Hi everyone,
My name is Joe Estrada, and I almost called it quits before I even bothered to put myself out there. It's as lame as it sounds I know. Coming to LA three years ago and diving deeper into an incredibly competitive industry, I thought I had nothing to lose.
But the constant struggle of juggling jobs, writing and some other third thing whittled me down to something I didn't recognize. I lost who I was when i got here. I lost what I was aiming for because there were so many locked doors in my way and no welcome mats with a key underneath.
At some point I put away the things that brought me joy like my writing material, my time to connect with others, and my energy to do anything else but work an overnight job folding towels and a second job directing parking traffic.
I tried to be comfortable and see what it's like to settle and BOY DID THAT SUCK! Seriously! I don't know how people do it! I am genuinely jealous of people who are perfectly okay with working regular 9-5 jobs, going home to their families, and making something of themselves in the smallest way. I really am.
It's just not in me. I don't have what it takes to settle and be normal. And trust me, I've worked as a PA for a tv show for three seasons out of 10+ years working customer service, this industry ain't normal because that was the best job I ever had.
What I'm trying to say is that I learned that I have what it takes to be something in this industry whether I like it or not (and I very much don't sometimes). But I have to put in the work., even harder now with all this discouraging crap I see every day like AI, industry horror stories, ect.
So that's why I'm here, doing something pretty cringe and lowkey ranting about nonsense to show you all that I'm serious about what I want to do, and I hope to find like-minded people to connect with and help each other climb this extending ladder.
I have scripts sitting in contests, others being polished and getting read by some friends, and I have much more to make and hardly any time to make them, but it's either this or I keep folding towels or directing parking traffic for the rest of my life.
If you got this far didn't hate all this, just know, that I haven't given up, I won't give up, and I hope we can be friends. Thanks.
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Hi, Joe Estrada. Welcome to the community. It's great to meet you. Inspiring introduction! I'm glad you didn't give up!
Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...
And this month’s Community Open House is the 25th. It'll also help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry pros. You can ask questions live. www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-february-2026-community-ope...
Stage 32 has a Screenwriting Lounge where you can share tips and resources, get advice, ask questions, find resources, talk with other screenwriters, and get feedback (www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting).
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Hi Maurice. Thank you for the welcome. Happy to be here. I very much appreciate the links and info!
You're welcome, Joe Estrada. What's one of your scripts about?
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Joe...it is obvious that you are very passionate about your desire to make it in this incredibly competitive industry. I was moved by your story and want to offer you encouragement. Best of luck to you!!!
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Hi Joe! Samuel here! Nice to meet you. Thanks for sharing that. You know how I know you’re going to “make it”. You have passion. It came through in that post and I have it in spades so I recognize it. Listen I started writing 5 years ago. It is now that I’m ready to get repped. I pitched to an agent recently , here on Stage 32, second time pitching ever, first for an agent. I got a script request. And I was not expecting that , but it wouldn’t have mattered cause like you I have several scripts to pitch. It’s a marathon not a sprint. The other thing I will say. I am a writer not to be famous or rich, but because I am obsessed with the CRAFT. Like I cannot get enough of learning. Sounds like you might be as well and that is another reason you will succeed. Stage 32 is amazing. You’re in the right place. Let’s connect!
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Congratulations on getting a script request, Samuel Morney!
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I'm not sure how to reply to specific people on mobile here, so I'll just say:
Maurice, one of my scripts is a half-hour comedy pilot about a group of once-good people who trauma bond over the aftermath of a world-ending event.
Curt, I really appreciate your kind words. I'll do my best. I wish the best of luck to you too in your endeavors.
Samuel, congratulations on getting a script request! That must feel awesome. Happy to connect!
Your half-hour Comedy sounds interesting, Joe Estrada! I'd definitely watch it!
You could post your pilot script on your profile. Producers search profiles for projects. That and networking are how I sold four short scripts to a producer. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Loglines” and click “Add/edit loglines” to the right of “Loglines.” You can also post your script on your profile this way: www.stage32.com/loglines (near the top where it says “Add a Logline”)
Put the @ symbol, and a menu of names will show up.