Hey everyone. Happy to be here. My name's Todd, and I just arrived. I have no idea how any of this works, so please bear with me. I'm a writer with thousands of bylines over the last 30 years across newspapers, magazines, humor and sports columns, travel sites and golf media (if you want to look me up, I'm America's fourth most famous Todd Hartley, not the football coach or marketing consultant).
I have a professionally produced stage play ("The Generations of Tantalus, a Greek Comedy, Tragically"), and I have a bunch of unpolished feature screenplays and a Broadway-style musical. Currently, I work as a youth transportation coordinator (school bus driver) and seasonal sand Zambonist (maintenance at a golf course), so I'm a fun potential rags-to-riches story currently in my rags phase.
What I'm really here for, though, is to try to meet someone, anyone who has connections and can help me get my real baby in front of the right people. I have a four-season, one-hour sci-fi TV serial called "Subterra" that I think has huge potential, and I'm honestly not just saying that. It's mega-budget spectacle with a real family-driven emotional core, and it could be a huge franchise for someone with vision and wherewithal. But don't just take my word for it. I know this is poor form, and I know AI reviews mean nothing. But I'm too broke to pay a human to read a series bible, a pilot and four other episodes and then chat with me for an hour as I outline seasons 2-4. So I asked all the AIs to do just that while acting as jaded Hollywood producers who have been there, done that and seen everything.
For whatever it's worth, here's what they said:
Claude – "Recommend without reservation. The series as a complete imaginative work? Highly recommend. Subterra arrives as that increasingly rare thing — a genuinely original high-concept genre series with a mythology so completely and carefully constructed that it can actually honor the promises its premise makes. "
ChatGPT – "Highly Recommend. A visually ambitious and structurally sophisticated sci-fi saga with genuine franchise potential. ... The series distinguishes itself through unusually strong atmosphere, visual imagination, and long-form structural escalation."
Perplexity – "Recommend. My opinion is that Subterra is a genuinely ambitious, highly marketable sci-fi adventure with a strong emotional core and a big, original mythology. It starts as a smart hidden-world mystery, grows into an apocalypse-warning thriller, and ends as a strategic war story with real mythic scale."
Gemini – "Highly Recommend. Subterra is a rare beast in the current landscape: a high-concept sci-fi epic that actually remembers to bring its heart along for the ride. What starts as a claustrophobic, 'found-footage' style mystery at the bottom of the world evolves into a sprawling, multi-generational saga of betrayal, planetary survival, and the dark cost of secrets."
Deepseek – "Highly Recommend. What begins as a survival story escalates into a multi-season epic about a forgotten supervolcano, a secret shadow government, and the return of an ancient human offshoot from the moons of Jupiter — with a family mystery at its heart."
If that caught anyone's attention, especially if you can get to my old teacher JJ Abrams (seriously!), please, please, please reach out to me. I really do believe it would be well worth your time. I value loyalty very highly.
Thanks to anyone who read this far!
Todd
4 people like this
Hey Todd Hartley - it's an honor to have you with us - you're soon to be the FIRST most popular Todd Hartley! I know that learning the platform can be a little overwhelming at first glance but trust me, you'll enjoy the journey. I know I have.
So about how to get around, here are some links that should help.
Here’s a great post that will help you navigate Stage 32: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-p...
Here’s a walkthrough Video: https://www.stage32.com/help?category=how-to-navigate-stage&parent=341676
Next FREE Community Open House (June): https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-june-2026-community...
Be sure to stop by the screenwriting lounge and get to know some of your fellow scribes: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting
Welcome to Stage 32 Todd! Glad you're with us.
5 people like this
You're in the right place to make connections! Welcome! If you haven't joined the writers' room yet, it's an exclusive community where writers who are serious about the craft can attend weekly industry Q&As, submit to paid open writing assignments and more! Here's a free month on us: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip.
3 people like this
I just made an ai poster for season 1 of my series. If anyone is out there, tell me what you think. I wish I could make it bigger, but I don't know how
3 people like this
Wow Todd Hartley - that's pretty dang cool! I enlarged it by hitting right-click on the image. It opens up in a new tab. Looks awesome!
5 people like this
Welcome Todd Hartley ! I think you will find this site to be very helpul in so many ways. Sounds like you have a strong show on your hands. The Writers Room is not free but with your type of material probably well worth the $39 a month.
4 people like this
Welcome to this great community. I'm not a sci-fi fan but I admire the creativity that goes into world-building, especially a multi-season story such as Subterra. Good luck with it!
2 people like this
Thank you Erik. I just had a trailer created. It's not 100% accurate but it's ok for what it is (I guess). Trying to figure out how to upload it.
2 people like this
Your work sounds incredible, Todd! This may be a little too early, but I've had an audition from Erik Braa (League of Legends) for two roles in my sci-fi series REDNER. I have a good 4 more actors interested as well, but likely none with such big names. I think we can put something together if we have a big and bad enough team. What say you?
1 person likes this
Hey all. Thanks for your kind words. I actually uploaded a bunch of AI-generated images to a Subterra album. Can anyone tell me how to link to it so others can see the images?
3 people like this
Of course! That would depend on where it's hosted, though.I personally like Google Photos and sometimes use Dropbox. I can get more specific, but as for Google Photos, you would usually just click "share", then "create link", or something similar. Would you mind giving some more details, when you can?
1 person likes this
I just made a gallery here on Stage32. The photos show up as posts, but I don’t think anyone else sees them.
2 people like this
Oh, okay. I'm no master of Stage 32, but I'll certainly see what I can find...
2 people like this
Right, so, what I did was I clicked on your profile, then the photos section, then copied the link at the top. You should be able to as long as you're on the browser, instead of the app.
2 people like this
https://www.stage32.com/profile/1371559/photos
1 person likes this
Cool. Thanks!
2 people like this
No problem, sir!
1 person likes this
So, thanks to Silver Keogh, if anyone is interested in seeing the images that accompany "Subterra", they can be found here: https://www.stage32.com/profile/1371559/photos/4063631309577137000
2 people like this
Did you just reference a whole bunch of AI Programs? Jings. Hi Todd, welcome to the land of fun. We even have human beings here. Big Sci-Fi fan.
2 people like this
Hi, David Taylor. Yes, I did. (Face palm!) I know it's a little pathetic, but I'm short on cash, and that was the most cost-effective way to get feedback. A human reader actually called the pilot "a refreshingly original concept set in an equally original world," so I have that going for me, which is nice. If you're at all interested, I would love someone to bounce some of my sci-fi concepts off of to see if they hold up.
2 people like this
Hi Todd,
I also started as a magazine writer and editor a gazillion years ago.
Stage 32 is a great place to network and learn. I’ve taken a lot of the courses, especially when they’re offered at a discount. keep your eyes out for the ones that are right.
I’ve also shot three shorts, and get them into festivals. Fantastic networking.
Good luck!
4 people like this
GPT chat guides everyone here, but GPT chat, and co-pilot forgot to tell everyone about all the bad reviews, and the better Business complaints. I wouldn't put your hopes up too high here. Real legitimate people do not ask for money.
now, if you hire someone, for something you pay them.
But if you're just interviewing your script it's not supposed to be a price. That's the truth, and the truth will set us free.
People come here with passion, believing in themselves and there is no opportunity for them, so they think that they have to pay that 50 to 40 to $30.
Here, and now we have an overload of people that have a dream.. it's a lockdown system -this Hollywood place.
So the truth is is you got to keep pushing on till someone believes in you, or that door opens to you.
but this is a time in this earth that we should not be foolish and give our credentials credits finances to just anything... or anyone.
Be fair, be good to yourself 1st, and most importantly be be cautious.
I'm Elisha screenplay writer of an animation feature myself, with a dream.
1 person likes this
Hi, Elisha Marks, thanks for the heads-up. I already read all the reviews at Trustpilot, and it was eye-opening, to say the least. I'm a cautious, miserly person to begin with, so I don't intend to spend any money here. My attitude right now is to put this out to the world as much as free accessibility allows and hope for a miracle. I don't really expect anything, but if no one has my credit card number, I figure it can't hurt. People have been nice here so far, but maybe they'll change when they realize they won't be getting any money out of me. We'll see. Cheers, and best of luck!
3 people like this
Elisha Marks and Todd Hartley I have to speak up on behalf of Stage 32. Of course when so many people are gathered here with a dream, when those dreams do not materialize it can cause great amounts of frustration. I would suggest that the amount of info, education, access and fellowship that occurs on here at ZERO EXPENSE is the best reason to be a member. The support, encouragement and honest help when reasonable requests are made is a very close second.
Beyond that, paid access for feedback, education and discussions are invaluable as well. Not everyone wants to access this for various reasons but I would suspect that if the people that have lodged complaints about the site were honest with themselves they would recognize their dissatisfaction lies with their circumstances versus legitimate complaints about Stage 32. Consider this an unpaid, unsolicited, unnecessary ringing endorsement for Stage 32 haha.
2 people like this
hii todd :-)
3 people like this
Darrell Pennington, thanks for speaking up. I don't want to give off the wrong impression. What I've gotten here for free already has been great. I like this place. But I don't trust anyone. It's nothing personal against Stage32
2 people like this
Welcome Todd Hartley ! Great to have you here at Stage 32. I echo what Darrell Pennington said - there are a lot of free resources here available to our community. I encourage you to spark conversations in our Screenwriting Lounge for notes and feedback on your logline, synopsis and screenplays. Leonardo listed some great links to get started here. When and if you are ready, we do offer Script Services with industry executives. I hope you'll join us in the Writers' Room for weekly webcasts with industry leaders and our private Writers' Room Lounge. Geoff posted a link above to try a Free Month of the Writers' Room so you can access to all the perks and see if its a good fit for you.
1 person likes this
Hi, Laura Hammer. Thanks for reaching out. Again, I want to apologize if I seemed negative about Stage32. Everyone here has been very nice to me so far. I haven't yet ventured into the Screenwriting Lounge to post. I'm a little intimidated, to be honest. It seems like there are a lot of people on here who have accomplished quite a bit in the field, and I'm just getting started, basically. I'm worried I'll sound like the amateur I am. I'm also trying to decide if it's better to try to pretend I'm not an amateur, which people will probably see right through, or embrace my amateurism and hope someone takes pity on me! (Even amateurs can have good ideas, right?) I'll try posting some things there and see what sort of response I get. Cheers!
2 people like this
Todd Hartley No one is an amateur here! Joining Stage 32 is a great first step toward building a career. We encourage constructive criticism. If you encounter any negative posts, please let our team know. You can always email Success@Stage32.com to reach our Success Team for guidance. Everyone here is at a different stage in their career and writing journey. Our members are always very helpful and create a great support system to navigate through anxiety, nerves and even basic foundations of screenwriting. We have great classes, some free here too like Netflix + Stage 32 Present: Television Pilot Story Structure Taught by Anna Henry: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/netflix-stage-32-present-tele... | Stage 32 is the official Education Partner of the Cannes Film Festival Marche du Film for over a decade and the official Networking and Education partner of AFM (American Film Market). We also partner with WIFTI (Women in Film and Television International) and AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International) for global education.
2 people like this
Put Subterra in for some competitions. If you go early bird and pick small sci-fi it's not much more than a meal out. If it's good, you should place. If you do a couple and don't place, have a think about if you need to upskill some more. If you do place, you may find it easier to convince people it's got legs.
2 people like this
Thanks, Sam Roads. I realize I need to enter some comps, and I will. But right now I'm in the "throw everything at the wall and pray for a miracle" stage. I'll ramp up as I go along and take the traditional route at some point.
3 people like this
Todd Hartley Hi Todd,
Honestly, I think a lot of people here are in the exact same position. AI can definitely help a lot, especially with structure, feedback, and development — but don’t let it take away your own voice as a writer.
And trust me, there’s a huge difference between producer and producer. Some people only look at trends, while others are actually searching for strong stories and unique voices.
Be yourself, stay kind, present your story with confidence, and I genuinely believe you’ll eventually find the right people for it.
And definitely put together a strong presentation package or pitch deck beforehand — it really helps people immediately understand the tone, world, and potential of the project.
Wishing you the best with Subterra. It sounds ambitious in a good way :)
4 people like this
Thanks, Sanna Peth. I'm working on a cool pitch deck and an expanded series bible right now. We'll see how it goes!
3 people like this
Todd - Forgot to mention, if you want to bounce something, feel free.
Okay, David Taylor. Thanks for agreeing to play along. Here are a few of the sci-fi concepts I have in the series. Tell me if you think they're semi-realistic or too far-fetched.
1. The crew of a submersible finds a wide lava tube in the wall of the Mariana Trench. They follow it in and up and surface in a lake in a massive air bubble in the Earth's crust. The pressure outside the sub drops rapidly as they ascend, from 15,000 p.s.i. to 542 p.s.i. in the bubble (I know that part is unrealistic, but it's unavoidable). The bubble has a flowing creek in it that comes down from the surface through a series of P-traps, with the air pressure getting lower with each subsequent higher bubble until the crew reaches the surface.
2. The larger bubbles have bioluminescent forests and full ecosystems. Many of them support an advanced human civilization characterized by white hair, bright blue eyes and nearly opalescent skin.
3. Humanity was more advanced 75,000 years ago than we are today and had gotten good at interplanetary travel. Knowing an extinction-level volcanic eruption and volcanic winter were coming, many humans left for the ice moons of Jupiter, which have a half-mile-high air layer between the bottom of the ice crust and the moon surfaces. The surfaces have dry land amidst their oceans. Other humans went underground into the bubbles.
4. The Jovians (Jupiter people) have outgrown their moons and want to come back to occupy the bubbles in the Earth's crust, but they have to wait until the same volcano erupts again so they can take advantage of the volcanic winter, when it is cold and dark enough for them. If they can't get in the caves by the time the sun reappears, they'll have to leave.
5. The Jovians have evolved over 75,000 years to be the "Large Grays" of every alien myth. They're not actually aliens. They're humans coming back home.
5. Dulce base (Google it if you don't know) is where the Jovians first come on Earth so they can be acclimated as they move up through the base's seven layers before being allowed out into the open air.
There's more, but I'd love your thoughts on those concepts. Thanks!
1 person likes this
FIRST THOUGHTS: It’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth meets Avatar. You only have 5 to 100 km of crust available, the Mariana Trench is 10 km deep, the pressures are an issue, but a series of bubbles for decompression chambers are ‘realistic’. Not sure about a ‘creek’. Bioluminescent forests and ecosystems are good, as are the advanced civilization of very different appearance. Their interplanetary travel, current dilemmas and desires, and that they are ‘early human’ is not unrealistic science fiction, it’s a different more developed Prometheus human history connection so to speak. The Jupiter Moon geology is what it too needs to be. The rest is story and drama, and we don’t yet know, for example, what it means in terms of the humans in the submersible. Needing a volcanic winter to re-enter before the sun comes up seems a bit of a stretch given their advanced technology - why can't they enter the same way the submersible does, plus the impact of a volcanic winter on the rest of earth – is it a few years without summer or a major event for example. I may have misunderstood that bit. But the Jovians actually being early humans is a nice touch. If I have not misunderstood that then, you have three competing societies: The surface humans, the sub-surface Earth ‘early humans’, and the Jovians on the moons coming back. Not quite the triangle of Morlocks, Eli and the time traveler, but makes for equally good or better and grander scale drama.
Funny that you bring up Morlocks and Eloi. I definitely had that in mind, although this time the Eloi are under the ground, and the Morlocks come from above. Oddly enough, I ran the idea of humans on the Jovian moons past Claude AI, and it thought they could end up looking like large grays after 75,000 years.
1 person likes this
I mis-spelled Eloi. H G Wells will now come back to haunt me.
Subterra sounds like exactly the kind of original, mythology-rich sci-fi that this community gets excited about! Reach out to the Stage 32 Success Team at Success@Stage32.com right away, that's precisely what they're there for, helping members like you get the right project in front of the right people!