What I’ve Learned About Screenwriting From Stage 32!

I started screenwriting and joined Stage32 in 2016 when I read a statistic that only one out of 3,000 feature scripts are made into a movie. My response was, “I’ll just write 3,000 scripts.” I’ve received great feedback and encouragement from RB and the Stage 32 community. I want to share my three most important lessons after almost eight years into this new chapter in my life after a career as a scientist.

1) Just Keep Writing

I’ve completed 90 scripts to date. I try to write compelling, contained stories with underrepresented lead characters across genres and budgets. I try to imagine a huge return on investment and stories that get people talking after the film. I post almost all my loglines, synopses, and scripts on Stage 32. I don’t post the 6-8 confidential scripts for specific producers until I get permission.

After I completed and posted 30 scripts (2018), I was contacted by a Literary Manager who wanted to represent me. Having representation and a “portfolio” of scripts posted on Stage 32 helped me attract more “invaluable connections” as a screenwriter.

Meanwhile, I kept writing, “advertising” on social media, and sending out over 1,000 query letters per year. Over the past 7.5 years, I’ve sent out about 8,000 query letters and received about 155 script requests. That’s about a 98% rejection rate. I learned from them and kept moving ahead.

I’ve had co-authors on a dozen scripts. I learned a lot from them, but I mostly work alone because I enjoy the creative process of a storyteller. I also “advertise” 1-page pitches on LinkedIn to get my name out there. If I get many “post impressions” on the 1-pager, I post the pitch deck. Now, I’m fortunate to have several producers approach me directly for specific scripts. 

Those requests resulted in 19 option agreements, but this includes scripts that were optioned more than once after the options lapsed. I have only 3 options in 2024, but I expect two more by the end of the year. Meanwhile, I keep writing.

One of those scripts, “Twisted Vines” was produced and distributed in 2023. Another script, “Santa’s Chair,” has completed filming and may be distributed by Christmas. A third script is in pre-production.

2) It’s Not About Quantity, It’s About Quality.

My first produced script won many awards, including two awards for writing for “Best Original Story” and “Best Narrative Feature.” The Producer added Corinne Sbeih as a second writer, and she polished my original script perfectly. I learned to be grateful for advice.

I have a second script in post-production, “Santa’s Chair,” which should be out by Christmas. A third script, “Life is a Gatsby,” is in pre-production.

Two producers have called on me to write them scripts, contingent on getting detailed “script coverage.” I got great reviews from both scripts, and I learned a lot more in the process.

I’ve been a “finalist” in one out of three script contests and a quarterfinalist in another. I don’t enter contests or seek coverage often.

3) Make Connections & Remain Optimistic

In summary, I’m beating the odds with 3 of my first 90 scripts being produced. So, I keep writing.

RB at Stage 32 always says “Talent takes you so far. Your connections take you over the top.”

I’m just getting started and the best is yet to come.

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