Recent A-list-driven movies are bombing at the box office and the trades are now writing Hollywood obituaries. But movies like SINNERS and WEAPONS that ‘saved the summer box office’ built their marketing strategy around recognizable talent. So did WICKED. And the sequel is projected to reach monster numbers. So is star power dead? Or is it just evolving? The problem isn't A-listers. It's $200M prestige dramas that nobody asked for. Here, I said it.

I believe next we'll see a renaissance of elevated genre. Think back to when Blumhouse launched SINISTER with Ethan Hawke taking a pay cut for backend points: A-list talent lending their name to commercially smart storytelling. We're going to see more of that: renowned filmmakers and actors embracing genre, taking creative risks, and building original projects that aren't awards bait but audience bait. Multi-hyphenates who write, direct, produce, and star in commercial stories with real stakes.

That's not the death of Hollywood. That's Hollywood getting interesting again.

Recently In The Stage 32 Writer's Room

Last week in the Writers' Room, members pitched their project to Andrew Kersey of Kersey Management, a long-time Stage 32 executive and a real champion for emerging artists. Not only Andrew requested the script for one of the pitches, but he offered valuable takeaways with our Writers’ Room members. For Andrew, 2026 is going to be a good year for Hollywood with more spec sales on the horizon. That's just not good news, it's what many executives are predicting. After all, everything's cyclical.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Allen Eckhouse, literary manager at Logical Talent Management. Allen will discuss what working with a literary manager and taking out specs looks like in 2025. A must-attend!

If you would like to join the Writers’ Room, access weekly events, submit to dozens of open writing assignments, and attend exclusive pitch tanks with industry executives- click HERE for a free trial!

This Week’s Exciting Announcements!

This week, we're thrilled to spotlight a Stage 32 member, screenwriter, and comedian!

Matt Hyams - Screenwriter!

Matt Hyam is a comedy writer, comedian, and satirical business keynote speaker. He is the creator of ego-baby.com, a satirical site that spoofs the new age/spirituality scene and the podcast, The Only Advice You Need, an extension of his satirical keynote character, that offers terrible - bizarre - leadership advice. His writing has appeared in McSweeney’s, New York Magazine’s The Cut, Reedsy, Manfacts, and The Mother Faulkner. His standup can be seen on Amazon.com as part of the Turnpike Comedy Festival. His pilot, On the Line, is the winner of the Stage 32 4th Annual TV Comedy Screenwriting Competition.

Stage 32 members are also invited to attend producer Ethan Erwin's public Q&A on November 19th at 11am PT where we'll be discussing the state of the industry and what it takes to get a movie made.

FREE webcast open to everyone on November 19th at 11am PT featuring renowned producer Ethan Erwin, whose films have grossed over $1.5 billion dollars worldwide. With credits including Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Book of Eli, Unknown, The Gunman, The Nice Guys, and the CBS cult hit TV show Moonlight, Ethan brings over fifteen years of experience as both a writer and producer. This is a can’t-miss conversation. Come prepared with questions.

Click here to register for FREE now!

November Write Club is LIVE, in partnership with Arc Studios!

Every November, creatives from all over the world come together on Stage 32 for a month of motivation, accountability, and community. It’s our biggest and most feel-good creative challenge of the year!

You can read this week's blog and join in on the weekly challenges for free prize giveaways by clicking HERE!

Announcing the 2025 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Winners

And great news- PAGE, one of the oldest and most respected screenwriting competitions in the world, has announced their 2025 winners. As a Global Contest Hub partner of Stage 32, we're proud to showcase and promote this year's winning scripts. Congratulations to all of the winners!

Need help navigating the industry? Contact success@stage32.com

Stage 32 has hundreds of opportunities. Reach out to our success team at any time for personal guidance and career advice.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at success@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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