My name is Rashaan Dumas and I
am an aspiring writer/director. I’ve belonged to the community for about a year now so I’m about as green as Kermit. I came here with an idea, a love for film, an observation of human beings and ZERO CLUE as to what I was doing. I figured, I’m an artist, I’m likable all I need is an idea,…… yea I’m an idiot. I couldn’t tell you how bad the first pitch was ( also did I mentioning didn’t have a script). The feedback was so harsh it was comical and honestly deservingly so. I did/do have a great idea but that’s all it was, an idea and I had given it one of the worst used car sales spit shines ever. By this time other ideas started formulating and as I become passionate about something I need to understand it, I need to know how to move in its world how to speak its language. So I took a seminar with the writers of the handmade tale, awesome (strongly recommend if you haven’t taken it) but they were using verbiage I wasn’t familiar with. So I googled all the terms I didn’t understand, got a bunch of books, took more seminars and got to writing. I will say, in the year I’ve belonged to this community, I’ve followed along with all of the success stories. I am in awe of the opportunities this platform provides. I WILL win an Oscar one day, as work ethic is one of the things I learned on the path to becoming a professional athlete. The other thing you learn as an athlete is that networking and building relationships are essential to your career…. I’m going to venture to say this plays a part in this world as well. That said, In the least-creepiest way of saying this…. WHO WANTS TO BE FRIENDS?
3 people like this
Hi Rashaan Dumas! Thanks for sharing! I LOVE the webinar you mentioned, SUCH an incredible wealth of information. I'll link to it for those who haven't checked it out. Also, you can always shoot me an email at success@stage32.com with any questions you have, or ask for pitch resources, and either myself or someone on my team can help guide you through the platform. But for now, I would love to know what you're working..??
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944912171315&affid=ejlounge
3 people like this
Hi Rashaan Dumas - it’s great to meet you here in the community! So glad you got a lot out of your Webinar with Nina & John!
I’m the Director of Education here at Stage 32. If I can ever recommend any of our education for you or be of any help on your Stage 32 journey please reach out to me directly at edu@stage32.com.
Playing basketball saved my life a long time ago. What sports did/do you play?
2 people like this
Sam thank you, I will definitely take you up on that. I played football and much like you the game saved me. My dedication to the game kept me from high school parties or hanging out as frequent where fights broke out, shootings or friends getting into trouble. I would stay in digesting movies with a scooby appetite, everything from Bugsy Malone to Full Metal Jacket and everything in between.
1 person likes this
Emily J thanks Em, I’ll definitely be taking you up on that offer as well. Currently I’m finishing a feature called R.E.M., it’s a thriller about a woman exacting revenge on the people who covered up her mothers murder. I plan on submitting the script to the female driven contest. I’m working on a series about growing up in my neighborhood in New Jersey during the late 80’s early 90’s called Roselle. I’m working on a feature for a friend who is a rapper called “Local” which we will be shooting ourselves. Local looks at juggling 3 worlds, fatherhood, being an artist and drug dealing. Lastly I created a short called Matthew 7 about an unknowing bigot who dies and is forced to share a soul with a teenaged African-American female. I had a few people read it and have decided to turn it into a series. Soooooooo, all in all kinda busy.
1 person likes this
Welcome Rashaan! We are all green at some point but "blossom" into productive movie professionals. Keep at it.
1 person likes this
Welcome Rashaan! I loved reading about your hard work, your dedication, and your big goals! Continue to chase after them and work towards them!
1 person likes this
PS: I'll be screenwriting friends!
1 person likes this
Welcome to the cookout!
1 person likes this
Mary Helen Norris thank you
Sheldon Kaplan
2 people like this
Fran Harris thanks Fran……I brought my own potato salad and Mac N Cheese…. can’t be too careful now a days.
2 people like this
Welcome :)
2 people like this
Rashaan Dumas networking begins here, Rashaan, with the best community in the business.