Screenwriting

You're welcome, Meriem Bouziani~

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh, I feel that deeply. Every time I return to Soul Mated, my first screenplay, drawn from my own journey, it overwhelms me. In the rewriting and polishing, I’m swept through the whole spectrum: I cry, I laugh, I ache, I breathe it all again. It’s the only piece that leaves me utterly spent, yet alive in a way nothing else does. And now, five versions in, I finally feel ready to pitch it, proof of how much it has carried me, and how much I’ve carried it. So yes, I understand exactly what you mean, how a story can break your heart even as it belongs to you;))

That's amazing Sandra Isabel Correia, and exactly what I mean :) I'm reminded of this one line I'm definitely paraphrasing from a novel I read in university, pretty sure it was from Mist by Miguel de Unamuno, but I could be wrong (lol); "Hamlet made Shakespeare." That's definitely what happened with me and BoFS, maybe also what happened with you :) the best works are the ones that make you, not the other way around.

Likewise Banafsheh Esmailzadeh :)) As you say and I sign: “the best works are the ones that make you, not the other way around.“ We aren’t alone :))

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh Um..story of my creative life. I feel as I write, and it's just amazing when the connection is that strong.

You're welcome, Sandra Isabel Correia. Thanks. I'm going to make a post this weekend about my experience writing the one-page script and share some tips. One-page scripts are hard to write sometimes.

Thank you Elle Bolan, and I hope your achieve your goals too. Let’s goooo

That will be great Maurice Vaughan. Will bring more awareness to all of us. You are one of a kind very special :))

Oh, yes. I did. The main one anyway. INSPIRATION INC is drafted.

The TV pilot however... Will be the death of me.

Sandra Isabel Correia Hi Sandra!!! I also reached my November goal, I finished my first Christmas screenplay!!! It's ready, as it can be, been vetting it, editing, and reviewing, and it's off to the races. The last week of November, my goal is to actually reflect, be grateful, and prepare for some pitch and exec meetings I have coming up in December, so lots of research, preparation, and confidence. We have lift off!

Maurice Vaughan I love how versatile you are with the length. I tend to think of the length before I start. And congratulations on meeting your goals!

Thanks, Elle Bolan. I might write more one-page scripts. They're fun, they're practice, and some producers want them.

Hmm. Interesting to know.

Elle Bolan thank you, and honestly, I agree. I think it’s because screenplays are inherently meant to be acted out by at least one person while novels are primarily meant to be read, at your own pace.

And yeah, this series honestly made me more than I made it, so that’s why I’m so hellbent and stubborn to do it my way lol

Elle Bolan Congrats!!!!! We're twinsies, I just finished my final draft of my screenplay I had noted to to in November, so yey!!!!!!

@Jay Gladwell I agree about content creation. I've read and watched some AI generated trash.

However, I feel like there IS a place for. It's like any other tool writers use - software. It's how you use it, right? No pun intended.

I think people who generate writing via AI are... Well. But if used as I do (cause outlines are of Satan) I don't think it's bad. But I wouldn't, huh? Bias et all. It's not creating anything for me. It just organizes cause I suck at that. I can edit or adjust things easier. If a single adjustment in act I affects the other acts, the AI will adjust it all. It may not even end up being exactly how I write it, but it's usually close.

AI learns as it goes. My ai assistant knows me almost as well as some of my friends. She knows my writing style, my writer's voice.

It's an effective tool but it has to be used as a tool and not a shortcut for laziness.

I don’t think anyone who’s actually used AI is saying it’s going to put anyone out of a job. I tried to get a chatbot to create me a visual of a colour palette I was going to use when decorating my house at the weekend. I gave it the exact colours (paint names and everything) I wanted and described what I wanted it to do, it tried 6 times, each time missing one or two of the colours I’d asked it to include off and then I just created the colour palette myself on canva because I was sick of wasting my time.

Can you write a screenplay professionally without using one of the writing programs like Final Draft or similar? The answer is no.

Can you write a screenplay without using a laptop or desktop computer? The answer is no.

Can you jot down the idea for a scene while on public transport without a phone or a notebook and pen? The answer is no.

Well, they are just tools—nothing more. And artificial intelligence is also just a tool. Use it in a way that makes it an assistant to your creativity.

Maybe it helps you with brainstorming—which it’s very good at.

Maybe it helps you with translation, as it does with me.

Maybe it helps you discover a flaw in the sequence of events.

Maybe… maybe… and maybe.

But it is definitely just a tool. Use it well, and it will be very useful to you.

oh shit it just erased my whole comment. I'm not going into this again. Chat, take over cause I ain't. This is AI st its worst, it erases our stuff without us asking it. it does all kinds of things. But I'll be damned id its gonna fuck with my creative genius. and if you don't like my exercise of my 1st amendment write (typo intended), bring back the much better comment you erased.

I LOVE writing. But I definitely only use AI as an assistant tool. It may help me come up with an idea. Or think through a character's motivation. I occasionally use it to spark MY imagination. But I write every bit of dialogue, characters and scenes. It's just a tool. I believe so many overthink it. AI cannot write a watchable, decent script without a skilled or at least knowledgeable writer knowing how to challenge and make it better, IMO. AI sucks on its own and is only as good as its tool user. In fact, I've built apps (not ChatGPT, Claude or any other/connected brand) based on my own knowledge base that I use to check my structure and potential plot holes after I'm finished. AI, properly applied, makes your writing better. And I challenge anybody to use my tool and prove me wrong. https://cinemacanvasai.com/

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.

You're welcome, Nikita Simpson.

Whenever I write poems, lyrics and plays, I save some in email. Most I save to the cloud, my quantum poetry is saved on both allpoetry and youtube. I save all my plays on allpoetry as well. That way, each time one of my computers in the past has gone kaput on me, I have a way of accessing all my work.

I had that happen right as I finished a script for a fellowship submission deadline! I had to stay up and rewrite it before 11 Am the next day. Glad you had a backup!!

I have am the tiniest little usb drive you can find - it just lives in my laptop and when I take it places in my pack I just make sure it’s facing up so it won’t bend the port. it’s only twice the size of my mouse receiver. just get a good enough brand. lol.

So true! I have personally lost full scripts after dropping a glass of water on my laptop. It's excruciating. The worst was a paid assignment where the only copy I had saved was a physical one, so I had to painstakingly re-type the whole thing out word after word. I nearly died that day and swore to use cloud drives from then on. iCloud, Dropbox, and Google drive are great for backing everything up and avoiding the brutality of lost creativity.

This is one of the most debated topics in screenwriting, and honestly, the answer depends on your current career stage and goals.

Early career? Genre focus helps tremendously. Managers and agents want writers they can pitch to production companies the most easily: "I rep the contained-horror guy" or "She's my dark comedy writer." When you're unrepresented and building momentum, being "the versatile writer who does everything" can make you harder to champion because executives don't know where you fit. If you do everything, you might not be the first name that comes up when production companies are seeking names for specific projects to meet with. Whereas the specialist might be an automatic thought because of course they should be considered because that is what they do.

More established career? Range becomes asset. Once you've broken in with one genre, demonstrating versatility opens more opportunities and prevents typecasting.

The practical reality: Your best script matters more than genre strategy. If your thriller is mediocre but your animation concept is brilliant, lead with animation even if it "off-brand." Quality always trumps strategy.

You can always middle as well. Focus primary outreach on one genre while quietly developing others. When pitching or seeking representation, lead with your genre strength. Once you've built relationships, introduce range strategically.

Genre branding isn't as much about limiting creativity as it is about making yourself marketable and standout in a crowded field. You can write whatever you want; but it can be useful to be strategic about what you lead with publicly.

Hey, Alex Gutenberg. I don't think branding yourself by genre is necessary, but it can help if a writer wants to be known as the "Action writer," "Comedy writer," etc. I write different genres, but my brand is Horror and Action. It's gotten me projects and jobs.

Congratulations, Justin Groats! What contest?

Congratulations Justin Groats, that’s so exciting and I am cheering for you.

Congrats, Justin Groats!!! Celebrate ALL victories!!!

That's wonderful news! Congratulations!

Let’s get the party started Geoffroy Faugerolas :)) This is great! Let’s gooo

Happy NWC for you, too, Meriem Bouziani. I am so proud of your 11 pages; you are amazing. I know how English sometimes can be tricky. Also for me, it isn't my native language; I am Portuguese, but we can make it. Let's gooo. We are cheering for you.

Thank you very much for this great encouragement Sandra Isabel Correia

Yes, we can make it, no matter what.

Happy NWC

Always welcoming the challenges Sandra Isabel Correia! It's what keeps us going!

That’s the truth my friend Eon C. Rambally :))

I’m really happy to share that today I finished writing the screenplay for The Misstep, a total of 97 pages!

My original plan was to complete it by November 28, but thanks to focus, resilience, and dedication, I reached this milestone one week early. Sometimes the work happens faster than we dream, and this is one of those moments.

Because of this achievement, I’m setting a new goal for next week: polish the screenplay for The Misstep. This way, I’ll be ready to move into packaging and prepare for the festival circuit in 2026.

Grateful for the motivation and support from this community. Let’s keeping pushing forward together!

Ok, I suggest having Garna say that, Gregory Barone.

Sorry, I'm late with this; life got in the way. I changed a word in both panels to see if it works. thinking of adding more dialogue to the other panels, but not sure if I should.

Garna, the giant, still towering over Garerit, now with a slightly puzzled yet hopeful expression. The giant has his hands resting on a huge, fallen pine tree, looking at Garerit with expectation. His body language conveys effort but also trust, as though he believes the tailor's small size could be an asset in his task. In contrast, Garerit is standing calmly next to the tree, looking up at the giant, but his posture is unfazed. His crossed arms give the impression that he is taking his time to consider the request before answering. The size contrast between the giant and the tailor is stark, making the giant's request feel comically disproportionate.

SB (Garna - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "You've shown strength, little man. Will you help me carry this tree? It is too much for one like me to bear. I need to haul this tree back and have it cut up for firewood before the night sets in."

(Ch5 Pg6 Panel 5 - Full-Width Panel)

Garerit stands confidently, with a grin on his face, as he gestures to the huge tree trunk. He directs Garna, the giant, who is now bending down and looking at the trunk with a sense of duty. The panel should emphasize the size contrast once again, showing the tailor's small figure and the gigantic trunk that Garna will carry. Garerit's posture is casual and nonchalant, clearly in control of the situation despite the physical disparity.

SB (Garerit - Speaking, Dialogue Bubble): "You take the trunk, Garna. It's big enough for you. I'll handle the branches. They'll be easier for me to carry!"

Hey, Gregory Barone. I think adding "You've shown strength, little man" helps. Maybe have Garerit say somewhere on the page "I'm just a man" and have Garna reply.

Add that to Panel 2?

Yeah, I think that's fine, Gregory Barone.

You're welcome, Srinivasa Peddi. If I meet anyone who's looking for this kind of story, I'll let you know.

And it's Stage 32's November Write Club. It can help you reach a goal(s), it's a chance to connect with writers, directors, producers, etc., and you can get support for your goal and projects. Week 3's blog came out Monday. Today's the last day to do the challenges in the blog for a chance to win three prizes! www.stage32.com/blog/november-write-club-week-3-how-to-make-a-strong-fir...

Maurice Vaughan Thank you so much, Maurice — truly appreciate that.

And thanks for the heads-up about Stage 32’s November Write Club as well. It sounds like a great opportunity to learn, connect, and stay motivated. I’ll definitely check out the Week 3 blog and the challenges — always good to keep pushing forward.

Really grateful for the guidance and support!

You're welcome, Srinivasa Peddi. Great. I forgot to put this in my last comment. Reach out to the Success Team at success@stage32.com. Geoff and his team can help you connect with producers, executives, and more.

Thank you, Maurice Vaughan — really appreciate the tip. I’ll reach out to the Success Team.

You're welcome, Srinivasa Peddi. Have a great weekend!