Screenwriting

It's good to have one-pagers. But a full pitch deck tells a much larger story with visuals and it can include what's in it for them. I just designed pitch decks for our feature film scripts and a TV series we are working on that are getting traction. Let me know if you'd like help with that. I love bringing stories to life visually and it just might be what you need to gain more interest from these producers. Just an idea!

@Krista Owen Well, thanks for your reply and feedback. I really appreciate the advice. I just don’t have experience making pitch decks, and I don’t currently have the resources to hire someone for that at this time. I’m more focused on the script itself and connecting with the right producers who can take it to the next stage.

Hi, Lisa. I'm told that AI tools can help one make pitch decks for free nowadays. I'm stubbornly script-focused too, though, and I've only ever made a pitch deck once.

@Eric Christopherson Yeah, I get what you mean, but I personally prefer leaving pitch decks to producers once they’re on board. It’s really their domain, and they know how to tailor it to financiers and partners. My focus is on the script itself.

Lisa Weiss I find myself with the same conundrum. I think there are some good ideas here. But, truth be told, the main factor is you. It's your perseverance that will make the difference. Your readiness when you meet that right person to excited them with your passion. I don't think there is one right answer to your question because if there was, we'd all do that. I've started small by continuing to write words on a page and keep asking for feedback to get the best polished draft, which sounds like you've done. Then you need to connect with other like minded individuals. Get on a film set as a PA or extra and ask the question "How can I help?" They say there is only six degree of separation to met anyone in this world. It's about meeting the right six people. So. I say meet one person. Then another. See where it goes. It's ok to be selective on how you spend your money. But, there is no limit to how you offer your time.

I think the newest season suffered for a lot of reasons. Particularly I felt the actor chemistry felt lacking. Which is understandable considering the transition the show made.

I think the biggest problem is the writing. I'm wondering if it was written during the writer's guild strike by a scab or it's AI. It's truly dreadful, like I didn't even want to finish watching it. The replacement of Geralt was fine and the addition of Lawrence Fishburn was a nice surprise. Everyone that signed off on the scripts should be banned from tv production forever...

Hi! I can't say anything about the script. I haven't watched the third season of the series yet. I'll just note that TV series are created for the sake of making money, not for the sake of art.

i just couldn't go past the fact that Henry cavil is not playing the lead. so didn't watch it

I really enjoyed the first season. It felt tight and like it was made for fans of the game. Second season wasn't so tight but still felt on brand. This last season felt like it was made purely out of necessity and by people who knew absolutely nothing about the source material and couldn't be bothered to know what the fans cared about. They made it into poorly written generic melodrama lol. Painful to watch for all the wrong reasons.

It's a glitch, Michael Elliott 2. The Tech Team is working on it.

You should keep the 2, it sounds catchy lol

It's my truth, AdamAdam Spencer. Thank you :))

Sandra Isabel Correia, you are most welcome.

Thank you for crafting and championing stories that heal and inspire.

Adam Spencer I am sorry to hear of the cost but it has obviously earned you what I feel is a much coveted spot - that magical balance between not giving a [%#$&] about what other people think and remaining gracious and with an observational eye on perspective. Good on ya' & much respect. A pleasure to have you here on the platform.

How can I find this video? There is no search feature under the Webcasts portal (I do have a Writer's Room membership)

Here you go: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/The-Executive-Hour-Webcast-with-Alice-C.... You can access the Writers' Room webcasts by going to your Writers' Room portal and clicking on ON DEMAND WEBCASTS.

Thank you Geoffroy!

“Every character is the main character of the story'" statement from Alice Coulthard is powerful. This insightful quote holds significant weight for anyone involved in screenwriting. I wholeheartedly agree with this perspective and make it a central technique in my own scripts. Far too often, in television shows and movies, screenwriters focus their energy solely on developing the main character’s arc. Their intention may be to strengthen and make the protagonist memorable, but this approach often leads to supporting characters who lack believability and depth. Sometimes, this results in the neglect of crucial subplots, such as the B story. From my experience, investing time to develop every character’s arc within a script brings balance to the narrative and results in a richer, more compelling story. When each character is thoughtfully crafted, the script feels more complete, and every role contributes meaningfully to the overall tale.

Alice’s remarks further reinforce the importance of developing minor characters. She pointed out that "many actors are drawn to compelling small roles, especially those with fewer shooting days". This insight serves as a strong incentive to put effort into creating dynamic and memorable characters beyond just the lead. Well-developed minor roles not only enhance the story but also attract talented actors seeking unique opportunities.

It is also encouraging to learn that international opportunities are booming for screenwriters. This means we can broaden our horizons beyond familiar territories and tap into a global network of possibilities. This exciting development motivates us to revitalize our scripts, acquire new skills, and collaborate with experienced individuals to become the best screenwriters we can be. As we approach the end of the year and look forward to the next, this information is both inspiring and uplifting. It reminds us to seize opportunities, continue learning, and strive for excellence in our craft. Thank you, Geoffrey, for sharing these valuable insights.

Faith based films tend to follow certain formulas. Here’s a webinar I found useful.

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-write-and-direct-your-faith-based-feature-film

Next step is difficult to discern without more information... as in, intuitively pick someone to consult with, execute an NDA, and see what gets recommended with what you have.

Hello Marziyeh Gholampour Congratulations on developing your film idea. Next step: create a treatment and outline. I detailed these types of documents in a recent post: https://filmbudget.com/screenwriting-treatment-synopsis-outline/ or access via the main page: www.FilmBudget.com

Best of luck in your endeavors! Jack

My latest script includes some Christian ingredients. The young rich woman is deeply Christian. So in one scene she tells the scientist "Help me to spread the word of Jesus in the whole universe and I will give you the deepest French kiss you have ever had". The ironical thing is that at the end of the script, the reformed criminal gives the scientist a French kiss, and says "Hallelujah". So make your characters complex, and include some irony.

@Marziyeh Aside from all said above, I add some points. The “Meat of The Story” in the novel is key. Is there enough going on, to fill the feature film time on screen? Cut out thoughts, feelings & the usual longer exposition, then think of what will be seen in moving visual action. Often many pages in a novel, allows for little visual pace. If a novel is very light on “Plot” then even several large chapters might only be 1 - 2 minutes of screen time. Some production companies have readers to see if novels can be “adapted” for screen. Logistics count too, a well written book might cost too much to make and for that reason alone, it will not be green lit. Locations, actors & specific scenes can add millions, so it’s wise to have options available if writing for a low budget script. Emotional beats, each sequences climax, & changes in status quo count, even in fantasy with little/no conflict. Your story sounds an exciting concept, & I like the idea of the seen and unseen. Who the characters are & how the viewers relate to them is important. Also consider target audiences.

Thank you very much for sharing your tips.

I have an idea that could work as a short film — The Pre-Birth Myth — but it definitely can’t fit into just one page.

Writing a one-page script is extremely challenging, so congratulations to you for accomplishing that.

You're welcome, Meriem Bouziani. Thanks. You're right. Writing a one-page script is extremely challenging. I also write commercial scripts, so it helps me write one-page scripts.

That’s great — having experience in many different kinds of writing will really help develop your career and your talent Maurice Vaughan

I’ve not utilised Stage 32 script services yet but this whole community creates that energy , that possibility and that belief .

Scriptank.com is launching before the Holidays. You should check out its promo site to see what it offers.

Congratulations, Roger D. Mortimer! I'll check it out.

There have been a few times where a writer has come back to me for multiple rounds of notes and it has always been great to see their work improve every time. Some have even gone on the be produced and picked up by streamers!

That's incredible, Ewan Dunbar! Congratulations to those writers! I'll keep you in mind for notes. Have a great rest of the weekend!

Same for me — it’s my first script, but as you said, it’s a beautiful and enjoyable adventure.

It’s worth it, so we try, we learn, we keep going, and we make it happen.

Thanks Maurice Vaughan . Have a good sunday.

Hi Meriem Bouziani Let´s go make it happen:) Thanks.

You’re welcome — have a great day Maria Caeiro

You're welcome, Maria Caeiro. Thanks. Have a good Sunday too. Hope you have a great Week 4!

I'll read it and let you know what I think. I do a good amount of this and the people whose works I read usually compliment my comments. Let me know if you want me to read it and I'll send my e-mail address where you can send it.

Looking for Management or Producing Partner – Original Sci-Fi Series: THE PHOENIX

Hello Stage 32 community!

I’m seeking representation or a producing partner for my original series THE PHOENIX, a

mythic sci-fi drama that explores humanity’s lost history and the legends written in our DNA.

Materials completed:

Pilot Script

50-Page Show Bible

Full Pitch Deck

Storyboards + Music Direction

Season One Draft (with arcs through Season Four)

The Phoenix is built for HBO-level storytelling — cinematic, character-driven, and deeply

mythological.

If you manage or produce genre content and love stories with scale, mystery, and heart, I’d love

to connect.

Ilanna: Send it to lenilevi@comcast.net

Lenny Levy hi Lenny, the safest protocol is to connect with people and then message them with your personal details.

Jay Swendris hi Jay, the site protocols are in place to stop the highjacking of other people’s posts.

You can publish your comment as a post in the Your Stage Lounge, or even create a job vacancy by following the JOB tab. Please remove your comment and follow the protocols for the site. Many thanks, Geoff

AI is a tool that, like the automobile, the steam engine, the airplane, TV (which didn't replace movies until they merged into streamers) amd a host of other gadgets in our homes we take for granted, will be an inevitable tool in writing. But it cannot replace people unless people want to be forcefed formulaic watered-down, unimaginative stories, which they usually succumb to, succeeding generations so used to it as the only thing that they don't even care.

I use AI to market my work because I don't have a clue, but AI hasn't gotten me a contract so it's clearly not shown itself to be better than me.

I never use it to write scripts even though ChatGPT like a whining boy keeps saying, "Would you like me to write a better version of that for you now?" and they answer always is no.

But--I've shared this before here in astage 32--one day, I overwrote or oversaveda later version with an earlier version cause I write on both my phone and computer I was so scatter by it that I refused to rewrite it. But one morning after the dust had settled on my self-hatred, I asked either it or--I think it was Copilot-- to resurrect it from the dead because I had heard that deleted files still exist in the ether zone somewhere.

Unfortunately, what I got back was a totally new script. AI ain't that good, at least for espionage work.

But I gave the rewrite a chance. Most of it wouldn't work anyway because Amanda and Samantha are not girlfriends. Amanda is Josh’s girlfriend, Samantha’s brother. But she and Samantha have moments because Amanda is supersexual and loves Samantha as a friend (they already "did it" once, at least that's what the loose blouses are meant to suggest when I wrote that.) But I did learn something that enhanced my script: If you go to a show, there's "slightline" where you see the singer from a balcony (I wouldn't suggest it at MSG unless you have a good pair of binoculars and perfect eyesight) and mosh pitthe floor, where you go crazy with all the other moshers. In my hands, the girls want sightline but since Josh’s is the one hacking up the tickets for his sister and his girlfriend, he insists on mosh pit . Fun story, eh? because he's hiding from the police.

Use AI but find where that line is, as we do with children and pets. Use it as the tool to enhance but never replace your work. and keep writing better scripts than the industry can churn out one after the other like an assembly line of fast food. there'll always be a market for art But just look around you at the art out there. Can you afford to live on the money your art will net?

This is a minefield topic right now, so I'll be direct: mentioning AI skills in writers' room contexts is currently more likely to hurt than help you.

The WGA strike partially centered on AI protections, and most working writers view AI tools with deep suspicion or outright hostility. Showrunners hiring for rooms want writers who bring human creativity, unique voice, and collaborative energy. Not efficiency through automation. Much like how Michelin chefs don't use microwaves. Sure it's faster and gives a modicum of heat, but there's no craftsmanship, care, or soul. There's nothing that makes it special or standout.

Where AI might be acceptable:

- Personal pre-writing research or organization (privately, not discussed)

- Production-side tasks (VFX, editing workflows) where you mentioned your course focuses

- Post-production audio/video work. For DIY filmmakers, there are thankfully some AI tools that can clean up audio somewhat

Where it's a red flag:

- Outlining, dialogue, character development, or any creative writing tasks

- Anything that suggests replacing human writers' contributions

- Positioning yourself as "the AI guy" in creative contexts

Honest advice for breaking into rooms:

Focus entirely on demonstrating exceptional spec writing, understanding of story structure, ability to collaborate, and knowledge of how rooms function. Your FTII course might be valuable for production roles, but lead with traditional writing skills when pursuing writers' room positions.

Well said.

What Pat Alexander said is spot on! If you want to be in a writers room, you must demonstrate your ability with a body of work! That will help open doors. Having no scripts will not open the door.

Thank you so much to everyone for sharing your valuable insights and opinions! Your perspectives and advice are incredibly helpful and much appreciated. It's wonderful to learn from all of you!

Welcome back to writing! I'm so glad to see you inspired.

I understand not wanting to go back to work. I get that so much! That's the dream, right?

Glad you joined November Write Club, Nicolas Lavoie. WOW! Writing 80 pages in two days is really IMPRESSIVE! Congratulations!

Just incredible dedication Nicolas Lavoie , I need some of that !