Trending Lounge Discussions

Always mention it, like it will happen. If you ask, it's easier to say, "No." It also depends on the supporting role.

You'll have to find a producer that has the power to make you play the lead. I have been working with known people in the industry that stated everything is possible, so better believe it. But it will be a hard find, so you have to have some luck.

If an actor is also funding the project, then sure, play the lead.

Also - it depends on the budget level you are after.

Hi Yan Ju Zeng - I second Lindbergh E Hollingsworth 's advice and will add yet another avenue - if the producer would do the project with other actors, do the project. make the film. have a writing credit. then continue creating whatever is possible with yourself as actor, and then the next time you pitch yourself as wanting to do both, you'll have these stronger elements with which to convince a producer to take it on. good luck! :)

Do what you want to do.

Must-read post, Peter D. Marshall! I've noticed the "slow reveal" technique in movies and shows, especially Mystery. It's one thing that makes them so incredible. Sometimes I reveal things too quickly in the first draft of a script, and sometimes I'll reveal too many things in one scene. I fix those things during rewrites.

This is really good, Peter D. Marshall thank you

Thank you very much for sharing your tips.

I have an idea that could work as a short film — The Pre-Birth Myth — but it definitely can’t fit into just one page.

Writing a one-page script is extremely challenging, so congratulations to you for accomplishing that.

You're welcome, Meriem Bouziani. Thanks. You're right. Writing a one-page script is extremely challenging. I also write commercial scripts, so it helps me write one-page scripts.

That’s great — having experience in many different kinds of writing will really help develop your career and your talent Maurice Vaughan

Thanks, David Taylor! I'll check out AUTHORS PUBLISH. Put the @ symbol, and a menu of names will show up.

Hi! I’ve already gone through some huge things in 2025 — and the year isn’t even over yet. I’m not sure how common this is, but Zero Gravity has called in the script for the first part of my story. It still feels unbelievable to even say it out loud.

I have no idea what the odds are, but I feel that in 2026, one way or another, my story will reach the person who will take it by the hand and lift it up. (Hopefully it won’t cost me a kidney.

Sanna Peth CONGRATULATIONS! That is amazing news! Well done to have a request by a reputable agent! Keep us all posted on your progress - big things are coming your way. With or without kidneys.....

great advice David Taylor I'll check that out too!

Lauren Hackney “Hi Brandon! Thank you for getting in touch. I may reach out to you again later — once my screenplay reaches a stage where I’ll need an experienced attorney like you.”

I almost never use prologues, I can count on one hand how many times I have. One of those times was for Level 99 which I felt was necessary to explain the backstory of how humanity was reduced to this small and still dwindling village so I could dive right into the actual plot. Since Level 99 is a canon spinoff of Petal, it’s heavily implied that the cataclysm of the massive galactic war happened in Petal and Level 99 is the post-apocalypse (but you don’t have to have read Petal to read Level 99).

The text scrolling over the backdrop of space before the opening scene of every Star Wars Movie is a great example of a useful prologue. I've never imagined how to prologue a script though - only books... Just sayin'

In my screenwriting process, I choose not to use prologues. Instead, I rely heavily on crafting a compelling cold opening. The cold opening serves as an essential element, as it establishes the tone of the world and introduces the characters. This method allows for a subtle approach that conceals the dramatic experience from the reader, creating intrigue and engagement from the very beginning.

Brilliant Mone't Weeks ! It sounds like you "draw them in" and keep them reading.

Thank you, Debbie!

I'd say most certainly major news rumors or not! Industrial eyebrows are now in retrospective! Public relations factors will have to be paid close attention to, as this will alert investors etc.

Generally draws all attention to scenarios before not considered.

The comments and post of course reflects international educated levels here at Stage 32!

Interesting development as Saudi Arabia pushes hard into film and television production.

And many interests there hiring and using Stage 32 Certification, Jack Binder

Amanda Toney personally, I can’t see it getting past your government’s scrutiny of an American company being owned by a Saudi entity. Unless of course there’s a kick-back!! It doesn’t seem like a very good fit. There’s also the Saudi money being tainted by restrictive social policies towards women and the link between this money source and the funding of terrorist organisations. Or is that a rabbit hole we don’t want to go down?

dont think it will pass through as it relates to being 100% Saudi owned

I'm looking forward to seeing it, Ugo Cavallo! I want to write a script for a 48h film project.

I didn't say it but I 've partecipated to the event by creating the cover for a short film ;) I'll show you... ;)

Looking forward to seeing it, Ugo Cavallo!

Badass poster.

Krista Owen Sure, Let’s make the conversation on message box.

Michael Dzurak Thank you!

Aladdin Vfx Thank you!

Just sent you a message Yusuf Bloodtasty

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

Lenny Levy hi Lenny, the safest protocol is to connect with people and then message them with your personal details.

Jay Swendris hi Jay, the site protocols are in place to stop the highjacking of other people’s posts.

You can publish your comment as a post in the Your Stage Lounge, or even create a job vacancy by following the JOB tab. Please remove your comment and follow the protocols for the site. Many thanks, Geoff

They come to me fully formed and the story makes them evolve and reveal bits of themselves that only come out in special situations.

Some of them come fully developed, and some don’t.

I usually struggle with finding strong, focused characters in the story, which makes it harder to follow.

Well one is based on my mother-in-law. Enough said. hahaha Then there's one based on my husband.... then I've made stories up with my kids and we have created those characters together... thanks for asking Kat Spencer

Lauren Hackney hahahaha

All of my characters arrive fuly formed.They just show up in my mind as if I have always known them. Has to do with my creative synesthesia.

Faith based films tend to follow certain formulas. Here’s a webinar I found useful.

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-write-and-direct-your-faith-based-feature-film

Next step is difficult to discern without more information... as in, intuitively pick someone to consult with, execute an NDA, and see what gets recommended with what you have.

Hello Marziyeh Gholampour Congratulations on developing your film idea. Next step: create a treatment and outline. I detailed these types of documents in a recent post: https://filmbudget.com/screenwriting-treatment-synopsis-outline/ or access via the main page: www.FilmBudget.com

Best of luck in your endeavors! Jack

My latest script includes some Christian ingredients. The young rich woman is deeply Christian. So in one scene she tells the scientist "Help me to spread the word of Jesus in the whole universe and I will give you the deepest French kiss you have ever had". The ironical thing is that at the end of the script, the reformed criminal gives the scientist a French kiss, and says "Hallelujah". So make your characters complex, and include some irony.

@Marziyeh Aside from all said above, I add some points. The “Meat of The Story” in the novel is key. Is there enough going on, to fill the feature film time on screen? Cut out thoughts, feelings & the usual longer exposition, then think of what will be seen in moving visual action. Often many pages in a novel, allows for little visual pace. If a novel is very light on “Plot” then even several large chapters might only be 1 - 2 minutes of screen time. Some production companies have readers to see if novels can be “adapted” for screen. Logistics count too, a well written book might cost too much to make and for that reason alone, it will not be green lit. Locations, actors & specific scenes can add millions, so it’s wise to have options available if writing for a low budget script. Emotional beats, each sequences climax, & changes in status quo count, even in fantasy with little/no conflict. Your story sounds an exciting concept, & I like the idea of the seen and unseen. Who the characters are & how the viewers relate to them is important. Also consider target audiences.