Introduce Yourself

tnx Ashley Renee Smith it nice meeting you

tnx so much Stefano Pavone

wow Rachel Mensch tnx and welcome to the club. hoping to see more

tnx Will Berend nice meeting you

tnx Mirielen Arantes I'm so happy to hear that

Maurice Vaughan another good idea!! I' am gonna give that some thought.

Darrell Pennington, Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! I love that you’re taking a pause from a long career to travel and research. That kind of intentional creative reset often sparks the strongest, most grounded storytelling.

Dixie Dynamite sounds compelling! Taking a creative pause to research deeply shows your commitment to storytelling. Let's connect and explore partnership opportunities!

Ashley Renee Smith thanks - the last 13 months have been so much more than I would have even imagined and my goodness they have FLOWN by. Head home Thursday for the Holidays and then to Latin, Central and South America for Round 2!!!

Hi Phuc Quang Vu Dao - thank you. Let's do connect! Who knows what interesting outcomes may await.

Hi Jane! It's great to meet you! If you're new or returning, we're glad to have you. Hope you have a great IYW and make lots of great connections.

Hi Elle Bolan Great to meet you too, and thank you for the warm welcome. I really appreciate it.

Welcome to the S32 Club, Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros! Your loglines are really good but I especially love (1) Fall for My Husband (Again), (2) Almost Married, Until Paris, and (3) Hey, You're Mine. Best with the writing.

Hi Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, and it’s great to meet you! I’m Ashley Renee Smith, Stage 32’s Head of Community and a longtime creative myself. I also write character-driven stories, although mine are fantasy, so I always get excited when I meet another storyteller who leads with emotion and depth.

If you ever want personalized guidance on which classes or resources are best for your goals, our Education Team is wonderful, you can reach them at Edu@Stage32.com. And if you’re hoping to refine a project or connect with the right professionals, the Success Team is amazing at helping writers find their best next steps: Success@Stage32.com.

I’d also love to invite you to our free November Community Open House webcast, it’s a great way to meet other creatives, ask questions, and learn how to navigate Stage 32 like a pro: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community....

Hello Ashley Renee Smith It’s great to meet you, too, and thank you for such a welcoming message. I really appreciate the encouragement.

I love that you also write character-driven stories — even in fantasy, that emotional backbone is what really makes a world come alive, so it’s inspiring to connect with another writer who leads with heart and depth.

Thank you for sharing the contacts for the Education and Success Teams. I’ll be sure to reach out as I continue developing my work and looking for the right guidance and opportunities.

And thank you for the invitation to the November Community Open House! I’m looking forward to joining, learning more about Stage 32, and meeting more creatives in the community.

Roya Mohammadlou , I appreciate your kind words. I do not personally see what I did as requiring courage. I am just the type who is too stubborn to give up and quit.

Meriem Bouziani, thank you so much. I do appreciate it. I also hope you reach all of your dreams.

Alistair Wales, thanks a lot. Send me a connecct request if you like. Cheers from Germany.

Elle Bolan, thanks so very much. I have been on many rough roads. I think I need to buy a good GPS system. I am also glad that you are here. Uhmm, where are we?

thank you very much Wyman Brent

I’ve always been passionate about films, but I never got the opportunity to enter the traditional film industry. One major reason I fell behind is language. Since my foundation has always been Hindi—because my friends, family, and everyone around me spoke only Hindi—I never developed confidence in English speaking and understanding. This became a big barrier and set me back many years.

My passion for this industry started way back in 2008, but people who have family connections in the film world often get faster entry because they already know writers, producers, directors, editors, and creative teams from the beginning. I didn't have that kind of network or support.

Still, I wanted to stay connected to this world in my own way. Curating and distributing short films gives me genuine happiness, and I believe that when you truly love a field, success eventually finds you.

Before this, I worked with companies like Flipkart, Amazon, Muthoot Finance Limited, IIFL and others. But the desire to enter the creative world never left my heart. I kept wondering how to connect with people, how to collaborate with short filmmakers, and where to find groups that offer collaboration opportunities.

Now I’m slowly trying to understand the industry, connect with creators, and learn from every interaction. Any guidance or suggestions you can share would truly mean a lot.

Also, if you know any reliable groups or channels where short film and micro-film collaboration opportunities are regularly shared, please suggest them to me.

And since most platforms are in English, I also want to ask—are Hinglish conversations acceptable for faster communication? I’m not very comfortable speaking in full English.

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend Sumit Kumar and welcome! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and it’s great to meet you. A curated platform for shorts and micro-shorts fills a real need in the indie space, especially with your focus on unique storytelling and non-exclusive, creator-friendly models. That kind of approach makes it so much easier for emerging filmmakers to get visibility without sacrificing ownership. I’ll be excited to see your first curated releases when they drop.

Since you’re looking to connect with filmmakers, writers, and creators, you’ll find a lot of like-minded folks in the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing), and the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). They’re all active corners of the community where people are constantly building and developing new projects.

And since you’re expanding what you’re building, I’d love to invite you to the November Community Open House, a free, live event designed to help you make new connections and get the most out of Stage 32:

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

Unable to complete the checkout for this free webcast. The page keeps getting stuck—any solution?

I already tried removing the item, adding it again, and clearing my browser history, but the checkout page is still stuck. I’ve also emailed edustage32.com regarding this issue.

edustage32.com

That’s great — school exercises can sometimes help you discover who you are and uncover hidden talents. Maurice Vaughan

It was the same for me. It all started as a simple school writing exercise, but it helped me realize I had this talent.

I’m always grateful to my teacher for helping me discover it.

Meriem, welcome to Stage 32! What an incredible introduction. Your passion for science fiction and storytelling with purpose absolutely shines through.

I'm particularly struck by The Disabled Puzzle. Using scientific simulations to create genuine empathy and understanding for lived experiences of disability is not just compelling storytelling...it's storytelling with social impact. That kind of project could resonate deeply with both audiences and advocacy organizations.

You've got an ambitious slate of ideas, which is wonderful. My advice as you continue developing: focus on getting one script to a professional, pitch-ready level before spreading across too many projects. Master the craft on one story, and that foundation will make every subsequent project stronger and faster to develop.

A few resources that might help you right now:

Join November Write Club (free, ongoing all month!) - It's perfect for staying accountable as you work toward your goals and learn the craft. Week 2 just dropped here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/november-write-club-week-2-insights-from-th...

FREE Webcast: From Script to Screen with Producer Ethan Erwin (Nov 19, 11am PT) - He'll break down how projects actually get made, which will be invaluable as you shape your work for the industry. Register free here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/from-script-to-screen-how-pro...

And if you ever want curated guidance on education, script services, or next steps tailored to your specific goals, email edu@stage32.com or success@stage32.com—the team can point you to exactly what you need at each stage of your journey.

Keep that momentum going, Meriem. Your ideas deserve to reach the screen, and you're already doing the work to make that happen. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Thank you very much for your encouragement Geoffroy Faugerolas

I’m truly happy that my ideas resonate this much.

I’m still learning screenwriting, and right now I’m putting all my focus on The Silent PFC War.

As for my other story, The Disabled Puzzle, here is an article about it:

The book explores a scientific plan to develop new forms of disability awareness.

It begins with Dr. Mary Alivan, a neuroscientist working in memory research, who develops a groundbreaking “Memory Helmet” with her team.

Catherine represents deafness. Her curiosity springs from her deep love of Beethoven’s music—she always wondered how he could compose such masterpieces despite being deaf.

Rozane’s experiment focuses on blindness, exploring the long-term effects of neuroplasticity through three experimental stages.

Marianna experiences the real suffering of autism through a virtual-reality simulation. She is seventeen yet feels as if she were six—her mind deceived by the early phase of the experiment.

Heidi confronts social discrimination caused by her facial disfigurement, sharing the emotional weight of living under constant judgment.

Rasha’s case offers a futuristic perspective on medical treatments for congenital disfigurement, imagining how advanced science might restore both form and dignity.

The final chapters remind readers of the profound gap between scientific experimentation and the lived realities of those with disabilities.

This book seeks to awaken compassion, critical reflection, and social transformation—a call to end bullying and build a safer, more empathetic world.

Hi Meriem Bouziani, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, and it’s wonderful to see you joining in on Introduce Yourself Weekend! I've noticed your involvement in November Write Club and the Screenwriting Lounge. I’m Ashley Renee Smith, Stage 32’s Head of Community, and I have to say, your imagination is incredible.

If you want support as you continue learning, our Education Team can help guide you toward the best classes for your goals and experience level, just email them at Edu@Stage32.com. And once you’re ready to take a project further, the Success Team is fantastic at helping writers connect with the right professionals for their work: Success@Stage32.com.

You might also really enjoy the Stage 32 Writer’s Room, it’s a welcoming place to build your skills through weekly webcasts with pros, pitch practices, and mentorship. You can try a free month here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip.

And before I forget, I’d love to invite you to join our free November Community Open House webcast:

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

It’s a great way to learn how to navigate Stage 32 and start building connections.

Your determination shines through every part of your introduction, Meriem. Keep going, you’re building something special, and I can’t wait to see these worlds evolve.

Thank you very much for your encouragement Ashley Renee Smith

I’m truly happy to have found this community that supports creatives on their path. I’ve learned a great deal here, and I’m always happy to share new sci-fi worlds.

Thank you for all the resources — I’ll try to join those events to keep learning more.

... as long as he doesn't leave like a hurricane -- taking your house and your car!

Love your intro Wyman Brent !!!!! How's it goung?

Maurice Vaughan, I am glad that you like the line. You are right about using it in my biopic.

Michael David, I would never do that. I promise. I went through three real life hurricanes. I know what it is like to have a roof vanish while you are inside the house hoping the rest of the house also does not vanish.

Alexandra Stevens, I am glad that you love it. Currently, it is going all over the place. I really should get a good GPS system. How are you?

Thank you. "On the Air" is a story about one night in the life of an L.A. radio talk show host. Freedom of speech is on trial.

You're welcome, John Kerr. On the Air sounds interesting. Have you thought about going to a Stage 32 in-person Meetup? www.stage32.com/meetups They're free and great for networking. If you don't see a Meetup in your area, keep an eye on that page for new Meetups. And you're welcome to start your own Meetup.

And it's Stage 32's November Write Club. It can help you reach a goal(s), and it's a chance to connect with writers, directors, producers, etc. There's prizes too! Week 3's blog comes out tomorrow.

You’re doing California, I’m doing Georgia. Hi.

Hi David. Yeah, lived in So. CA nearly all my life. Write what you know. Good luck with your Georgia series.

Your Bear series sounds amazing! Love historical fiction with depth!

Hello Mathieu Vayron the multiple timelines is what caught my eye . I have a dual narrative set in both 1840’s and present day Sydney . Are you finding the structure tricky?

That Karl May story is fantastic — and very encouraging.

It proves that when the vision is strong enough, research and imagination can make a world feel completely authentic.

Thanks again, Sebastian — looking forward to staying connected.

Hi Marie Hatten, thanks for your message!

Yes, multiple timelines can be tricky, but I actually enjoy working with them.

For me, the key is to keep each timeline clear on its own, and then slowly connect them so the audience can follow the logic and the emotion without getting lost.

Your project with the 1840s and present-day Sydney sounds great — how are you handling the structure on your side?

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Mathieu Vayron and welcome! I’m Ashley Renee Smith, Head of Community here at Stage 32. It’s wonderful to meet you, and your project Ludmilla immediately grabbed my attention. A grounded supernatural thriller stretched across 130 years, weaving folklore, FBI investigation, and rural Americana? That’s exactly the kind of atmospheric, character-driven slow-burn that so many producers and writers in this community love to explore.

Since you’re looking to connect with screenwriters, producers, and storytellers, you’ll find a lot of kindred spirits in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), and Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). They’re incredibly active spaces where people trade ideas, ask craft questions, and share projects looking for collaborators.

If you’re adapting your novel for screen or developing it further as a series concept, you might really enjoy taking advantage of the Writer’s Room free month. It offers weekly live webcast events with high-level pros, pitch practices, and deep dives into craft, all designed to support writers building their careers. You can check out a free month here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

One last invitation, I host a completely free November Community Open House webcast coming up. It’s a great way to meet people, learn how to navigate Stage 32 like a pro, and start building connections right away:

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

So glad you’re here, Mathieu.

Hi Ashley,

Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for your encouraging words about Ludmilla. I’ll definitely check out the lounges and the Writer’s Room trial — it looks really helpful.

Glad to be here!

Mathieu

@Maurice Vaughan, you're welcome, thank you for the heads up!

@Amanda Toney, yes I found that working for the Department has shaped my writing for how I wanted to move forward in my life more specifically screenwriting.

You're welcome, Warren Edward Foster. Stage 32 has a blog for up-and-coming screenwriters: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...

Hi Warren Edward Foster, it’s great to meet you, and happy Introduce Yourself Weekend. I’m Ashley, Stage 32’s Head of Community. First, thank you for your service. And second, I have to say, the writing experience you bring with you is far more valuable to screenwriting than you might realize. Clear, structured, high-stakes writing that determines real outcomes is an incredible foundation to build on. Translating that into narrative storytelling is absolutely doable, and Stage 32 is a wonderful place to take that next step.

Since you’re exploring how to turn those skills toward screenwriting, I’d recommend jumping into the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). It’s a great place to ask questions, share your progress, and connect with others who are navigating the same early-stage learning curve.

If you want hands-on guidance as you start shaping your work, writers can also access a free month of the Writer’s Room (https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip). The weekly pitch practices, peer support, open writing assignments, and live Zooms with working pros can really help you build muscle and confidence fast.

And because you mentioned being new to the industry, our Education Team (Edu@Stage32.com) can point you toward craft classes or foundational screenwriting resources that fit your current goals. When you’re ready to start putting your work in front of decision-makers, our Success Team (Success@Stage32.com) can help you get oriented and offer curated guidance.

I’d also love to invite you to join our free November Community Open House webcast, a live event designed to help you build connections and navigate Stage 32 like a pro from day one: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

Welcome to the community, Warren. You’re in the right place, and I’m excited to see what you build next.

Ashley Renee Smith thank you for the information provided. I have signed up for the November Community Open House webcast and look forward to attending. All the information and support from the Stage32 Community has been extremely helpful on my journey. I am like sponge, and will soak up all the information, and I look forward to joining the writer's room. Thanks again!

Hi Nelson! I want to start on my next script soon. Cheers to you for getting rolling!

Nice to meet you Nelson Colon Your stories sound gripping. Curious how you got the idea for both and also by your choice to keep them to one hour? May you end up being a well-paid workhorse in this industry!

Alexandra Stevens I'm on the spectrum and just have loads of ideas constantly. My Puerto Rican story comes from my personal disdain of the fact that not many people of my culture know of certain events that are significant in our recent history and the fact that it's never been translated to television as many other stories have. In the very dense land that is television, this is one concept that is unchartered territory, which is extremely rare.

Congrats and welcome Nelson Colon Good luck with your journey! The story you're creating has potential! I am also an unrepresented writer working on my 2nd project in the psychological thriller space.

Hi Nelson Colon, it’s great to meet you, and happy Introduce Yourself Weekend. I’m Ashley, Stage 32’s Head of Community. I love the range you’re exploring in your work right now.

Since you’re actively building your network and sharpening structure, I think you’ll find a lot of value in the craft conversations happening across the Lounges. The Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) is a great place to dig into technique and get to know other writers on a similar path, and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing) and Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing) are wonderful for meeting creatives who love talking about how to bring ambitious stories to life.

If you ever want guidance on pitching, industry expectations, or connecting with the right execs, our Success Team (Success@Stage32.com) is here to support you as well.

Finally, I’d love to invite you to join us for our free November Community Open House webcast, it’s one of the best ways to get rooted in the community, learn how to make the most of Stage 32, and start building new connections: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...

Glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to see where both of these projects take you.

I would buy the script and rewrite it myself or hire an experienced writer to rewrite it, Nicolas Lavoie.

Great question, Nicolas Lavoie. It really depends on where you are in your journey. As an emerging producer/director, you can't afford to pay a write and have them polish someone's script. Your best bet is to work with the original screenwriter and give them notes, guide them to get the script where you want it to be. That's what producers and directors do at all levels. But if you target a more experienced screenwriter, they will need to be paid.

Geoffroy Faugerolas - What a great introduce yourself post! What have you been most excited about accomplishing over the last few months?

Geoffroy Faugerolas, this is such a fantastic reintroduction, and I’ll take a moment to say publicly what I’m lucky enough to see every day: it’s an absolute joy getting to work with you.

For anyone new to Stage 32 this Introduce Yourself Weekend, Geoff is truly one of the most dedicated advocates a creative could hope to have in their corner. Watching how intentionally he supports writers, packages projects, and champions undiscovered talent has been one of the most inspiring parts of being on the Stage 32 team.

If you’re reading this and wondering how to take the next step with your script or creative career, definitely reach out to Geoff and the Success Team at Success@Stage32.com, they’re here to help you navigate the industry and connect with the right people.

And absolutely join us for the free Q&A with producer Ethan Erwin on Nov 19. It’s such a valuable chance to learn directly from someone with deep studio and franchise experience.

Incredible dedication and passion Geoffroy Faugerolas thank you.