Stage 32

The folks there are friendly BUT it is big on selling classes - not so great at actually supporting writers and creating a pro network. If you are starting out as a business newbie it is likely a good first step into the industry. If you are a produced writer it's not so good. The "meetings" with execs are not facilitated at all. Most screenwriting platforms have a host that ensures proper connection as execs often run late etc. but Stage32 takes your money then leaves you to it and too bad for you if the connection doesn't work. They don't try the backup/alternate number, nor answer emails in real time. They keep a veil as if they are really well connected but from my experience I doubt it. There are much better pro services out there in my view.

I have signed up and paid for a couple of the webinars and two written pitch sessions. The last webinar was "How to land meetings without an agent or manager". Like the previous webinar, this was a complete joke. Earth shattering stuff like "If an agency or company has a no unsolicited material policy, then you'll need to find another way". If an agency or company is open to unsolicited material (about 1% at best) try cold calling or send a query letter. Wow, more stunning information! No matter what the webinar subject they market, you can find dozens of videos on YouTube for free, which cover the exact same subjects. As for the written pitches, received e-mails from Joey that the executives received the pitches but passed. However, no proof whatsoever that they ever even received the pitches. Just a short e-mail from Joey saying they passed.

I was on Stage 32 several years ago, not long after it was first founded. I paid several hundred dollars to make written pitches to execs. I followed the guidelines and put in a short 3 line bio.
1st pitch exec refused to read my script because my bio made her "uncomfortable" (!)
2nd pitch no response.

So I tried some more and this time I left off the bio, and followed the suggestion of comparing my scripts to other works. I can't really compare my scripts to anything as I've not seen anything that's similar to my scripts (!) well I gave it my best shot and got 2 non responders and 1 exec who said I'd totally confused him and he didn't want to read my script.

When I complained, I was banned from the site - they didn't say they'd banned me, but I couldn't log in any more.

Strangely I was still getting emails from them.

They contacted me on social media asking if I'd like to sign up... Googled, found this site, and it looks like nothing's changed it's still the same old same old...

I was randomly charged $39 when I didn't sign up for anything. I don't know what the charge was for because there's no way to unsubscribe. Stay clear.

I signed up for something I never actually used... A webinar with them and Netflix on budgets or something. AND THEY ADVERTISED IT WAS FREE! Tried to get them to cancel my subscription after. In response, they tried to charge my card. I messaged them again, and they tried to charge me AGAIN right after that email. Why they can't make it an easy process to hit unsubscribe is beyond me. Scum scammers. Joke's on them as I've moved all funds from that card.

Also, no matter how often you hit that unsubscribe button, the emails just. Won't. Stop. Ever.

Over a year I pitched several screenplays through Happy Writers and never received any serious feedback. I sensed the Executives where just there to pick up a few extra bucks listening to pitches with little intent of seeking valuable scripts. They know how to exploit aspiring writing and the success stories--if any-- are few and far between. Can't remember a single success story. If a screenplay writer want to seriously pitch his work, I suggest saving your money avoiding Stage32 and attending events like Scriptfest where you actually have face time with agents, producers and talent scouts. Paying Stage32 is a ripoff.

Hey folks,

I just gotta share my experience with Stage 32. Recently, I jumped into Michelle Alexandria's 4-part class "How You Can Attract Financing To Your Feature Film While Spending Less Than $3,500," and, it's been a revelation. Michelle Alexandria is a powerhouse of insightful and actionable knowledge.

Hats off to Stage 32 for providing industry pros who know their stuff. The mentors and execs I've come in contact with are like guides who've been through the trenches and know the lay of the land. I know there are naysayers out there, but they're the folks who'd rather moan than roll up their sleeves. Stage 32 isn't some kind of magic wand; it's a tool, a resource. You've got to put in the work and those who have reap the rewards.

Webinars and classes aside, I've found my tribe within the community of creatives on the platform. Life's thrown me some curveballs, personally and professionally, but without all of the free networking, lounge discussions, and blog posts on the website, I would not be where I am on my writing journey.

I know I'm probably rambling but long story short - Stage 32 is the real deal.

I submitted to one of the "contests" which provide some constructive criticism which I needed since this is my first pitch from Jason McConnell from UTA. The notes I got regarding my story weren't even about my story (so clearly he didn't read it) Don't waste your money on something you can just give to a friend who will actually read it for free. I can't stand scammy businesses and sites who take advantage of people who are looking for the opportunity to gain knowledge or information.

OMG, if it weren't for this Stage, I don't know where I would be. I came to LA, living in my car with my dog. I'm and actor and writer with no resources and as soon as I became a part of the Stages community I became full of knowledge, so many resources with great tips and advice. Even though I'm still living in my car and about a quarter of the money I make from waiting on tables pays for the pitch sessions and webinars. I can feel like I'm getting closer and closer to real success! It's been almost 3 years now since we've lived in the car(me and my dog) and at this point I'm okay with it. I think we have to sacrifice everything for our art! One day I will win a 33 contest and go the Grammys! I've made a little video of my life in the car with my dog- I actually sent this video in on a written pitch session and I was disappointed because the reviewer said it was poorly done- oh well, I'm just going to keep trying. Here's the video: https://vimeo.com/*******

Its so clear that they used inside people or paid people to give reviews. Listen people, Im ready to take a huge jump and say buh bye to these pricks. Its time to make a move and start something new. I know Im going to be insainly successful soon, so whos with me on just creating our work into film and super trooper-ing the hell out of this thing? Im in Raleigh NC and Im ready to friggen explode against all the odds. Find me if youre in with me. Im Trent. Not too many around. Other clue, Apex address, real estate is in the way. See you soon!

I'm a UK based writer/director. Anyone who has lived in the UK and, honestly, throughout Europe can speak to how difficult it can be to penetrate the U.S. market. I could write a book about it, but let's just say the barriers are many. That's where Stage 32 came in for me. This is a platform that breaks down every barrier from an educational standpoint absolutely, but even more so from allowing someone like me to get in front of U.S. executives who match my work.

Due to Stage 32 and the efforts of their fantastic, caring staff, I know how a U.S. literary manager through meetings I made on the platform. Further still, I am in talks with an agent on my filmmaking which was completely facilitated through Stage 32. I could have lived to be 150 in the U.K. And not had these kinds of opportunities.

I also have to mention that the networking aspect of the platform is what I call my heartbeat. Again, in the UK, there isn't all that much support. Everything is rigid and the community is made of haves and have nots. If you're not on the inside, you're on the outside. Here again is where Stage 32 breaks down barriers. They not only welcome everyone, but they make it fun and easy to get involved. My network is over 1200 strong and I'm constantly amazed at the quality of people I've been able to connect with.

I can't urge people enough to get on the platform! I see some of the negative reviews here and you can see that people are pointing blame while accepting none. Nothing is handed to you in this business. You have to work at it. But if you are serious about working at it the opportunities you'll find at Stage 32 are unlike any in the business. They are solely responsible for the massive progress I've had in my career over the last 2 years and they literally opened up America for me. I'm so grateful to RB who runs the platform and the entire team.

Stage 32 is heads and shoulders above any other screenwriting platform in the world. It's founder, Richard "RB" Botto, is a screenwriter himself, so truly cares about writers. Nowhere else do writers get Skype meeting with top industry executives and pros. For $35, you can pick and pitch a professional open to your genre. There's also a ton of free educational material, and its the best social networking platform for creatives that exists today. Are there scammers on S32. Yeah, for there are over a million members and the S32 staff is made up of only 25 employees (the staff is trying it's best to catch up with their astounding growth in membership), so each writer must do due diligence when communicating with others on the site; for example, Katherine Bigelow sent me a Network Request, like a FB Friend Request, the other day. Did I believe the great Katherine Bigelow was really sending me a Network Request? No, I'm not stupid, so I reported the scammer to the S32 staff, and they immediately removed the account. Will this scammer try again? Of course, he or she will. Is that S32's fault? No! I pitched Tatianna Kelly last month on Skype, which was a thrill, for she is one of my favorite producers and one of the nicest people. S32 creatives are wonderful, and we are so supporting of each other, because S32 maintains a positive atmosphere. Richard "RB" Botto in a tremendous leader that has created a platform that has given creatives from all over the world access to industry pros. Long live S32. By the way, membership is free.