Trending Lounge Discussions

Creator-focused features and interactive options, Ashley Renee Smith.

Weird. But I've become so skilled at fast-forwarding and rewinding... lol. Innovations: I'd like Peacock to finally get their act together and allow you to remove things from Continue Watching, and I'd like all streamers to add more new things to watch each month like they used to... You can literally see them trade the same films to one another, or themselves, over and over now. Does anyone else remember how awesome HBO MAX was when it first started? They had a lot going on in there. Besides that, I think they work fine as is.

where can the contest page be located?

Here's the link, Abram Christian: www.stage32.com/happy-writers/contests/Stage-32-%20-Pathfinder-Film-and-...

Thank you

You're welcome, Abram Christian.

My favorite director has always been S. S. Rajamouli. If I ever had the chance, I would love to collaborate with him someday—even though, as a small writer like me, I know it’s almost impossible.

Still, his work inspires me endlessly, and I’m truly excited for his upcoming film Vaanaraashi.

First of all, in this life, nothing is impossible.

Second, what does it even mean to be a “small” writer? There’s no such thing as a small screenwriter. Every screenwriter is a huge, unique personality.

If you want to work with your favorite director, you just need to take action. Understand that, start creating, and the opportunity will come. You will meet the people you admire—just keep moving forward.

Who did the artwork for the poster you used? I need an artist to collaborate on a graphic novel?

You won’t believe it, GPT-Chat…

Hey, Aleksandr Rozhnov. Jordan Peele. He's a master of storytelling and symbolism.

I have considered that question quite a bit. My passion project - Dixie Dynamite - is something that I have worked on for so long and have such specific ideas about that it would be difficult to not be part of the writing team if it ever got into production but I want my works to be appreciated by others as well so there is a trade off. If I was dreaming I would think that I have a project that generates positive feedback and generates additional interest in other projects and perhaps I am afforded more opportunities on those future projects.

No, I didn’t work with anyone. I wanted to, because I still struggle with English and I didn’t have good expertise in script structure. Then I realized it’s better to try it myself, so I keep developing the idea. And honestly, it feels so chaotic that I’m the only one who can manage it.

I've wondered about this too. I think both being completely hands-off or me only would bother me, so maybe co-write with someone

To turn your novel into a movie, it is first necessary to rewrite it as a short story, since all screen plays (unless you can do a long epic or a series -- count yourself lucky if that's your lot!) are short stories. Knowing what to leave out is tough while writing the novel. It's tougher while reducing your novel to a short story. For most writers, if attempted too soon, it is the writer's version of Sophie's Choice.

But something being difficult should never be a reason to not try. Go for it. Then get an honest 2nd and 3rd opinion and try again. Attempting the impossible is what enables us to discover our inner boundaries.

I have and am adapting my own books for TV and features, but have also adapted the books of others, and have worked on many screenplays by others. It is wonderfully rewarding, but be warned, occasionally the relationship can shatter - especially if somebody gets very precious about it. Second Rule of Write Club - In your adaptations be prepared to kill your babies, or somebody else's, when necessary, whether they be characters or scenarios.

I’ve been using it for two reasons: to guide me with the script structure and to correct my English. But there are a lot of copyright concerns with that, so I decided to start from scratch on my own. After that, I’ll look for a correction service.

I think it’s great if you have a detailed outline, scene by scene.

That’s what I was doing — I developed the outline with micro-scenes and sent each part to ChatGPT O3 to generate the section with dialogue and short description.

It’s truly a great tool; the problem is all about the copyright issues.

I think it’s absolutely worth trying. When I urgently need to know about a 1951 Sweden–New York ship, what Botswana smells like, or what a physicist could secretly do in a closed city, ChatGPT or Claude are indispensable. If your story has been around for a year, AI can help you polish it into the fifth draft in just a week—and then you’ll be ready to start a new one! Also, as Meriem Bouziani said, when English isn’t your first language, AI is invaluable. It can give you fresh ideas and unexpected angles you might not have thought of.

It seems to be unable to remember what it suggested earlier IMO. Maybe I am biased. It also seems to write the same script as seen in previous movies.

For generating any actual content for my stories, absolutely not. It's mostly just an organization tool.

Some folks brainstorm with it. But content generated by AI is a big gray area and I'm not willing to risk it. I use to organize my chaos. For that, it works splendid.

Hey, Jeff Cretin. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

Stage 32's November Community Open House was last week. It'll help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry pros. The recording is up now. It's free to watch. www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community-open-ho...

I suggest using a photo of yourself as your profile picture. People will feel more comfortable networking and collaborating with you if they know what you look like. You can upload a picture by clicking the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and selecting “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu, then clicking the red button underneath your location and choosing "Update profile picture."

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...

Hi Jeff Cretin. Wishing you all the best as you start your writing journey. Keep learning, keep honing, and of course, keep writing! Here if I can ever answer any writing questions you might have. You can always private message me and I'll always try to help.

Congrats on the launch the project looks amazing!

Quick heads-up from someone who’s helped a bunch of creators here: most campaigns don’t fail because of the idea or pitch… they just never reach enough eyes.

I specialize in getting crowdfunding projects in front of the right backers fast (organic reach + targeted promo).

If you ever want a hand with visibility and marketing, just DM me.

Happy to share what’s working right now, no strings attached.

Rooting hard for you!

pls i will be happy to be in your movie

Congrats on launching the project Daniel Connell. It sounds interesting and i would like to be a part of it as a music composer. Please feel free to DM me if you want to take this further :)

If you're looking for solid advice on crowdsourcing and crowdfunding for indie films, you should definitely check out Stage 32 CEO RB's book—Crowdsourcing For Filmmakers: Indie Film & the Power of the Crowd. RB interviewed hundreds of filmmakers to break down how to effectively engage your audience, build community, and leverage the power of the crowd to get your project made.

It's packed with insights and real-world strategies that are invaluable for indie filmmakers. Highly recommend!

Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Crowdsourcing-Filmmakers-American-Market-Presents...

Hi Daniel Connell and good luck with your fundraising! It would be great if you could share some tips on raising money and what helped you the most.

That is fantastic!! Tremendous accomplishment!

You're welcome, Phua Wei En.

Phua Wei En That is so amazing and inspiring, many many many congratulations, and go go go!

congratulations to you

this is just a great accomplishment

Well done Phua Wei En - hope it leads to something even more exciting for you

That’s a good reminder for me.

I’ve had so many epiphanies across my different sci-fi worlds.

The last one, for my script The Silent PFC War, really shocked me and made me realize the idea touches the very foundations of how a civilization is built and developed.

Meriem I did some big fantasy as a kid, so I can relate to the worldbuilding epiphanies. They're so fun to get.

Great idea for a post, Spencer Magnusson. My most recent screenwriting epiphany is the Fantasy Action feature script I'm outlining needs ooze. :D

Yes Spencer Magnusson

fantasy can also have special moments of epiphany.

Good morning Nia Jones and yes I do feel the same way I print out my scripts so it’s easier to read I have support from my coworkers but at home I feel lonely because the person I want to read my script it’s not remotely interested in my work. !

Hi Nia Jones I also write alone, but it has become a habit for me. However, I would be happy to discuss films and work with like-minded people in my free time. Unfortunately, cinema isn’t very developed in my city, so I consider myself a “virtual citizen of the world.”

I find the best writer partner or "writing friend" are well written screenplays and excellent movies/shows. They teach you what you need to know and help you along the way.

The writing journey can be incredibly solitary, and that craving for a creative partner or sounding board is completely natural. This community is a great first step for finding those connections.

I definitely feel that. Most of my stuff I'll naturally work on by myself, but I know for one of my bigger projects, Karma Dealers, I definitely can benefit from at least one other co-writer (maybe two).

Excellent job on the score, Kerry Kennard! I really like it! "It's the weird sound in the middle, as well as near the end." That's my favorite sound in the score.

Thanks Maurice Vaughan !! appreciate it. It's the IBRIDO from Sonokinitics.

They have a big library of different kind of sounds !! - for different type of genres to write in.

Here's their main page:

https://www.sonokinetic.net

Well, not good enough to win yet, Maurice. I think a few others had more orchestration in some parts. This one does work well for an Indie project - still yes, ... thank you.

The Grand prize was all the Sonokinetic sounds !! plus time with Michael !!

You're welcome, Kerry Kennard. Thanks for the link!