meet you! Hope you've had a great weekend.

I have a whole universe of animated film bibles - one day I'll get around to writing them all.

If you don't mind sharing, what's one way animation is more difficult than traditional film shooting? What's one thing that is easier?

Hi, Phoenix Black. Making a master list is a great idea! I do it on a smaller scale. Thanks for the idea. Hope you get script requests, meeting requests, sell your scripts, and more! I think I saw one or two of your short films. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your films!

Phoenix Black Love that, the list method is so smart, I will keep that tip in mind!

Thanks for sharing this, Shadow — really appreciate you creating space for the community. I wasn’t able to make today’s session, but I’m planning to join the next one. Looking forward to connecting and learning more from you and everyone involved!

Laquan Copeland We also do them weekly Tuesdays 1pm. DM me here for the link if you would like to drop in then.

Live in 10 minutes! Drop in over the next hour and say hi!

Too bad I missed it. :(

Zeque Brizuela It was good to speak with people informally. We do have a weekly Tuesday drop in, 2pm Pacific.

Tuesday, November 18 · 2:00 – 3:00pm

Time zone: America/Los_Angeles

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/etf-cdxy-jpiOr dial: ‪(US) +1 407-986-7174‬ PIN: ‪106 966 557‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/etf-cdxy-jpi?pin=1591965138351

I'm joining, Geoffroy Faugerolas. I'm looking forward to this Q&A! I already have one question to ask. I'm gonna try and think of some more.

Geoffroy Faugerolas I'll be there!

whatever you come up with double it or triple it in my experience

Jon Shallit that makes a lot of sense. I’m starting to feel the same way. Even with digital platforms in the mix, it seems like it helps to build more than one path for recoupment. I guess every project needs a few different revenue angles lined up, not just one. Thanks for sharing your experience, it really helps to see how others approach it.

Serhan Yorganci Good questions. You are ideally referencing several factors rolled into one. Market valuation and production budget realities. I look at the market for a film or tv series and that informs on the budget level. The actual costs of creating the film or tv show is the critical factor as the production must be viable for the market it is aimed at.

You can position your production as digital only, or, as I do, approach the budget, finance plan and revenue model encompassing all platforms: theatrical, svod, vod, avod, etc. analyzing the valuation for the project in each market sector.

Knowing the true cost of creating a film or tv series is the most important aspect as you need to make it in the end.

I created www.FilmBudget.com Worldwide using my 30 years Major Hollywood Studio, indie film and tv knowledge as a producer, executive producer, line producer and DGA UPM (and investor and financier) to create custom, bankable, bondable film budget and schedules, film finance business plans, film tax credit analysis, and producer consulting.

You've hit on the two important factors: know your market value, know your true cost of production. Bringing those two into alignment is the key to a value proposition.

Maurice, I never knew there was a National Lampoon's Thanksgiving Family Reunion movie. My parents and I love the National Lampoon movie series! Will definitely check to see if I can find that to watch.

I will be adding THANKSGIVING to my list. Yes, I am surprised there aren't some Hallmark Thanksgiving movies. The one I watched on Thanksgiving a couple of years ago is called PILGRIM. Horror/slasher movie on Hulu. These first Thanksgiving reenactors come to a family's dinner. And welp- let's just say, it's not the turkey that gets carved.

Brittany Christine Hello!! OMG how long have you got, lol: "Home for the Holidays", early Robert Downy JR; "Miracle on 34th Street", classic Thanksgiving Day Parade; "It's a Wonderful Life", tears; "a funny one, "Holiday in Handcuffs", if you can find it, with Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez, hilarious! ; "The Family Man", with Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni, it's fantastic. So, so many more, but these are great finds. Hope it helps, and have a blast with your friends!

Juliana Philippi It's been super long since I've seen Home for the Holidays that I don't remember it anymore so that's the perfect time to watch again! & I love Melissa & Mario have never heard of Holiday in Handcuffs so look forward to checking it out! Just looked up the Family Man trailer and it looks so good too- it's gettin watched, thank you for these!

My Thanksgiving Film lineup while we cook always includes: Stuck in Love, Son in Law, Addams Family Values, Chicken Run, and if we have time for a dark comedy- The Oath.

Maurice Vaughan another good idea!! I' am gonna give that some thought.

Darrell Pennington, Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! I love that you’re taking a pause from a long career to travel and research. That kind of intentional creative reset often sparks the strongest, most grounded storytelling.

Dixie Dynamite sounds compelling! Taking a creative pause to research deeply shows your commitment to storytelling. Let's connect and explore partnership opportunities!

Ashley Renee Smith thanks - the last 13 months have been so much more than I would have even imagined and my goodness they have FLOWN by. Head home Thursday for the Holidays and then to Latin, Central and South America for Round 2!!!

Hi Phuc Quang Vu Dao - thank you. Let's do connect! Who knows what interesting outcomes may await.

Thanks, Libby Wright. I haven't drawn in a long time. I used to love drawing cartoon characters and action heroes!

Libby Wright, Your story is extraordinary, not just because of what you survived, but because of the way you turned that journey into art, purpose, and connection for so many of us here on Stage 32. Also, obsessed with the childhood sweetheart reveals in this comment section. I met my husband in 7th grade, and we've been a couple since we were 15 also. =)

And since it’s Introduce Yourself Weekend, everyone here is also invited to our November Community Open House, a completely free webcast designed to help creatives build relationships and understand how to use Stage 32 to its fullest:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

Libby, thank you for kicking this weekend off with such heart. Your courage, humor, resilience, and joy make us all raise the bar. And now I need to think about my own life’s logline, because yours set the bar very high.

Ashley Renee Smith thank you so much for the beautiful responses you've given not only me, but so many others in the community. Your kindness and welcoming spirit are a heartbeat of this community! Also agree-- so many childhood sweethearts here- crazy!

Congrats on beating Lyme disease! You sound like you're not only surviving, but also thriving.

Thank you, Haley Mary. I think we've come a long way!

That’s great — school exercises can sometimes help you discover who you are and uncover hidden talents. Maurice Vaughan

It was the same for me. It all started as a simple school writing exercise, but it helped me realize I had this talent.

I’m always grateful to my teacher for helping me discover it.

Meriem, welcome to Stage 32! What an incredible introduction. Your passion for science fiction and storytelling with purpose absolutely shines through.

I'm particularly struck by The Disabled Puzzle. Using scientific simulations to create genuine empathy and understanding for lived experiences of disability is not just compelling storytelling...it's storytelling with social impact. That kind of project could resonate deeply with both audiences and advocacy organizations.

You've got an ambitious slate of ideas, which is wonderful. My advice as you continue developing: focus on getting one script to a professional, pitch-ready level before spreading across too many projects. Master the craft on one story, and that foundation will make every subsequent project stronger and faster to develop.

A few resources that might help you right now:

Join November Write Club (free, ongoing all month!) - It's perfect for staying accountable as you work toward your goals and learn the craft. Week 2 just dropped here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/november-write-club-week-2-insights-from-th...

FREE Webcast: From Script to Screen with Producer Ethan Erwin (Nov 19, 11am PT) - He'll break down how projects actually get made, which will be invaluable as you shape your work for the industry. Register free here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/from-script-to-screen-how-pro...

And if you ever want curated guidance on education, script services, or next steps tailored to your specific goals, email edu@stage32.com or success@stage32.com—the team can point you to exactly what you need at each stage of your journey.

Keep that momentum going, Meriem. Your ideas deserve to reach the screen, and you're already doing the work to make that happen. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Thank you very much for your encouragement Geoffroy Faugerolas

I’m truly happy that my ideas resonate this much.

I’m still learning screenwriting, and right now I’m putting all my focus on The Silent PFC War.

As for my other story, The Disabled Puzzle, here is an article about it:

The book explores a scientific plan to develop new forms of disability awareness.

It begins with Dr. Mary Alivan, a neuroscientist working in memory research, who develops a groundbreaking “Memory Helmet” with her team.

Catherine represents deafness. Her curiosity springs from her deep love of Beethoven’s music—she always wondered how he could compose such masterpieces despite being deaf.

Rozane’s experiment focuses on blindness, exploring the long-term effects of neuroplasticity through three experimental stages.

Marianna experiences the real suffering of autism through a virtual-reality simulation. She is seventeen yet feels as if she were six—her mind deceived by the early phase of the experiment.

Heidi confronts social discrimination caused by her facial disfigurement, sharing the emotional weight of living under constant judgment.

Rasha’s case offers a futuristic perspective on medical treatments for congenital disfigurement, imagining how advanced science might restore both form and dignity.

The final chapters remind readers of the profound gap between scientific experimentation and the lived realities of those with disabilities.

This book seeks to awaken compassion, critical reflection, and social transformation—a call to end bullying and build a safer, more empathetic world.

Hi Meriem Bouziani, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, and it’s wonderful to see you joining in on Introduce Yourself Weekend! I've noticed your involvement in November Write Club and the Screenwriting Lounge. I’m Ashley Renee Smith, Stage 32’s Head of Community, and I have to say, your imagination is incredible.

If you want support as you continue learning, our Education Team can help guide you toward the best classes for your goals and experience level, just email them at Edu@Stage32.com. And once you’re ready to take a project further, the Success Team is fantastic at helping writers connect with the right professionals for their work: Success@Stage32.com.

You might also really enjoy the Stage 32 Writer’s Room, it’s a welcoming place to build your skills through weekly webcasts with pros, pitch practices, and mentorship. You can try a free month here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip.

And before I forget, I’d love to invite you to join our free November Community Open House webcast:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

It’s a great way to learn how to navigate Stage 32 and start building connections.

Your determination shines through every part of your introduction, Meriem. Keep going, you’re building something special, and I can’t wait to see these worlds evolve.

Thank you very much for your encouragement Ashley Renee Smith

I’m truly happy to have found this community that supports creatives on their path. I’ve learned a great deal here, and I’m always happy to share new sci-fi worlds.

Thank you for all the resources — I’ll try to join those events to keep learning more.