Introduce Yourself : Writer & Filmmaker Building the Cougarverse by Charmane Wedderburn

Hi Charmane and Welcome! Multiple books published, short film shooting in April, and a live signing in May—that's serious momentum.

Executives love IP with franchise potential across formats. When you pitch the TV/interactive side, lead with the emotional core (desire, identity, transformation) rather than "it's based on my books." Execs want to know why this story demands this format.

And use your Cold No shoot to build visual assets (stills, BTS, sizzle) for pitching the larger vision. Excited to see where you take this!

Hi Pat, thank you so much — I really appreciate this insight.

That shift toward leading with the emotional core rather than the source material is something I’m actively refining, so this really landed.

And yes — I’m planning to use Cold No as a visual foundation for the larger world, so your note on building assets is incredibly helpful.

Grateful for the guidance and support.

The cover for Caribbean Cougars already looks like a poster for a TV series, especially with the strapline "SIX WOMEN, ONE ISLAND, NO APOLOGIES".

Hi Charmane Wedderburn ! congrats on the momentum you're building. super. and I love that you're thinking in ecosystems for your stories. How did you like the Stella Adler experience?

Hi Charmane Wedderburn The Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) would be a great place for you to build connections around development, adaptation, and cross-platform storytelling. This space is especially active with creatives working in series-based formats.

Charmane Wedderburn Congrats on publishing your books and taking the next steps on the journey to creating your IP universe.

Charmane Wedderburn I, too, have a Caribbean-inspired line of books I am working on. Would love to connect.

Love the idea of the Cougarverse! are you based on the Caribbean? If so, we have a partnership with women in film there where you get discounts on Stage 32 education. Be sure to reach out to your local women in film chapter so you can learn more! I just spoke last year to the women in Film Jamaica chapter, and there was some amazing creative talent there.

Hi Tudores, thank you so much — I really appreciate that.

I’ve been very intentional about building my stories as interconnected worlds, so it means a lot that that comes through.

The Stella Adler experience was incredibly grounding for me — it really shaped how I approach character, emotional truth, and storytelling across everything I create.

Would love to hear what you’re currently working on as well

Hi Laura, thank you — I really appreciate that.

That space sounds very aligned with what I’m building, so I’ll definitely check it out.

Appreciate you pointing me in that direction

Hi Sasha, that sounds exciting — I’d love to hear more about what you’re working on.

I’ve been building a Caribbean-based story world as well, so it’s always great to connect with creatives in a similar space.

Hi Amanda, thank you — I really appreciate that.

I’m currently based in Europe, but my work is deeply rooted in Caribbean stories and culture, so that connection is very meaningful to me.

I’ll definitely look into the Women in Film network — it sounds like a great space to connect and grow.

Thank you for sharing this

Thank you, Michael — I really appreciate that.

That world is something I’m actively developing for screen as well, so it’s great to hear it already reads that way

It's great to see you here on IYW, Charmane Wedderburn! I know several people who recently made indie films in the Caribbean (and, of course, everything from Pirates of the Carribean to James Bond films there) - its a magical place for production. Wishing you huge success with all of your projects!

Thank you, Sam — I really appreciate that.

The Caribbean has such a powerful cinematic energy, and it’s a space I’m very intentional about building stories within.

It’s exciting to see more production happening there — it feels like a world with so much potential

Charmane Wedderburn, happy IYW. This is so inspiring to read. Congratulations on everything you’re building, and especially on stepping into production/Shooting with Cold No. I know what that means :))) There’s something so powerful about watching a story cross that threshold from imagination to set, and I’m thrilled for you as you move into that moment.

Your creative world is bold, emotional, and unapologetically yours, and it’s beautiful to witness. I’m excited to stay connected and cheer you on as all of this continues to unfold.

Sandra , thank you so much… that really means a lot

Stepping into production feels like such a powerful shift, and hearing that from someone who understands it makes it even more meaningful.

I truly appreciate your support — it’s beautiful to be connected in this space.

Amazing journey you have so far - looking forward to seeing what happens for you next. Thank you for everything you do for the Stage 32 community :)

Thank you so much, Lauren — I really appreciate that. It’s been a meaningful journey, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive community. Looking forward to everything ahead as we

You're not just a creative, Charmane. You're an entrepreneur! Love this world vision. Your own multiverse. Very smart in this climate where IP is so valuable.

Thank you, Geoffroy — I really appreciate that. I’ve been very intentional about building these projects as interconnected worlds, so it means a lot that that vision comes through. It’s an exciting space to be creating in right now.

Charmane Wedderburn I’m always happy to see you jumping in and sharing your progress with the community.

You’ve been building so much momentum. Keep sharing these updates. It not only holds you accountable, it also shows others what’s possible when you stay consistent and keep moving forward.

Cheering you on as you head into your shoot and your signing. Big moments ahead!

Thank you so much, Ashley — that truly means a lot.

I’m staying consistent and trusting the process. Excited for what’s ahead

Welcome, Charmane -- a short film shooting next month, a book signing on the horizon, and an entire multi-platform universe in development is a seriously impressive slate! Don't miss the FREE Heated Rivalry Script Breakdown Webcast at https://www.stage32.com/education/products/heated-rivalry-breaking-down-... -- great insight for anyone bridging page and screen. What corner of the Cougarverse are you most excited to bring to life first?

Thank you, Sam — I really appreciate that.

Right now, I’m most excited about bringing the emotional and relational dynamics of the Cougarverse to screen — especially the complexity of the women and how their individual journeys intersect within that world.

It feels like a space with a lot of depth, tension, and strong visual storytelling potential.

Charmane Wedderburn 'grounding' is a great take-away from your acting training. super.

I'm currently adapting a novel for a feature and developing a couple of pilots. All of these projects live in the geopolitical thriller space. appreciate you asking :)

Thank you, Sebastian — grounding has been incredibly valuable for me, especially when writing emotionally complex characters. It helps anchor even heightened or cinematic moments in something truthful.

Geopolitical thrillers sound fascinating — that intersection between personal stakes and global tension can be incredibly powerful. Wishing you great momentum with the feature adaptation and pilot development.

Thank you Charmane Wedderburn - it's very appreciated! likewise :)