Anything Goes : Writers beware by Betty Briscoe

Thanks for warning the community, Betty Briscoe. Is this the account: www.stage32.com/profile/1361215/about

Just reported him. Luckily for me, he mentioned someone I know well, like exhnange holiday cards well, and everything fell apart quickly.

I have seen a few con-artist as well. They always ask for money which can be a red flag. They make it so hard to trust people now a days.

Thanks, Bill McCormick.

I was also contacted by the same imposter as Betty describes above. Many red flags. Thanks Betty for posting this for others.

Thank you!

Thanks for the heads up.

He’s offered me a contract…I’ve emailed his office to check. Is this the fraudulent email? lloyd0segan@gmail.com

Yes, Peter Ford, that is the fake email. The real Lloyd Segan is working with Stage 32 to hopefully track the imposter down and keep others from being harmed. I'm not sure of the profile account being for the fake or not, but hopefully these posts will help others that are new to this industry from being rooked. I have reported him and his accomplices, if they're real, to Banks, Cyber Internet Crime Center, FBI and FTC. Happy this helps out my fellow writers. BTW my treatment is pretty good...

Pardon all the typos, spell check was off and my nails too long LOL

Peter, don't believe anything "he" says. I think he used AI to write all the metered responses to emails. Just saying.

Received this yesterday ...

Lloyd Segan

It’s a pleasure connecting with you! If you’ve written a screenplay or developed a strong story concept that you’d like to see move toward production, I’d be happy to take a look. I’m open to all genres and budget levels, what matters most is a great story with real potential. You’re welcome to send your material. I personally handle each evaluation, offering professional feedback on story structure, character development, and production potential. With years of experience across film and television, my goal is to identify projects that can move confidently toward development and attract the right partners. Looking forward to hearing about your work and exploring how we might collaborate. Warm regards Producer / Development Partner eMail: lloyd0segan@gmail.com

... Was suspicious, especially since I had been contacted previously by someone (AI, I suspect) claiming to be acclaimed producer, Peter Mezey ... Paul Mezey [DELETED]

It’s a pleasure to connect with you. If you have screenplays or story ideas ready for production, I’d love to collaborate and bring them to life. With my experience in film production, I can provide the guidance and resources needed to develop compelling projects. I work across all budgets and genres of Screenplay, If you’re interested in working together, feel free to submit your materials for evaluation at paulmezey91@gmail.com My evaluation process includes a thorough review of the script, analyzing dialogue, story structure, character arcs, and production feasibility to ensure we develop a marketable project. Looking forward to the possibility of collaborating. Best regards

The crazy thing is, the Mezey AI went so far as to SIGN & RETURN an NDA that I asked "him " to sign prior to sending him any of my material ... Then, AFTER receiving the "signed" NDA, but before I could send any of my materials, I received this:

"Before moving forward, I’d like to offer a comprehensive overview of my working structure, what I provide, and the steps I follow when evaluating and developing projects. Please review this carefully to ensure we’re aligned in expectations and approach.

1. Project Evaluation:

My process begins with a thorough professional review of your screenplay. I assess its creative merit, commercial potential, and compatibility with current industry trends. It’s important to note that this review is not guaranteed for every submission. I selectively evaluate projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to professional standards and a realistic understanding of how development functions at the industry level.

If your project is deemed a strong fit for development, we will proceed with a formal Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Once the NDA is signed, a refundable facilitation fee of $2,200 will be required.

Please note: This fee is not a payment for script notes or feedback. Instead, it is a demonstration of mutual commitment to launching the early stages of development and gaining access to critical production infrastructure and strategy.

2. What You Gain by Working With Me:

By partnering with me, your project will benefit from a full-scale professional support system, including:

Funding Strategy & Financial Packaging. I will take full responsibility for assembling and executing the project’s financial structure, allowing you to focus on the creative side.

Script Refinement & Development Guidance. If the script requires further development, I will guide the process to elevate its production viability while preserving your original vision.

Team Assembly. I will oversee the attachment of experienced directors, key crew, and cast. I will also bring in partnering production companies where needed.

Industry Access. With a solid network built over years of professional experience, I offer direct access to producers, financiers, agents, and international distributors.

Project Management. From development through post-production, I ensure that your project progresses efficiently and professionally at every stage.

3. Clarification on the Facilitation Fee:

it’s important to clarify that most professional producers and consultants do charge for their involvement—often substantially more than what I request. Unlike others, I do not charge for my services or time, only for this small, one-time fee, which is intended to support the groundwork required to professionally develop the project.

This fee Is not for profit, it assists in Covering critical startup costs such as pitch deck creation, development planning, and outreach, it Will be fully refunded once funding is secured or if the project does not move forward and it Is entirely separate from your share in the production

4. Writer Compensation & Credit:

If the project proceeds into production, you will be entitled to:

5% of the total production budget.

Executive Producer credit, where applicable.

Backend participation, outlined in a development contract.

This ensures that your creative contributions are recognized both financially and professionally.

5. Standard Pre-Funding Costs in Development:

Producers frequently bear several up-front expenses in the early stages of development. These include:

Professional / Investor-grade pitch decks (typically $8,000+)

Legal counsel and IP protections.

Mood boards, concept art, and marketing materials.

Outreach and negotiations with talent.

Industry strategy and market research.

The $2,200 facilitation fee is a fraction of what is typically invested at this stage and exists to ensure shared commitment and efficiency.

6. Next Steps & Transparency:

To ensure a transparent and secure collaboration:

A formal NDA is signed before any payment is made

The facilitation fee is only requested after I confirm that the project is a viable fit

If your project does not meet the professional standard required for development, I will respectfully decline—without further obligation.

This structure protects both your rights and my time while providing a serious and professional foundation for development.

Final Note:

I fully understand that some creators may be seeking casual feedback or free evaluations. However, I want to be transparent: I invest real time, resources, and industry leverage into every project I choose to work on. I do not offer unpaid development services, nor do I review scripts I don’t intend to Collaborate on. My goal is not just to read your screenplay, but to fight for it and bring it to market.

If this approach aligns with your expectations and you are ready to explore the possibility of moving your project forward with a clear, structured development pathway, I welcome the opportunity to collaborate.

Please confirm your interest at your earliest convenience, and we can take the next step together.

Warm regards.

Paul. "

Of course, now that "Paul" was suddenly -- for the first time in our conversation -- asking for money, I realized that my suspicions were, sadly, true.

Thank you Don for exposing another fraudster. It's good that we have this forum to share the good and the bad with industry professionals.

Thanks for sharing...Same email, different name.

I was skeptical from the beginning, but played along until I realized “Lloyd’s” responses were obviously AI driven. I came back to Stage 32 today to check his account and saw it’s been suspended. These posts confirmed my suspicions. Never sent him anything, but still feel foolish for not trusting my first instincts.

Thank you for posting.

I wanted to prevent any further harm from occurring. Unfortunately, I didn't discover it was AI soon enough. Oh well, at least it's been reported, that's all I can do. Thanks for sharing.

Great news! With all this fraud hoopla I polished My script treatment, and it's now posted on my profile. Check it out. Who knows - a real Producer might like it??

Good for you and perhaps there’s a silver lining within all of this nonsense. In fact, the unsolicited email I received from “Lloyd” gave me the push I needed to return to my work; I had put it down for a while. For a moment, I thought it was the break I needed and then realized I wasn’t ready. However, the excitement I felt was real and maybe that’s all that really matters.

OMG! I just fell for this scam! I was charged $4,100. Just had the funds sent in today. My bank called with some red flags, I thought I had answers to, so I gave permission to send out the funds. My bank rep told me there would be no recourse if I sent out the funds. What a fool I am! I, too, was told the money is refundable if for some reason the film never produced. I normally don't answer requests to network. Uugghh! Anyone trying for their refunds? Any advice on how to go about it? Please advise. Thanks.

So sorry Kelly. I contacted my bank, but because I had authorized the Zelle transfer mo refund is possible. However doubtful, I filed reports with IC3, FTC and my home state of AZ Attorney General. The fraudster also used another produce' r's it's near the top of the thread. If you wired the money, you can file a fraud claim. Also, if you would please share the wire instructions provided it might help in tracking down the imposter(s). Bank name, routing number, account number etc. Thanks and again, so sorry.

If the funds were wired, that is a federal felony. Please publish the imposter's bank information here for all to see. Thanks.

Sorry to hear that happened, Kelly Guglietti. I hope you're able to get your money back!

noted thank you. Now I know the next someone wants hundreds of dollars from me to collaborate I'm just going to say no.

Smart Girl. Hindsight is always 20/20.

It's so sad that theses scammers are getting money from trusting people. Martin Henderson, a friend, told me that a lady lost $32,000 to a scammer pretending to be him. He's sent out notices everywhere not to be fooled because he never reaches out to contact people he doesn't know to request anything.

Although horribly embarrassed at being a victim, I was pissed off too. The real Lloyd Segan has his staff and Attorneys working on tracking the imposter/ scammers down and hopefully jail them. My sincere condolences for your friend. Sadly, he seeks out people that don't understand the industry and preys on them

Please stay vigilant against these horrible people.

For those of us that have been scammed, please share your story and file reports with IC3 and FTC to develop a paper trail of information.to hopefully take these criminals.

thanks for warning us now I know to ask for a zoom meeting

Things are creepy with the advent of AI! Enjoy the challenge! Takes little to be wise!

The concerns of this post is therefore significantly commendable!

I believe making Stage 33 members aware has shined a light on this evil con being perpetated. It revealed just how rampant this became as well as alerting Producer's whose identity were stolen. If this post helps just one writer from getting ripped off...makes telling my story worth it.

https://www.stage32.com/profile/1361684/about Is this the scam account:?

There seems to have been a few of these types on here lately. A web cross-check usually reveals something is up. The scam profiles purport to be established people, yet have limited credits listed unlike, say, the real IMDB listing they're trying to imitate.

Oh, no. That's honestly the scary part. That's why I asked these people some verification questions to determine if they're real humans or not. I went on Reddit, and people shared their experiences about using Stage 32. Some have the best experience, and some don't have the best experience. I hope I don't get ghosted like some writers and artists have to go through.

He’s at it again!! Just received a network request. Can’t 32 do something??

I will contact the real Lloyd Segan's office and let them know. It's identity theft for him.

Hi Kevin, if I can prevent anyone the grief this type of crime does, this forum is totally worth it. Asking questions an AI Bot can't answer or perform a task only humans can do, are always a good idea. Thanks for helping the cause.

One way to vet these people is to request a Zoom call. That was consistent for me with both "Paul Mezey" as well as "Lloyd Segan": Neither was willing to meet, even in a Zoom call. No producer is going to move forward with negotiations without at least having met with you via Zoom.

If you have been contacted by a suspectted spam account you can notify a lounge moderator or email the profile link to support@stage32.com. We do our best to squash scam accounts ASAP. However, sometimes it is whackamole and they pop up as fast as they are deactivated. If a Stage 32 member asks you for money or wants to connect off the platform, notify supposrt immediately as these are violations of the community guidelines.

As far as Reddit is concerned, I would take everything with a grain of salt. People aren't always honest about their experience, nor do they do their due dilgience. No site is perfect, nor can Stage 32 prevent scam accounts from being created. As far as doing something, report it.

Thanks Don and you are right. That is how I learned (unfortunately too late) that it was AI and a scam.

Thanks Suzanne, that's exactly what I did. Although one of the scam victims, I am doing everything I can to stop these imposters and prevent as many victims as I can. Of course, I was embarrassed, but also pissed off at the same time. Anyone on Stage 32 that can help a fellow artist is always appreciated.

This happened to me - with a so-called producer from Italy, who wanted to see my work. When I checked, this person had three profiles with slightly different names. The producer was legit, I read about him online, but the approach was a little too keen - and then asked for money!! Stage32 informed and this person investigated.

Betty Briscoe Thanks for sharing this—really important reminder for everyone here.

Scams like this are getting more convincing, especially with AI, so it’s crucial to verify who you’re communicating with before sharing any material.

Appreciate you raising awareness—it definitely helps protect other writers in the community.

I got an email from a well-known agent asking to read my book. It had a Gmail address. One quick look at the real website and contact page, and I marked it as spam. Be careful out there.

Thanks Bill for the information. Scammers are running rampant, especially with AI help. We must all be vigilant .

Thanks Abhijeet. What's the saying, education costs money. Live and learn.

It appears that he's back.

Following up on Betty's warning, because I received the following email yesterday from the same scam:

Lloyd Segan

Producer sent you a message.

Screenwriter Thank you for reaching out. If you have an original screenplay, television series, or a well developed concept that you believe is ready for professional development, I would be pleased to review it for consideration. I consider projects across all genres and production scales. My primary focus is the strength of the story, the originality of the concept, the quality of the writing, and the project’s commercial potential. Please submit your material to: lloyd0segan@gmail.com, together with a brief synopsis and any supporting materials you feel would assist in the evaluation process. I will personally review your submission. If I believe the project demonstrates strong development and production potential, I will discuss my evaluation and the appropriate next steps. I appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your work. Kind regards.

Reply to Lloyd

It says "Producer" and "Screenwriter" hilarious! That is like the emails addressed "Dear" hahaha Ask for a Zoom call.

This scammer just contacted me with the same emails in the last few days.