Introduce Yourself

Thanks for sharing this, Shadow — really appreciate you creating space for the community. I wasn’t able to make today’s session, but I’m planning to join the next one. Looking forward to connecting and learning more from you and everyone involved!

Laquan Copeland We also do them weekly Tuesdays 1pm. DM me here for the link if you would like to drop in then.

Live in 10 minutes! Drop in over the next hour and say hi!

Too bad I missed it. :(

Zeque Brizuela It was good to speak with people informally. We do have a weekly Tuesday drop in, 2pm Pacific.

Tuesday, November 18 · 2:00 – 3:00pm

Time zone: America/Los_Angeles

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/etf-cdxy-jpiOr dial: ‪(US) +1 407-986-7174‬ PIN: ‪106 966 557‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/etf-cdxy-jpi?pin=1591965138351

Hi Jim Ramsay, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! I’m Ashley Renee Smith, Head of Community here at Stage 32. It’s great to meet you, and I love the way you describe the bridge between architecture and writing. That idea of designing something that doesn’t exist yet, then guiding it into reality, maps beautifully onto screenwriting. No wonder your stories have found traction, finals placements and two optioned projects is a fantastic track record.

Because you’re navigating optioned work and pitching, our Success Team (Success@Stage32.com) can help point you toward curated resources and the professionals who best align with the kinds of projects you’re developing. And if you ever want guidance on strengthening decks, development workflow, or industry strategy, the Education Team (Edu@Stage32.com) can recommend classes from our 3,000+ hours of education tailored to your goals.

If you’d like to explore the Writer’s Room, we offer writers a free month here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip. It’s a great space to expand your network, get feedback, and refine your pitch materials.

And before I forget, I’d love to invite you to our completely free November Community Open House webcast. It’s a fantastic event for connecting, asking questions, and learning how to get the most out of Stage 32:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

Looking forward to seeing more of your work around the community and learning how your architect’s eye continues to shape your stories.

Adelaide, I can send you the pitch deck. jim

Hey Jim, I welcome it and your availability now that we're connected via email...

Adelaide, I don’t have your email address. Jim

Check your email. Just replied again. You were heading to go see Land Man yesterday. And I was waiting to hear a time this week when we can chat. Remember? Let me know if you still don't see it Here's mine again breathe@relocatemom.com

Hi, Cyrus Sales. Hope you're doing great and you enjoyed the weekend! I was thinking about something. Turning my live-action scripts into animation/anime scripts and turning my animation scripts into live-action.

Cyrus Sales I love that name, Creative Station; it really stands out. Very versatile company, and you don’t see that kind of range very often!

Hi Cyrus. Pleased to meet you! Hope you've had a great weekend.

I have a whole universe of animated film bibles - one day I'll get around to writing them all.

If you don't mind sharing, what's one way animation is more difficult than traditional film shooting? What's one thing that is easier?

Hi Brandy Camille! Thank you, it’s wonderful to work with you too

Fall colors like orange and gold sound gorgeous, and it’s so special that they were your mother’s favorite. Tulips are beautiful, though here in the Philippines they’re quite pricey since they’re usually imported from the Netherlands. One of my personal favorites is two-toned carnations. Flower arranging has been such a fun way to express creativity and unwind, and I’m glad you enjoy it too!

Sam Rivera Mabuti! Kumusta ka? I’m glad to hear from you and hope you’re doing well.

I’m always happy to help whenever I can. I also remember you mentioned having relatives here in the Philippines, I hope we get the chance to meet in person someday soon! :)

Hi, Cyrus Sales! Thank you so much, I appreciate that. I’m sorry to hear about the allergies, that can definitely make gardening a challenge. If you still want to enjoy flowers, you might like dried arrangements or artificial flowers made from materials like silk, latex, polyester, or foam. They look surprisingly realistic and are a great way to bring some beauty indoors without the allergies.

And to answer your question, the transition has been great. I love working with the Education Team just as much as I loved working with the Development Services Team.

Hi James! It's nice to meet you. Hope you've had a great weekend!

James Lagrimas, Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! You’ve been such a huge part of making everything behind the scenes run smoothly, and everyone who’s taken a Stage 32 class lately has absolutely felt the care and dedication you bring to every single session. We’re incredibly lucky to have you on the Education Team.

And I love that you’re diving into flower arranging! What a fun and beautiful creative outlet!

Pat Alexander thank you! Fingers crossed something will get adapted, you never know!

Hi Alex! Congratulations on all your success with THE HARVEST! That's such an achievement. Have a great IYW and make all those connections!

Elle Bolan thank you!

Hi Alex Hunter happy Introduce Yourself Weekend and great to see you again!

I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32. I’m always excited when you pop up in the lounges, and I love seeing how your body of work continues to grow. The Harvest becoming an Amazon bestseller and a Page Turner finalist is such an incredible milestone.

If you’re looking to meet more filmmakers, writers, or producers who appreciate the same tone of horror you’re crafting, the Authoring & Playwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/playwriting), Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), and Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing) are perfect places to share updates and join conversations. Your perspective as a published author moving deeper into screen adaptation would be incredibly valuable there.

And if you’re exploring ways to position your stories for film or TV, the Success Team can help you navigate next steps and connect with the right professionals (Success@Stage32.com).

You’re also warmly invited to join our free Community Open House webcast, it’s a great way to strengthen your network and make sure you’re getting the most out of the platform:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

So glad you’re here, Alex. Keep us posted on the path to publication for the new books!

Ashley Renee Smith thank you so much!

I'm deep in the weeds of 'Ash' a very gothic period piece of subtly supernatural drama right now and can see the movie in my head as I write! It's a lot of fun.

Xochi Blymyer I hope we get to talk soon, though you're on set most days!

Thanks for sharing this, Xochi — love getting a glimpse into the energy at Warner Bros, especially on a rainy day. Huge congrats on wrapping up four seasons on All American, that’s such a powerful run and a testament to your craft. Your mindset about continuing to write, pitch, and stay open to new opportunities is really inspiring. Wishing you an amazing creative weekend as well, and looking forward to seeing what incredible projects you take on next!

Xochi Blymyer, I always smile when I see your posts, you bring such warmth and grounded optimism to this community.

What a beautiful snapshot of life on the lot. There’s something so poetic about a rare rainy day at Warner Bros while the stages stay busy and alive. It really does remind all of us that creative momentum can still thrive even when the industry feels quiet from the outside.

Congratulations on wrapping All American; that’s an incredible chapter to have been part of. And you’re right, the magic of this field is that the next opportunity often appears right when you’re not looking for it. In the meantime, your commitment to writing and pitching is exactly what keeps the door open.

Hope you;re having a cozy, creative weekend, and I can’t wait to keep cheering you on into whatever comes next.

Best wishes, Xochi Blymyer !

You're amazing!

Thank you very much for your help and for the time you give to the community.

Hi Sam and thank you so much for your contributions to this awesome community. It's been great to meet you over this weekend!

Sam Sokolow, happy IYW! It’s always such a joy to see your posts. Getting to work alongside you has been one of the highlights of my time here. Anyone who reaches out to Certification@Stage32.com is in the very best hands.

Grateful to be on this team with you and looking forward to more big things ahead!

Hi Lauren Hackney - thank you so much for the kind words. It's great to see you here on IYW! I guess my ultimate goal is to have a positive effect on people and hope that the work we do here at Stage 32 and any work I do on films and TV shows is a meaningful part of the creative and professional journey of everyone involved. We cannot always predict the results - like how an audience responds to a film - but we can execute in a positive way that uplifts and we can always be learning and honing our crafts. What are you working on these days that you're exicted about?

Sam Sokolow I'm excited about the journey as a whole - it can take you anywhere! I started writing children's books in the beginning and my journey has completely changed. So I'm taking the red pill and seeing what happens! :)

I clicked on your link to check out your art Stephanie Hoover and loved it! I love your description of your morning scene - my favorite time of day.

Hi Stephanie Hoover, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and it’s so wonderful to meet you.

Your post radiates peace and purpose. That image of starting your day with coffee, pets who absolutely are human in their own way, and a quiet studio full of color is such a beautiful contrast to the nonstop pace of a decades-long research and consulting career. It’s inspiring to see someone embrace a new creative chapter with so much intention.

Your California series sounds gorgeous, those Joshua Trees and Gold Country hills have a way of getting under your skin and staying there. We have a totally free Community Open House webcast you’re invited to. It’s a great way to meet people, ask questions, and learn how to navigate Stage 32 like a pro:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

Looking forward to seeing more of your work and getting to know you as you dive into this art-forward chapter.

Hey Stephanie Hoover lovely to meet you . I also talk to my cats . May you be happy , may you be safe , may you be well.

Thank you so, so much Leonardo, Ashley and Marie. I can't tell you how it soothes my soul to receive such positive feedback and encouragement. This is definitely not your grandfather's social media, to paraphrase the old car ad. My very best wishes to everyone who has taken the time to like or comment. Just wonderful!

You are very welcome Stephanie Hoover. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Marcia McNair - this is such great news to hear! I'm an audio guy but gave it a swing at screenwriting last year. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to give advice. Look forward to hearing more from you!

Hi, Marcia McNair. Glad to hear you've met a lot of helpful people through through Stage 32 and they've been instrumental in helping you revise your scripts! Congratulations on your scripts getting selected at the festivals!

Hi Marcia McNair! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32. I’m so glad to hear you’ve found value and connection on the platform, that truly means the world.

You’re absolutely right—connections are everything, and your willingness to reach out and collaborate is exactly what makes this community thrive. If you haven’t already, I’d love to see you share more in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) or the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), where more creatives can discover and engage with you.

Also, we’re running our July Filmmakers Club right now, and this week’s challenge is all about pitching your project with confidence. You can join in and be eligible to win a free Stage 32 contest entry! Details here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-4-lets-talk-about...

Excited to follow your journey and cheering you on every step of the way!

Good to meet you, Maria. Congratulations! on your accomplishments.

Karlyle Tomms nice to meet you. I just took a peek at your profile and your background is super interesting! I can only imagine how having worked in mental health gave you insight and depth into characters. Combined with your experience of being bullied as a gay man in the Ozarks. What would you say is the quality that is most important in writing and winning awards?

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Karlyle Tomms! Love to see you jumping back in to make more connections!

Winning awards with your screenplays is impressive! Your diverse storytelling shows depth!

Amanda Toney. Thank you. I'll check it out.

Alexandra Stevens. We have a lot in common when it comes to insight into personalities and character development. Winning awards was a surprise to me, especially as a first-time writer. I entered the first one with my agent's encouragement, and when the first draft, still somewhat of a sloppy screenplay, placed as a quarter-finalist, I thought, I may have something here. So, I entered more competitions and kept writing. What is the quality most important in writing? I don't know. I didn't think I could write screenplays because I'm so verbose, and that works well for a novelist, but I am learning to get a point across with far fewer words for a screenplay and to emphasize the visuals. Now, I'm really enjoying screenwriting.

Thank you Amanda Toney i will look into it

Hi Nicholas P, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! I’m Ashley, Stage 32’s Head of Community, it’s great to meet you.

I really appreciate what you said about finding inner strength and putting it into words. That’s such an honest and powerful way to approach writing, and monologues are a fantastic place to practice that kind of emotional clarity. They force you to dig deep, choose precise language, and let a character reveal themselves without hiding behind action. You’re absolutely on the right path.

If you want to keep learning and building your craft, you’ll find some great conversations waiting for you in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). The Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) is also a great space to explore how performers approach monologues from the other side, it can really strengthen your writing.

Since you mentioned you’re still learning, our Education Team can help point you toward the best classes and webinars for your goals (Edu@Stage32.com). And if you want to explore a full free month inside the Writer’s Room, with weekly pitch practice, live Zooms with working pros, peer support, and craft deep-dives, you can jump in here with a free month: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

And I’d love to have you join us for this month’s Community Open House, it’s a completely free webcast designed to help you make connections and navigate Stage 32 like a pro:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

Keep going, Nicholas. You’re not alone in this and you’re in the right place to keep getting stronger.

Thank you Ashley Renee Smith

Hi Nicholas. I don't write monologues a lot in my stories, but I did write a monologue in to a script once as part of a writing challenge I did a couple summers ago. I haven't done many monologues since taking drama classes in high school when teachers would give the class monologues to perform and sometimes we were able to write our own. They would give us a sentence as a prompt and then we would write the rest. All the best of luck with your monologues!

Yes my monologue came out well. Giving her the chance to speak to a couple of high school jocks about her brother. Having thoughts of how he is going to win in the end. It all starts with the jocks trying to hit on her. That’s where it went Haley Mary

Hey Jack Binder I also had no idea Adam Sandler had done more dramatic roles , Reign over me looks incredible . Impressive credits , particularly First Reformed , Tomorrow and Eating our way to extinction.

Marie Hatten Thank you. Yes, Adam was outstanding in our film, and extremely dedicated to getting it right emotionally, which he nailed.

Hello Jack Binder,

Have a great day, and nice to meet you.

Reign Over Me is just as a gut punch performance from Adam Sandler as Uncut Gems in my opinion. Career pinnacle or very close for me.

Jack Binder - nice to see you again! We had the opportunity to get connected last introduction week I believe. Learned about www.FilmBudget.com - hope all is well on your end!