Your Stage

Ashley Renee Smith

Head of Community at Stage 32 ♦ Creative Executive, Producer, Author

January 2026 Open House Webcast

Find Your Footing on Stage 32: Join Our January Community Open House!

Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 pm PT!

Every success story begins with a first step.

If you’re ready to take yours, join me, Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32, for our January Community Open House Webcast happening Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 pm PT!

Free Registration: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-community-open-house-webcast

Whether you’re chasing representation, looking for collaborators, or simply ready to stop creating in isolation, the Stage 32 Community Open House is your moment to show up, be seen, and start making real progress.

This free live event isn’t a presentation—it’s a fully interactive session led by you and guided by Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32. You’ll have the opportunity to share your goals, ask questions, and tell us exactly what resources or support you’re looking for right now in your creative journey.

Ashley will walk you through the most powerful tools and features on Stage 32, including how to build a strong profile that acts as your virtual business card—clearly showcasing your skills, interests, and creative voice. You’ll learn how to participate in the free Stage 32 Lounges in a way that positions you as someone others want to collaborate with, including how to make a compelling post, contribute to ongoing conversations, and stay consistently active in a way that builds visibility and trust.

You’ll also learn how to keep up with the latest industry news, platform updates, and community insights through the Stage 32 Blog, and how to access Stage 32 Education, Certification, and Script Services that align with your next big move.

This session will close with a live Q&A tailored specifically to your goals and questions—whether you’re a writer, director, producer, actor, editor, or someone who wears multiple hats.

Wherever you’re starting from, this is your launchpad. Join us and take that first step with intention.

If you can’t attend live, don’t worry — registering ensures you’ll receive the full recording to watch anytime from anywhere.

Who’s planning to join me live for the Open House?

Click HERE to Register for FREE!

Event starts
60
60 people like this

Liked by Darrell Pennington

Edoardo Miranda

Actor, Screenwriter, Voice Actor

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

3 hours ago

Come see THE SPINNERETS!

Running at the Hellenic Cultural Center in NY

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/THE-SPINNERETS-to......

Expand post

THE SPINNERETS to Launch Painted Pistachio Productions 2026 Season

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/THE-SPINNERETS-to-Launch-Painted-Pistachio-Productions-2026-Season-20260112

Painted Pistachio Productions will present The Spinnerets, a dystopian thriller by Douglas DuBrin, from January 29 to February 8 at the Newtown Stage, Hellenic Cultural Center, Astoria.

Liked by Cynna Ael

Amber Greenlee

Artist, Writer, Designer at Panel2Panel.com, ♦ Animator, Concept Artist, Puppeteer, Screenwriter, Storyboard Artist, Producer

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

5 hours ago

Philo Episode 89: Too Many Exes

Too many exes! Philo! ELLIOT S! MAGGIN as our guest! See you in an hour! http://youtube.com/@ArtGlych

artglych

https://www.youtube.com/@ArtGlych

artist, writer, entertainer. panel2panel.com Twitch.tv/ArtGlych PHILO! 8pmEST/5pmPST Saturdays.

Liked by Maurice Vaughan

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

Producer/Director & IPG Executive Director at Independent Producers Guild ♦ Director, Producer, Line Producer, Creative Executive, Director of Development, Distributor, Production Manager

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

2 days ago

Introduce Yourself Weekend online meet!

I am Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq, a member of S32 since nearly it started many years ago. JOIN ME in my google meet on Saturday & Sunday 1pm Pacific (details below). Tell me about your projects, learn about what I do, and let the networking have its natural effects! I have 30+ years in the professional...

Expand post

Meet

https://meet.google.com/unsupported

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 day ago

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 day ago

Look forward to seeing everyone!

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

12 hours ago

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

7 hours ago

Great to meet everyone today! If you didn't get the chance to drop in, make sure you do Sunday same time!

B Reuben Burns

Works at Operative Entertainment ♦ Director of Development

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

14 hours ago

Time Travel

Do you find the seat belt necessary? I am looking for fellow filmmakers who know how to navigate time travel like is the 405 at 8pm. What makes film great a connection to the sefira of creativity. I know, we jumped the shark around 2019. Now it’s all sequels, prequels, and remakes. The future is so...

Expand post

Liked by Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg and one other

Nikolas Keskilammi

Screenwriter

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

18 hours ago

Check out Open Film Zone

Hey,

We recently opened a Discord group for Open Film Zone

Maurice Vaughan

18 hours ago

Hey, Nikolas Keskilammi. I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I moved your post from the Anything Goes Lounge to the Your Stage Lounge because it’s promotion. Promotion can go in...

Expand comment

Liked by Maurice Vaughan

Brennan McGee

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

1 day ago

Saying Hello

Hey folks--new here. I work a corporate W2 (as an editor) and write/direct outside of that. But I'm bored. I have a multi-year project in the works that I can't rush, so I thought I'd reach out here and see if anyone is looking for an editor. I'm particularly interested in dark, odd, psychological s...

Expand post

Maurice Vaughan

1 day ago

Hey, Brennan McGee. I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I moved your posts from the Filmmaking/Directing Lounge, Post-Production Lounge, Producing Lounge, and Screenwriting Loung...

Expand comment

Brennan McGee

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 day ago

Sounds great Maurice thank you! I figured I violated some rules haha, thanks for sorting me out

Maurice Vaughan

19 hours ago

You're welcome, Brennan McGee. Arepas En Bici looks incredible! You could post the trailer on your profile if you like. You can add it by moving your mouse over "Profile" on the bar near the top of St...

Expand comment

Liked by Philip Sedgwick and one other

Jonathan Fear

Screenwriter

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

21 hours ago

Stage 32 + Mammoth Pictures Search for New Blood Screenwriting Competition -The Pack - Finalist

The Pack: A haunted ex-soldier is lured to a remote estate by an ancient force who wants him, but her jealous guardian will kill to keep them apart. Made it through to the finals. Thanks for selecting my screenplay from all the other great entries. Congrats to all the other finalists. To all those w...

Expand post

The Pack

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pack-Jonathan-Fear-ebook/dp/B0G35KC1JG

The Pack eBook : Fear, Jonathan: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Maurice Vaughan

21 hours ago

Congratulations on The Pack being a Finalist, Jonathan Fear! I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I moved your post from the Introduce Yourself Lounge to the Your Stage Lounge. Yo...

Expand comment

Liked by Eon C. Rambally and 12 others

Deborah Richards

Film Director at 1905 Films ♦ Director, Screenwriter

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

1 week ago

Just signed a management deal

So excited to announce that I just signed a management deal with Tammy Hunt of Sandstone artists. Finally repped as a writer and director. Thank you God and thank you team! LFG 2026!

View all All comments

Elle Bolan

2
2 people like this
- Deborah Richards
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Congratulations!

Jay A Swendris

2
2 people like this
- Deborah Richards
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

I so happy for you

Deborah Richards

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 day ago

Thanks everyone! I wish I could reply to individual comments on the platform but I appreciate all y'alls well wishes :)

Maurice Vaughan

1 day ago

You're welcome, Deborah Richards. Put the @ symbol, and a menu of names will show up.

Deborah Richards

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
23 hours ago

Jay A Swendris Thank you sir. That's very kind of you :)

Tammy Thompson

Director

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

2 days ago

Word and Deed | Official Teaser (2026) | Thompson Productions

I just joined Stage32, and I wanted to start off by sharing my new teaser for my upcoming show, Word and Deed. I thought this be a good way to share a little of me and what I am working on. I hope to get to know some people on here. Thanks for watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4cJRblBzio

View all All comments

Tammy Thompson

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
2 days ago

Thank you. I am new, so I still find the platform confusing. For example, I do not know how to reply to comments. lol I don't see a button.

Maurice Vaughan

2 days ago

You're welcome, Tammy Thompson. If you want to tag someone in your comment, put the @ symbol, and a menu of names will show up.

There's a description under the title in each Lounge that'll tell you wha...

Expand comment

Tammy Thompson

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
2 days ago

Maurice Vaughan Thanks for the helpful tips. I tried to fill out my profile more so that people can see me and know that I am a real person and serious about making movies. Next, I will try to find pl...

Expand comment

Maurice Vaughan

1 day ago

You're welcome, @Tammy. Yeah, that's fine. And it's Stage 32's monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend (Friday-Monday). www.stage32.com/lounge/introduce_yourself...

Expand comment

Tammy Thompson

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 day ago

Petra Jurasova Thank you. The pilot will air this summer for free on YouTube, and then, starting with episode 2, it will be a paid subscription on the streaming site I built. Through subscriptions is...

Expand comment

Koby Nguyen

Screenwriter, Costume Designer, Musician, Author, Compositor, Songwriter

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

1 month ago

A story born from a small real moment

Hello everyone,

I recently returned from a journey through Korea and China. I went there to rest, but also to listen — to people, to places, to small moments that often pass unnoticed.

During a hike with friends, while climbing a mountain, I saw something very simple:

a man carrying his wife on his bac...

Expand post

Hello everyone,

I recently returned from a journey through Korea and China. I went there to rest, but also to listen — to people, to places, to small moments that often pass unnoticed.

During a hike with friends, while climbing a mountain, I saw something very simple:

a man carrying his wife on his back so she could reach the top with him.

There was nothing spectacular about it. No words. Just patience, care, and presence.

And yet, during that entire climb, a story slowly formed in my mind.

I could see two characters walking through different places together.

I could hear the music.

I could feel the rhythm of the scenes.

Later, back home, that image became a script:

Our Steps Together, Even Without Wings.

It’s a very gentle story, built around quiet gestures, shared moments, and the idea that love isn’t about fixing someone — but choosing to walk together, at the same pace, with kindness.

I’m sharing it here not to pitch, but simply to ask:

Did it touch you?

And if so, where did it touch you as a writer?

Thank you for reading,

Here is my film project :

OUR STEPS TOGETHER, EVEN WITHOUT WINGS

By Koby Nguyen

GENRE:

Romance, Animation

LOGLINE:

When a wounded boy learns to carry a girl who can no longer walk, their journey across land and sky becomes a quiet ode to love, memory, and the courage to move forward — even without wings.

SYNOPSIS:

In a small seaside town, Takao, a 19-year-old boy, moves through life like a ghost wearing confidence as a disguise.

Among his loud, careless friends, he laughs without joy.

At home, silence fills the walls. He feels alive only when he runs, but even then, he does not know what he is running toward. One day, he sees her.

Yuna, sitting quietly in her wheelchair in the small handmade bracelet shop run by her mother, is sketching the sea after the rain.

She lost the use of her legs in a car accident, yet she seems to live closer to the wind than anyone else.

She listens to the world, to the birds, the waves, the whispers of things most people forget to notice.

Their first exchange is brief. A shared glance.

Then, slowly, their words find rhythm.

Takao begins to visit her, first out of curiosity, then out of something deeper he cannot name.

With Yuna, he does not need to pretend. And with him, she rediscovers the possibility of being seen, not pitied.

One day, Yuna makes him an unexpected proposal: “I want to walk with you.

Everywhere. And I want to create, with you.”

When Yuna confides that she dreams of seeing the ocean again, Takao makes a decision.

With his hands, he sews a handmade harness, a soft sling of fabric and leather that allows him to carry her on his back.

From that day on, they walk together. Through the markets, across fields, into the mountains, all the way to the shore.

At every place they visit, they choose a fragment of the world: a shell from the sea, a smooth stone from the mountain, a piece of polished glass from the city, a seed from a field.

Back at the shop, Yuna threads them one by one onto a bracelet that was once empty.

Their journey becomes a creation.

Their love becomes a trace.

Scenes of tenderness unfold: – Takao carrying Yuna beneath a summer storm, both laughing under a shared umbrella. – Yuna pointing to a candy in a shop window, and Takao silently placing it in the basket. – The two of them watching clouds drift by, her head resting on his shoulder.

Their bond becomes something sacred, fragile, and real. Takao learns to feel without fear.

Yuna learns that her body is not a limit, but a vessel for love.

Yet time, as always, demands its truth.

Takao is accepted to study far away.

For the first time in his life, he is not running, he is choosing.

Yuna understands.

Not with sadness, but with strength.

On their final walk together, he carries her one last time to the sea.

The bracelet is now complete. Yuna gently ties it around his wrist.

She whispers: “You taught me how to walk again.”

He answers: “And you taught me how to fly… even without wings.” Takao leaves to build his future.

Yuna remains facing the ocean. It is not a goodbye.

It is a passage. Later, Takao keeps traveling. And sometimes, alone, he adds a new fragment to the bracelet.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE This film is about the kind of love that does not cure you, but teaches you how to live with your scars. Takao and Yuna are two broken pieces that fit, not because they complete each other, but because they choose to walk together.

ESSENCE Our Steps Together, Even Without Wings is a story about tenderness, resilience, and the quiet courage of love. It is not about grand gestures or miracles, but about the beauty of carrying someone, and the grace of being carried. Because sometimes, walking together is already a form of flight. Visual Style: Inspired by Seong Ryul, pastel tones, soft light, slow and delicate framing. Music Mood: Dreamy and organic, Masakatsu Takagi (Nene), (Lullaby In the Peaceful Light), (Maternity Sky).

I’m sharing the link to my travel post here.

If you read my travel post (link above), you may notice the subtle emotional connection between my journey and this story — especially the moment with the bracelet that stayed with me. :

https://www.stage32.com/lounge/promotion/Wow-Wow-Wow

View all All comments

Marie Hatten

2
2 people like this
- Koby Nguyen
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

Simply stunning , beautiful, moving and so needed . Thank you Koby Nguyen . Those moments are the magic of life .

Koby Nguyen

2
2 people like this
- Marie Hatten
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

Thank you.

I believe those small moments are what connect us all.

Koby Nguyen

2
2 people like this
- Marie Hatten
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

I'll explain why this film is so important to me :

Our Steps Together, Even Without Wings is not a film about curing, saving, or overcoming disability.

It is a story about choice, consent, and love find...

Expand comment

I'll explain why this film is so important to me :

Our Steps Together, Even Without Wings is not a film about curing, saving, or overcoming disability.

It is a story about choice, consent, and love finding its own language.

Yuna is never carried because she cannot move, she is carried because she chooses to be, because it allows her, for a moment, to experience the world differently. Her wheelchair is not a failure, nor something to escape from. It is a respected and permanent part of her life. The act of carrying is not a solution, but a shared gesture, born from trust and tenderness.

Why the film speaks to children

For children, the film is experienced through emotion, not symbolism.

They see two people who care for each other, who explore the world together, who laugh, help strangers, collect small treasures, and share everyday moments. The idea of carrying someone is natural to them, it is not about power or limitation, but about inclusion.

The film gently teaches empathy without explanation.

It shows that everyone can belong to the journey, even if they move differently.

There is no fear, no tragedy, only attention and kindness.

Why the film speaks to adults

For adults, the film resonates on a deeper, more reflective level.

It speaks about vulnerability, interdependence, and the courage to love without trying to fix the other. Takao does not save Yuna. Yuna does not complete Takao. They choose each other, knowing that time, separation, and change are inevitable.

For adults with or without disabilities, the story opens a space to reflect on care, dignity, and consent. It acknowledges both the beauty and the complexity of being carried or carrying someone, without idealizing or denying reality.

A film that opens dialogue

This film does not give instructions, nor does it present a model to imitate.

It offers an emotional experience that invites conversation, between children and parents, teachers and students, caregivers and loved ones.

At its heart, Our Steps Together, Even Without Wings is a quiet story about walking alongside someone, in whatever way is possible, sometimes by listening, sometimes by slowing down, sometimes by carrying, always with respect.

Koby Nguyen

2
2 people like this
- Marie Hatten
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

WORKING NOTES — OUR STEPS TOGETHER, EVEN WITHOUT WINGS

General Structure of Locations

The film will begin with a clear progression of spaces, which accompanies the emotional evolution of the characters:...

Expand comment

Marie Hatten

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 day ago

Koby Nguyen I can see this as I read . The writing is so naturalistic and it’s beyond moving . Please make this happen .

Jay A Swendris

Screenwriter

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

1 day ago

Needs SHOWRUNNER / PRODUCER PARTNER

SHOWRUNNER / PRODUCER PARTNER

Original Sci-Fi Series – Pilot & Multi-Season Arc in Place

I’m the creator and primary writer of an original sci-fi series titled The Phoenix. The 90-minute pilot is complete, and the full four-season arc already exists.

I am seeking one experienced industry-minded part...

Expand post

SHOWRUNNER / PRODUCER PARTNER

Original Sci-Fi Series – Pilot & Multi-Season Arc in Place

I’m the creator and primary writer of an original sci-fi series titled The Phoenix. The 90-minute pilot is complete, and the full four-season arc already exists.

I am seeking one experienced industry-minded partner to step into a Producer / Co-Showrunner / Development Partner role (title flexible based on experience).

This is not an editing or polish gig.

This is a true creative and strategic partnership aimed at getting the project packaged, pitched, and sold.

WHAT’S ALREADY DONE

Finished pilot screenplay

Defined mythology, characters, and tone

Long-term multi-season trajectory

Clear series identity and thematic spine

The creative foundation is solid. What’s needed now is the industry-facing half of the equation.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR

Someone who understands:

How projects actually get developed and seen

What belongs in a professional pitch deck / pitch pack

How to shape material for buyers, networks, and streamers

How to collaborate on story changes without breaking long-form arcs

The balance between creative integrity and market reality

Script changes are welcome and encouraged — collaboratively. I need to be part of those decisions to protect the four-season architecture.

THE OFFER

Up to 49% ownership of the project

Long-term partnership (not one-off work)

Shared creative authority

Loyalty and continuity across future development

This percentage reflects the value of the role.

If you help bring this series into the world, you deserve to share in it.

IDEAL BACKGROUND

Producer, development exec, showrunner, or writer with industry experience

Strong understanding of pitch materials and buyer expectations

Comfortable working via FaceTime or in-person

Values trust, communication, and long-term collaboration

NOT A FIT IF

You’re looking for a quick credit

You want unilateral creative control

You’re dismissive of vision-first creators

You’re expecting a blank-page project

If you’ve ever been the person who bridges story and execution, vision and market, I’d like to connect.

Please message me with your background and how you see yourself contributing.

— Jay A. Swendris

Creator, The Phoenix

Maurice Vaughan

1 day ago

Hi, Jay A Swendris. I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I moved your post from the Producing Lounge to the Your Stage Lounge. The ways to connect with other members in the discip...

Expand comment

Jay A Swendris

Screenwriter

posted in Your Stage Sign in to subscribe

1 day ago

Needed SHOWRUNNER / PRODUCER PARTNER

SHOWRUNNER / PRODUCER PARTNER

Original Sci-Fi Series – Pilot & Multi-Season Arc in Place

I’m the creator and primary writer of an original sci-fi series titled The Phoenix. The 90-minute pilot is complete, and the full four-season arc already exists.

I am seeking one experienced industry-minded part...

Expand post

SHOWRUNNER / PRODUCER PARTNER

Original Sci-Fi Series – Pilot & Multi-Season Arc in Place

I’m the creator and primary writer of an original sci-fi series titled The Phoenix. The 90-minute pilot is complete, and the full four-season arc already exists.

I am seeking one experienced industry-minded partner to step into a Producer / Co-Showrunner / Development Partner role (title flexible based on experience).

This is not an editing or polish gig.

This is a true creative and strategic partnership aimed at getting the project packaged, pitched, and sold.

WHAT’S ALREADY DONE

Finished pilot screenplay

Defined mythology, characters, and tone

Long-term multi-season trajectory

Clear series identity and thematic spine

The creative foundation is solid. What’s needed now is the industry-facing half of the equation.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR

Someone who understands:

How projects actually get developed and seen

What belongs in a professional pitch deck / pitch pack

How to shape material for buyers, networks, and streamers

How to collaborate on story changes without breaking long-form arcs

The balance between creative integrity and market reality

Script changes are welcome and encouraged — collaboratively. I need to be part of those decisions to protect the four-season architecture.

THE OFFER

Up to 49% ownership of the project

Long-term partnership (not one-off work)

Shared creative authority

Loyalty and continuity across future development

This percentage reflects the value of the role.

If you help bring this series into the world, you deserve to share in it.

IDEAL BACKGROUND

Producer, development exec, showrunner, or writer with industry experience

Strong understanding of pitch materials and buyer expectations

Comfortable working via FaceTime or in-person

Values trust, communication, and long-term collaboration

NOT A FIT IF

You’re looking for a quick credit

You want unilateral creative control

You’re dismissive of vision-first creators

You’re expecting a blank-page project

If you’ve ever been the person who bridges story and execution, vision and market, I’d like to connect.

Please message me with your background and how you see yourself contributing.

— Jay A. Swendris

Creator, The Phoenix

Find Your Footing on Stage 32: Join Our January Community Open House!

Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 pm PT!

60 people like this

Liked by Darrell Pennington

1 person likes this

Liked by Cynna Ael

1 person likes this

Liked by Maurice Vaughan

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

Liked by Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg and one other

2 people like this

Liked by Maurice Vaughan

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

Liked by Philip Sedgwick and one other

2 people like this

Liked by Eon C. Rambally and 12 others

13 people like this

2 people like this

2 people like this

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

3 people like this

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

10 people like this

2 people like this

2 people like this

2 people like this

2 people like this

1 person likes this

2 people like this

1 person likes this

Top Contributors

CRAFT AND BUSINESS

GENERAL DISCUSSION

PROMOTION