Brian Joseph Spero Jr.: Screenwriter in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

I have wriiten 2 screenplays, but after years one of them, a dramedy called SPEND TRUST TO MAKE TRUST, has actually entered development (not production...YET). I'll be using the job section later today but for now I'm just thrilled to be saying I could soon become produced. I took online classes at ScreenwritingU.com which itself is taught by a producer as well as a class on Stakes here on Stage32. AND BOTH HELPED. Now I'm a strong enough writer that I KNOW I can make a career of it once I'm in the door!

After 2 years of no use, I'm returning with a much stronger project, SPEND TRUST TO MAKE TRUST, which has actually started development. I hope to get it into production soon.

Version 8 of my screenplay is almost complete. I'm almost done with the re-write phase of the ScreenwritingU.com MasterClass. And I can't wait to start Phase 2, because it will be back to marketing, something I haven't done in a while...But I'm so ready now and I'm armed with a screenplay far better than when I tried last time. Just a few more weeks, and I'll hit the pitchfests here on Stage32 again!

And so...Version 8 of my screenplay is under way!

Lately there have been a lot of people trying to put me down (noone on Stage32) about how I'm never gonna sell my screenplay. They just don't realize the work I've put into it though. I've even taken classes that NO QUESTION improved the screenplay tenfold, both here on Stage32 and I did one called the ProSeries (Once I have the money I'm thinking of doing the Masterclass next - For ProSeries "graduates", people who complete at least 80% of the assignments). ProSeries was actual writing lessons I was able to apply to my script and I don't regret taking the course at all since Version 7 that I came out with is a million times better than Version 3 - especially in the plot and characters. Once I had great characters the plot just...fell into place. Now as I said recently there have been a lot of people telling me it's silly to think I can sell but with all the time and work I've done there's no way I believe that. Everyone who HAS read my script at LEAST admits it's a great idea that I have. I'm just never gonna forget this fun fact - George Lucas was initially told Star Wars was a dumb idea and the script was rejected by Universal Studios and United Artists and even 20th Century fox at the start (though yes, they eventually embraced it). There are countless examples of this (see http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/22058/the-hit-films-hollywood-studios-did...) E.T. was another. So in short I won't stop until I actually sell "Mascot". I've made countless changes to plot and characters, and only the initial idea has remained intact. What's more every new version I know the movies going to be better now. Anyway I still work a standard 40-hour job and live in Portsmouth, RI not far from Boston or Providence (1 hour) or even New York (it's about 5 hours). At this point as I continue to write in my free time, I just really am trying the sell or market the screenplay now. I used to pitch on Stage32 pitchfests but money's gotten tighter. Still with my latest version complete, and I haven't pitched since early Version 5, I plan to get back to it soon! Like the title says - I've had dreams before but for some reason I started chasing this one over a year ago - And I haven't stopped because I feel like this is one I can make happen and what's more even if it doesn't (which I believe it will) I'm actually having fun doing it! As for the fact my profile says I'm a musician, I play in the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble. We're on Soundcloud and pretty well known in RI and nearby Massachusetts

I've got a few ideas. Two are really good, and one I've developed into a script. But I haven't sold it yet. I'm completely focused on it for now (though I am planning to at some point turn the other idea into a teleplay - it'd be more of a series since its a long story...) But anyway with this script I'm writing now I've made leaps and bounds. I didn't just write it and say "Done." The reason I keep going with this one script is I am constantly told it IS a unique and high-concept idea. The only reason I haven't pitched in a while is I've been focused entirely on another rewrite of the script. I'm on a Version 7 now and I know the changes each Version had. It was until Version 4 that I finally knew what I was doing and since then the script only gets better. I did a High Stakes class here on Stage32 and also an online screenwriting course, The ScreenwritingU ProSeries, which did wonders for my writing skills from day one. Now I just keep using those skills and I plan to get backinto marketing Version 7 of my screenplay (I haven't marketed since an early Version 5, and Version 6 made Major changes including some taken from suggestions from script coverage here on this site). I just keep trying and won't give up on this because no matter who critiques me, they always admit the main idea for my screenplay is good! So if anyone's curious I suppose I should leave the new logline: "In order to follow his cheerleader girlfriend to away matches, a college student must become what he despises most - the Mascot." I myself am looking to break in as a screenwriter and I feel like having a great script is the way to do that!

In my last update research had hit an all time high when I finally got to interview a student who operates a mascot costume - I NEVER expected to get as many ideas for the movie as I did....But upon listening back to the interview I had a list of additions. In addition I received coverage fromStage32 and was told the biggest issue is that the screenplay's to dialogue heavy, and that I should let the audience figure things out. Among other things, now I know what to work on and when it's complete it will be Version 7 of my script. Maybe LUCKY version 7...

I'm working on Version 6 presently. I'm trying to raise stakes, I even took the Stage32 class! On top of that all research hit an all time high on Friday when I finally got to interview a student who operates the mascot costume - I NEVER expected to get as many ideas for the movie as I did. Including ones that will fill in big gaps. I needed those answers, so now pushing ahead with Version 6 of the script, I know I have to redo the pitch so I won't keep getting denied. I'm holding of for awhile because ScreenwritingU's ProSeries is almost done, and the last module is a complete marketing plan including the perfect pitch. I'll still be trying on my own but I feel like a re-written pitch will get more requests. And version 6 of the script is going to finish what Version 5 of "Mascot" started!

Thanks for connecting with me!

There have been some major improvements in my 5th draft of "Mascot", not to mention to the pitch. After all the "Passes" I was starting to wondering when I was going to get my next request, especially with a lot of reports telling me my protagonist lacked motivation, which I strongly disagree with (That said I may not be presenting it right in the pitch), and the latestest saying he needs flaws. He has plenty but I still plan to look into both...In any case last time I was requested, I sent a version 4 that pales in comparison to my Version 5, so maybe my best version yet can finally convince a studio to say "Yes!"

I had a great discussion with Spike Scarberry of Bad Hat Harry for the Happy Writer's pitch session, and I was asked to submit my pilot script! I'm very excited that my series has peeked some interest. I'm also very thanksful that Stage 32 provides some cool opprotunities like that.

2014 has not been good for me in screenwriting contests. Nicholls - Zilch, Final Draft Big Break - NADA, Stage32 New Blood List - NOTHING. I do feel a slight footprint on my ego. Congratulations to everyone else that placed in the quarter finals and beyond. Several of my screenwriting bredren from scriptshadow have done well placing in contests. Most noticeably Craig Mack. I'm still determined to keep writing despite my contest record.

I don't know much about how Stage32 works for musicians (so this may not matter to anyone since it has nothing to do with my screenplay), but I'm happy that I'll be joining the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble for the 6th consecutive year as a percussionist in it's 2014/15 season.

Just one week and I've already been requested again (3rd time -This time by Kelly Hayes). This new pitch is doing wonders. All 3 times I've done a written pitch...(Well, Benderspink MIGHT have been Skype, actually), so that seems to be my song suit, since I can say what I want and not what I don't without worrying. I'll go back to Skype pitches someday, but not until I get to that part of the class I'm in. Anyway, this 3rd request just gives me more hope "Mascot" might really hit the big screen some day.

3311 is the second person to request my screenplay. The first was Benderspink, but I never heard back after the submission. THAT was Version 3. I'm hoping the changes to this new version of my script (Version 5) can be the one to get farther. I believe the plots clearer, the mascot is more a mascot and less a...human, and the overall structure has been change to allow Jon (the protagonist) to reach an ULTIMATE GOAL. I've even amped up the comedy like everyone wanted, and the antagonist has changed a bit. Only my concept doesn't change, but even then...the plot does sometimes. But this whole getting second request from 3311 is proof to me I really CAN NOT drop "Mascot like my other ventures (I wasn't passionate about those, like I am with this). I dream of the movie and picture the scenes in my head. I can see my movie. Now I just need someone to make it...so here's try number 2! I'm excited to have another shot after awhile. I had a bad week and almost didn't do that pitch. MAN I AM GLAD I DID!

I put up a cover photo of me and the mascot I'm writing about in my movie, Wildcat Willie!

I've done five pitches now. 2 okay, 2 bad. Today I did pitch prep and had my best pitch ever. it was worth it, because now i know what to say for the rest of my pitches! Now I just have to find the right people to pitch to. I figure I can afford to do one pitch a week at least...