Screenwriting : Branding by Geoffroy Faugerolas

I think it's important for screenwriters to know their brands for the reasons you talked about, Geoffroy Faugerolas. Branding helped me get writing jobs and ghostwriting jobs.

Here's my 30-second elevator pitch/brand that I came up with after reading Sandra Correia's Stage 32 blog last month: "Hi. I’m Maurice, a Horror Action screenwriter who writes exciting, high-concept stories and flawed characters. I write quickly, and I'm extremely detail-oriented. My goal is to sell more spec scripts, and get more writing jobs. Let’s make movies and money!”

I like that 30-second pitch/brand, but it needed something else, and I wanted it to be shorter. Here's the new version: "Horror Action screenwriter who writes terrifying, action-packed stories and flawed characters."

Harsh truth, but very critical nonetheless.

A screenwriter I know introduced me to reedsy.com. Where your 'personal brand' and expertise helps you to offer to provide services for decent money.

Building your brand only adds to you, folks.

I don't understand being a "brand". Maybe I'm an idiot. It is IMHOP, a way to reduce a person and that person's work to one sentence. Let's try it on Beethoven...A crazy composer who writes very long pieces and incomprehensible music. Pass!

And look at this (followup from one of his peers)-A review from the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung noted that his work, although ingenious, was “too heavy and overloaded.” (Too much black on page-needs more white...pass!)

Beethoven is now considered the greatest Western composer of 'art music' who ever lived...pass!!! He will never sell a script!! Pass!

@jon the purpose of branding is to succinctly explain who you are and what you do. Yes it feels like reducing yourself, but it is more your logline for yourself. Once you have caught you audience's attention, you will be given the opportunity to expound in more detail what you do. A book is not reduced to picture and a summary just because it has a book cover.

Maurice Vaughan I like you branding pitch. I must admit, however, that I am not fond of the "Let's make money" end tag, but that's just personal pet peeve. Do you have any advice on how I could brand myself? I tend to like writing Thrillers and Comedies. Even my comedies tend to be thrilling. What advice would you give me in crafting my own pitch?

Thanks for the feedback, Kevin Jackson. I put "Let’s make movies and money" because the industry is both art and business.

Maybe add "Thrilling Comedies" or something like "Comedies that'll have you on the edge of your seat" into your brand. And I suggest checking out Sandra Correia's blog: www.stage32.com/blog/how-networking-can-be-a-game-changer-for-screenwrit...

Thank you for your opinion, Jon Shallit. Fully understand where you're coming from. Like I said, branding can be seen as a capitalist stamp put on your work. This is why I like to use artistic statement. The great thing about personal branding/your artistic statement is that it doesn't put you in a box but allows you to create across format and genre. Branding is there whether we know how to articulate it or not. Using your example, Beethoven may not have needed to pitch himself but I'm sure you can recognize a Beethoven piece from a Mozart one or even a Hans Zimmer score from a John Williams score. These two film composers have worked across format and genre but they write from a personal place that influences everything they do and makes their sound recognizable.

I can write ghost novels and scripts like a demon but I can't brand myself. No idea how to do that. I was asked to do that by a guy that wanted many thousands on here to 'brand me'.. I just don't have any idead how to reduce myself to a sentence.

I write in all genres, with all locations all over the world, in various 'tones'-(what an odd word') and for any combination of actors. But a one sentence brand is beyond my feeble brain power.

Idea not idead. My fingers don't work perfectly since covid.

Sandra Correia's blog might help you brand yourself, Jon Shallit. www.stage32.com/blog/how-networking-can-be-a-game-changer-for-screenwrit...

My thoughts on branding as an MBA with 13 years of experience in business is that it's a necessity and a starting point for anybody who wants to make it in... well, anything.

People blow up every day and make millions and they're famous for no reason and everybody is so mad!!!! "Damn these influencers!" But it's not true. They ARE famous for a reason, even if that reason is stupid. People decided they liked something about that person or something they did, which is branding, even if that person didn't mean to start their own brand.

You are selling your brand when you go to an interview and explain why you deserve the job. You are selling your brand when you go out on a date and want the other person to like you. It's not something you have to study...you can if you want like I did but...simply? It's you.

A brand = who are you and why should people give a shit about you. And if you don't have a real reason, you need to get creative, and it needs to sound real.

So, for me I say "Hi my stage name is Danny Range, and I write fictional movies/tv using my experience in addiction and mental illness mostly. Why me? Because if I make it, it's proof you can overcome your demons and make it, too."

Think short, simple, and what about me can relate to or help somebody else out?

People support a brand, a company, because it gives them gratification of some sort; it's not even so much the person or company that they're actually supporting.

"Warren's Finest," Danny Range

Geoffroy Faugerolas This is gold—perfect advice for dream chasers! So glad I saw this in time.

Thanks so much! I read Maurice's suggestions, and yours! I still have no idea how to do this. Anything I would say would sound improbable. The listener would reject it immediately. Composer of music? Concert violinist? Ghost writing novelist? Screenwriter in many genres? Writes on demand for many locations all over the world? (listener thinks I am nuts lol)

You're welcome, Jon Shallit. I suggest focusing on the main thing you do/want people to know you for. And play around with it and see what you come up with, then post it here for feedback.

You've read one of mine. What would you say about it? And the writer. Just asking...

In a webinar I watched on Stage32, the guest said, when you are early or mid-career and not yet established, it is useful to have a brand because otherwise people don't know how to sell you. In a simplified way, it's like seeing a product that says it does everything. Cooks, Cleans, washes the car, repairs plumbing etc. They won't know what isle to put you in so people can find you and hence they avoid or reject you. So its to focus on what you do best or what genre you wouldn't mind writing a lot and focus on that as your brand. Still write other genres, and as you go along let people know you do other genres. Eventually when you become a highly successful writer, it becomes easier to say, you do everything without rejection. If Shonda Rhymes or Jordan Peele decide to write comedy, no one will tell them no because they highly acclaimed. If you are not yet well known or not yet highly successful, it's a much harder sell to say "I write everything, anywhere all at once." Hmmm maybe that should be your brand Jon Shallit LOL. I'm just kidding...or am I?

Thanks. It's all so confusing.

A little tip you can use when crafting a blurb or statement: start with who you are and what influences you, then explain how that informs your work. Connect the dots.

Very interesting and helpful insight! Thanks for sharing this important aspect of presenting one's skillset and how writers can fit into the industry and specific projects. Great to know!

Geoffroy Faugerolas thank for posting, Geoff. We have been working on branding for my new company. This is the website:

https://www.international-imaginists.com

I actually write all genres. I write, drama, comedy, horror, thriller, action. I have not really written any hardcore sci fi, but I have dabbled, and I have written romance. The only genre I might do less of is drama and definitely I would say Thrillers and comedies are my strong points. While I would like to continue writing any genre I want, because for me a story is a story, I would definitely market myself as a thrilling writer with a penchant for twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, not knowing what to expect next.

Excellent Geoff Hall

What are the main things you do, Jon Shallit? Ghostwriting and screenwriting? And what's the main genre(s) you work in?

I write character driven sci-fi stories with 90’s throw back energy, emotional depth, humor, and a little bit of weird. My work celebrates neurodivergence, found family, and the power of people who don’t fit the mold.

Kevin Jackson thank you, Kevin!

Ghost writing paid bills until very recently. Screenwriting used to, but not right now. Both are drying up as (IMO) AI floods everything with generic offerings. Also the world economy is in a fear state right now.

At the moment, I am doing a video game script and rewriting a low budget thriller to be a higher budget thriller. Both spec.

I write primarily horror, scifi, and fantasy scripts as my brand. At their core, it's usually about family (be it dysfunctional families, family secrets/legacies, found family), coming of age stories, political drama, or often a mixture of those concepts.

I also like to explore the human experience in recovering from trauma or mental health issues in general.

Ok, Jon Shallit. The short version of your brand could be “Ghostwriting novelist and screenwriter who ______ (the themes or topics you like to write about the most, the characters you like to write about, your skills (maybe one or two), or your vision for your careers).”

You could play around with it until you find a brand that works for you. And I think this is your first video game script, right? If so, I wouldn’t put that in your brand since you’re new at it.

"I’m a bold, boundary-pushing storyteller drawn to dark ironies, psychological complexity, and high-stakes journeys—whether chasing serial killers through time or exploring moral collapse in history’s darkest chapters. As a writer and thinker, I blend relentless curiosity with emotional depth, always chasing the heart of the story no matter where it leads."

Thanks.

You're welcome, Jon Shallit.

I have learned to so much just by reading the comments! Thank you Geoffroy Faugerolas and never thought about Braning till now. I just love writing anything that is new and not main stream and or take what has been and make it mine.

How about this Geoffroy Faugerolas A film-obsessed screenwriter, inspired by his uncle’s Universal Studios legacy and San Diego summers, crafts gripping, character-driven stories that transform reel roots into real, unforgettable narratives.

Here is just an example I might write for Jon Shallit :

"Multi-disciplinary storyteller with a global lens and a composer’s precision. I wrote >50 screenplays, >1.5 Million words published, >50 ghostwriting clients, a feature in post, and a proven track record of turning genre-spanning outlines into full features in under a month."

Now of course, knowing how good you write, I know you will re-write it much better. Just serve yourself as your client and a huge win is coming your way.

Hello, geoffroy.ys itls knowing your prpduct place price promotion etc. I found this one out whilst selling clients to potential promoters film studio bosses etc.

Samuel Lebow Writing genre projects is a great way to explore deep themes with a powerful message in a more commercial way.

Mark Deuce It's a great start. Since more screenwriters are film lovers, is there something specific about your background that informs why you write rooted character-driven stories, and not, let's say, horror?

That is a great question Geoffroy Faugerolas my background is Army helicopter mechanic, worked on AirForce One and Two, Watched pretty much every movie that came out in the 70s-90s, grew up in a haunted plantation house that was built in 1822 in the deep South, was on the rodeo team when we moved to Texas, worked in a huanted High School as a maintenance Man, and my uncle in the biz.

How about this?

My varied life—Army mechanic, Air Force One/Two work, 70s-90s film obsession, haunted Deep South roots, Texas rodeo, haunted school maintenance, and film industry uncle—grounds your character-driven stories in authentic human struggle, favoring soulful narratives over horror's scares.

Mark Deuce Such an eventful life! Definitely worth mentioning your background in your artistic statement since it unavoidably informs your writing. A little tweak but it's really solid and I added more details that you might want to personalize and confirm:

"As a former Army mechanic who worked on Air Force One and Two, and someone who grew up in the Deep South, I’ve experienced a side of the world few ever glimpse -- from the heights of presidential power to the grit of small-town maintenance jobs in places steeped in history and haunted by dark pasts. I channel those experiences into grounded, character-driven stories that prioritize authentic human struggle and soulful narratives over traditional horror scares."

LOVE IT Geoffroy Faugerolas Thank you for this amazing feedback.

Thanks for the advice! Geoffroy Faugerolas as a new screenwriter, my goal is to have some underlying tone of mental health in each of my screenplays, but the genre may vary.

Ryan Wilford Makes total sense. Is there something specific about your background or experience that makes you uniquely suited to tell these stories?

Khuku Sereneveil Love it! You could start with the genre (thrillers) and then explain how unique your projects are.

If you could also add what about your life experience or background informs your work, you’ve got yourself a strong personal elevator pitch!

My specialty is Second Impressions- My stories typically involve miscommunication and needing to go beyond the surface layer to understand the character. This stems from my intercultural marriage and background in psychology.

Geoffroy Faugerolas Thanks so much for your reply—I really appreciate you asking that.

What propelled me to write stories with psychological undertones and a focus on mental health and growth comes directly from personal experience. A few years ago, I moved across the country—leaving behind the only home I had known for over 30 years—and I did it alone. That kind of transition can have a major impact on one’s mental and emotional state.

Without getting too deep into the details, that experience sparked my own healing journey. I began therapy and started to explore my own mental health more intentionally. Ever since, it’s become something I’ve felt deeply called to bring to the surface through storytelling.

Whether it's through comedy, action, or drama, I aim to weave in layers that invite viewers to reflect on their own mental and emotional growth. Even if it's subtle, I want people to walk away feeling seen, or just thinking about themselves or others a little differently.

.... Subtile!!

Geoffroy, this is a great topic!

Think I'll go ahead and take a stab at it:

"Hi! My name's Jim...and I like to call myself a student of history. And since telling stories is my FUN, I like writing comedies/dramedies about people who persevere...marginalized, misunderstood folks. Lot of us out there (it's always been that way)...and a lot of us have learned that comedy can get a message across as effectively as drama."

Glad you're here on Stage 32...thanks for the post!

Thanks for sharing, Jim Boston! May I suggest reinforcing the correlation between history, comedy and telling stories for marginalized communities? I'd recommend mentioning yourself in this artistic statement or what's your connection to these three points. I'm sure you are the connective tissue between these topics but it isn't clear if you don't spell it out for us. Don't forget, execs want to remember you and understand who is the artist behind the work.

Hi Geoffroy, I have a question for you about the OWA

About Me – Carlos Suarez

My name is Carlos Suarez, and I’m a proud Puerto Rican, a husband, a father of five, and someone who’s passionate about growth—not just for myself, but for the people around me. I’ve built my career on leadership and development, starting from an entry-level position at Walmart and working my way into a team lead role in just a few months. I’ve also worked in real estate, where I doubled my home sales in my second year at Clayton Homes. Whether it’s retail, sales, or coaching my associates, I’ve always found the most fulfillment in helping others find their path.

Outside of work, I’m a writer and music producer at heart. Writing has always been my creative outlet—it’s how I process the world, share stories, and give voice to the things that matter. That’s what inspired American Unity.

The show reflects what I believe in at my core: that through struggle, loss, and division, unity is still possible when people choose to rise together. I’ve seen the power of teamwork and resilience in my own life and leadership, and this story is my way of exploring that on a bigger scale. It’s deeply personal—not just because of the characters or the plot, but because it speaks to the kind of future I want to help build: one where our differences make us stronger.

Billy Kwack Please do ask. Or if you'd prefer, feel free to send me a DM.

Hi Geoffroy, yes, I tapped on the red plus icon, hope to talk to you tomorrow

Thanks, Geoffroy! I thought the "us" would do it, but...I can amend my branding statement by saying: "Yes...I'm very much one of those marginalized people, too."

Hi Geoffroy, I sent you a message, hope you can help me

I think the key to this is "when representatives want to pitch you..." As long as you are just writing, you don't need a brand. As long as you are just chatting with other writers, you don't need a brand. As long as you're talking to people about your projects who are there to listen (ex. you paid for a pitch session), you don't need a brand. The problem comes when someone decides that they want to work with you and want to sell your project. Like a manager, agent or producer. Because they are not actually selling your project, they are selling YOU. When I call up an executive about a project I have developed with a writer, I have 30 seconds to get them excited enough to keep listening. They don't want to hear a logline, they want to hear, "so I have been working with this writer who..." Finish that sentence. Put yourself in the shoes of the executive who is listening to that sentence - does it make it clear who you are, why you are someone they want to work with, and get them excited about you. Will me saying, "I have been working with this writer who writes all kinds of things" get that done?

Any time you can share something unique about your life experience it’s always valuable Jim Boston

Couldn’t agree more Anna Marton Henry

Never even occured to me Geoffroy Faugerolas that branding was important until you pulled this lid back to reveal have valuable it is when pursing the writing dream.

Geoffroy Faugerolas I’ve just written this blog article on branding:

The Writer As An Entrepreneur: Rewriting Your Personal Narrative

https://www.stage32.com/blog/4065

What a great article, Geoff Hall. Love the step by step you give which I quoted below. Very easy, actionable next steps. Simplifies the concept of branding and truly explains it for what it is: your brand is you, the artist.

"Step One: Create a list of your projects.

Step Two: Assess the themes across your work.

Step Three: Look at who you are now and to your past and present experiences to see what they say about your commitments."

Geoffroy Faugerolas thank you, Geoff. Complexity ruins our intent to do something; to understand ourselves and make a change.

This article follows on from one called ‘The Inner Work’. Wellbeing is a necessary step in knowing who we are and what we are here to accomplish, with our gifts.

This could be another reason why actors turned writers/directors are often successful as their is a thread of branding their and in any case we always want to prepare ourselves the way we prepare a portfolio. In my experience, working behind the desk of literary representatives has taught me that specialty is better than broad talent and execs want to be able to fill their mandates with people who fit best!

Thank you, Geoffroy Faugerolas, for bringing up this subject. It's so vital for any industry, but especially for the filmmaking industry. From screenwriters to producers, crew, directors, and actors, we all need to work on our brand because we are all entrepreneurs and we are sellers." I wrote a blog about networking and how to create your 30s elevator pitch: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-networking-can-be-a-game-changer-for-sc... . I am building a workshop (I am a marketer) about it because I found that in the industry, we don't know how to brand ourselves. Also, if anyone wants to create their 30s elevator pitch and wants my help to polish it, please go to this publication: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/vip/I-would-love-to-help-you-with-your-30... and I'll be happy to do it. Thank Maurice Vaughan for reminding me about my blog. Here's my 30s elevators pitch: Hi, I’m Sandra, a screenwriter and executive with a thriving international career as a businesswoman. My love for cinema began in my youth—at just 14, I wrote my first novel. My debut screenplay, Soul Mated, is a universal and groundbreaking story that defies norms, celebrating authenticity and self-worth. I’m now seeking a passionate team to bring this vision to life and make it truly epic. This is me, and I’d love to know more about you!” Thanks Geoff :))

You're welcome, Sandra Isabel Correia.

My brand? Simple: I write masterpieces. Not the kind of scripts that seek validation but the kind that set the standard. I don’t compete. I create the arena others will compete in. And sure, it won't be impossible to outwrite me but as I like to say, the effort will be monumental. I don’t write to impress. I write to transcend.

Thank you Anna. I sent you an add request.