Trending Lounge Discussions

Darrell, here's wishing you plenty of success with "The Sizzler..." and your TV pilots, too!

Congratulations Darrell! Sounds like you clearly have a concept that works. That’s incredible!

Ashley Renée Smith Great question this is so true.

For me, one key decision was rewriting a scene much later than planned. Initially, I thought the original version worked, but once I revisited it, I realized the emotional core wasn’t strong enough.

Changing that one scene ended up shifting the tone of the entire project and made the character journey much clearer.

It taught me that sometimes the smallest creative decisions especially around character can have the biggest impact on the overall story.

Ashley Renée Smith Well the casting had no impact on the script, which our director followed like it was handed to him by the Archangel Gabriel himself.

As for how it impacted the performances, I invite you to watch the film and judge for yourself.

https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Crucible-Travis-Mills/dp/B0FYTJTKNF/

Ashley Renée Smith You are simply an amazing person! To give your precious time to everyone — that is the height of humanity!

Ashley Renée Smith Yeah. She was already a character who had been through a lot of recent grief and loss, so by adding her weight gain it became a visual indicator of that pain she's carrying. Plus, it contrasts with how she presents herself. She tries to project a confident, unhurt air, even though she's hurting quite a lot underneath. So her increased weight became a way of showing the inner tension: she's trying to make it seem like she has it all together, but her body says there's something wrong internally.

Biggest thing I learned is to trust no one, always do your homework, keep your shirt tucked in, and have a good attorney.

Volkan Durakcay Thank you. Will definitely connect with you soon. Cheers bud.

Thank you so much, Joe, for your kind words. I truly appreciate your encouragement and wish you continued success. I’d be delighted if you visit my profile to explore my projects: stage32.com/profile/1362796

That’s amazing! Ash and Razz are both wonderful people and I adore them, Joe Alexander. Happy to have you here as well!

Colourist currently working remotely https://www.instagram.com/p/C_XuA5jCCks/

Congrats and welcome Joe Alexander

Shortly after I became a member here two years ago, I did a small statistical analysis. I checked the finalists at a big screenwrriting contest ten years ago. For one third of the finalists, there career was better after than before. For an equal number, the result was the opposite. For the remaining third, there was no change.

For what it's worth (for TV scripts at least), here's a list of some current ones with good reputations that aren't run like a shady used car lot:

1. Stage 32 (all of their contests)

2. Austin FF

3. Big Break

4. Scriptapalooza

5. PAGE

6. Emerging Screenwriters (screenplay and genre contests)

7. Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards

8. Script Pipeline

9. Shore Scripts TV Mentoring Program

10. The Golden Script Competition

11. Outstanding Screenplays

12. ISA Fast Track Fellowship

13. Filmmatic (TV pilot, genre categories, Inroads fellowship)

14. Roadmap Writers

15. Sundance

16. Studio fellowships

I'd say if you stick to like the Top 20-ish of known and trusted screenplay competitions, you'll have a positive experience with them. I personally can't speak to dealing with most of the other contests or festivals out there, but if you submit to the Downtown Green Bay Quarterly Screenplay Competition, there's a pretty good chance you're wasting your time and money and you'd get what you paid for.

Good stuff. Thanks for taking the time to write that, much appreciated.

Completely agree with you on DIFF, I will never be participating in that contest again.

I agree with "most established screenwriters."

Just finished? I'm thinking the wrong video got linked. What played is something I saw on Blender Studio years ago. But it's brill animation and soundtrack.

Morgan Aitken Haha, yeah the video was made a while ago, but the score is original and done by me. I kept the credits proper at the end. The only thing that's different about it is all the music and some of the SFX and Foley are done by me which I just finished. Thank you for saying it's a brilliant soundtrack! I worked hard on it. I use a website called cuetube which legally provides me with the license and content without the music specifically for composers to build their portfolio and showcase their talents so they can find work. I can post the license here if you'd like. Blender teamed up with cuetube to make it possible for composers to be given a chance. Thank you so much for bringing this up so that I can add the old video for comparison! Good eye!

Here's the original Score by Blender from years ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVGeM40dABA

I'M DIRECTING MY FIRST FEATURE FILM"

The Invite is a story about the dangers we carry with us — the secrets we bury, the guilt we deny, and the pasts that refuse to stay silent. At its core, this film explores how a single moment, a single choice, can ripple through generations, shaping lives long after the original sin has been forgotten.

From the very first pages of the script, I wanted to create a horror experience that feels intimate and personal. The characters in The Invite aren’t just victims of a supernatural force; they are victims of themselves. Their fears, insecurities, and hidden histories become the true engines of terror. The supernatural elements — the book, the curse, the witch’s legacy — are mirrors reflecting the darkness they already carry.

Visually, the film blends grounded realism with creeping, atmospheric dread. The world begins bright and familiar — school hallways, living rooms, road trips with friends — but slowly shifts into something colder, more claustrophobic, and spiritually corrupted. As the characters descend deeper into the mystery, the environment itself becomes a psychological trap. The cabin, the forest, the shadows, and even the silence are designed to feel alive, watching, waiting.

What draws me to this story is the emotional truth beneath the horror. Samuel’s journey — from isolation to connection, from confusion to revelation — anchors the film. His relationship to the book, hinted at through family history and the haunting imagery in the attic and basement , gives the narrative a generational weight. The curse isn’t random; it’s inherited. And that makes the horror feel inevitable.

My goal as a director is to craft a film that scares the audience not just with what jumps out of the dark, but with what lingers after the lights come up. I want viewers to feel the tension of unspoken truths, the discomfort of unresolved guilt, and the dread of realizing that some invitations — once accepted — can never be escaped.

The Invite is a story about being chosen, being watched, and being judged. But more than anything, it’s a story about facing the parts of ourselves we hope no one ever sees.

And that, to me, is the most terrifying thing of all.

Sammy Warshaw That’s a really interesting point. I think the strongest horror comes from something personal that’s presented in a universal way.

What scares me might be specific, but if it taps into a deeper emotion like fear of loss, isolation, or losing control it becomes relatable to others.

So I feel it does matter, but more in terms of finding the underlying universal fear beneath the personal one.

Curious to hear how you approach that balance in your lab.

Cool! I am impressed. And it was a treat to hear Serbian! I would recommend subs for the Serbo-Croat challenged among us, though. And hell, if you find yourself hitting the beach in Bar, bring a reel (or usb drive), I hajde da se nađemo na kafi!

Morgan Aitken - are you referring to Bar, Montenegro?? My wife and I have been travelling the world since 2024 and we spent 9 weeks in Montenegro, much of that time in Bar. Mot beautiful sunsets and scenery we've seen yet.

Kseniia Zhuravleva Congrats and much success!!!

Can't wait to see the whole film. Looks good. Congrats!

Let's make a movie. I have the writing cred. Novels, short stories, and a script. Have been reading them LIVE from Times Square and Washington Square Park.

"Welcome and I am truly inspired by your ambitious goal! It’s refreshing to see someone aiming to build an entertainment empire focused on giving a voice to others while maintaining such high integrity and professional dignity.

I admire your courage in carving out a non-traditional path in the legal and creative fields. If you are serious about pursuing this vision, I would be more than happy to offer my support and explore potential ways to collaborate. Wishing you the best of luck on this exceptional journey."

Hi Monica Trombley, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and you bring such a powerful mix of experience. That combination gives you a really unique perspective on both the creative and business sides of the industry.

I’d encourage you to stay active in the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting), the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). Those are great spaces to connect with other creatives, share your insights, and build relationships with people who are developing projects and looking for collaborators.

Given your background and goals, you may also really enjoy the Writer’s Room. It offers access to working industry professionals, exclusive discussions, and Open Writing Assignments where producers and executives are actively looking for material. You can explore a free first month here:

https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Really glad you’re here, Monica. Looking forward to seeing you around the Lounges and the conversations you’ll be a part of.

Welcome to the S32 Club, Sahiru Sajjana!

Delighted to meet you and welcome to our team!

Hi Sahiru, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and I love how many creative areas you’re exploring!

To start building connections and momentum here, I’d encourage you to jump into conversations in the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting), Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), and the Post-Production Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/post_production). Those are great places to ask questions, share your experiences, and meet other creatives working across the same areas.

You may also find it really helpful to reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you share more about your projects and your goals, they can point you toward resources, opportunities, and connections that align with where you want to go.

Hi Sahiru, welcome to Stage 32

Thank you so much! I'm new and so excited to learn more about this platform! Nice to meet you all!

Congratulations to the writers of this season! I'm so proud of you!

Congrats to all!

Congratulations to all of the lucky ones

Congratulations! That’s why I joined the Stage32 community. I have several upcoming pitches. Looking forward to the feedback.

Congratulations everyone.