Screenwriting : What’s one goal you set for yourself this year that you’ve had to shift, adapt, or scrap entirely? by Ashley Renée Smith

Welcome back Ashley Renée Smith, excited to hear about your Cannes experience!

Ashley I set out this year to draft two pilots and a feature. Halfway through I scrapped one of the pilots completely. Not because the writing was bad. Because every time I described it I could hear myself reaching for it.

The lesson was that a project I cannot describe naturally is a project I am not ready to defend. No amount of pages was going to fix that.

The shift was uncomfortable but cheap compared to spending another six months building something that was always going to die in the room before anyone read a page.

Curious how you handle the first goal you scrap. The decision is rarely the hard part. The mourning is.

This one’s obvious, but I had to put the brakes on my big goal (21 unique projects completed by Halloween). Instead I arguably have a much more reasonable goal which is 3 completed feature scripts by Halloween. Mind you that one is also being challenged right now by burnout lol but nonetheless I am learning to prioritize stuff I can potentially sell.

At the year's start, I was thinking of publishing in novella form only to get hit by reality that hardly are publishers interested in such, and so I have had to concentrate focus on publishing possibility of a short stories anthology. Yes, quite an unexpected shift of plans mid-year.

Ashley Renée Smith I started the year planning to work on my abs (heard a 6-pack is back in style), but then a new series hijacked my schedule… so now I’m grinding out an 8-piece instead. Someone told me, "but you can do both". Really? Tell me more.

My previous goal was to decide to work on next Ashley Renée Smith. But instead, the work found me when I connected with Sebastian and Juliana to do "Sol Rise". So in essence, I didn't do the shifting...the shifting shifted me - I just ran with it and shifted. Love, The Shifter.

Ashley so many things I have been working on.

30+ Software of various kinds, 29-30 RPG & MMO Games, A Kids Books Series etc.

I started compiling an animated movie a couple of months aback but i'm not through as yet. However; I collated some of the sound tracks for it.

Seriously, I have plenty on my plate and I don't want to leave out/ focus on one over the other.

I just have to upload my books on to Amazon and advertise.

All the software to generate since I already compiled the data.

The video games to generate since I compiled the info. I also created my own software to generate the games.

I compiled a software to create movies also.

Because of my past job I had to learn to multi-task so here I am utilizing that skillset in the best possible way that I can.

There are two goals I didn't reach and/or had to scrap: 1.finishing my feature film script called A Night on the Town, and 2. getting my scripts for the first two episodes of my drama series discovered. However, I'm working hard and hoping relentlessly that one day I can refocus of these goals and accomplish them? If anyone can provide help or advice, I'd be so grateful!!! :)

Ashley, One goal I set at the beginning of the year was to focus primarily on high-concept thrillers and commercially driven projects.

What surprised me was that one of the projects that ended up consuming the most creative energy wasn’t driven by concept at all, but by character and emotional psychology.

As I worked on it, I realized I was less interested in asking “What happens next?” and more interested in asking “Why does this hurt?” and “How do invisible emotional systems shape people’s identities over time?”

The goal didn’t disappear, but it evolved.

What started as a plan to build bigger stories became a lesson in building deeper ones.

Sometimes the project teaches you what you’re actually trying to learn as a writer.

Welcome back!! Good question. I believe my goals were to be working on my scripts and learn pitching and pitch! Been working on the scripts - still haven't pitched out loud, only on paper. I've also been in sort of a slow down - I think because my 1st AD life has been quiet for 6 months and I have no idea of the future - so in a bit of a limbo feeling - will I get a new show? Or will I sell a script? Either would be fine but neither feels close. Besides that, all is great.

Greetings!

At first, I was planning on nose-diving into my script writing and fanfiction novel (for practice in story development and first-person wordage). So, I applied to the Los Angeles Film School for writing, all the way in California (Online program). First month in, my entire plan was turned on its head. My teacher (whom I shall not names) in Digital Literacy taught me the importance and indirectly the basics, of developing and maintaining a personal/professional presence. A month later, BOOM! here I am. I know I wasn't here for your previous interactions before your hiatus, but I'm glad to see you're back.

Well Finally finished 3 books converted and edited the books into audio books myself , completed 3 feature film movie scripts, and i have to say the after effects of heartbreak gave me the encouragement to become complete in my own goals.

Now i have to focus on keep making content and finding how to bring my words to life , building with a new circle of like minded people , I use my words , My horror Feature script is called (DIctionary ).

https://promocards.byspotify.com/api/share/61bf8cba-0f2a-46b1-9af3-a650e...

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Completed 1 feature movie script.That was one of my goal.other goal is to get it selected.In addition to this - working on myself, earning big money, improving my fitness journey, gaining more experience, growth in my job, keep upskilling myself, staying healthy, loving myself more, having a girlfriend and getting married and helping others are also my goals.

Hola

después de algunas pérdidas logre terminar mi primer libro y auto publicarlo en Amazon.

https://a.co/d/0j1UPrS2

My goal was to make it to Cannes and I did. I won Cannes Best Screenwriter of the Year 2 years in a row 025 and 026. I couldn't afford to go in person and I asked if anyone with Stage 32 would accept the awards on my behalf but no one replied. Then in an odd twist of fate, I posted the request on Facebook, which I mildly loathe, but I have several A list actors on my page. I would never have dreamed one of those people would reply with, "Hey, I'll be in Cannes. I'll look for your name." He did and and replied with a request to review one of my 3 winning screenplays. After reading the script, Ethan Hawke sent an option agreement I signed last week.

Welcome back, Ashley! While my goal was to perform my own comedy show this summer, I still haven't found a venue to do that. Now that we're in June, I feel like I should figure out a venue that I'd be able to perform comedy at. Unfortunately, as a Jewish artist and the rise of antisemitism, I feel like my venues would be limited. I thought awhile ago, even if I could find a venue to perform at, would people even want to go to a comedy show that can be a little political? Safety is also a concern. So, in addition to figuring out a venue, I'm also thinking about what security would be needed. I guess I have to ask myself, do I want to take the chance and just rent a space to perform at or should I wait until the political tensions quiet down, even if that's not until the 2030s? As far as goals I was able to achieve, I've been able to write and edit the comedy material I've already written and have even decided I could open with a spirituality poem that I wrote. It's frustrating to have the opening and knowing what comedy material I want to perform, but not being sure what the best venue would be for a show.

Get my first story noticed and pitch it to a executive

One goal I had to change this year was how I approached my writing career.

For a long time, my focus was simply on finishing projects. This year, I realized finishing the work is only part of the journey. I had to shift my goal toward learning how to present, pitch, and advocate for my stories.

That led me to complete a full pitch deck for Wish You Were Here, a character-driven rock fantasy series adapted from my novel. It also pushed me to connect with producers, executives, and fellow creatives in ways I hadn't before.

The goal evolved from "finish the script" to "build a path for the project."

Sometimes growth doesn't come from abandoning a goal. It comes from realizing the goal was only the first step.

This question hit close to home, Ashley.

At the start of 2026, I set one clear goal — to make a real turn. Not just in my work, but in how I present it to the world.

I have the scripts. I have the ideas. But somewhere between the vision and execution, discipline slipped through the cracks. The days kept moving, the work kept calling — but the output stayed invisible.

Someone who never walked a single day suddenly deciding to train for the Olympics. That's the closest metaphor I have for where I am right now.

But here's what I've realized — the fire didn't go out. It just needs a tighter focus.

So the goal didn't get scrapped. It got honest.

Late or not — what's meant to be made, will be made.

Hi Ashley,

Welcome back, and congratulations on navigating the Cannes whirlwind! Rest up and conquer that inbox at your own pace.

As almost entering the halfway mark of 2026, your question strikes at the absolute core of what it means to operate as a structural screenwriter and script doctor. The biggest goal I had to completely adapt this quarter wasn't abandoning a project; it was surgically changing my narrative execution models from macro-spectacle to hyper-focused spatial restriction.

In January, the plan was pushing high-concept, expansive world-building grids. By June, analyzing market realities and stüdyo ROI demands forced a sharp evolution. Growth meant recognizing that true psychological tension doesn't require expensive, sprawling digital canvas; it requires tight, bütçe-conscious structural parameters—trapping a limited cast inside 3 to 4 restricted locations and mathematically calculating their cognitive deterioration page by page.

Adapting the goal meant realizing that protecting a story’s core DNA isn't about rigid adherence to the initial pitch, but packaging its human clock so precisely that independent financiers can instantly see the production value on the page. In script doctoring, we call it a controlled narrative pivot: changing the architecture to save the foundation.

Excited to see where everyone else’s evolutionary loops have taken them so far this year!

Best regards,

Volkan "Walkie" Durakçay

Story Architect | Script Doctor

At the beginning of the year, my goal was simple: write scripts and get them into the right hands. That part hasn't changed, but the path definitely has.

I realized that writing the screenplay is only half the battle. I've spent a lot more time this year building relationships, learning the business side of entertainment, and creating opportunities for my work instead of waiting for them to appear. What started as a goal to finish scripts evolved into a goal of building a sustainable creative career.

In some ways, I've written less than I planned. In other ways, I've moved much closer to where I actually want to be.

It's been a good reminder that sometimes the goal stays the same, but the strategy has to change for me to get where i want to go lol

Greetings everyone,

I can agree that 2026 has seemingly flown by. Currently, I’m working on two projects the “While I Was Away” pilot script which is finished alongside its series development package documents. Then there’s the structuring and worldbuilding of the Astrᵉion Universe, where I’m currently getting ready for execution of “The Golden Age” which is the entry point used for the series saga. The Astrᵉion Universe is a franchise saga that spans across 12 time eras structures into 10 episode seasons.

A valid concept from Weapons writer and director Zach Cregger is that shelving materials and projects instead of completely scrapping them could pay off at a later time.

And I can agree with this perspective being that some of the materials from the first draft of my “While I Was Away” polit script were used to build up the season 1-2 main character Henry Harrison which uses Robert Pattinson and Eva Marcille as the Leading Lady, both being performance references and character anchors for script continuity and strategic casting alignment when thinking about production and budgeting. This project also calls to other important performance and character anchors for the story engine.

Since I’ve been alleviated of some of the stressors related to my old responsibilities at work gives me more mental relief to focus on business ventures that are associated with writing and music.

On my off days I’ve been structuring “The Golden Age” writer’s room tools to execute the pilot script which encompasses a variety of performance references and character anchors for major characters that call to Taraji P. Henson as Ava, Charlize Theron as Lyssara, Dev Patel as Orion the Great Alchemist, Anya Taylor Joy as the Star Witch, Namoi Scott as the Shadow Witch, Nikolaj Coster Waldau as King Malric, Martin Sensmeier as Warsmith Solace, and Aldis Hodge as War General Demetrius.

Other characters for the 10 script season also calls to KiKi Layne and Thomasion McKenzie as the young versions of Ava and Lyssara, and Tom Glyn- Carney as Prince Ryker who has a D Story track with spin off series potential outside of the current saga structuring. Most of these roles have a continuity up until the ending of the 10 episode season for my script writing line up where others have a longer franchise long continuity like Ava, Lyssara, Ryker, Orion, the Witches and other characters that are introduced and have franchise continuity from their entry point in the saga.

Once I’m finished with the pilot for “The Golden Age” I intend on submitting it at the same time as the “While I Was Away” pilot script for feedback and continuous development until these projects are fully developed, protected, and marketable. Then there’s the ongoing development of the character and worldbuilding bible for the Astrᵉion Universe as well. So, the bottom-line to my goals this year are polishing scripts, structuring deliverables, and career development.

It’s great to see you back, Ashley Renée Smith ! One goal I set for myself this year was to focus solely on building my company and completing one screenplay. Since then, that goal has evolved quite a bit. I’m now close to having three completed screenplays. Of course, they’re still in the early stages and will need revisions and refining, but I’m proud of the progress.

At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of making time for myself, my personal growth, and my long-term goals. That shift has helped me stay creative, productive, and more balanced overall.

Welcome back, Ashley! We are so glad to have you back and truly missed your presence here. I hope you’ve fully recovered and are feeling great again.

​Your question comes at the perfect time for some mid-year reflection. For me, 2026 has been a year of significant creative challenges. I started the year with a specific plan, but as time went on, I had to adjust my compass and broaden my goals.

​So far, thankfully, I have made good progress. I moved from just having "ideas" to actually completing four projects: two are now fully finished, and two are still in development (specifically, three series with pilot episodes, and one feature film).

​The biggest challenge I faced—which forced me to re-evaluate my goals—was writing about Western or European societies while being based in the Middle East. The challenge was: How can I deliver a compelling, authentic script for characters and environments so different from my own? I realized that my perspective would inevitably be "different" from someone living within those cultures. However, I’ve learned that this difference isn't a barrier; it’s a unique perspective that can add unexpected depth to a project. I had to shift my goal from "trying to write like someone from the inside" to "writing as an observer who brings a distinct, fresh lens to the story."

​I wish all my fellow writers around the world the best of luck. We are all here to learn from one another, and I hope our creative journeys continue to evolve.

​Thank you for providing such a wonderful space for this discussion!

​Do you believe that this difference in creative vision, stemming from a different cultural background, is a competitive advantage for a writer in today’s global market?

I had to stop a first draft of a YA script halfway through to get my horror script into development.Tough to do but had to be done. Here's the link to the "The Creature From The Wall". https://share.google/h1L3j7xOFqgzOaKTi .

Hey Ashley Renée Smith welcome back! I almost joined you guys there. There's a couple of things I had to change this year. I though I'd be able to write more, but didn't have time because I was busy with my feature in post-production. I had to change from one deadline to another one with the film. Then I decided to focus more on narrative than on commercial work from now on.

Then I had an opportunity to go to LA and shoot a film there, but had to push that back for some time and do another project here.

And the last couple of days I got back to rewriting a screenplay.

to shop my script, Elimination Strain, and take the necessary steps to make it into a film.

I planned to begin investor conversations for a feature much earlier, then a co-written series suddenly got traction with European broadcasters and distributors. It shifted the timeline, but probably improved it. Now the series is being read, and I’m heading into investor prep with a mentor who wouldn't have been available until now. Sometimes the delay is the preparation.

Thanks, @Jaz! If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check out RB’s Cannes Recap blog! He shares so much about our trip and experiences at Cannes this year: https://www.stage32.com/blog/cannes-2026-recap-the-future-is-being-built...

@Eric, That's such an interesting litmus test because we've all experienced those projects that feel effortless to talk about and those that somehow become more confusing every time we try to explain them.

I also think there's a lot of wisdom in recognizing that more pages aren't always the solution. Sometimes we convince ourselves that if we just keep writing, keep outlining, keep revising, the core issue will magically resolve itself. But if the foundation isn't there, all we're doing is building on top of uncertainty. For me, I've gotten better at viewing shelved projects as teachers rather than failures. Some projects aren't meant to become the thing. They're meant to teach us a skill, help us find our voice, reveal a theme we're obsessed with, or lead us to a better version of the idea later.

Bana, honestly, I think there's a lot of wisdom in this shift.

Twenty-one unique projects by Halloween is certainly ambitious, but I really admire your willingness to step back, assess what's realistic, and adjust the goal instead of forcing yourself to push through burnout. Keep taking care of yourself, keep prioritizing what matters most, and keep us updated on those scripts. I'm rooting for you!

@Bamutiire, this is such a great example of the kind of pivot I was hoping people would share.

Sometimes we set a goal based on the information we have at the time, and then the market teaches us something new.

I know that realization can be frustrating, especially when you've invested time and energy into a particular path. But I also think there's something incredibly valuable about being flexible enough to adapt when reality presents new information.

Kenneth, I laughed way too hard at this.

Honestly, an 8-piece script collection sounds significantly more achievable to me than a 6-pack. That said, if you somehow emerge from this year with both an 8-piece series and abs, I expect a masterclass.

@leonardo, "I didn't do the shifting... the shifting shifted me" sounds like the opening line of a fantasy novel from a wise wanderer encountered at a crossroads.

But honestly, I love this example because it highlights something that happens to so many creatives. We make plans and then life introduces us to the right collaborator, the right opportunity, or the right story at exactly the right moment and suddenly the path changes. So here’s to embracing the unexpected and trusting the process!

Maria Joseph-Matthew That's an incredible range of creative work! What stood out to me most, though, was your comment about not wanting to focus on one thing at the expense of the others. That's always such an interesting challenge for multi-disciplinary creatives because many of us are constantly being told to "pick one thing," while our brains are naturally wired to explore multiple avenues at once.

It sounds like your background taught you how to manage complexity and juggle a lot of moving pieces, and now you're applying that skill set to your creative work.

My only gentle encouragement would be to make sure you're also celebrating progress along the way. When you have dozens of active projects, it can be easy to look at the mountain still ahead instead of appreciating everything you've already accomplished.

@Jahnavi, Finishing a feature script is a substantial undertaking, and getting a script discovered is often even more difficult because there are so many factors outside of our control. The good news is that both of those goals are still achievable.

For A Night on the Town, I would focus on identifying the next smallest milestone rather than the finished screenplay. Is it completing Act 2? Finishing a particular sequence? Setting aside a few dedicated writing sessions each week? Sometimes breaking the mountain into smaller climbs makes it feel much more manageable.

As for getting your scripts discovered, my biggest advice is to continue building your network and visibility alongside the writing itself. Share your journey here in the lounges, participate in conversations, build relationships with fellow writers and filmmakers, and continue refining your materials. Opportunities often come through consistent engagement and connections just as much as they come through the script itself.

I’d also encourage you to reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. They can help point you toward resources that may be a good fit for where you are in your journey right now.

Charmane Wedderburn I absolutely love this perspective! I’ve had projects do that to me too. I thought I was writing about one thing, only to realize halfway through that the story was trying to teach me something entirely different. It sounds like you’ve discovered a deeper layer of what excites you creatively, and that’s a huge win, even if it wasn’t what you expected when the year began.

@Xochi, miss you!! Honestly, what you’re describing feels very relatable. That limbo space can be one of the hardest places to live creatively because there’s no clear problem to solve, no obvious next step, just a lot of uncertainty and waiting.

As someone who’s spent years as a 1st AD, you’re used to momentum, schedules, plans, constant movement. Six quiet months is enough to make anyone start questioning things. That said, I want to give you credit for something important: you’ve continued working on the scripts.

That’s easy to overlook because it’s not as flashy as booking a show or selling a screenplay, but it’s still progress.

@Samuel, first of all, welcome! And thank you for the kind words. I’m glad to be back. I love this story because it’s such a great example of how our goals evolve once we start learning more about the industry. You thought you were diving headfirst into writing, and then suddenly discovered that building a professional presence, networking, and learning how to present yourself as a creative are all part of the journey too. A big part! Honestly, that’s a lesson a lot of writers don’t learn until much later. I think it's great that you’re using fanfiction as a way to practice storytelling, character development, and voice. Every writer develops their craft differently, and the important thing is that you’re writing, learning, and challenging yourself.

I’m excited to see where your journey takes you, and I’m glad you’ve found your way into the community. Jump into conversations, get to know people, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to share what you’re working on. You’ll find a lot of generous creatives around here who are happy to help.

@Dechuan, first of all, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how much you’ve accomplished.

Three books completed and converted into audiobooks, three feature scripts finished, and continuing to create despite navigating heartbreak? That’s a tremendous amount of work and a lot of perseverance!! I also love that you’re already looking toward the next phase of the journey. Congratulations on all of the progress you’ve made. That’s a lot to be proud of.

@Gurpreet, first of all, congratulations on completing the feature script! That’s a huge accomplishment and one that a lot of people talk about doing but never actually finish. You set the goal and followed through, which deserves to be celebrated. Now keep us updated on that feature and where it goes next!

@Jamie, I had to read this twice because the ending kept getting better. First, congratulations on being named Cannes Best Screenwriter of the Year not once, but two years in a row. That’s an incredible accomplishment on its own. But what really struck me about your story is how perfectly it illustrates something I talk about all the time: you never know where an opportunity is going to come from.

You had a goal. You hit a roadblock. You couldn’t attend in person. Most people would have stopped there and accepted that the opportunity had passed. Instead, you asked for help, and because you put yourself out there, a completely unexpected door opened. BRAVO! Please keep us updated on what happens next because I have a feeling this story isn’t finished yet.

Haley Mary, first of all, I want to give you credit for something that can be easy to overlook in your comment. You may not have found the venue yet, but you’ve continued doing the work and that's real progress. Honestly, I think it's better to spend extra time finding the right venue than rush into a situation where they don’t feel comfortable, supported, or safe. When you finally step on that stage, you’ll be glad you gave yourself the time to build it the way you wanted.

Nicholas P, that's a great goal for the year!

@Joyce, I absolutely love this perspective because I think so many writers eventually reach this exact crossroads. For years, the goal is often, “Finish the script.” And that’s an important goal! Finishing a project is a huge accomplishment. But eventually many of us discover that finishing the script is actually the starting line. Learning how to present the project, talk about it, pitch it, package it, and build relationships around it requires an entirely different set of skills than writing it.

I’d also encourage you to connect with our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com if you haven’t already. They can help point you toward Stage 32 resources that may align with your goals as you continue building a path forward for the project.

BASHA Penukonda, I think a lot of people reading this are going to see themselves in your words. What stood out to me most is the distinction between having the ideas and making the ideas visible. That’s a challenge so many creatives face. And if part of your goal is finding ways to get those projects out into the world, I’d encourage you to connect with our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. They can help you bridge the gap between creating the work and getting it seen.

Volkan Durakcay first of all, thank you! The whirlwind was incredible. The head cold afterward was somewhat less glamorous. I shared a blog about it today actually- https://www.stage32.com/blog/recovery-is-part-of-the-job-lessons-from-a-lifetime-of-festivals-markets-conventions-4490

What I find fascinating about your answer is that it highlights something a lot of creatives eventually discover: constraints can actually make us stronger storytellers. I also really appreciate your observation that adaptation doesn’t mean abandoning the story’s core DNA. Thank you for sharing this!

Areale Hanks Some of my favorite stories from writers involve ideas that sat dormant for years before they finally clicked into place. The work is rarely wasted. Even when a draft doesn’t survive, pieces of it often find new life somewhere else. It sounds like that’s exactly what happened to you. I also think it’s worth celebrating the fact that you’ve created more space for yourself creatively. Sometimes one of the biggest catalysts for growth isn’t a new opportunity, it’s removing an old stressor that was consuming energy you needed elsewhere.

Roxane Yoman, thank you, it's great to be back! I think there’s a reason you mention feeling more creative, productive, and balanced after making that shift. When we’re taking care of ourselves, we’re often able to show up better for our work too! I love the direction your goal evolved! Congratulations on the screenplays and the healthier balance you’ve created for yourself. That’s a lot of progress to be proud of, and I can’t wait to hear what those scripts become after the next round of revisions.

Ahmed Al Tmimi Ahmed, thank you so much for the kind words. I’m feeling much better and it’s wonderful to be back catching up with everyone. I think many writers spend a lot of time worrying about what makes them different when, in reality, that difference is often their greatest strength. To answer your question, yes, I absolutely believe a unique cultural perspective can be a competitive advantage in today’s global marketplace. Some of the most interesting stories I’ve encountered are the ones that blend perspectives, experiences, and influences in unexpected ways. Audiences are increasingly global, and storytelling benefits when we have creators who bring different viewpoints to the table. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection with all of us.

James Woodland this is a great example of the kind of difficult decision that creatives have to make all the time. The good news is that it sounds like you didn’t scrap the YA script. You paused it in order to take advantage of an opportunity and that's a very different thing. In fact, I’d argue that’s exactly the kind of strategic adjustment this post is about. The goal changed because circumstances changed. And congratulations on getting your horror script into development! That’s exciting news and a major milestone.

Vital Butinar I wish our timing had lined up! It would have been great to see you in Cannes. I think creatives are often guilty of looking at the thing they didn’t accomplish while overlooking the massive thing they did accomplish. What I also find interesting is your decision to focus more on narrative work going forward. That’s a meaningful shift because it isn’t just about a project or a deadline. It’s about the direction you want your career to move. Those kinds of pivots tend to have a much longer impact than we realize in the moment.

Christopher Wells My advice would be to keep breaking that larger goal into smaller, actionable pieces. Rather than focusing only on “get the film made,” focus on the next conversation, the next introduction, the next pitch, the next draft, the next opportunity. Keep us posted on the journey!

Joshua Young it sounds like the timeline shifted for all the right reasons. Congratulations on the traction the series is receiving, and best of luck as you move into the investor prep phase. It sounds like you’ve got a lot of exciting things developing at once, and I can’t wait to hear where they lead next!!

Ashley Renée Smith yeah unfortunately it just couldn't happen. I got invited, but had to work on Pure Vortex. It's true I did a conscious move towards more narrative work for two reasons. One because I feel a lot more joy doing narrative stuff and two because I feel like with commercial work sometimes not being there as much, narrative on the other hand always has space. Let's face it nobody writes a script for a commercial when they have time, but you do for a film.

Welcome back, Ashley! Cannes sounds like an incredible whirlwind. As an author who has spent over a decade since 2014 channeling a deep cinematic universe from my consciousness (now a completed 74k-word literary sci-fi novel 'WHY I LIVE'), your question resonates deeply.

My biggest goal shift this year was walking away from traditional, slow literary agencies that don't understand the scale of modern trans-media art. I had to scrap the old plan of waiting for gatekeepers and adapt by taking total sovereignty over my work.

In my novel, the protagonist Mstr. Richard operates in a world where humanity trades real life for a sterile, risk-free simulation, only to lose their souls. I realized that rigidly sticking to the 'old industry plan' is its own sterile simulation. Growth meant building my own digital empire right here, combining my biomechanical art, Liuksemburgo meno premija 2024 recognition, and this script franchise for the big screen. My ultimate goal now? Securing a visionary partner for a major feature film so I can finally go touch the eternal ice of Antarctica and see how our Earth truly formed. The plan evolved from waiting to conquering.

Thank you, Ashley. I think that’s exactly what surprised me most. The project ended up revealing questions I didn’t know I was interested in exploring. Sometimes the story knows where it’s going before the writer does.

My goal this year was to finish projects.

Instead, I ended up chasing a new one.

I wrote a sci-fi series called Burn-In. What was supposed to be a fun concept became something much more personal: a story about grief, memory and the people we refuse to let go of.

I don’t know where it will lead.

But for the first time in a long time, I decided to stop waiting for permission and just create.

Ashley Renée Smith Welcome back, Leonardo, and I hope you're feeling better.

One goal I had at the beginning of the year was to focus almost exclusively on writing. I thought the path forward was simply finishing scripts and improving as a storyteller. While that's still a major priority, I've realized that writing alone isn't enough if the goal is eventually getting projects made.

Over the past few months, I've found myself spending more time learning about producing, financing, packaging, pitching, and the business side of filmmaking. That wasn't part of my original plan, but the more people I spoke with, the more I understood how interconnected the creative and business sides really are.

So I wouldn't say the goal was abandoned it evolved. The destination is still the same, but the route became much broader than I expected.

One thing I've learned is that sometimes progress isn't moving faster toward the original goal. Sometimes it's realizing you need skills you didn't know you needed when you first set the goal.