In today’s market, one thing has become crystal clear: your logline is everything. It’s your first impression, your calling card, and often your only shot at capturing an executive’s attention in a crowded marketplace.

We’re seeing more and more that executives are sparking to high-concept ideas rather than slice-of-life projects. Why? It’s “easier” to market. A clear, compelling concept that can be explained in one sentence is what gets scripts read, meetings taken, and deals made. Your logline isn’t just a summary—it’s your pitch, and it better be a good one.

High-concept doesn’t mean sacrificing character or depth—it means leading with a hook that makes decision-makers lean in. The writers who are breaking through right now understand this. They’re thinking strategically about their concepts from the ground up, ensuring their ideas are clear, marketable, and immediately gripping.

Recently In The Stage 32 Writer's Room

Last week in the Writers’ Room, members met with the Director of Development at Gary Dauberman’s production company—a company behind some of the biggest horror franchises in recent years. Writers had the chance to hear firsthand what’s happening in the industry right now and pitch their projects directly. These are the kinds of conversations that used to happen only through agents and managers, but the traditional gatekeeping model is dissolving. Executives are actively seeking material from writers on Stage 32, and the walls between creators and decision-makers have never been more permeable.

What’s Coming Up in the Writers’ Room

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Sandy Shenkman, producer of NUREMBERG, the new film starring Russell Crowe. Sandy will discuss the making of the film, what it takes to package a project at this level, and share insights from his decades-long career in the industry.

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 longtime Stage 32 member Phoenix Black!

Phoenix is a former aid worker, became a single foster mom during the pandemic. She is the daughter of one of Australia’s first dozen immigrants of color and is based in Sydney.

Phoenix writes genre benders about personal chaos and adventure, at the intersection of racism, identity and loss, told from her perspective as a woman of color with a disability.

She is a Final Draft Big Break Top 5 finalist, finalist in Stage 32's Female Driven Screenwriting Contest, and listed on the Stunt List’s Top Sports-centered Scripts. Phoenix studied novel and playwriting. Her Master in Public Health led to working for Oxfam and United Nations in war zones and disasters.Her features include Black List recommended FATHER TRINITY, a drama psychological horror about masculinity, racism and loss and the dangers of repeating our parents’ relationship patterns.

Her family fantasy drama feature KEANU REEVES IS MY MUSE, MY SON IS A DRAGON, is inspired by her muse, Keanu Reeves, and her foster son, who thinks he is a dragon. Neither of them does the dishes.

November Write Club Is LIVE!

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—and whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, actor, producer, or any other kind of storyteller, this is your moment to finish the year strong.

November Write Club is simple: you pick a goal and make it happen. That’s it.

Throughout November, we’ll be here with weekly blogs, creative challenges, motivational tips, and exclusive prizes to help keep you focused and inspired.Winners will win free pitch sessions, licenses to a screenwriting software, free contest entry and more!

Click here to join in now!

Plus, we’re hosting a 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. He’ll break down how projects actually get made in today’s industry—essential insight for any writer looking to understand the path from script to screen. This is a can’t-miss conversation.

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 blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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