Screenwriting : Goal for the Week by Maurice Vaughan

Outline, outline, outline. I can focus now that the US Open is over.

Maurice Vaughan TY for this post. I should have clear intentions at the beginning of each week.

Discuss with Noah Hawley and Ridley Scott a new trilogy for the Alien universe, Alien: Dark Planet : )

You're welcome, David Horton. What's the title of the project you're going to outline? And who won the US Open?

I like the title, Vladimir Romantsev! Noah Hawley and Ridley Scott. Wow! Congratulations!

Maurice Vaughan It's called The Landings. It's my pilot that I am turning into a feature based on a conversation with an industry rep I met on S32. Carlos Alcaraz won the Men's Title and Aryna Sabalenka won the Women's title. I actually had burn out towards the end of the 2nd week. Can't wait for hockey season!

Hi Maurice, I just finished writing a good page, getting more ideas on paper

I like that title, David Horton! Congratulations on having a conversation with an industry rep you met on Stage 32! I like watching tennis, but I missed the US Open. What's your hockey team?

Hi, Billy Kwack. Congratulations on finishing the page! What are you writing? A feature script?

Hi Maurice Vaughan. Happy new week, my friend. My goal for this week is to review the first 30 pages of Soul Mated, my screenplay. It's something that it's here on my mind sounding loud, but I haven't yet had the opportunity to sit, be focus and begin. I hope to do it this week. I wish you would accomplish your goal. :) Have a great week.

This week: write → tear it up → mourn for 5 minutes → tape the pages back together → rewrite with kinder eyes. Repeat. Cheering you on, Maurice!

Hi Maurice, just a story about my childhood. I want to call it the Backyards

Happy new week, Sandra Isabel Correia. I hope you reach your goal this week! I'm looking forward to watching Soul Mated! Thanks. Have a great week too!

Maurice Vaughan NY Rangers!

Thanks, Nataly Kiut. I appreciate it. I'm cheering you on too! I hope you can skip the "tear it up," "mourn for 5 minutes," and "tape the pages back together" steps.

Maurice Vaughan Do you have a title for your feature?

I like The Backyards, Billy Kwack! What genre(s) is it?

My teams are the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes, David Horton. My script's titled Vampire-Proof.

Hoping to hit 70 pages again for RoP's rewrite.

I'm rooting for you to hit 70 pages again, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh!

Thanks Maurice Vaughan~ I'll try to pace myself, aiming for 115 pages max. Currently at 55.

You're welcome, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh. Congratulations! You'll get there!

Thanks Maurice Vaughan, I will~ the script is calling for my special brand of surrealism so it'll be fairly easy to move forward. The only issue is how tired I get these days xD

You're welcome, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh. I can relate. Sometimes I don't have the energy to write. On those days, I write a little here and there. It adds up.

Clean up pilot episode of my first tv series, and finish the outline, especially the character breakdown list, arcs, one sheet and season summary. woohoo, here I go Maurice Vaughan !!!

Hi Maurice, maybe adventure

Congratulations on writing your first pilot episode, Juliana Philippi! You got this! Looking forward to hearing what your series is about when you're ready to share more!

Cool, Billy Kwack. I love watching Adventure movies! Keep me posted on your script. I'm looking forward to hearing what it's about!

Maurice Vaughan, my goal is to get through my second doctor`s appointment this week. My other main goal is to enjoy the Men Without Hats concert taking place here in Kiel in three days.

Happy rewrite Maurice Vaughan Sounds exciting :) I'm back and forth between outline and a sci-fi script 1st draft...and a lot of creative procrastination along the way ;)

I hope the doctor's appointment goes well and you enjoy the concert, Wyman Brent!

Thanks, Joanna AY. It's an exciting script. Happy outlining and writing. I'm a Sci-Fi fan. Looking forward to hearing what your script is about!

Complete the 6th rewrite of my pilot and hopefully provide the script to whom I gave a Zoom pitch to last week!

Storyboarding my short film script (I've already started) :) And then casting actors, hiring location, cinemaphotographer, gaffer, makeup artist

I would like to have all of my beats done by the end of the week for my new script, Certainty, Delivered. This has been the hardest script so far!

I'm rooting for you to reach your goals, Darrell Pennington! How did the pitch go?

Hi, Imola Orbán. Rooting for you to finish storyboarding your short and find a cast, location, and crew! Looking forward to watching your film!

Interesting title, Mike Schreurs! What genre(s) is your script?

My impression is that it went very well. Constant laughs and multiple questions and said she would reach out for the script! Thank you for asking.

Maurice Vaughan It's a dark comedy western about a courier who is given a special delivery in the form of a canvas bag that everyone, including gun-toting nuns, want dearly.

Darrell Pennington Good luck mate.

Mike - thank you so much!

My goal is to outline and write the first act of my faith-based screenplay.

You're welcome, Darrell Pennington. That's great! Congratulations on the pitch going so well and getting a script request!

That sounds exciting, Mike Schreurs! I love watching movies where everyone's after something! Can't wait to watch yours! I'm rooting for you to reach your goal!

Hi, Desiree Middleton. I'm cheering for you to outline and write the first act!

Maurice Vaughan Thanks my dude!

You're welcome, Mike Schreurs. Keep us posted on your script.

Haha I'm the same way a lot of times, Desiree Marie. I'm rooting for you to reach your goal this week!

I have started to check out AI regarding treatments for my scripts and synopsis for my books and I must say that I am impressed with the results; not that I am going to change the work I've already done on my published books or my screenplays, but I'll play with it for a little while longer.

My current projects are adapting two of my screenplays to book for a UK publisher while working on my latest script titled, THE RETURN OF THE SENSEI, a martial arts Action/Thriller.

Some of you may think I have too many balls in the air, but I teach ju-jitsu three times a week after my 2 hour gym session. The rest of the time is spent sitting here on my keyboard.

You're welcome, Desiree Marie. Congratulations on getting to page 13ish!

Congratulations on adapting two of your screenplays for a UK publisher, Christopher Chance! The Return of the Sensei sounds interesting! Martial Arts Action/Thriller are incredible! Did you see The Raid: Redemption?

Goal for the week - Find a producer, financing, director for 5 STAR RESORT.

Rooting for you to find a producer, financing, and director this week, Phil Savage. I remember reading your posts about 5 Star Resort. Can't wait to watch it!

Taking a break from writing to create pitch decks for my stronger scripts.

That's great, Erik Gagnon. Strong pitch decks can help get script requests. I'm rooting for you to reach your goal and sell your scripts!

To shoot more than 15 seconds of usable Film with Unreal Engine.

Rooting for you to reach that goal, Paul Rivers! What project is it for (if you want to talk about it)?

I'm pushing to lock the script for The Shape of Kindness this week, so I can move directly into DP duties while my spouse, along with our producer, runs with the rest of it to get us to production in November.

Hey, Lindsay Thompson. Rooting for you to lock the script this week! After watching Atlas Falling, I can't wait to see The Shape of Kindness!

Thank you Maurice Vaughan! The team here is incredibly enthusiastic and excited to bring this new project to life. It is going to be so much fun to bring to the world.

My goal for this week is to find an agent. I'm seeing lots of roadblocks. Any suggestions?

You're welcome, Lindsay Thompson. I'm excited for you, your spouse, and everyone working on The Shape of Kindness!

Hi, DonnaMarie Miller. I hope you find an agent this week!

Email Stage 32’s Development Team success@stage32.com and let them know what your goal is. They’ll give you some suggestions who to pitch your project to. Stage 32 recently had a Representation Pitchfest (www.stage32.com/blog/your-shot-at-representation-is-here-4200). There might be agents who are taking pitches through the Pitch Sessions right now.

You could also search for an agent with IMDBPro (https://pro.imdb.com/signup/index.html).

my goal of the week is to write and write working on an animated film Maurice Vaughan

Mike Schreurs Good luck! I like the comedy-western approach especially with the gun toting nuns!

Hi Dave Horton, you studied at Pratt institute, awesome, I interned there for 3 years

Hi, Tania Ocasio. I'm rooting for you to reach your goal this week! What animation style do you have in mind for your script?

Thank you, Maurice, for asking. On my side, I’ve been working a lot, helping my mother at the restaurant, which often keeps me late. Still, I find myself with energy at night, so sometimes I write, sometimes I just listen to music, or I take out my sketchbook and draw the cats that come to me for affection.

I’ve also managed to save enough to travel soon with two friends to South Korea. For me, this trip will be a chance to breathe, to find inspiration, and to feed my films and my art.

So right now, I’m writing slowly, calmly, putting a piece of myself into everything I create. I’m not rushing, I’m taking my time.

Thanks again, Maurice.

I as just hired for another theatre production, so I've been working on that

Hopefully, 5 more pages of my Disney crossover, anticipating my screenwriting teacher's email that has my draft's corrections, binge-watching at least one class video, martial arts class, cooking, getting those dishes out the way and catching up on much-needed sleep.

Billy Kwack Yes, I went to Pratt. What department were you an intern?

I'm in the "filling the well" (i.e. watching movies) and brainstorming phase of a new project.

Erin Leigh, I tried brainstorming but it was only a light drizzle.

Some days are more productive than others, Wyman Brent! :)

I've adapted one of my novels into my first screenplay. Working on the second draft now.

Hi Dave, do you know the piccid building? I had to help architects, I worked under Naomi Johnson

Erin Leigh, the great thing is never needing an umbrella.

Maurice, I'm out to finish an "outline/scene list" for a dramedy (comedy?) I was thinking about this past spring: "Rose Show," where, inspired by a similar project up the Pacific Coast and out to prove themselves as jazz musicians, two teens (BFFs) in modern-day Portland, OR form an all-star band of local girls. (One more plot point will give me six...and a green light to write that script.)

Great question Maurice Vaughan! My goal this week is to watch a certification class on production scheduling. I signed up for it around two weeks ago (I think) and haven't had a chance to watch it yet.

You’re welcome, Koby Nguyen. That’s great that you’re helping your mother at the restaurant and you still have energy at night to create/do other things! I like your drawings! Congratulations on saving enough to travel to South Korea! I hope you and your friends have an incredible time!

Congratulations on getting hired for another theatre production, Ronika Merl!

Finalize my Glossary for my Webinar and Book - Scams and Screenwriting.

You have a lot of goals, Diana Levin, which is great! I hope you reach all of them!

I like that, Erin Leigh. "Filling the well." Is it a feature, TV series, etc.?

Congratulations on adapting your novel into a screenplay and writing your first screenplay, Johan Michaels!

Rose Show sounds interesting, Jim Boston. I like the title. I'm rooting for you to finish the outline/scene list and get that green light!

Rooting for you to finalize your glossary, Miquiel Banks! I'm looking forward to your webinar and book!

Hey, Leonardo Ramirez 2. I've heard great things about the Stage 32 certification classes. A class on production scheduling sounds helpful. I'm rooting for you to reach your goal!

Maurice Vaughan Feature. This time I'm trying a Romantic Drama.

Maurice Vaughan Thanks my friend. I've already taken one on budgeting and it was awesome. This one seems a bit more intense so I need to carve out the lone time for it.

Erin Leigh - when you say, "Romantic", you're supposed to roll the "R"s LOL

Rrrrrromantica!

Congratulations on working on your first Romantic Drama, Erin Leigh! I haven't tried that genre mix, but who knows? Maybe one day. Let us know how it goes.

You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez 2. Great. I'm keeping an eye out for a certification class about producing an audio drama.

Leonardo Ramirez 2 - (lol) I was one class away from a Spanish minor in college, and I could NEVER roll my "Rs." It was so bad.

Maurice Vaughan Thanks! I may be hitting you up for some logline advice in a few months. Sorry! (lol)

Don't feel bad Erin Leigh - I'm Hispanic and I can't do it anymore. I used to be able to but I lost that superpower somewhere along the way. Might have to do something with living in Tennessee.

Oh man Maurice Vaughan - that would be a good one.

You're welcome, Erin Leigh. Ok, no problem.

Leonardo Ramirez 2 , I hope you find your superpower again. My mother was born in Tennessee. I will just say that I am glad that I moved permanently to Europe 17 years ago.

Erin Leigh, I sat next to a Spanish minor when I went to high school.

Maurice Vaughan My goal this weekend is to get some rest. I’ve been running 100 mph lately, and I know I need to recharge before I hit a wall. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our creativity is pause and give ourselves space to refuel.

Ashley Renee Smith, good idea to rest. Remember what happens to Wile E. Coyote every time he hits a wall.

Goals this week: Continue working on my drama pilot script, outline a feature idea, and devise a feature screenplay revision plan for a script I love but needs some work.

You're right, Ashley Renee Smith. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our creativity is pause and give ourselves space to refuel. Sometimes we need to pause a project too. Hope you can get some rest this weekend!

Hi, Eric McKeever. I'm rooting for you to reach all your goals this week!

So true, Wyman Brent. So. True.

Finding my next inspiration. My last one came while making a batch of limoncello, you never know when inspiration will strike next!

You're right, David Miller. You never know when inspiration will strike next. I get inspiration from movies, shows, life, videos, photos, social media, etc. One of those might help you. Hope you find your next inspiration!

Maurice, thanks for shouting out about "Rose Show!"

You're welcome, Jim Boston. Did you finish the outline/scene list?

I gonna do network and write!

Script revisions.

Got to dig deeper into my latest script, "Senior Center Assassin" about a Vietnam combat vet that went on to become a skilled black bag/wet work operative for the Agency. Now retired, he becomes an active member of a local senior center. When other members fall prey to scammers, street muggers, burglars, home invaders he becomes the invisible hand of retribution. It's The Equalizer meets Senior Citizen.

Great, Beatriz Alencar. Here are some blogs about networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41

Hey, Max Hechtman. Is it a feature script, teleplay, short, etc.?

Unique concept, Michael Elliott 2! If I was a producer, I'd buy your script and make it! I'd definitely watch that movie!

Maurice Vaughan It's a feature script.

I'm trying to get started on this networking thing.

What genre(s) is your script, Max Hechtman? What's the logline?

Hi, Tracy Ball. Stage 32 has blogs that'll help you network: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41

And Stage 32's Introduce Yourself Weekend (Friday through Monday, the third weekend of each month) is a big networking event. Monday’s included so anyone who didn’t get a chance to introduce themselves Friday-Sunday can still introduce/reintroduce themselves. www.stage32.com/lounge/introduce_yourself

Getting someone to listen that gives a sh@@

Tracy Ball, I consult the spiders around here. They are great at networking.

Here's a blog that could help you connect with producers, directors, executives, etc., Michael Elliott 2: www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...

And Introduce Yourself Weekend is September 19-22. It's a great chance to network. That's how I signed a shopping agreement with a producer for my game show.

Stage 32 has in-person Meetups that are great for networking (www.stage32.com/meetups). If you don't see a Meetup in your area, you could start your own.

Thanks for the useful advice MV5 (the missing droid from Star Wars).

Haha You're welcome, Michael Elliott 2. I hope you sell your script! Can't wait to watch it!

I just finished a rough draft for a revised script and waiting for my writer partner to read it. I also sent him the treatment for the next script. We had to do a rewrite after some negative feedback and it turns out it evolved into two different potential stories.

Congratulations on finishing the rough draft, Scott Weisenfeld!

Getting my script down for my writing group to give me feedback and rewrite from there? How is your writing going Maurice?

I'm rooting for you to finish your script, Ron Reid! I'm rewriting two feature scripts (one of them is my main project) and outlining two scripts (a feature and a short). Things are going smooth right now. Thanks for asking.

Finish writing and edit

Hey, Nicholas P. Rooting for you to finish writing and editing your script!

Thank you Maurice Vaughan ready to share it

You're welcome, Nicholas P. Looking forward to hearing what your script's about when you start sharing it!

Maurice, I'm happy to say that the "Rose Show" scene list is all finished...and I'm going to start on the script itself next week.

Congratulations on finishing the scene list, Jim Boston! Keep us posted on the script.

You bet I will...can't wait!