Hey everyone,
My name is Joshua O-lawal, and I’m a 14-year-old aspiring screenwriter (turning 15 this year). For over a year, I’ve been dedicated to learning and growing in screenwriting, and my passion for storytelling keeps getting stronger. My ultimate dream is to see my scripts come to life on screen, and right now, my focus is on improving my craft and gaining experience—not money.
I’ve been fortunate to connect with experienced screenwriters like Jed Spingarn, Robert Sacchi, and Brian Herskowitz, whose guidance and advice has been valuable to me, I can't stop thanking them. I know I still have a long way to go, but I’m excited to keep learning and evolving as a writer.
So far, I’ve written four short scripts across different genres:
Omac’s Legacy (Action) – A young hero must stop his villainous father from taking over the world.
Jace and Grace (Family Comedy) – Two quarrelsome siblings learn teamwork while trying to retrieve their TV remote.
Grand Theft Pushers (Crime Comedy) – Three friends on the run must outwit the police without a getaway car.
What A Dream (Horror) – A boy trapped in a terrifying nightmare wakes up—only to realize the horror isn’t over.
At this stage, I’m looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience, improve my scripts, and collaborate with others who share the same passion for storytelling. My goal isn’t to chase money—I just want to grow as a writer and gain the experience needed to bring my stories to life.
If anyone has advice, feedback, or insights, I’d love to hear from you! Also, if you know of any opportunities where I can contribute or get involved, I’d be grateful.
And also, my mom is with me for parental guidance.
Looking forward to connecting with more amazing writers here!
Best,
Joshua O-lawal
1 person likes this
Hey, O-lawal Joshua Seyifunmi. I just took Brian Herskowitz's webinar the other day, and he had an AMA on Stage 32 recently about "Breaking Your Story with Treatments, Synopsis, Beat Sheets, and Outlines" (www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-2-6-t...). Brian always has helpful advice and insight.
I got hands-on experience by connecting with indie producers and directors and working on their script ideas (shorts, features, etc.). That led to more opportunities to work with them on their ideas and chances to pitch my spec scripts to them. Here's a blog that'll help you connect with indie producers and other industry professionals: www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...
You can improve your scripts by reading scripts, learning more about screenwriting (Stage 32 has a whole section on Screenwriting Education -- www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Screenwriting), and getting feedback on your scripts.
3 people like this
Thank you very very much Maurice Vaughan, I'll check out all the links.
1 person likes this
You're welcome, O-lawal Joshua Seyifunmi. You could also check the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs). Indie producers and directors post jobs on it.
3 people like this
O-lawal Joshua Seyifunmi Maurice Vaughan is our go to guy on many subjects here on the Stage so follow his lead! And he's not a bot!!
3 people like this
Hey, Pat Savage. Thanks. Definitely not a bot.
2 people like this
Maurice Vaughan trying to get your attention! I mean any longer time spent on here you could be a bot! Goodfellas reference...
1 person likes this
Haha Pat Savage Goodfellas is incredible!