Producing : How Do You Define Success Right Now? by Ashley Renée Smith

For me, no matter what, success is another project finished even in draft form because it's one less project that'll haunt me lol

perfect

I'm three weeks out from the end of our crowdfunding campaign for my short film and need about $15K to get the green light... so, my idea of success is kind of fixated on the short-term, but is pretty plain: get that green light.

On the Community Forum now...

I define "Success Right Now" as making significant progress on polishing and updating my current script portfolio (of over 100 scripts -- no small task, but I do a little each week), writing new compelling episodes for my priority series, "The Ghost of Sherlock Holmes," and working with my manager and my produce connections to promote the series concept in Canada and Europe.

I think it's subjective. But I think when you can make money off your art. How much money? At least a profit. I know that's kind of broad.

I've recently had a screenplay win platinum award at a film festival, and for me just getting more of that will be counted as success. If I can get that reinforcement that maybe I have potential as a writer, it will motivate me to continue to put time aside to write.

I'm an ER nurse and writing represents a possible way to be able to leave nursing, which has given me PTSD, and be a little more free in my life. So it's not always easy, after a tough night shift or whatever, to find energy to write.

I'm also looking to maybe produce and direct an Indy script I've written, so I'm trying to figure out how to write a budget to apply for a TeleFilm grant here in Canada. If I get that application done, it will be a big milestone for me.

I'm going to piggieback off of Zombielands Rule #32. I try to remember and enjoy the smaller successes, knowing that it will lead to the bigger success. Sometimes focusing on the "greenlight" can be daunting, so much so that I think people often forget the milestones that it took to get to where you are. To get to a place where you are actually pitching your project, is leaps above many.

Success for me is getting the opportunity to share information about the milestones I've met with other creatives. It makes it real for them and further motivates them to go after what they are trying to accomplish (whether its writing or not). I just finished making some edits to my script that two production companies asked of me. Now I'm waiting to discuss what they think.

Currently, success for me is a) connecting with community members to build relationships b) accomplishing the day's endeavors that ultimately lead to the big milestones/wins in the log term c) Helping others along the way to their successes.

Success for me right now is doing the preparation for attending the Screen Producers of Australia Conference at the end of April. Having all my "promotional' materials ready, pitch decks, loglines, one pagers, a succinct verbal pitch, should I need them. Researching companies who will be there, knowing what questions to ask, and setting up in person meetings before I go.

Ashley Renée Smith ultimately, the reason I started writing again (after a long layoff because of career goals) was to sell a specific project. That's what my goal still is.

However, in just my 8 months on Stage 32, the parameters of why I am writing have widened considerably and certainly Stage 32 specifically has allowed me to expand my definitions of success to include so much more. Being honest though, those are as you eloquently point out, 'milestone' successes. They are important. And they do provide their own form of pleasure and satisfaction.

Ultimately, my original quest to sell a project will be (hopefully) my ultimate success and it is why I write every chance I get. I won't fully consider myself successFUL until, and if, I sell a project.

Bana, I love this perspective, and honestly, I think a lot of creatives can relate to that feeling of unfinished projects just lingering in the background. Every finished draft is progress, it’s proof that you’re showing up and doing the work.

Do you usually roll right into revisions once you finish, or do you like to take a little distance before coming back to it?

Jamison Bruce Anthony the fact that you’re three weeks out and pushing toward that number says a lot about your commitment to getting it across the finish line.

Rooting for you on this. Getting a project funded is no small feat.

Also, if you’re looking for some solid strategy around crowdfunding, I highly recommend checking out RB’s book, Crowdsourcing For Filmmakers: Indie Film & the Power of the Crowd. He interviewed hundreds of filmmakers and really breaks down how to engage your audience, build community, and actually convert that into support for your project. It’s packed with practical insights that are incredibly useful when you’re in the middle of a campaign like this.

You can check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Crowdsourcing-Filmmakers-American-Market-Presents...

Over 100 scripts is no small feat on its own, Tom Stohlgren, but the fact that you’re actively revisiting, refining, and evolving that body of work week by week shows a whole different level of commitment. Do you find that revisiting older scripts changes how you approach the new ones you’re writing now?

Christopher Wells I actually think that’s a really grounded and honest definition.

Adam Delmonico, first off, congratulations on the award, that’s a huge accomplishment and absolutely something to be proud of.

What really stands out in what you shared is how intentional your definition of success is right now. It’s not just about recognition, it’s about momentum and reinforcement that what you’re doing matters and is worth continuing. I think that’s a fantastic mindset to have. This isn’t an easy journey, so celebrating all of the victories along the way and acknowledging their importance can make a huge difference.

Romeal Watson, I love this!! And that Zombieland reference is awesome. One of the best things about the Stage 32 community is having a place where you can share those moments. Because it helps demystify the process and shows people that progress is happening, even if it’s not always flashy or headline-worthy. That’s so valuable.

Claudia Guerrero-Zalokar I love how much of your definition is rooted in connection and consistency. Building relationships, showing up for the day-to-day work, and supporting others… that’s the kind of foundation that actually leads to long-term momentum. Also, focusing on accomplishing what’s in front of you each day is such an underrated but powerful approach.Do you have any daily or weekly habits that help you stay consistent?

I believe you need to enjoy the ride, the script is an accomplishment, but not the endgame if no one sees it in it's intended state. So for me success is defined by a quality completed film that generates enough revenue to ensure all financiers profit.

Ingrid Wren The level of preparation you’re describing, having your materials ready, knowing your projects inside and out, researching who will be there, and even setting meetings in advance, puts you in such a powerful position. When you’re that prepared, you’re not just attending, you’re maximizing the experience. I’m rooting for you!!

Darrell Pennington I love that your definition of success has expanded during your time here. Those milestone wins, the connections, the growth, the momentum, they may not be the end goal, but they’re absolutely what build the path toward it. And the fact that you’re showing up, writing whenever you can, and staying committed to your larger vision says a lot.

Hi, Ashley Renée Smith Right now, success means getting my first project into development. I’m currently preparing for a meeting to secure government financing, which is a big step forward.

That said, the 'who you know' aspect of the industry is the real test. It’s hard to get in front of producers without the right connections yet. I've been looking into contests to bridge that gap, though the cost of entries makes me hesitate. It's a new exciting step.

Great question, Ashley. At ,73, I've had almost as many failures as successes, so I've come to view them both equally. One inspires the other. And BOTH keep me going!

For me, success is perfecting my pitch and getting more eyes on my scripts. My animated feature came alive at a table read in a great screenwriters group a couple weeks ago. I see a ton of opportunity for it IF I succeed at the first two things.

Success is to be responsible for a colossal, positive impact on Cinema. Including in old school theaters... My Stage32 blog from 4 years ago is now 5 patents in Cinema VFX. Savings from Rotoscoping, Green screen, matte generation plus a new B/W VFX Cinema.

Success can mean something different on any given day - you know this Ashley Renée Smith. I feel pretty good with where I am on the creative front and accomplishing things as they come and fostering the relationships that have come alongside. Today is my mom's birthday so for today, I'll say that success means not focusing on why she passed but instead on how she loved.

When I reach a micro-goal or a big one I consider those successes.

For me, success is knowing that I have finished writing what I started. As a positive thinker, that means a great deal to me.

I define success by my relationships. I have actors who I have worked with in the past and now when I ask if they would like to be cast, they accept without reading the script first. I have always said that you can measure your lifetime of success by how many people show up at your funeral.

For me, success right now is staying the course—one project at a time—but being intentional about where it’s leading.

I’m building toward a proof of concept while using feedback from colleagues and festivals to sharpen the story, not just collect accolades.

The goal isn’t just finishing something—it’s creating something that actually opens doors to the next step.

Thank you for asking Ashley Renée Smith.

My Q2 goal is to COMPLETE the 2 projects I've worked on in Q1:

- 1 Film + a table read

- 1 Series

That would be success entering Q3, and onto the next developing segments for the two.

I haven’t succeeded yet.

Not until a script I’ve written is playing on a Hollywood screen.

Not until it earns enough to pull me out of the life I’m stuck in—and gives me the financial and social freedom to work at the level I’m meant to.

Until then, I don’t care how many scripts I write.

If they’re sitting on a shelf, untouched, then I haven’t made it.

I consider every little signpost a success, starting with waking up in the morning. And in my career, I try to recognize those signposts for what they are: milestones on the way to achieving both short-term and long-term goals. Every time I reach one, whether it is the next scene, the next draft, or the next Fade In, I count it as a success. It is another step forward.

As Rocky Balboa said, “One step, one punch, one round.”

Even the big goals, selling a pilot or getting a film into production, are not the end of the journey. They are just another stop along the way.

There is always another mountain to climb and another story to tell.

My best friend told me that when his father died, despite all he had accomplished, his desk was still covered with unfinished projects. That stayed with me, because it says something essential about the creative life: we do not just stop.

I suspect that is how I will go out, too. I will keep working, keep finishing, and keep moving on to the next thing, because I cannot imagine a point where I simply sit back and say, “Okay, I’m done.”

For me, success begins the moment I receive an email that says:

‘Congratulations. Your screenplay is truly remarkable—we were very impressed. We would like to move forward with you and discuss producing it as a film.’

That message is where success starts.

Thanks Ashley Renée Smith~ I get into revisions after a break, since I often need a clear[er] mind to separate the noise from the genuine changes that need to be made. Of course revisions are my least favourite part of writing lol

No matter what, though, I don't want to leave any projects unfinished unless I outgrew them or lost interest.

Success to me would be just getting one of these ideas out. Whether just screenplay sold or a full on production. I just need to know where to get going.

I will share one advice I got in recent years that was life-changing in terms of building my network as a producer. I used to dread going to networking events or mixers because I felt like if I didn't chat up everyone and come home with ten business cards, I was a failure. I am not good in large groups, much better one-on-one. Then someone told me that you're better off making one meaningful connection at an event. Like speak to one person at some length, get their contact info, and you're done. You can even leave if you want to. Or just say hi to the people you already know. So now I LOVE events and parties! I literally succeed at every single one! I went to a panel discussion last night, and out of the hundred people there I came home with one contact with whom I'm setting a coffee. I said hi to three people I already knew, and that one longer convo and catching up with those three people meant I was there till they threw us out of the venue. People think I'm a social butterfly, which is totally fake, it's just that now I'm confident that I will feel successful coming home.

I recently completed a feature length script. This would be the 4th feature I have written, but the first feature for myself. It's a semi-contained crime thriller. I definitely think this is a success, even though it's not the end of the road, I consider it crossing the first of many finish lines to come.

I have also directed several short films; some award winning and I have Assistant Directed 1 feature film and several award-winning short films.

While it is not the success I imagined, I recognise that success is a long road and you have to enjoy the journey. The journey is what makes you appreciate the success.

That's a start for me. Right now, my colleague and I are writing for an animation family sitcom as I mentioned the post in the Screenwriting Lounge. He's helping me write the pilot and me to come up with ideas. We're just a team of two right now, but wouldn't mind a helping hand though like with animator or producer or even storyboard artists. But right now, my colleague and I are helping with my concept while helping with his cat animation concept. I think I mine to be shown professionally instead of doing indie productions. But that's just me. But yeah, we're on the right track so far.

For me it's finding a list of people managers or agents who I can approach for submissions. Getting someone even an asst. to read my work, and tell me to keep going or stop. I'm 70, so it's tough to keep at this if there is no hope of reward eventually.

Hi Ashley, success for me in this sector is first my screenscript is accepted by a good producer who can improve it and we both can be happy with the result. I want to be noticed by powerfull producers as a good screenwriter and creator. I am already producing films in Turkey , but film sector in USA is the place where my scripts can have their real value. I have sent one of my script to Stage 32 and a producer executive (Ceci Cleary) has read it and liked too much. She gave second recommandation. So on 5 of april, I am waiting to see my CV in Stage32 Look Book. I am a novelist actually and I have 7 more ( for me perfact screenscripts:))). I don't want just sell my scripts or write unnecessary scripts. This is lost time. I want to be known as a good creator that I can say something to people. I like possibilities of Stage32 but unfortunately it is not very easy to follow many usefull Stage32 posibilities because of long distance and time differences ( about 12 hours).

Success, to me, isn’t something big or distant. It’s not one moment, one deal, or one achievement.

Right now, success is progress.

I’m currently building a company for actors, and there are many days where it feels difficult, slow, or unclear. But what keeps me grounded is remembering the things I’ve already managed to overcome. Those moments matter.

In this industry especially, success lives in the small steps.

Showing up.

Improving your craft.

Finishing something you started.

Taking one step forward, even if no one sees it yet.

Success is becoming a little better every day — not perfect, just better.

Even a single sentence written, a small breakthrough in understanding yourself, or a moment of courage… that can be success.

And honestly, being here, connecting with people, and having the opportunity to potentially collaborate with a producer or actor on Stage 32 — that, too, would already feel like success to me.

Making progress.

@Ray, Finishing the script is a huge accomplishment, but you’re absolutely right, it’s one step in a much bigger journey. Seeing the project through to a completed film, and then making sure it performs well enough to take care of the people who believed in it, that’s a full-circle definition of success.

@Phil, that is such an exciting moment! And I hear you on the “who you know” side of things. That’s been a real barrier for a long time, but the good news is there are more ways than ever to build those connections without needing traditional access points. You’re at a really important stage right now, and it sounds like you’re approaching it with both ambition and strategy.

What kind of project are you taking into that financing meeting?

I honestly love that mindset, Helen Hudson! You should be driven by the mistakes as much as the victories.

@Laura, this is such a great place to be, and that table read is a huge win. There’s nothing quite like hearing your work out loud to really bring it to life.

I’d also definitely recommend spending time in the Animation Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation) each week so you can connect with other writers, producers, and creatives working specifically in that space. Those targeted conversations can be incredibly valuable for visibility and collaboration.

@Amman, that is a bold and exciting definition of success, and I love how clearly you’re thinking on a big-picture level about impacting cinema as a whole.

@Leonardo, thank you for sharing this, that’s really beautiful. You’re absolutely right, success can shift day to day, and I think this is such a powerful example of that. There are moments where success is about career progress and creative momentum, and then there are moments like this where it’s about perspective, memory, and honoring someone in a meaningful way.

@Kimberly, that's the exact right way to approach your goals!

I honestly love that so much, @Colin! Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to simply finish what you're working on.

@Stephen, this is such a powerful perspective, and honestly, one that a lot of people don’t realize the value of until much later. The fact that actors trust you enough to say yes before reading the script speaks volumes.

David Williamson I love how clearly you’re thinking beyond just finishing something and focusing on where it leads. What kind of doors are you hoping this proof of concept opens for you, are you aiming for financing, representation, or attaching collaborators?

Catherine Saykaly, I love how clearly you’re tracking this and breaking it down by quarters. That kind of structure is such a smart way to stay grounded while still moving forward creatively.

Ugur Kayikci, I hear how much this means to you, and that level of drive can be a powerful thing. But I do want to gently push back on the idea that nothing counts until that one outcome happens.

You’re putting an enormous amount of pressure on a single moment, and the truth is, there are a lot of steps between where you are now and a script playing on a Hollywood screen. Those steps are progress, whether it’s finishing scripts, improving your craft, getting feedback, building relationships, or learning how the industry works.

If everything before that “big moment” doesn’t count, it can make the journey feel a lot heavier than it needs to be, and it can make it harder to keep going. Scripts sitting on a shelf don’t mean you haven’t made it, they often mean you’re building a body of work, learning what works, and getting closer with each one.

The goal you have is valid. Wanting creative and financial freedom is something a lot of people here share. But success doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You are moving forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

Steven Kirk this is such a grounded and inspiring way to look at it. I love how you frame success as those “signposts” along the way. It takes something that can feel overwhelming and turns it into something tangible and achievable, one scene, one draft, one step at a time.

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh that’s such a great approach, and honestly, a really healthy one. And I think a lot of writers would agree with you on revisions being the least favorite part.

Dean, that’s such a real and honest place to be. Getting that first idea out into the world, whether it’s a script sale or production, can feel like the biggest hurdle. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to take that first step.

Anna Marton Henry this is such an important reframe. Also, what you said about people perceiving you as a “social butterfly” is something that I relate to deeply. That confidence often comes from having a clear, achievable intention, not from being the most outgoing person in the room. And of course, practice makes perfect.

Anna Marton Henry thank you for your sage advice. I too get nervous amidst large groups pf people I don't know and this next step on my screenwriting adventure, to attend the producing conference in a few weeks' time, is daunting. I hope my preparation will help to give me some confidence, and I will take your words to heart and concentrate on that one meaningful connection each day. Thank you for sharing your experience. Cheers from the very far south! Ingrid

I published 68 books and 68 audiobooks before writing three screenplays. My four-series sci-fi horror screenplay was a finalist in the 13Horror.com Film& Screenplay Contest in September 2025. I feel stuck because, although I submitted it to producers and movie companies, it is being turned down. The last correspondence I received stated that it would cost too much per series to be made into a movie. I am also awaiting the results of a competition for my romance screenplay. Meanwhile, I am not writing.

I am a Producer/Writer with a studio that makes movies that matter, movies that can change the world for the better, we call it, "solution-based" cinema. I would love to have a larger audience for this type of production; one that inspires, uplifts and makes the audience feel that anything is possible.

Push forward with every piece of the pie that makes up your journey to success. The number and type of pieces are unique to your journey as are your goals for success. Break them down into bite size, manageable pieces. Tackle a seemingly fearful obstacle (Anna Henry, I love your post just above)! Last of all, at the end of each day recount that day's events. Seek and embrace the one (or more) good thing(s) that took place that day. YOU made them happen! Confidence and accomplishment will follow suit!

The implosion of the film industry: Major releases quickly becoming Box Office Bombs, empty sound stages, film employees no longer reporting to “the office,” because the office and job positions no longer exist. These are the harsh realities that have influenced me in redefining my level of success. I’m at the point where I will complete my 9th and FINAL screenplay. Dreams of selling a script and having it produced by a major / minor production company now appear completely foreign to me. My success these days comes in the form of screenplay nominations from nationwide film festivals (I’ve attended 4 in the last year and a half). Flight. Hotel. Rental Car. Festival Attendance. That’s what fuels my current screenwriting success. Each trip offers a unique journey— discovering a new town, meeting fresh faces, witnessing some amazing film work. These are the factors that bring me tremendous satisfaction. It could be worse. I could be the screenwriter of a Major Hollywood Financial Disaster.

For me its always about getting new content - films, series or now even micro drama series out in the public viewing space. its important to experiment and embrace newer formats and to constantly deliver content for viewing by audiences

I'm a screenwriter. I've written three feature spec scripts in as many months and am developing a fourth.

Success for me is finishing a script. That's it, nothing more. Fame and fortune are bonuses. Every day, I do what some people are unable or unwilling to do.

Thank you Ashley Renée Smith, yeah, I found I can’t revise with the same brain I used to write the draft so the fresh eyes and break periods are crucial. And I probably hate revising more than most people do lol, sometimes I straight up regret writing ^^; but in fairness it’s probably because I’m growing every day and finding some small or big thing I missed, and as such it’s never as simple as it probably should be ^^; I have too much self-awareness so I’m always being challenged lol

Right now, success for me is very simple… and very quiet...

It’s in the small moments..

when I feel alive in what I create..

when a thought turns into something reall..

when a smile.. a feeling...or a memory is born through my work....

I don’t see success as a big achievement waiting somewhere far ahead.

For me...

it’s walking gently with what I love ..like... beach..nature,.. rain, emotions..music...dayn night dreams...stories… n yeah ofcourse .. life itself.

Yes, I dream of making a film one day..

something warm, funny, emotional… something that stays with people.

But until then, success is just this not giving up,

staying true....and moving forward… one honest step at a time.

If my work can make even one person feel something real...

I quietly call that success..

thx for that great question..

luv all

I honestly think even the mindset that we set in order to start writing something while other people keep on procrastinating and waiting is success. Small or big, success is success and a win is a win. For me, writing a plot, and turning that into a script and putting it the way just like the audience would love to read and watch that movie is a big win, a big success. But, making short goals like typing a few words or pointers is also a small goal that can lead to a big-time win. Whatever you do out of discipline or motivation or responsibility which completes a task or finish a project is a win, a success, no matter how small or big. Because our whole life cannot change in one minute randomly, the actions we do every minute, small or big...can make huge changes.

Hello,

I think this is an interesting question for a goal-oriented person, where meeting goals is imperative to purposeful alignment and value.

I’m not a person from the film industry, I’m a business major, where I’ve worked in manufacturing and production for 10+ years.

I’ve always had a thing for writing and has stuck with me all my life so I decided to take it more seriously.

What success looks like for me can be found my on profile. Success to me involves meeting goals like completing scripts, taking course to expand my knowledge base and skill set, getting certifications to align my resume with the film/ music industry.

Within this there’s networking to see the development of my projects into full scale productions, networking to meet the right people, and obtaining more knowledge about the industry to find out what an actual career path would look like for me as a screenwriter, music producer, graphic designer, and small business owner working across cross functional teams.

I know what success looks like to me, but learning what that looks like for others could change my lens or help me think bigger if I’m thinking too small.

Emmanuel Jomy I agree with being in the right mindset to even begin writing a script is essential. Mindset matters, especially when fatigue starts to set in, lots of mistakes and errors can happen as well if the mind’s not in the right mental space.

Ashley Renée Smith I can respect that you’re passionate about the mission and creating an impact with the work you do.

That’s admirable and I think you hit the nail on the head with the list of goals you mentioned as starting or pick up points.

I find that creating an impact is a specific attribute we all should carry throughout the work we do because if there’s no impact what’s the real purpose behind it all.

Bill Brock being nominated for your work and being able to travel to film events, see new places, and fresh faces is an awesome goal to have. I hope that works out for you. I’m inspired.

Getting a script that curently being shopped greenlit.

Ashley Renée Smith Thank you, and yes. Even being on Stage32 is a great way to meet new people. The meeting is a mandatory talk with an official who will assess if the project is even worth considering. It's my Croatian road movie drama 'After the Dragon' that I have co-written with an actor friend of mine. We will just prepare a pitch paper, more is not required. For the next step we have to hand in a 10-15 page treatment, and I can get up to 5k for research in Croatia, traveling, consultations, meetings, competition fees etc. It would make things a lot easier.

Areale Hanks Thank you, Areale. Yes, it’s a lot of fun. My last adventure brought me to the Hollywood Horrorfest Film Fest in Los Angeles last September. My horror script won in two categories— “Best Unproduced Screenplay” and “Best Serial Killer in a Screenplay.” Awards night was such a blast! During my downtime, I took the opportunity to see some incredible sites— The JAWS Exhibit at the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum, The Griffith Observatory, the original Michael Myers house and nearby filming locations from HALLOWEEN (1978), the Warner Brothers VIP tour (located 1 mile from my hotel), The Brady Bunch House (4 miles from my hotel), the Pee-Wee Herman house from PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE, and my favorite stop of all— the iconic Schaffer House from one of my favorite films, A SINGLE MAN (2009). Couldn’t believe I was actually standing in front of it. Best of luck to YOU. Here’s to hoping you can begin piling up similar adventures!

Photo: The Schaffer House, Glendale, CA.

Bill Brock that sounds like a good time and congratulations on your accomplishments that’s something to be proud of. I can definitely feel the Westcoast vibes breathing life into me through your ventures. I’m mostly fascinated with the lifestyle alignment. Tell me, how did you even come across something like that or want to have script nominations and travel as what defines success for you? Like how’d you come about that goal, passion, the love of travel or a combination of things?

Success right now? It shifts. Just a feeling of making progress on improving your writing, pitching, and outreach are steps toward success. It's the journey that needs to feel rewarding.

I've recently gotten several double recommends from Stage 32. I think those helped me get signed by a manager Stage 32's pitch sessions put me in contact with. So, at present, the journey seems to be going in the right direction.

Of course, ultimately my idea of success has been that that accomplished producers, directors, and actors would, upon reading one of his scripts, say, "I'd like to bring the best of my talents to that story and make a damn good movie." Second, that those pros, having worked with Mark, would say, "Mark delivered. He was professional. I'd work with him again." And third, that all involved made some money so they can stay in the game and make more great movies.

Mark Furney Bravo, Mark! Keep up the Stellar Work!

Areale Hanks Good questions, Areale. I’ve been a member of Film Freeway for years, which posts all national and international film festivals / screenplay competitions on its website. I’ve written 8 feature screenplays so if one looks like a perfect fit, I’ll submit. I’m retired from my career, so there’s no real desire for me to “make it” in screenwriting. The goal for me now is to sell a script, then hopefully have it produced. Early in my screenwriting journey, I wore the 4 hats (writer, director, producer, and actor) in my first two projects— a feature called, PARTY OF 50, and a short called, I’LL HAVE ANOTHER…” In terms of passion, I was a high school English teacher for 33 years, and one of my favorite lessons I created was “Intro to Screenwriting.” I taught formatting, screenplay terms, loglines, etc. I then placed kids into “Writers Room” groups. Once I filled their heads with the necessary knowledge, the task was to create an original scene, then act it out for fellow classmates. In preparation, I also included scenes from famous movies, asking them to focus on setting, conflicts, goals, resolution, and acting. This was always a fun lesson to teach. Most of the kids presented some amazing ideas!

Ashley Renée Smith I received a script request from a Stage 32 pitch - and THAT felt like a big success. Where it goes...nobody knows. It's inspiring to read how many people have so many amazing successes!

For me, it's stacking the wins, little and big. Writing every day, even if it's for 10 minutes. Getting a script request. Coming up with a great logline. Meeting with my writers group. Every day is a win, no matter how small, as long as you're advancing towards your goals.

Way at the bottom. That just means there's a pile of comments above this one Don’t read into it .

Success is:

- waking up in the morning

- getting out of bed

- writing each day

- having one episode finished every week for Podcast Thursday

- getting the completed episode uploaded to Podcast Thursday so anybody can hear the script.

I've got:

- a broken computer

- an old phone with a black splotch on the middle of the screen

- a Social Security paycheck that only lasts half a month since Trump pulled the Disability portion of it from all seniors.

- type I insulin dependent diabetes

- inability to afford to live anywhere in expensive America...economic exile

- consequent inability to keep up with goings-on and trends since Netflix more than doubled the price for Americans living abroad than what it had been when Biden was President.

- horrific sleep apnea

- ADML (attention deficit memory lost)

- none of my contacts wanting to help me through my hard times

- autism

FOR ME THE FACT THAT I'M STATING ALIVE, WRITING AND HAVING AN ELISODE COMPLETED AND PODCASTED EVERY WEEK IS NOT JUST A SUCCESS. IT IS A HUGE WIN FOR ME. I AIN'T NO SCRUB. AND WHEN YOU CHECK MY SCRIPT OUT YOU'LL SEE THAT NEITHER IS MY SHOW.

Bill Brock it seems we all have encountered teacher’s that leave a lasting impression and impact on us we fail to realize until we’re much older. That’s respectable. I’ve had quite a few of these type of teacher experiences throughout my lifetime; both attending the many schools of California and more structured school systems of Kansas. The difference in curriculum was a learning curve but they both offered value in different ways. Since rejoining Stage32 I’ve run into off platform networks like the InkScript (a Stage32 partner), Academy of Scoring Arts, Social media networking, The Writers Guid Foundation, to name a few that offer aligned opportunities as well depending on your journey and goals. But, I’m not going to hold you up too much longer. It was a pleasure meeting you Bill. All the best in your endeavors.

This year, Lost Lake Productions and I decided to take the marketing of our project "Chasing Mary" into our own hands. Our first step beginning in January was to enter the screenplay in multiple Film Festival screenwriting contests to begin elevating the project's visibility. So far, we have six official selections in February and March from NY and LA Film Festival screenwriting contests. We have notification dates for other contests we've entered scattered across the rest of the year with one even in January 2027. Our next phase is exploring international and domestic co-production and publicity campaign opportunities. Additionally, some of my projects have received ISA contest quarterfinalist placements. In late 2025, one of my projects received a Stage 32 Double Recommend. These all feel like affirmation.

This year, I've completed co-writing my first horror screenplay which was invigorating, and it has joined the film festival entry strategy. I've begun re-working the creative decks for a couple of my projects and when I finish those I plan to resume working on a documentary proposal I had started. In summary, I guess success for me is not sitting still waiting for it to find me.

Ashley Renée Smith this is a great question and the timing feels right. For me success right now is about something I did not expect. It is less about milestones and more about whether the work I am doing today would still matter to me if nobody ever saw it.

I spent most of my career in technology building systems that had to work in the real world. There was no room for abstraction. Either the system performed or it did not. When I started writing and building a story that sits at the intersection of AI and human stakes I realized that same standard applies. The question is not whether the script gets made. The question is whether the story is true enough that it deserves to be.

Success right now means being honest about what the story actually needs instead of what would be easier to write. It means staying in the discomfort of not knowing the answer to a scene until the right one shows up. And it means connecting with people here and elsewhere who take the craft seriously enough to push each other.

The big milestones will come or they will not. But the smaller ones like getting a scene right or having a conversation with someone who challenges your thinking. Those are the ones that actually move the work forward.

Areale Hanks Agreed, Areale! I would run into a few students at stores and such, who had graduated YEARS earlier. They would quiz me on some funny things I did in class. As a high school teacher, knowledge of the subject matter, an impressive “fashion statement” wardrobe, and a strong sense of humor were my calling cards. Students I met were very specific in their story descriptions. Some stories I remembered, and some were ones I simply couldn’t recall. I was so touched on how they continued to harbor these pleasant memories.

A few years ago, while writing my comedy feature, SOUTH OF SOUTH BOSTON…. (VIRGINIA), I taught a student named Winter, a real character who always made me laugh! One day, after class, she shared a story about her parents arguing about getting a divorce. I told her how sorry I was, and her reply was: “I’m not! They hate each other! Can’t wait for them to go through with it!” The kid just had that dry sense of humor I needed to inject into my script. She knew I was working on a new screenplay, so I asked her if she would dictate the entire story into my phone. Her STELLAR dry humor was spot on! I included the story into my pages and informed her that I would name the female lead after her. It was a comedy, so the character’s full name HAD to be funny—

I came up with Summer Winters.

Marc Ginsburg Continued success, Marc. You are an inspiration for sure!!

Success is reaching the end of a script that feels undeniable—something strong enough to break through on its own.

Fred Chalub that word undeniable is doing a lot of work and it should be. Most scripts get finished. Fewer feel like they had no choice but to exist. That gap between done and inevitable is where all the real decisions happen.

That's a tough one for me.

One thing that I'll count as a success is when I finish my first feature Pure Vortex that I'm working on right now and premiere it somewhere. Since we're in the end stages of post, will happen in a couple of months.

Another one would be that I'd be able to get working on my next feature film soon.

But what I'd consider the ultimate success is simple, where I'm able to make films that I love making and at the same time being able to live normally and pay my bills without having to worry what tomorrow will bring every single new day.

Ashley Renée Smith, right now success for me looks a bit like controlled chaos with good lighting. It’s that sweet spot where I’m juggling Soul Mated rewrites, festival prep, moderating Stage 32 webinars, and teaching my students and somehow not dropping the metaphorical flaming torch.

If I end the week feeling aligned, creatively awake, and only mildly exhausted instead of dramatically collapsed… that’s a win in my book :))

Bill Brock I appreciate you sharing your experiences. There’s something impactful about how those moments stick with people over time. Even now. Seemingly for you and for them. Even with conversations here, I was able to use that impact and breathe life into others at my job and off platform.

Sometimes the work/life balance tends to be so much more draining when there’s a demand for people with good and impactful energy, it often becomes an expectation.

But in the same application of impact, the way you translated real interaction from your experience and making that into a character called Summer Winters, are details that stick.

I’m glad we were able to connect on this thread. I’ll go ahead and close this one out here, but I look forward to having you in my network Bill and continuing conversations down the line.Thank you.

Areale Hanks Thanks for the kind words, man. Wow. California and Kansas? That’s quite a leap!

Very cool how you were able to incorporate some energy towards your work colleagues. Yeah, time to put this thread to bed. I must warn you, though. I’m completely awful when it comes to correspondence on Stage 32. Going back and forth in a thread is one thing, but I have a list of 187 friend requests that I’ve never confirmed. Man, my networking ability must REALLY suck. Oh, well. See you “round The 32!!

Bill Brock "Time to put this thread to bed..." lol indeed, man. See you around.