Introduce Yourself

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Ashley!

I'm digging the shirt, Captain Ashley Renee Smith! Thanks so much for everything that you do. I don't know how you keep track of it all. Happy IY Weekend my friend.

Hi Ashley! You do so much for us here in the community and we appreciate you so much. Happy IYW! I don't know how you do it all. I'm excited to dive into education resources and start shopping TETHERED around. It's ready.

Hi Ashley! AI Filmmaking-hub. Everyone who participates gets paid; we upvote projects; A friend at Netflix is interested. Let me know if this is in your wheelhouse.

Hello,

happy IYW to you.

Thank you very much for the time and effort you dedicate to the community. I truly hope you accomplish all your goals.

As for me, my main goal right now is to continue working on my script, The Silent PFC War, and then move forward step by step until I can see it breathe happily on the big screen.

I’m deeply excited about this project because of its concept, its emotions, the lessons it carries, and the impact I hope it can have.

Hi, Elle Bolan. Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! Hope you're having a great week! Alabama or Auburn?

Roll TIIIIIIIIIDE!!!! @Maurice

Roll TIIIIIIIIIDE!!!! I should write a script about Alabama, Elle Bolan.

I think it's awesome that you're learning the business side of things Elle Bolan. It will definitely serve you well. Happy IY Weekend!

Hello, Elle Bolan

happy IYW to you.

I’m so happy for you for reaching this level—writing different scripts and continuing to learn new things throughout your creative journey.

Best of luck in 2026. I truly believe it’s going to be your year.

You're welcome, Galo Ortiz. I subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to checking out your music!

Hi Galo, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here, and I’m so glad you’re jumping in.

It’s great to have a film and concert composer based in Mexico City in the mix, this is a very collaboration-driven community, and composers are always in demand for shorts, features, and series in development.

I definitely recommend getting involved in the Composing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/composing). It’s a great place to connect directly with filmmakers looking for music collaborators, share your work, and join conversations around scoring, workflow, and creative process. You may also enjoy popping into the Filmmaking (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing) and Screenwriting Lounges (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) each week, as projects often start there.

I’d also love to echo Maurice and invite you to our FREE January Community Open House, where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32, build meaningful connections, and make the most of the platform as you grow your projects: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun....

Looking forward to seeing you around the community and hearing more about your work. Welcome again!

Thank you so much Ashley Renee Smith ! :))

Welcome, Galo! It's great to have a composer join the community. Your background in both film and concert music must give you a fantastic range for storytelling. If you haven't seen it yet, there's a great post here on Stage 32 you might enjoy: What I've Learned Composing for Film and TV (https://www.stage32.com/blog/what-ive-learned-composing-for-film-and-tv-...). It’s a insightful read that resonates with many of us on the creative side. Looking forward to hearing your work and hopefully seeing you collaborate with some of the talented directors and producers here!

Galo Ortiz Hola Galo! Bienvenido, welcome to Stage 32! Lots of resources here, as you can see from everyone's posts, and so many people from all over the world on here. glad to see more Latino / Hispanic creatives flooding the space! Encantadisima. I'm an actor and a screenwriter.

Hey, Brennan McGee. Great to meet you. Welcome to the Stage 32 community. Congratulations on Arepas En Bici playing at DOC NYC and Wesley Loses His P*nis having a good festival run!

Here's a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Producers, directors, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

Stage 32's next Community Open House will be January 28th. It'll also help you navigate the platform and make connections. You can sign up for free here: www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-community-open...

Stage 32 has a Job Board you could check (www.stage32.com/find-jobs). It gets updated regularly.

Hey Maurice, great to meet you too and thank you for these resources! I hope I didn't violate too many of the site guidelines with my shameless self-promotion.

You're welcome, Brennan McGee. You just joined the platform. There's no way you could've known. There's a description under the title in each Lounge that'll tell you what goes in that Lounge. And if you're still not sure or you ever have questions about Stage 32, let me or another Lounge Moderator know. We have badges on our pictures. Or you could email support@stage32.com.

Welcome! Your specific taste (Lanthimos, Aster, Lowery) and your festival track record immediately stand out. That blend of darkly psychological fiction and deep, spiritual documentary work is a rare and compelling combination. Wesley Loses His P*nis is an unforgettable title. For what it’s worth, I recently enjoyed this article that speaks to the editor's unique storytelling role: To Edit or Not to Edit, That is the Question (https://www.stage32.com/blog/to-edit-or-not-to-edit-that-is-the-question...). It’s a great piece that resonates with your philosophy.

Hi, Sydney S. Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! Hope your year's off to an incredible start! Thanks for everything you and the Education Team do for the community! The webinars are the best ones I've ever taken!

Your avatar is amazing.

Thank you very much.

It’s a reflection of my sci-fi storytelling identity and brand. Chase Carmichael

Hey Meriem Bouziani, happy IYW. Your introduction made me smile :)) every sci‑fi worldbuilder knows that dance between “I’m halfway there” and “oh no, it’s only the first draft.” It’s such a real part of the journey, and you’re navigating it beautifully. Developing a universe from scratch is brave work, and it’s clear you’re doing it with passion and curiosity. I love your avatar and connecting with you here and on Instagram:)) I appreciate you. Keep going, your world is taking shape :))

Thank you very much. Your comment made me smile as well.

Yes, the journey is incredible—it’s not only about writing, but also about discovering the unknown, which makes it even more fascinating and inspiring.

I can’t wait to share my world with you all.

Thank you as well for supporting me on Instagram. I’m very happy to connect with you on both platforms.

Happy IYW to you too. Sandra Isabel Correia

You are welcome my friend <3 we appreciate each other :))

250 since Christmas! Brilliant stuff.

Hi Darrell Pennington, it’s really great to see you pop up again and share this update. What you and your wife have done, truly committing to the work and the life behind Dixie Dynamite, takes a level of courage most people only talk about. Traveling the world while actively developing and researching a project inspired by your own lives is a powerful foundation for authentic storytelling.

Congrats on the momentum with your cold queries too. Two script requests out of that many sends is genuinely encouraging and proof that the work is landing where it needs to. That persistence matters, especially heading into a year where so many doors can open unexpectedly.

Wishing you an incredible 2026 filled with forward motion, aligned opportunities, and a few well-earned yeses. Always happy to hear more about what you’re building. Keep sharing in the lounges, I love seeing you around the platform!

Darrell Pennington How are you doing? I have another virtual drop in this weekend, feel free to come and we van get updated!

Ashley Renee Smith thank you so much for those kinds words, Ashley. I sincerely appreciate them and when I get a little down on myself I will probably read them again haha

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg Hi! This weekend doesn't work well for me but thank you for letting me know and please continue to alert me if you don't mind.

Wow- this is so specific and actionable! I really hope you find that ideal person!

Hi, Jay A Swendris. Hope you’re having a great year! I like the title. What's The Phoenix about?

90-Minute Pilot – Series Breakdown

Created by Jay A. Swendris

GENRE

Elevated Science Fiction / Mythic Thriller

Arrival meets The Bourne Identity with ancient mythology, grounded emotion, and modern surveillance paranoia.

FORMAT

90-minute pilot

Ongoing serialized drama

4-season arc planned

CORE PREMISE (ONE PARAGRAPH)

When an ancient, human-looking being named Bennu awakens from a bronze sarcophagus beneath the Andes, his emergence triggers a global response from governments, scientists, and shadow agencies. Bennu is not a god, not an alien invader — he is a survivor of a lost advanced human civilization tied to Atlantis and Earth’s forgotten energy systems. As he struggles to survive in a world hostile to his biology, he forms an unlikely bond with Nicole Simons, a sharp, grounded civilian who becomes his protector, witness, and moral anchor. Together, they are hunted by those who want to weaponize him — and pulled toward a truth that could redefine humanity’s origins.

PILOT STORY BREAKDOWN

ACT ONE — The Awakening

A sealed bronze sarcophagus is unearthed in the Andes, covered in impossible Sumerian cuneiform.

At UCLA, scientists discover it opens not by force, but by sound — a resonant frequency.

When activated, the sarcophagus releases Bennu, who shuts down all surrounding electronics and vanishes without violence.

Governments quietly mobilize. This is not first contact — it’s containment.

Tone: mystery, awe, restrained dread

Promise: This is intelligent sci-fi grounded in science and mythology, not spectacle-for-spectacle’s sake.

ACT TWO — The Human Anchor

Bennu, biologically dependent on saltwater and natural resonance, collapses near the coast.

He encounters Nicole Simons, a civilian with no clearance, no agenda, and no fear — just empathy.

She helps him reach the ocean, where he stabilizes, revealing his abilities are biological, not supernatural.

Surveillance begins quietly tracking them.

Emotional hook: the bond between Bennu and Nicole is formed through trust, not exposition.

ACT THREE — Truth & Threat

Bennu reveals fragments of history: Atlantis was real — a resonance-based civilization, not a myth.

Humanity was once genetically modified and exploited by the Anunnaki, who viewed humans as property.

Bennu is dying. To survive, he needs rare materials and energy sources that no longer exist openly.

The solution points to Las Vegas — a city of concentrated power, gold, and noise.

Escalation: the world closes in as Bennu becomes impossible to hide.

ACT FOUR — Exposure

In Vegas, Bennu’s presence disrupts electronics, gambling systems, and surveillance.

He wins millions unintentionally, triggering alarms.

Federal agents and black-ops units close in.

A violent confrontation ends with Bennu critically weakened and captured — but not broken.

Theme: Power attracts ownership. Ownership destroys humanity.

ACT FIVE — Choice

Nicole inherits Bennu’s phoenix amulet, temporarily bonding with his energy.

She chooses action over fear, rescuing him from full government containment.

Bennu refuses godhood, worship, or cages — choosing freedom and responsibility instead.

The pilot ends with Bennu alive but hunted, Nicole fully committed, and a new destination revealed:

The search for Mira — the last of Bennu’s kind.

MAIN CHARACTERS

BENNU

Appears human, ancient by origin

Advanced biology tied to Earth’s resonance

Rejects godhood and domination

Represents lost human potential, not superiority

NICOLE SIMONS

Civilian, blogger, observer

Grounded, pragmatic, emotionally intelligent

Audience surrogate

Becomes the moral compass of the series

DR. HENRY KELLER

Scientist burdened by discovery

Knows too much, regrets waking Bennu

Represents humanity’s curiosity vs. responsibility

MAT DONOVAN / NSA

Not villains — pragmatists

Fear chaos more than injustice

Represent the system’s inability to trust what it can’t control

SERIES ENGINE (WHY IT CONTINUES)

Each season explores:

Hidden ancient technologies across the globe

The truth of humanity’s engineered past

Competing factions (governments, corporations, myth-keepers)

Bennu’s people — who survived, who didn’t, and why

Whether humanity deserves access to what was once taken from it

Season One Spine: Survival & Trust

Season Two: Revelation & Conflict

Season Three: Global Consequences

Season Four: Choice — transcendence or repetition

https://www.stage32.com/profile/1186315/Screenplay/The-Phoenix-Pilot

Hi Jay A Swendris, welcome, and thank you for such a clear, thoughtful introduction. I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and I really appreciate how explicitly you’ve outlined both the creative foundation and the kind of partnership you’re seeking.

To increase visibility with the kinds of industry-minded partners you’re describing, I’d encourage you to stay active in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). Those spaces are frequented by writers, producers, and development professionals who are actively thinking about packaging, pitching, and long-term strategy.

You may also want to connect with our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. They specialize in helping creators prepare projects for the industry-facing side of development and can offer curated guidance around pitch materials, positioning, and potential next steps when you’re ready to move toward buyers.

I also recommend making sure your profile bio clearly reflects this project, your goals, and the kind of partner you’re seeking. Many meaningful connections here begin with someone clicking through your profile page after seeing a post like this. Currently, your bio is fairly brief, and you may benefit from sharing more details and information as you have in this post.

Wishing you the best as you look for the right collaborator for The Phoenix. I hope this post sparks exactly the kind of aligned conversation you’re aiming for, and I look forward to seeing you around the community.

You're welcome, Carlotta Marchione. Stage 32 has two written pitch examples (one for a show and the other for a movie). Stage 32 also has a verbal TV pitch beat sheet and a verbal feature pitch beat sheet. You can get them by emailing success@stage32.com.

Here's three Lounge posts with pitch advice:

www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Pitch-Advice

www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Pitching-44

www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Why-Pitching-Matters-And-How-to-Mak...

The Pitch Practice in the Writers’ Room is the best pitching resource in my opinion. Pitch Practice is every Thursday night at 5:30 P.M. PST/8:30 P.M. EST. You can sit in and listen to members practice their projects and give them feedback. You can pitch your project too, but you have to sign up. The hosts, Noel Thompson and John Mezes, take names during Pitch Practice for people to pitch the following week. You have to sit in and listen at the practice one or two times before you can pitch.

The Pitch Tank in the Writers’ Room is an incredible pitching resource too. The Pitch Tank is where you pitch your script to an executive and get feedback. The Pitch Tank is once a month.

Stage 32 has a free webinar called "How to Write a 2 Page Pitch for Your Television Series" (www.stage32.com/education/products/free-stage-32-webinar-how-to-write-at...).

Stage 32 has a free webinar called "How to Create a 2 Page Pitch For Your Feature Film" (www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-create-a-2-page-pitch-for-your...).

Stage 32 also has a free pitch webinar: www.stage32.com/education/products/pitching-tips-from-the-pros-your-blue...

Welcome to the S32 Club! Best with your creative endeavors.

Awesome to meet you here in the community, Carlotta Marchione!

Welcome, Love your honesty and the sound of your YA sci-fi horror project — excited to have you here and wishing you lots of momentum.

Best

Recovering perfectionist? Can it ever go away :) Love a good YA horror series with extensional dread. Is your goal to be a showrunner?

Hi, Edwin Pugh. Great to see you at Introduce Yourself Weekend. What's The Pugh Line about?

Hi Edwin Pugh , welcome! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32. This sounds like a fascinating and deeply researched body of material, especially with your focus on primary sources spanning frontier settlement, Prohibition-era law enforcement, and WWII service. Projects grounded in real documentation like this are incredibly compelling for limited series and docudrama adaptations.

If you’re looking for a screenwriter collaborator, I’d definitely suggest spending time in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). Both are great places to share more about the scope of your material and connect with writers and producers who enjoy historical adaptation and working directly from source material.

I’d also recommend filling out your bio on your profile page. It’s a great way to tell people a bit about your background, interests, and goals. So many connections here start with shared interests, and that context really helps others understand how they might align with your project. Along the same lines, adding a profile photo of yourself is important. If there’s no photo, you won’t show up in search results, and people won’t be able to easily find or engage with your work. It’s always easier to connect when you can put a face to a name; that personal touch really matters online. If you're having any trouble updating your profile page, our Support Team is always happy to help you, just shoot them an email at Support@Stage32.com.

When you’re ready to think more strategically about development or connecting with the right creative partners, our Success Team can also help with curated resources and introductions at Success@Stage32.com.

I’d also love to invite you to our FREE January Community Open House, where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32, build meaningful connections, and make the most of the platform as you grow your projects: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun...

Really glad you’re here, and I hope you find the right collaborator to help bring this important history to the screen.

,Alison Weaverdyck , trust it is moving smoothly?

Leonardo Ramirez 2 it's amazing how our brains reach for creativity in times of trouble. My first novel came pouring out of me during a quarterlife crisis/long recovery surgery. So I guess it isn't that surprising that when the world seemed to be on fire, people found solace and purpose in art in a new way :)

It is Alison Weaverdyck. Surgery recoveries are really tough as well. I went through that back in '16. But you're right, we found both solace and a redirection.

Hi @Alison, it's great to meet you! I love that so many creatives found their way during COVID. It goes to show how truly resilient the human mind is. Lock us in and we create worlds! Good to meet you. Happy IYW!

Hi Alison Weaverdyck, welcome, and what a great introduction! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and I love your focus on morally gray women, found families, and myths gone rogue, that sounds right up my alley.

“Love at first fade in” is such a familiar moment for so many writers who come from prose, and it sounds like you’ve really built strong momentum with multiple pilots and features ready to go. Huge congrats as well on your official selection.

As you’re looking for representation and collaborators, I’d definitely encourage you to stay active in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing). Those are great spaces to share updates, talk craft, and meet filmmakers who are actively developing projects.

If you want help sharpening specific skills or figuring out the best educational next steps, our Education Team can recommend from over 3,000 hours of on-demand Stage 32 education. You can reach them anytime at (Edu@Stage32.com). And when you’re ready to think about connecting with the right partners, reps, producers, or development executives, our Success Team is there to help with curated resources and introductions at (Success@Stage32.com).

I’d also love to invite you to our FREE January Community Open House, where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32, build meaningful connections, and make the most of the platform as you grow your projects: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun....

Here’s to making some serious magic in 2026. I hope our paths cross both here and “out in the wild” too. Looking forward to seeing more of your work around the community.

“Great intro, Miguel. Rise of the Rejects sounds powerful — Africa as the backdrop for rebellion is such a fresh choice. I’m also drawn to bold, offbeat ideas (my latest has a turkey causing mayhem in a casino

Welcome, Miguel! Your passion for sci-fi and worldbuilding really resonates with me. I’m currently developing a concept called Two Faces of the Moon — a story about humanity colonizing a divided Moon, one side with gravity and the other weightless, sparking political and social conflict. Since you love bold ideas and character-driven stories, maybe we could exchange thoughts or even collaborate. Great to meet you here!

thank you so much Quang Nguyễn, and yes, I would really love to work on that! sending you a message now

That’s amazing, Miguel — I’m really excited to collaborate with you! Looking forward to your message and to building this world together.

Welcome