Stage 32Reviews 102

I have used pretty much everything Stage 32 offers at one point or another. I stopped submitting written pitches because I was getting nowhere and feeling frustrated that about 25-30% of the time, the person only commented on the format of my pitch, not the contents. I started doing Skype/phone pitches in February. I was pretty sharp with them when I missed some pitch sessions due to a Skype problem. It turned out to be a problem on my end but they still gave me full credit toward other pitch sessions (and offered a refund otherwise). The sinkhole part is I probably do too many. The benefit is that I have had great experiences pitching almost every time. The feedback has been more helpful in terms of revising my projects. I have done some coverage stuff and have been satisfied with the professionalism and candor (good and bad). It's comparable to The Black List. I have hooked up a few times when RB has had Ask Me Anything hours. One time he stayed for an additional hour. His advice is honest, raw, and helpful. I get a lot out of some blogs. I am not sure how well the social media aspect is going, but I'm not good at networking. Bottom line is that my expectations about what it takes to succeed and how to be a success in the film and television industries have been right-sized and my projects are getting more and more laurels thanks to the feedback I have gotten from pitches and coverage arranged through Stage 32. And please Google me and see that I have been successful at getting a lot of writing published and am making almost no money yet. I know my work is professional level, but I am still working toward a breakthrough. Bear Kosik

Bought two "First 10 Page' reads by execs I carefully chose. One refused to read it so I was forced to choose a third I did not want. One exec returned feedback, the third did not. Sure, my money was returned but I wanted the feedback. And waited weeks to be disappointed.

Beth, a Lounge moderator, wields power like a sledgehammer. Say a word out of line and get bounced. Disagree with her bad advice and get bounced. She's a nightmare.

Further, there are a half-dozen regulars in the Screenwriting Lounge who have been posting for years. They are generally nasty and take over posts.

A good place for a few laughs. Just make sure they're not at your own expense.

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.

It's really sad that Stage32 feels the need to recruit fake reviewers.

Looking at the previous reviews, this page was overwhelmingly against the site and its services just a moment ago. The reviews were a few weeks or months or years apart, different in tone and experiences. All went into specific details and oftentimes included names. Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, this page fills up with 5-star reviews raving about the site that supposedly landed them a manager, sales, options, etc., all in the same salesperson tone and length. Amazing!

This goes to show just how unreliable Stage32 is. This actually ADDS to the scam feel and pretty much says it all.

Bad move, Stage32. Bad move.

As a member since 2012, it was, and still is, my favorite place to visit and connect with other members from around the world. Because I don't live in the U.S. Stage 32 is a way to connect with Executives in L. A. The Educational section is amazing. I've made friends with a few Managers over the years that have since become close friends. Without their help and feedback on my screenplays, I would have never placed in some of the top competitions in L. A. Thank you Stage 32.

I've been a proud member of Stage 32 since 2014. No matter where you are on your creative journey, or at what level of experience, Stage 32 has something to help educate, motivate and inspire you. It's also a way to connect with both aspiring and seasoned entertainment professionals from all over the world -- people who may become friends or just may take your project to a whole new level. Stage 32 is how we met our sales and packaging executive -- the wonderful Tiffany Boyle of Ramo Law who has become an invaluable creative partner. I've had the opportunity to meet and get to know the fine folks behind Stage 32 (yes, RB and Amanda I'm talking to you) and it would difficult to find more gracious, generous and supportive individuals -- people whose primary goal is to help you find or hone your creative voice and succeed. I would recommend Stage 32 without reservation. In fact, I do. Stage 32 is the real deal.

I've been a member of Stage32 almost since it's inception. I don't use it as much as I should do, but I'm very fortunate to stay extremely busy with my acting, writing, and film making career. I should make more time to give back to the community, but with so many other life distractions, it's not always easy to do.

Any entity in the public arena is going to come under scrutiny: good and bad. In a field as diverse as ours, it is impossible to pander to everybody's wishes, needs and expectations. As with life, you get out what you put in. It hurts me to read so many negative posts on here, and don't know the specifics of their complaints, but it's a tough industry to work in, and many people that try to break in simply don't have the skills and talent to make it. If it was easy, there would be many, many more success stories!

I'm sure Stage32 isn't for everybody, but I for one am glad to have this resource here to network, and stay connected to like-minded creatives from around the world. Well done RB and team!

I can't attest to the quality of the webinars or the pitch sessions, but my writing partner and I did win the 2nd Annual Happy Writers Comedy Contest. And to Amanda and RB's credit, they came through with exactly what was advertised - a week's worth of LA meetings with managers and production companies. We expected nothing more than lip service, however we hit it off with the one of the companies and we're still in contact months later. Now, who knows where it's going to go? Maybe nowhere. But Stage 32 did put us in a wonderful position to advance our careers.

In an industry facing big change it is just what is needed, because no matter what the industry faces, it will always boil down to who you know. The site allows you to build your network across disciplines no matter where in the world you are. I would not have 2 films in production and another 3 on my slate if it were not for this site. For those writers who are $#*!ing in the reviews posted here, they clearly don't understand the industry. If you are asking for someone to buy into your script for millions of dollars and several years, it better be perfect and if it is, then make sure you are presenting it to people who align with your vision. No one is going to hand you millions without you earning it, it is show "business" after all. The connections and success are there for the taking if you are smart and ready and conduct yourself professionally.

I'm a writer who has had a very positive experience with Stage 32. I found representation through the site, have met other creatives, have had scripts requested from pitch sessions and have gotten meaningful script coverage from readers of my choice.

Breaking into the business is challenging and odds are stacked against most, so it can be frustrating, but believe this a great resource for writers and film creatives at all stages of the career to get direct access to real decision makers and/or people that can offer professional guidance. I think their webinars/education are invaluable as at a very reasonable price, one get to learn from the best of the best.

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.

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.

Impressions of my Stage 32 Happy Writers Pitch Session with Katie Politanoff.

One can always tell if the listener is actually listening or just burning minutes. This was the worst pitch experience I have ever had and I have had many.

Any time the listener says, "You have two minutes". You know you're in trouble. Absolutely no enthusiasm from her. Just, "Tell me about your story" and I'll prepare your card." That's it. A real waste of $30.
You guys need to do a better job screening your producers.

1 - She stopped listening after 3 mins and gave me a 2 min waning after 4 mins.

2 - She asked only 2 questions.

3. It is obvious, she was rushed and unengaged.

Given this experience, I have learned that these pitches are worthless. When a pitch is set up by the site, like Stage 32, it's like a modeling agency getting you "go sees" because you took their classes. A pitch agent is more interested in supporting the site than actually finding scripts.

The blacklist and WOM are the only things I will trust in the future.

I spent about 300 bucks, a few times they didn, t even answer. The scorecard idea is BS. During verbal pitches u can hear dogs barking at the background, or the person is driving, or smth. Else. Sometimes they ask idiotic questions, just to say smth. Like one degenerate, Harris, said he can, t sympathize with bank robbers that were trapped in a spooky house. Obviously the Moron never heard about capers or heist movies. Screw Stage 32, save your money.

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.