Every writer on Stage32 has likely felt that mix of hope and anxiety when submitting a pitch. We polish our concepts, rehearse our delivery, and present something we truly believe in. And sometimes… the feedback is glowing, the scores are high, and still—the project isn’t requested.
It stings.
And for some, it plants doubt.
Not just in the project, but in the platform, in the executives, even in the industry as a whole.
But here’s what many forget:
A pass doesn’t mean failure.
And a no doesn’t erase the quality of your work.
In fact, it may just mean you were seen by the right person at the wrong time.
Personally, I’ve submitted 20 original projects over the past weeks.
6 have already been reviewed.
5 were officially passed.
Only one was accepted so far.
Did I feel discouraged? Yes—briefly.
But instead of giving up, I took one of the rejected projects, refined it from scratch, and resubmitted it… only to see it passed again.
And still—I’m not stopping.
I have 14 opportunities left, and even if every single one gets rejected…
this is only the beginning.
Rejection is not the end.
It’s part of the process.
It’s how we reshape, reframe, and return stronger.
The truth is:
Most successful careers didn’t start with a “yes.”
They started with resilience, repetition, and showing up—even when the response was silence or rejection.
So to every writer feeling discouraged:
Don’t underestimate the impact of your presence here.
You never know who’s reading, who’s listening, or who might remember your name when the right story lands on their desk.
Keep pitching. Keep showing up.
Because the most valuable eyes in this industry… often aren’t the ones who say “yes” right away.
— H. S. Almahsen
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Thank you so much, Asmaa — your words truly mean a lot.
I genuinely believe that sharing our journey—rejections and all—is just as vital as celebrating our wins. It’s how we create space for others to feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Wishing you continued momentum and meaningful breakthroughs in your own creative path.
Let’s keep showing up, keep sharing, and keep building together.
— H. S. Almahsen
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"A pass doesn’t mean failure. And a no doesn’t erase the quality of your work. In fact, it may just mean you were seen by the right person at the wrong time." Exactly, H. S. Almahse. That's how I look at a pass, and I try to learn from it/make my project better. Thanks for sharing this with the community. I'm sure it's going to help writers and other members. Hope you continue to have success on Stage 32!
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actually we are here learning, I think everyone here will get better after someone guides your with hard opinions and teaching how you have to do it , after this experience our Next project will be much more corrected, there is gonna be a moment when the project will be Exelent because of all this experience
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Thank you so much, Maurice.
Your words mean a lot coming from someone who clearly approaches their craft with thought and resilience.
I truly believe that every “pass” is not a stop sign, but a quiet invitation to evolve.
It’s encouraging to know we’re not alone in this — and that others out there are also turning setbacks into stepping stones.
Wishing you continued growth and breakthroughs on your journey as well.
Let’s keep showing up — even when no one claps yet.
— H. S. Almahsen
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You're welcome, H. S. Almahse. Thank you. I appreciate it.
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Very true. I’ve been pitching fairly regularly and mostly got passes but they’ve all been encouraging and praising my idea even if they’re not the ones to bring it to the fore—at least not now. I already know I’ll pitch some execs again in the future :D
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And how many of those who request the script or meeting wind up creating a finished product? That is the real question. Congrats to those who succeed.
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Hi Banafsheh,
Thank you for sharing your experience — it truly resonates. Your mindset is exactly what this industry needs: persistence, clarity, and hope. I admire how you keep moving forward with grace, even when the timing isn’t right.
I have no doubt that your work will find its perfect champion. Wishing your next pitch lands exactly where it belongs — and with the people who can bring it to life.
Keep going. The right “yes” always finds its way.
Warmly,
H. S. Almahsen
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Hi Jon,
You’ve hit the core of it — getting a request is one thing, but turning that opportunity into a completed, compelling script is the real challenge. I couldn’t agree more.
Personally, I treat every pitch not just as a door knock, but as a promise to finish what I’ve started — with care, clarity, and creative fire. It’s a long road, but I believe the ones who keep showing up eventually deliver something that matters.
Appreciate your words and the reality check — they add great value to the conversation.
Best,
H. S. Almahsen
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Thank you so much H. S. Almahse, I'll definitely keep at it and also see where my stories go. Even just having them table read is a blast. I'm sure you will also know success very soon--the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!
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Thank you so much H.S. Almahse for these encouraging words. I am new to this. I've been trying for a couple of years. I've gotten many passes, but what I found out is that I had to stop editing so much. I don't understand how 2-3 can rate a 5 in an area and 2-3 more can rate a 2-3 in the same area. W hat I have found out is that pitching two pages is not the best way. Whether Stage 32 or other platforms my suggestion is to submit the whole project, you'll get more Recommends. I'm waiting on a result now on Stage 32 that should have taken 21 days, it's over a month, I'm praying for a favorable decision.
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Thank you so much for this, H. S. Almahse! I really needed it(especially after receiving two passes and a not so good BL eval just recently lol)
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Hi Banafsheh,
Thank you so much for your kind and inspiring words.
Your energy is truly uplifting — I admire your drive and the joy you find in the process, especially in table reads. That spark is what keeps stories alive.
Wishing you continued momentum and breakthroughs in your journey.
And yes… step by step, we all get closer.
Warm regards,
H. S. Almahsen
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Hi Nadine,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message.
I admire your persistence — it’s clear you’ve been putting in the work and learning along the way.
I completely agree that submitting a full, polished project often gives a better chance to communicate the full vision. Pitching just a few pages can sometimes limit how the story is perceived.
Wishing you the very best with the submission you’re currently waiting on — I truly hope it brings the positive outcome you deserve.
Keep going — your dedication will surely lead to something meaningful.
Warm regards,
H. S. Almahsen
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Hi Holly,
Thank you so much for your kind message — it truly means a lot.
I know how disheartening rejections and tough evaluations can feel, but the fact that you’re still showing up, still writing, still pitching — that’s the mark of a real writer. Resilience is half the battle.
Your voice matters, and I genuinely believe that the right moment and the right champion will come. Keep showing up — your stories are worth it.
Wishing you strength and creative momentum ahead.
Let’s keep pushing forward — together.
Warm regards,
H. S. Almahsen