Hello everyone! I'm Dr. Michael J. McDermott — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, historian, theologian, author, and award-winning independent screenwriter. I write prestige thrillers, grounded sci-fi, faith-driven dramas, historical epics, and heartfelt holiday films. My work blends real-world experience with emotional depth, moral clarity, and cinematic storytelling.
Over the past few years, I've built a diverse slate of feature scripts, including Project G.H.O.S.T. (Honorable Mention – Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition), The Final Cry, The Savior's Journey, Echelon Rising, and A Star-Spangled Christmas. I'm currently developing producer-ready packages for several projects and actively expanding my professional network.
I joined Stage 32 to connect with filmmakers, producers, writers, and creatives who love powerful stories — especially those rooted in character, tension, and meaning. I'm always open to collaboration, conversation, and creative partnerships.
If you work in thrillers, historical projects, faith-based storytelling, or holiday films, I'd love to connect. Looking forward to meeting many of you and supporting your journeys as well!
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I've never written a holiday movie, other than a recent short, but I'm feature and TV elbows deep in the others you mention. Greetings.
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Hi, Michael McDermott! It's great to meet you. Welcome to the community. Thank you for your service.
I write Thriller scripts and Holiday scripts, and I've been thinking about writing Period Piece scripts.
Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Directors, producers, writers, executives, managers, and more. 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...
Reach out to the Success Team at success@stage32.com. Geoff and his team can help you connect with producers, executives, and more.
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Hi Michael - you're speaking my lingo. Other than holiday scripts, I write all of the above and turned one biblical epic into a 7 part graphic novel. Wishing you every success moving forward!
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Hi Michael! Thank you for your service and welcome to Stage 32! I love a good thriller so I'll be looking for updates on those!
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Hello Michael McDermott
welcome to the community.
I also enjoy writing sci-fi. I’m currently working on my first script, The Silent PFC War.