Hi everyone,
I’m Jonathan Ruppert, a first-time screenwriter focused on high-stakes political and techno-thrillers with strong commercial appeal.
My current feature, HACKED, is an award-winning political techno-thriller that has been building momentum through festivals and screenplay competitions. I’m here to keep growing as a writer, connect with producers, reps, and fellow creatives, and keep developing projects that blend suspense, real-world relevance, and strong character stakes.
Glad to be here, and looking forward to connecting with more of the community.
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Hi Jonathan Ruppert, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and I’ve been enjoying your posts in the Writer’s Room recently, you’ve been bringing some great energy! Congrats on the momentum you’re building with HACKED!
As you continue growing and connecting, 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 are great spaces to expand your network, share your process, and connect with producers and creatives looking for material like yours.
You may also find it really helpful to reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you share more about your project and your goals around representation or development, they can help guide you toward curated resources and opportunities.
With HACKED gaining traction, what do you see as your next goal, securing representation, packaging, or pushing it further through competitions and exposure?
Thanks so much, Ashley — I really appreciate that.
Right now my biggest goal with HACKED is to keep building momentum while pushing the script to its strongest possible version. I’m currently in a focused revision pass with my writing partner, so the immediate priority is sharpening the material even further. From there, I’d say the next goal is a combination of continued exposure, the right industry relationships, and ideally representation or producing interest that feels like a strong fit for the project.
Really appreciate the guidance, and I’ll definitely keep spending time in those lounges.
Great to meet you, Jonathan Ruppert! Ooo, what kind of political thrillers have influenced or inspired your writing? I've been enjoying The Diplomat (Netflix) but loved The Good Wife (CBS?) back a few years ago. Actually, was just talking with a few new friends about how political Battle Star Galatica is and how SciFi can be such a great vehicle for philosophical debate.
Wait, you're in the Writers' Room? You should join us for the Coverage Report! You know, to give feedback and then get feedback on your stuff. We meet Mondays at 6pm PST and Thursdays at 12:30pm PST. Drop me an email if you'd like more info: K.Ross@stage32.com
As for me, last year I launched my Off Duty, Thanks! brand (www.offdutythanks.shop - I just made new apparel for Mother's Day!) and this year I'm focusing on publishing my #StoryMath YouTube channel and book. It's not ready yet, but here is the channel if you'd like to start following ahead of our launch: https://www.youtube.com/@storymath.online
Thanks so much, Kay — really appreciate the warm welcome.
What tends to inspire me most are stories where the stakes feel both personal and systemic at the same time — not just one person in danger, but larger institutions and power structures in motion behind it. I’m drawn to thrillers that feel urgent and grounded, where the suspense comes from how believable the corruption or cover-up feels. And yes, I completely agree that sci-fi can be an amazing way to explore philosophical and political ideas — Battlestar Galactica is a great example of that.
And thank you for the Coverage Report invite too — that sounds really valuable, and I may definitely reach out as I keep moving HACKED forward.