Stage 32

In the fall I decided to change careers and become a screenwriter. I stumbled on an ad for Stage 32 and joined right away. Then I found out they had a Writers' Room specific for writers who want to have a more dedicated space to get feedback from each other and learn in weekly classes. Choosing to join Stage 32 changed my life! I decided to treat it like I was back in school (because who has time to wait an entire year to go to screenwriting schoo? L) and with a lot of dedication, consistency, and mentoring with a Stage 32 executive, I completed my first script. I then received feedback from multiple fellow writers and started a Stage 32 screenwriting certification program. I continued to further develop the script. Then, only about 6 months from joining Stage 32, my script was ready and it received interest immediately! I'm now in the process of optioning my very FIRST script from a producer who saw it in its early version and was blown away by the progress it made. All because of Stage 32 and everything they offer. I could not be more grateful! I highly recommend this joining and going all in if you're serious about a writing career. And then putting everything you've got into it.

Been on Stage32 for few months now and hundreds of dollars down in their fees, webinars, pitches etc. Whole lot of fancy promises but soon you'll find actions and results always speak the loudest. I've incredibly experienced most of the similar things other posters are claiming.
1. Most webinars have high claim of high level professionals providing answers and education when most of identical teaching can be found through Google, YouTube, and inexpensive books from Amazon.
2. Just a huuuge number of high claim "execs" on the fringe of the business/success with exaggerated credits promising solutions, connections, results, answers. So far had none.
3. I paid for over 10 pitches with the same material and the feedback from each could not be more different between all of them, shorter and lacking constructive detail on most cases. It screams lack of attention and scam from these people.
4. Had couple of requests to read my work and I AM SURE the mgr didn't read the script. He found couple of random and insignificant scenes and characters to cite in his worthless report and make it sound like he knew what he was talking about...
5. They have the "Open Writing Assignment" link, supposedly from producers and "top" companies requesting material from Stage32 writers. Once you submit, Stage says they will read it before they submit the script to the company...I reached out few times and it turns out the script was never submitted. Now I'm also glad I registered the work well.
6. The saddest experience of all...I pitched with a prolific producer who is part of a notable LA ent. Law firm. It took over a month to hear back at which she wanted to meet with me but didn't request the script.Was strange but I said ok...It took another month just to get the meeting at which point she passed me off to a lower guy at the firm, only to have a 10 MIN CALL with him trying to solicit me as their client and a promise to work with me on developing my script after a retainer and hourly rates! Turns out the firm is Stage32's partner and they do business together...For all the newbies, if in Hollywood someone claims they will make you a success but you have to pay upfront? Run!

Snake oil salesmen if I've ever seen one

This is my response to them offering me a new executive to read my script for $300!
Y feeling is you work for commission. And you want to make one off of me. That's the heart of your message. I spent some $800 I couldn't afford trying to promote my stories with your operation. The result I got from Michael Wormser is indicative of all the submissions I paid to have read. Stage 32 promotes these professionals newly listed with an extensive bio & the promise of getting our stories noticed
Michael has such a bio. I feel he did read the whole story, because he was excited about the ending. He had no suggestions for improvement, statitng he liked everything about it. "Well can you help me promote it then?" "OH no. I can't do that. All I can do is offer suggestions." This is Twilight Zone stuff.
Octavia comments suggested she only read the first 3 pages.
I paid Regina Lee to review a 6 1/2 minute trailer we filmed. She said it should be called a teaser. OK. Then she went on about not finding a break btwn 1st, 2nd, & 3rd acts. In a short trailer for crying out loud! Then she repeated this 5 times. I hung up half way thru the call and told her I've got better things to do than listen to her repetition.
There were others. But you get the feel for where I'm going with this. All the while I was on your site, 32 would send some 3 or 4 promotions daily to my inbox, all promising the same success. I took to sending all these to spam. Eventually they stopped. But you are a new contact & slipped thru. I think you guys are criminals who take advantage of ppl who can least afford it...like me. And I share this view with every one who will listen.

Stage 32 is a definitive networking site for creatives of film, TV and theatre and it is absolutely amazing. Where else can screenwriters gain access to producers, directors, crew, editors, composers and much more.

Their educational webinars, podcasts and interviews on so many creative subjects are second to none and there is always something for everyone.

The team are absolutely amazing and they work very hard to keep the site going and to make it successful, they are always ready to help with anything.

Through networking on the site, I have gained an incredible amount of business and I have the most amazing clients. Not only that, you can ask absolutely anything and everyone on the site is friendly, informative and respectful, I have had great conversations with creative members of the site and I have learned so much.

You only have to read the 'success stories' part of the site to see what so many people have gained from being on the site.

My business has gone from strength to strength since joining the site with no signs of stopping.

Thank you Stage 32 team for everything you do.

This site was a godsend to me. As a struggling writer who couldn't seem to make connections that matter, I used this site to network with industry players who (eventually) began to read my work. This led to me getting a paid option and further assignment work. Further still, I used the Stage 32 Happy Writers to land my manager at Benderspink which also lead to me landing my agent at WME. I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer above who said that the Happy Writers seems like a money grabbing scheme. Never before was I able to actually pitch to these executives. And, as I said, it paid off with full representation. I also use the Happy Writers coverage services because I get to pick the executive that gives me notes. That in itself is amazing.

Everything about this network is top notch. The people who run it and work for the company are hands on and truly care. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their incredible webinars who are taught by people who actually have done something in the business, not no names that places like The Writers Store and other so-called screenwriting sites offer.

Obviously, I'm a big fan. This side made my career

Stage 32 Happy-Writers really does a great job at conning you into pitching with them. For $45 they will allow you to pitch to an "industry exec", give you a report once finished and they will even send you email updates that apparently match your genre. There are even free webinars held showing you how to stroke an agent/managers ego and tell them what they want to hear in order for you to succeed and get your material requested. Well, let me tell you that only 1 % of the many hundreds of thousands of writers will "succeed" and the rest will just make them richer each failed visit. In my experience I've had nothing but problems dealing with them and sometimes haven't received a report after pitching. So much for my $45 each time!

Guys, save your money time and energy and take a different route to get inside the imaginary gates. At the end of the day managers and agents should be looking for you not the other way around. (E.g. In 1 case) I have seen videos on the site of managers that are interviewed, and asked what is their favorite script of all time or which script should writers study? Believe it or not the managers of 10+ years replied " Even though I have never read a full script before, I would have to say this movie... because of this reason..." E.g. at 3:08 >>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYY_SX4ZE6s. And these are the "experienced industry reps" we are paying each time to pitch to? The truth is they have absolutely no idea how to write or to even read an entire script yet they have the power to determine whether your talent will be successful or not. Your just a $ sign in their eyes and your talent means nothing. Hope this helps some of you out there. God bless and good luck!

Nightmare and waste of time and money. My experience has being bombarded with emails, unreliable execs and poor customer service

All these people do is email you constantly, every day, THEY NEVER EVER STOP, avoid avoid - they know nothing about film or tv - i feel bad for anyone that has paid - AVOID AVOID - SPAM SPAM SPAM

I cannot get enough of Stage 32, and thank god for that. This is a platform that has been called LinkedIn for film creatives by no less than Forbes Magazine, but it really is so much more than that.

I am a screenwriter and a filmmaker. I've been at both of these pursuits for 10 years. I paid my dues as a PA and have delivered coffee on set just to gain experience. And I did get that experience, but my career wasn't moving along.

A colleague invited me to Stage 32 in 2012. I'll admit I was skeptical. 4 years later, I have completed 2 paid writing assignments I secured through connections made on the site and I was hired by a producer to shoot a feature film which will begin shooting this fall.

I see people complaining about Stage 32's Happy Writers service. Let me tell you mine. Late last year, I pitched to Circle of Confusion. This was my 7th pitch session, of which I had received 3 reads. Not bad in my opinion. My script was requested by the manager at Circle. A week later he requested more of my work. 5 weeks later, I was signed. I would have never had the opportunity without this service. And everything was handled ultra professionally by Erik of the Happy Writers. Those complaining - I'm looking at the dude who complained about not getting feedback in 14 days where the site explicitly says 2-3 weeks are likely impatient amateurs. I have also used the Happy Writers for coverage on my screenplays and the feedback has always been spot on and helpful.

More rewarding, I've made some incredible connections and even found a mentor on Stage 32. It's just an incredible platform filled with creative and friendly people. It truly has changed my life.

Deny the cynics and see for yourself!

Dan

I gave them 3 chances overall on 3 different services they offer. In all three I got screwed:

1. I used their coverage service, naturally hoping to get an executive's review on my spec pilot. This one was a multi-layered screw. First off, even though the exec I asked for was written as available, apparently they were too busy to do it. The site rep offered me a different exec to take this one on, but that execs expertise had nothing to do with what I actually needed. I wanted that other exec for a reason, Im familiar with what they do and I respect their opinion. Thats who I pay for. So I decided to wait for my exec. When I finally read the coverage it clearly wasnt what I paid for. For one thing, the length was shorter than promised. Secondly, they claimed everything was perfect (the dialogues, characters, plot, structure, etc.), even though the pilot had plenty of issues. So I didnt buy it. It seems to me like the exec just threw that BS in, gave me a Pass, and got their share of the money.

2. The second time I tried one of their contests. I entered early, but apparently the form didnt process my PDF successfully so they couldnt open it. I didnt know about this till after the contest closed. This was when they contacted me to tell me to send over the screenplay via email. So from being one of the first ones to enter, I was probably the last read. This may or may not have affected the contest result, but well never know now. Too bad they dont make sure entries work as soon as they come in.

3. I decided to give their pitching service a shot. A few days before the session the site crashed (again). And so I missed the session. The rep kindly offered to pass my script along to the exec. Now, I have no idea who wrote the feedback, but it was an obvious blow-off. So either I got screwed because the exec was mad that I was late or someone at Stage32 took care of that themselves.

Bottom line, Im sick of getting screwed. This site is highly unprofessional. Awful management. Money grabbers.

Stay away. I will.

By the way, yes, they do fake 5 stars.

I admire and respect the tireless work this Organization is doing to help writers and film makers connect with other creatives and decision makers. I have always recommended this site to the writers directors and producers I also collaborate with. I was one of the executives being pitched scripts as part of their program to skype and listen to writers and directors pitches, and I found several outstanding writers through them who professional and skilled. They were very good at follow up to make sure I would actually leave feedback on the material I got. They want writers to know someone is reading them and giving them at least the courtesy of what works and what does not. You don't get that when you pitch through other paid services. I plan and hope to be working with some of those writers discovered at STAGE 32. I also taught a webinar recently and I have several Industry peers who are teaching there that I know are the real deal. They offer to educate emerging writers and film makers for peanuts through Stage 32 and we are even given the option to donate our Fees to charity- which I think is wonderful. The Stage 32 webinars often give better insight in a 90 minute slot than a month in Film School. It is the prerogative of each member, to decide what interaction and what type of collaboration they want from other members and what type of business relationships ensue from such interactions. Stage 32 is not to blame for that. Why is there a misunderstanding that people who have worked years in the Business (including Stage 32 who help open doors to viable executives and opportunities) should do that for free? If you did not get traction on your material there, maybe it's your material that is not working, or the way you approach execs to connect and pitch them, it's not Stage 32's fault. Bottom line, I have to defend this Organization. I see them at all Film Festivals and Markets, all they do is try to give access to creatives who would not be able to get it otherwise, and they were even invited to moderate a panel at AFM- IFTA does not invite people on panels who do not know what they are doing.

Let's be honest, the so called "professionals" on Stage 32 are only accepting pitches for the money, not to actually find or help any script writers and make them the next success story. It's easy taking dollars from those that are desperate to make it big. All it takes is a few connections in this industry to start your own website like this. I'm a published author so I have some experience and knowledge to pull from, and I'll be happy to share how my first Pitch Feedback went on Joke 32. They wanted a short pitch or synopsis so I submitted a synopsis and logline. First off, the ‘professional' in question was two weeks late on getting to my scheduled written pitch. When he finally got around to it, he wrote things like this: "I would've liked to know the protagonists exact age. How many kids does he have or not have, what is the color of his eyes or his hair, how long was he in the military for, etc. LMAO! Are you kidding me?! This is a brief overview of a story, hence a pitch or a synopsis broken down into a page or two. If I wrote every ridiculous detail about how the protagonist looks, acts, what he eats and where he $#*!s, it would be 30 pages long. I guarantee if I had added all that, he'd say there were way too many unnecessary details. The ‘professionals' say a few pointless remarks to get paid I guess. He gave me 3/5 on every column, meaning he had no notion of how to rate any of it. I would've actually liked to have seen a 2/5 here and there rather than 3/5 on everything. At least that would show effort on his part. There was clearly no imagination behind his review, just a bland personality giving out a short sighted opinion. Remember folks, sometimes critiques don't mean much as we all have thoughts on someone else's work. That's why ‘Critics' and ‘Public Audience' on Rotten Tomatoes can't ever come close to agreeing on a feature. That's why on every single YouTube video, some people will like it and others will dislike it. It doesn't mean anyone's opinion is right or wrong so take it with a grain of salt. You have famous people like Walt Disney who was told he wasn't creative enough. Oprah Winfrey was told she was unfit for television news. Elvis Presley was told to stick to truck driving because he'd never make it. Well, guess what, those three individuals became some of the most famous and successful people ever! Imagine if they would've listened to those morons, the ‘professional' naysayers, who thought they knew what they were talking about. I'd steer clear if you want true professionalism. Heck, you'd get a better and more honest critique sending your writings to me. Trust me on this. Nothing written was of any value whatsoever.