Introduce Yourself : Thomas Gardiner by Thomas Gardiner

Thomas Gardiner

Hi, I’m a poet-writer with a dab of acting experience/training in the Stanislavski style. I’ve written two screenplays; the first in 1996 on Jackie Robinson and my most recent one (in 2nd draft) which I’m now looking to explore within Stage32. This is exciting new territory for me because I really don’t ‘do’ social media, period. And this must change if I want to explore this project. The odd thing about my first screenplay that I worked on individually for over a year was that I was gifted with a chance to have Jerry Bruckheimer read it at the request of my brother who worked on Mr. B’s farm near Louisville Ky, as Mr. B’s tree-mover/landscaper, but, being a first draft, I declined the offer. I was looking for a Jazz music mensch at the time because I feel that Jazz was integral to Jackie & Rachael’s story. Bla, bla, bla, I have my regrets. With that said, I do believe that the music/score of a film is an important leg which supports the story via artistic metaphor and mood at deeper levels when married to the story. My current screenplay is a feature family drama dealing with issues of forgiveness and infidelity on a farm, where the protagonist is becoming unhinged due to the confluence of combating forces that confront him from without and within. He is forced to reposition his patriarchal attitudes if he wants to save his marriage and in process he is put to the test. I want to see if this screenplay has any legs and I am open to constructive criticism. And more importantly, I look forward to exploring the world of Stage32 with you.

Maurice Vaughan

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2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Leonardo Ramirez
2 weeks ago

Hi, Thomas Gardiner. Welcome to the community. Hope you're doing great! Here's a blog that'll help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry professionals: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

Your Jackie Robinson script and Family Drama script sound interesting. Stage 32 has feedback services (www.stage32.com/scriptservices), and you could do a script exchange with someone in the Screenwriting Lounge (www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting).

Tucker Teague

3
3 people like this
2 weeks ago

Thomas Gardiner Welcome to Stage 32! This is a great place to connect with folks. And there are lots of resources to check out as well. Best of luck on your writing and everything else.

Geoffroy Faugerolas

Thomas Gardiner Welcome! I must command you for keeping your creative energy flowing throughout the years. The new project seems to come from a very personal space which is always a great motivator. I would also invite you to check out the Writers’ Room if you are interested in learning more about the business as the community and the Stage 32 team are always sharing tips on how to navigate the business.

Geoffroy, thank you for your comment, and you are correct about the 'personal space' origin and its ability to motivate creative action.

Leonardo Ramirez

2
2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Maurice Vaughan
2 weeks ago

Welcome to Stage 32 Thomas Gardiner. I get your hesitation with social media. I moved away from the legacy platforms not just because of the vibes there but because Stage 32 was so genuinely kind. You’re in a good place Thomas. You’ll get nothing but support here. Glad you’re with us.

Ashley Renee Smith

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
2 weeks ago

Welcome to the community, Thomas Gardiner! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and I’m so glad you’ve taken the leap to introduce yourself.

Your background as a poet and actor gives you such a strong foundation for layered, emotionally driven storytelling—and it’s wonderful to hear you’re returning to screenwriting with a new project. I highly recommend joining conversations in the Acting Lounge: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting and the Screenwriting Lounge: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting to connect with others and share your journey.

You may also want to explore the Writer’s Room, which offers a free first month and is packed with resources, live sessions, and feedback opportunities to help you develop your script:

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

Also, don’t miss our Ask Me Anything webcast with Stage 32 CEO RB Botto this week. It’s a great chance to ask questions and gain insight from someone deeply connected to the industry. You can register here for free:

https://mailchi.mp/stage32/osp4btn4fa

Excited to have you with us, and I look forward to seeing more from you in the community!

Ashley Renee Smith, thank you for your kind and informative comment. I look forward to delving into your advice.

Sam Rivera

hi Thomas Gardiner welcome to Stage 32! Thank you for sharing your creative journey with us!

Thank you Sam, and likewise thank you for sharing your creative journey thus far with Stage32.

Hi Thomas Gardiner Thank you for sharing your story with us! Are you working on anything new?

Thanks for asking Sam. I’ve recently finished a feature family drama screenplay that deals with forgiveness and family priority amid a dark patriarchal background.