This week’s blog from Ashley Smith digs into what Stage 32 is really about, beyond scripts, reels, or trying to land that one perfect connection. She shares a moment from the recent Community Open House where a new member asked if Stage 32 was “worth her time” because she only wanted to meet someone who could take her project straight to a major streamer.
Click to Read the full blog: https://www.stage32.com/blog/what-stage-32s-community-is-really-about-be...
Ashley’s answer is simple: this industry runs on relationships, not transactions.
You can grind alone for years, or you can spend a few intentional minutes each day connecting with people, joining conversations, and showing who you are. That’s what moves careers forward. Not talent alone, but trust, rapport, and how you show up between the big moments.
Ashley highlights that thousands of working pros — producers, execs, managers, filmmakers, department heads — quietly read posts, comments, and interactions every day. Many people on Stage 32 have collaborated, found reps, built teams, or landed opportunities simply because they consistently participated and engaged like real humans.
The bigger message: creativity isn’t just the finished film or script. It’s your curiosity, generosity, communication style, and how you interact with others. Those “small” moments are the ones that actually open doors.
The blog also points to a real-time example: a working literary manager hosting a free AMA in the Screenwriting Lounge — something most writers couldn’t access through cold queries alone.
Ashley’s takeaway is clear: if you want to grow faster, don’t do it alone. Community isn’t a distraction. It’s the work.
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I agree, Lindsay Thompson. This is a must-read blog! I've built relationships with people over the years, like on Stage 32. I get hired over and over by the same people because of the previous work I did for them and I maintain those relationships.
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Thank you so much for sharing my blog, Lindsay Thompson!