Introduce Yourself : Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! The YOU Behind the Work by Leonardo Ramirez

Hey, Leonardo Ramirez! Growing up in the mountains, the great outdoors was literally right outside my door. The Blue Ridge's many inhabitants served as a foregrounding image, allowing me to craft narratives that dramatize the hidden lives of its creatures.

Happy IY weekend Adam J. Spencer - man, that sounds beautiful. My wife and I recently went to Fall Creek Falls here in TN for our anniversary. Growing up in Florida, I had always been a beach guy but the lake and trees were so beautiful, it was tough to leave so I understand where you're coming from. I tried looking for Bigfoot but no dice.

Hey Leonardo. These projects look really fantastic! Excited to see them on screen soon.

I'm from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean and my writing focuses on the culture and folklore of the islands. I'm currently have a short horror screenplay based on an old folklore character in international competition, as well as a short satirical screenplay.

Main goal right now is to raise funds to shoot the horror short later this year.

I grew up in a relatively upscale community but I went to a rough high school. Most people when meeting me would never guess that I went to that high school. I had the option of transferring to a more upscaled high school, but I chose to stay. It was the best decision I ever made because it allowed me to observe and experience a much broader outlook on life and it allows me to fit in anywhere and understand a variety of cultures. It helps my writing a lot because I can easily put myself in the characters shoes, no matter the societal status or cultural background.

Hello Cecile George - it's such an honor to meet you! It sounds like we share a like goal. I wrote a short for a colleague of mine here on Stage 32 which is in development. Being of Puerto Rican descent, I love the Caribbean - your concept of writing on folklore sounds incredibly interesting. I'm so very glad you commented Cecile - happy IY weekend!

I would imagine that staying at that school was a bit scary for your parents Kevin Jackson but with all of the experiences and observations you made there, I'm sure you have enough material to last. And I love it that you're able to place yourself in characters from any background - what huge asset!

Congratulations on finishing the one-sheet, Leonardo Ramirez! Hope filming of “Sol Rise” goes great and you get a manager! Leonardoverse looks incredible!

Being a Christian influences the way I create. I need to write the logline and make an outline before writing the script.

Thanks a ton Maurice Vaughan - you are a faithful encourager for sure! And I'm with you - I have to stay organized by writing an outline. It keeps me on track. And yes, our beliefs, faiths are part of who we are and influence all that we do.

You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez. Thanks. I like to make a section in my outline where I put the most important/urgent stuff so I can find them easily. And sometimes I make a second shorter outline for that.

"And yes, our beliefs, faiths are part of who we are and influence all that we do." You're right. That could be the theme for movies, shows, etc.

I'm busy with writing my Faith-based Sports Action script today and this weekend, but I'm gonna try and make an Introduce Yourself Weekend post.

I love the poster art! Very enticing. I would watch each of those, lol.

Maria Restivo Glassner I totally agree.

I love these posters, Leonardo!

William Joseph Hill Kevin Jackson Maria Restivo Glassner Thanks a ton my friends. Really means a lot!

Hello!

Happy IYW to you as well.

Those sound like truly great stories. I wish you the very best on your creative journey, and I'm looking forward to seeing them all come to life!

Thank you so very much Meriem Bouziani Truly means a lot!

Looking forward to seeing your post and your faith-based action script come to life Maurice Vaughan!

You’re welcome Leonardo Ramirez

Thanks, Leonardo Ramirez. I got a lot of work done on the script today. Have a great weekend!

Maurice Vaughan You too brother.

Leonardo, I love this question. Something people probably wouldn’t know from looking at my credits is how much real-life observation shapes the way I create. I pay close attention to people — how they speak, what they avoid saying, how they carry pain, humor, pride, fear, and resilience.

Some of my strongest ideas have come from ordinary conversations or simply noticing someone others might overlook. That human detail usually becomes the emotional core before I ever think about structure.

I also love starting with “What if?” and then following the emotional truth underneath it. That’s often where the real story reveals itself.

Thanks, Leonardo Ramirez. I might watch some episodes of Vindication this weekend. www.imdb.com/title/tt5051400

Those are the observations that make for wonderful and real character development Charmane Wedderburn. I love it that your ideas come from what others may dismiss. That's sometimes where truths about ourselves are found.

Sounds interesting Maurice Vaughan. I've not heard of it. I'll check out the link.

Always great to meet you over and over again Leonardo Ramirez

You as well Lauren Hackney. Happy IY Weekend friend!

It's a great show, Leonardo Ramirez! It's on Great American Pure Flix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. I'm watching it with Great American Pure Flix on Amazon Prime Video.

The premise sounds cool Maurice Vaughan.

Yeah, Leonardo Ramirez. I'm almost on season three. Have you seen the Faith-based movie War Room?

Hey Maurice Vaughan - no, I've not seen it.

Hi Leonardo Ramirez!! Beautiful images. Happy IYW to you! Something people probably wouldn't know from my credits is how little I rely on the "rules" of creating. I create the same way I've lived most of my life: more by instinct than by map.

I steer away from the "math" of both music and writing—theory, formulas, outlines—and create almost entirely from emotion and instinct.

I think that comes from life more than anything. I've had to learn how to keep moving forward without always knowing where I was going, and somewhere along the way I learned to trust myself. I create the same way.

Even with music, I don't keep a bunch of songs "in my fingers" just because I can play piano. I can perform, but I've never really considered myself a performer. And when I cover someone else's song, it's because I'm feeling that song at that moment—not because it's popular or trending.

I guess I've never been particularly good at following a map. I just keep moving until I find where I'm supposed to be.

Looking forward to checking out Sol Rise when it's available!

That's a great question, and spending years working in kitchens taught me to move fast, stay calm under pressure, and communicate in short, precise bursts, all of which shaped how I write dialogue and action. What's the most surprising influence on your creative work that you've never found a way to use directly?

That's so inspiring Kat Spencer. I've listened to your music and given that it's some of most beautiful music I've ever heard, it seems that your method works! Love the thinking behind it all.

Thanks so much Pat Alexander! And man...thanks for all that you do. It's a lot. You've been a massive help in my journey of getting to know the business. Thank you for that.

Leonardo, exactly. Sometimes the details people overlook are the ones that reveal the most about who we are. I think that’s one of the reasons observation matters so much in storytelling. Thank you — I really appreciate that.

Wow Samantha Rivera - that's an even better question. I used to read a lot of Shakespeare and even memorized a speech or two. The closest I've been able to use that style of English was in the beginning of Haven of Dante. There's a prequel scene where Dante is climbing from the abyss and speaks to his companion Virgil in Old English. Sad thing is that most coverage notes tell me to cut it because they don't see it as relevant. But it's Haven's legacy so I leave some of it. Other than that, I've never been able to use it. I love that style.

Happy IWY, Leonardo Ramirez! Always great to see you and feel your positivity! For me - it's hoops. I played basketball competitvely until I was 40 years old. Playing a team sport always taught me so much about working in film - the most collaboartove art form in the world. Nobody can do it alone. And everyone has to play their position well. That's what leads to success. It takes discipline, trust, respect and humility supporitng any talent you bring to the table. All things that helped in basketball and all things that help make movies happen!

Absolutely Charmane Wedderburn. You are very welcome!

I love that Sam Sokolow. The closest I came to a competitive sport is martial arts but I totally get what you mean. Even so, it’s still collaborative- you have to depend on others to show you your vulnerabilities! LOL. Sam - thanks so much for all you do. It really means a lot.

War Room is incredible, @Leonardo! One of the actors who's in the movie is in Vindication.

Leo, mi hermano, I always look forward to your IYW posts <3 you bring imagination and wonder to all of us. Reading you feels like opening a door to another dimension.

As for me, my creative life began with something extraordinary. When I was fourteen, I experienced a moment that changed everything: a presence of pure spiritual light seated before me, arms open, inviting me into a reality that felt both divine and deeply familiar. I sat on his lap, and millions of lights moved through us. It wasn’t a metaphor or a dream, it felt like a parallel reality crossing into my own.

From that day on, I understood I was meant to be a healer and that different realities coexist with our human experience. I wrote my first novel at that same age, and ever since, everything I create, the stories I write, the visions I see, the themes that call me, comes from that sacred encounter.

I am Sandra Isabel, yes. But above all, I am a spiritual being living a human experience, trying to bring more awareness and light through my creativity. Every project feels like part of a mission I was guided into a way to translate that holy reality into art that can touch others.

This is me.

Hi, Leonardo Ramirez Congrats on all your achievements. You’re a huge inspiration to me. Your posters are always amazing, and I truly hope you secure management for your sci‑fi/fantasy projects soon :)

As for your question about what influences the way we create, it’s funny because I also write while listening to music, headphones on, completely immersed. I can listen to the same track all day long because it keeps me focused on the scenes I’m building. It’s like entering a secret place, an inner world, and I can’t stop listening nor leave until I finish what I’m writing.

It took me several months to learn how to write a script, actually, a full year of classes, but now I feel I’ve finally gotten the hang of it :) What influences me the most, and never lets me give up, is the strong will and the deep necessity I feel in my heart and mind to share realities, themes, and characters that live inside me, asking me to tell their stories. It’s something I simply can’t stop from happening.

Happy IYW :)

Hi, Leonardo Ramirez! What's something people wouldn't know from my credits? My best puns are born when I'm exhausted — somehow that's when my brain just "clicks" into that mode. And I can't live without smiles, teasing, humor, and puns. :D

I hope you manage to get the film made!

That's so beautifully said Sandra Isabel. I've always believed that we create from that or who lives within us. The words that are born in our spirit and flow from there and out from our fingers. And we cannot underestimate the power of those words - words can heal or transform...raise up or tear down. A single word can change the course of life in another and we should never take that for granted.

You are always so kind Maria Caeiro but know that this goes both ways. You have a beautiful countenance that engenders peace and trust. And yes, I now what you mean about listening to the same track over and over again. I do exactly the same thing - can't leave that inner world until what was born within comes out. Happy IYW my friend.

That's wonderful Szabina Györei - it sounds like the funny part of you emerging when your guard is down (perhaps?). And the smiles, teasing and humor...all expressions of a joy that we should embrace more often...me included!

Thank you Leonardo Ramirez . That’s very kind of you to say. I try to carry peace within me, and it’s beautiful to know it reaches others. I feel the same trust and kindness coming from you

You're a force of nature, Leonardo Ramirez. And forces of nature attract incredible people. This thread is proof positive.

Thanks so much Maria Caeiro!!

Means the world to me Richard "RB" Botto coming from you. Thanks for your heart for us and for all you do.

Leonardo Ramirez My funny side is always there at some level, but it only kicks into super extra mode when I'm exhausted. If you ever need a smile, some teasing, or a bit of humor, just say the word! Those are the driving forces of my life.

(Just a small pun: What do you call a probable spring insect? A 'may bee'. )

Leonardo Ramirez!

Your love of hope-threaded sci-fi and fantasy comes through in every piece of work you share, and it’s such a distinct voice. Congratulations on completing your one-sheet AND on the progress with SOL RISE! Filming a short is such a genuinely exciting step, and I can’t wait to see how it comes together. And securing management for your sci-fi/fantasy projects is a very worthy next goal. Your work has such a clear voice AND a strong POV, so I have no doubt the right rep will recognize what you’re building.

As for something about me that people wouldn’t know from looking at my credits: I’m a lifelong fantasy and romantasy reader and it deeply influences the way I think about worldbuilding, emotional stakes, and character interiority. My own fantasy novel wouldn’t exist without the years I’ve spent living inside those story universes- Throne of Glass, Shepherd King Duology, Wheel of Time, Empyrean Series, The War of Lost Hearts Trilogy, Kindred Curse Saga, Red Rising Series, etc.

So happy to have you here for IYW, Leo! You are a genuine gift to this community.

That is funny Szabina Györei - and yes, now I know where to turn when I need some humor. So great to meet you Szabina!

That means so much coming from you Ashley Renée Smith. And I honestly cannot wait until your fantasy novel releases! Thank you so very much for your encouragement friend!

Leonardo Ramirez "Some of the most beautiful music you've ever heard"? - I am going to be adding your comment to my website, heehee. Thank you, Leo!!

Please do Kat Spencer - it'd be an honor.

Leonardo Ramirez I shall be working on that this weekend! It was such a sweet thing to say. Means the world, truly!

Very cool Kat Spencer! Wouldn't mind seeing it whenever you're done!