Screenwriting

I watch movies often, read a book...and step away even if it's for a day or two; also I find limiting my page count helps in reducing writers block, All the best -JAC

Hey Yan Ju Zeng I don't actually believe in writer's block. I believe in creative flow (when you aren't overthinking/doubting) and when you are in that fearful/procrastinating/doubting mind. I've recently discovered several meditation sessions encouraging acceptance of the "don't know mind" , basically surrendering and not letting it trigger negative thoughts/ beliefs. Going for a walk, meditation and absolutely reading/ listening to podcasts and watching films can potentially reignite that creative spark.

I created a routine. Some call it a ritual. I put on a playlist, set my timer for 15 minutes. That can get me in the flow and over the anxiety of starting. When I do this I don’t hit writers block. Call me weird.

Hi, Jamil Akim O'Quinn. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! I’m new to screenwriting, coming from an accounting background. After several years, I finally realized that field was never the right path for me. So, I’ve committed to pursuing writing as a full-time career. It’s been extremely challenging without a close circle of support who understands first-hand what it’s like to start a career in this industry. I’m also neurodivergent, and that adds another layer. If you’re open to sharing, what advice would you offer to someone who’s new to the industry and navigating it with neurodivergence?

Jamil Akim O'Quinn Makes a lot of sense. I will take that to heart for sure. I do have a Double Recommend Pilot that also has 2 sets of Consider Coverage feedback. For that project specifically would you identify a preferrable approach?

Hi Jamil Akim O'Quinn ! Thank you for making time to share so much practical and inspiring insight. I love your Howard Thurman quote on your homepage. It speaks to a very defined energy and intent. Would you share who else or what else has been your inspiration or has likewise influenced your POV? cheers

Hey Sebastian,

Shonda Rhimes is a huge inspiration. MY great-grandmother Melissa Jetter is the biggest influence in making me own my story. She’s the one that taught me the importance of falling in love with the sound of my voice.

Hi Tiffany! My biggest advice is focus on building your craft. Writing and rewriting until your scripts are undeniable. Once you learn the process of what works for you, then Use that process to create undeniable work that you can submit to festivals like Austin Film Festival, things like this help gain traction. And find community with screenwriters even if it starts off virtual through IG, etc.

Congratulations, Finalists!

I’m incredibly honored that "The Viking Way" has been selected as a Finalist in Stage 32’s New Voices in Animation Screenwriting Contest. This story has been years in the making, born from my love of mythic storytelling, my Swedish ancestry, and my belief that animated adventures can carry enormous emotional truth. Below is a look at the project I’m so proud to share with this community!

"The Viking Way" is an animated family action-adventure with mythic roots and a modern heartbeat. It follows Jimmy Svensson, a 14-year-old hockey kid from Minnesota still reeling from the sudden loss of his father-- a local legend and the inventor of the “Svensson Slap-Shot.” A year after the tragedy, Jimmy is struggling at home, struggling on the ice, and struggling to understand who he’s supposed to become without the father he idolized.

Everything changes the day Jimmy’s younger brother Billy discovers a carved runestone their dad left behind-- a mysterious heirloom with three interlocking triangles known as “The Power of Three.” When an argument erupts between the brothers, Odin himself appears, declaring that the wearer of the runestone is destined for greatness. Billy accepts the call without hesitation… and is immediately pulled through a portal into the Viking Age. Terrified but determined, Jimmy dives in after him-- and lands alone in a brutal, beautiful mythic world torn apart by Gods, Druids, Vikings, and Giants.

Jimmy soon meets Norgaard, a rough-edged Viking blacksmith; Sven, his hot-headed teen son; and Nadian, a sharp-witted young Druid who quickly becomes Jimmy’s ally and guide. Together, this unlikely team must set aside generations of mistrust to rescue Billy, who has been captured by Galen, a monstrous Giant wielding the stolen Eye of Odin-- a weapon powerful enough to destroy both the Gods and the mortal world. Loki, the God of Trickery, plays both sides of the conflict as a half-bred God-Giant who only cares about ending up on the winning side. His slithering snake sidekick ShimSham provides gluttony as well as comedy as these epic forces veer catastrophically toward war that can destroy the past-- as well as the future.

As Jimmy journeys across frozen tundra, through lush underground Druid worlds, and over the treacherous mountains of Jotunheim, he learns that true strength isn’t found in muscle or magic-- it’s found in courage, strategy, focus, and heart. Along the way, Jimmy begins to understand that “The Viking Way” isn’t about fighting harder… it’s about fighting smarter, using our individual strengths and our indomitable character. It's about giving everything you have, for the people who matter.

The story builds to a sweeping, emotional climax where Jimmy discovers that Sven and Nadian are not just allies-- they are his and Billy’s distant ancestors, tied together through destiny. With this revelation, Jimmy understands the true weight of legacy: you don’t inherit it-- you forge it. And if Jimmy and Billy can't help save Sven and Nadian, the brothers too will perish.

At its core, The Viking Way is a story about brotherhood, grief, identity, and hope. It’s for families, for kids who feel lost, and for anyone who’s ever wondered if they were enough. While filled with spectacle-- Frost Soldiers, Fire Warriors, flying War Cats, Gods with thunderous tempers, and Giants with world-breaking power-- the emotional spine is deeply human.

Thank you, Stage 32, for celebrating new voices and championing original animated stories. I’m grateful to be a Finalist among such talented creators, and I hope The Viking Way will one day make its way to the screen where families everywhere can experience its heart, humor, and heroism. Again, I am honored.

Smash that EXPAND POST button!

Hey, Stefano Pavone. I say human. Maybe an AI assistant like Tony Stark's J.A.R.V.I.S.

Coty Hampton thank you! I appreciate that. What are you working on at the moment?

Sandra Isabel Correia you're so right - and they do all that at a great, great cost to themselves. In fact, that's really what drew me to want to write this project - what drives them is fascinating and often humbling to reflect on. Look forward to reading your CIA story!!!! :) :)

One day, Sebastian Tudores :))

Sebastian Tudores Wish you luck in polishing your script!

Thank you much Antony Voronov ! Wishing you likewise a superbly productive November!

This has been a fascinating thread. I have to admit that this was something I never actually noticed, (or has come up with the people I've collaborated with) and now I can't unsee it. There's no denying that a page can look a lot cleaner without it, and the purpose of them, especially in a spec, is hard to argue.

Laurie summed it up a month ago though. Nothing like this should make a difference to a pro reader, and if it does, they really shouldn't be reading at that level. A competition reader in the first round of a mostly unknown comp? I can totally see them jumping to conclusions over superficialities. But then, I can see one going the other way too and blowing a blood vessel because someone dared to question anything Final Draft does by default.

The whole white-space thing is getting too obsessive for me. There's people on Reddit pretty much resorting to prose that reads like bad haiku because they believe less is always more.

This thread makes me want to take them out, but Sod's/Murphey's Law dictates that, if I do, I'm going to forget to reenable them in a production draft and a producer IS going to suddenly reveal they treasure them dearly.

Robert Sacchi, there's no official standard. That's half the problem. The Internet is a hyperbolic paranoia machine. Comments can make something trivial sound like the difference between life and death. In all the years I've seen debating superficial stuff like this, I've never had a producer/director/actor comment on anything other than how I'd formatted a montage, and that was simply to make sure the scheduling software picked up all the slug lines.

Thank you C.J. Walley. I appreciate your answer.

....

cuts across his thumb.

JESSICA

(smiles)

I remember the sound.

(A BEAT)

Thank. Right through.

https://youtu.be/P8TbgOwJ6hU?si=ZgOKmF72vmaSe4Uz

I think beat should be in parenthetical. Then, you don't have to put cont'd. You go on with the line.

Hey, Zakariya Abdi. Stage 32 has feedback services (www.stage32.com/scriptservices). You could also do script swaps with other members here in the Screenwriting Lounge.

Congratulations on the new advancement.

Keep those neurons firing, and enjoy your writing time.

Congrats Maurice Vaughan !!!

Thanks, Meriem Bouziani. Keep those neurons firing and enjoy your writing time too! Writing is easier when we enjoy it.

Thanks, Sebastian Tudores. How's your project(s) going?

yes you're right Maurice Vaughan

It's definitely an awesome AMA, Sebastian Tudores! I posted a question. I'm gonna try and think of some more.

You're welcome, Sydney S. Ok, thanks.

You're amazing, Sydney S thanks so much! I can really see S32 improving daily!

Have a great IYW Maurice :)

Aww thank you Michael!! Makes my whole day to hear you can see us improving daily :) Always here for suggestions and improvements!!

Thanks, Sydney S. Have a great IYW too!

Hi, I’m trying to register for the free Community Open House webcast. The item is in my cart, but the 'Checkout Now' button is not completing the checkout. Can you please help me finalize the registration?"

Hi, Sumit Kumar. Sorry you're having a problem signing up. Send an email to edu@stage32.com.

Very excited for this event!

Hi, does this community or Stage 32 provide support or conversation options in Hindi? I feel more comfortable communicating in Hindi. Thank you!

I'm not sure, Sumit Kumar. Stage 32 is an English platform. You could email support@stage32.com and ask.