Happy Monday, Stage 32 Community!

The past few months have seen market trends shift dramatically, with budgets increasing and major players leaving the low-budget space, making more room for indie producers to carve out their own niche. This is why it's more critical than ever that filmmakers understand what producers are looking for in order to team up with the right partner.

Finding The Right Producer To Fit Your Genre & Style

As a screenwriter, you've poured your heart into crafting the perfect script. But here's the hard truth: even the most brilliant screenplay needs the right producer to bring it to life. Not all producers are created equal, and finding one who truly understands your genre and style can make the difference between a project that gets made and one that languishes in development hell.

Why Genre Expertise Matters More Than You Think

I've seen too many promising projects die because writers paired with the wrong producers. A producer who specializes in intimate character dramas might struggle to understand the pacing and spectacle requirements of a $15 million action thriller. Conversely, a producer focused on high-concept blockbusters might not appreciate the nuanced character work that makes an indie drama compelling.

The most successful collaborations happen when there's genuine alignment between a producer's expertise and your project's DNA. When a producer "gets" your genre, they don't just see your script, they see the movie it can become. This is why almost every producer has a mandate, or a specific type of film they want to develop for their slate.

The Genre Landscape: Know Your Territory

Horror Producers understand the importance of practical effects, know which festivals matter, and have relationships with distributors who specialize in genre content. They speak the language of scares and can spot what will work in a theater full of teenagers on a Friday night.

Comedy Producers know timing isn't just about the script: it's about casting, directing, and even marketing. They understand that comedy is often the hardest genre to execute and have developed instincts for what will translate from page to screen.

Drama Producers often focus on character development and thematic depth. They're typically well-connected with talent agencies and know which actors are looking for meaty, award-worthy roles.

Action Producers think in terms of sequences, stunts, and spectacle. They understand budget implications and know how to maximize production value while keeping costs manageable.

Producers will rarely limit themselves to only one format or genre. Most producers, as a matter of fact, work across multiple genres but maintain clear specialties: think horror for Blumhouse, sci-fi for Bad Robot, or how 21 Laps produces sci-fi masterpieces like Stranger Things while also delivering comedies like Night at the Museum. Beyond genre preferences, producers may be drawn to work with specific talent or directors, or they might simply fall in love with a unique concept. Sometimes, they'll also need to service a buyer they have an existing deal with, adapting their slate to meet those partnership requirements.

Research Is Your Best Friend

Before you approach any producer, do your homework. Look at their filmography; not just the hits, but the entire body of work. What budgets do they typically work with? What's their track record with first-time writers? Do they have relationships with the right distributors for your project?

Stage 32's Script Services offers invaluable resources for this research phase. Our industry database and consultation services can help you identify producers who are actively seeking material in your genre. Rather than sending out blind queries, you can target producers who are already predisposed to your type of content.

The Style Factor: Beyond Genre

Genre is just the beginning. Within each category, producers often develop distinct styles and preferences. Some horror producers gravitate toward psychological thrillers, while others prefer gore-fest slashers. Some comedy producers love raunchy R-rated content, while others focus on family-friendly fare.

Pay attention to the tone and style of a producer's previous work. If your script is a dark, satirical comedy, don't pitch it to someone whose comedy credits are all broad, slapstick fare. The mismatch will be obvious, and you'll waste everyone's time.

Building Relationships, Not Just Making Pitches

The best producer-writer relationships develop organically over time. Attend industry events, participate in panels, and engage with producers' content on social media. When you do eventually pitch, you want it to feel like a continuation of an existing relationship, not a cold call.

This is where events like our upcoming FREE Sci-fi & Fantasy Roundtable on July 16th become invaluable. You'll have the opportunity to learn from industry experts in genuine conversations about the industry, learn about producers' current needs, and what is the state of the industry.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every producer-writer match is meant to be. Watch out for producers who:

• Show little familiarity with your genre's conventions
• Have no recent credits or a track record of stalled projects
• Make promises that seem too good to be true
• Rush you into agreements without proper legal review
• Ask for fees to be paid upfront before development
• Don't seem genuinely enthusiastic about your specific project

The Power of Persistence and Patience

Finding the right producer often takes time. You might connect with several producers who pass on your current project but remember you for future opportunities. The industry is surprisingly small, and today's "no" can become tomorrow's "yes" if you handle the relationship professionally.

Leveraging Stage 32's Resources

Our Script Services team works with writers daily to help them navigate these producer relationships. From our consultation services that help you identify the right targets, to our coverage services that ensure your script is in the best possible shape before submission, we're here to support your journey. You can reach us with your questions, goals, and interests at any time by emailing Success@Stage32.com.

Making Your Move

Once you've identified producers who might be a good fit, approach them strategically. Your query should demonstrate that you understand their work and explain why your project aligns with their interests. A personalized approach that shows you've done your research will always outperform generic mass submissions.

Remember, producers are looking for their next great project just as much as you're looking for the right producer. When you find that perfect match, a producer who not only understands your genre but shares your vision for the project, magic happens.

Join Us for our FREE Sci-Fi & Fantasy Producer Roundtable

Whether you’re a screenwriter developing your own cinematic universe or a filmmaker adapting beloved IP, knowing what actually sells and who’s buying is essential. That’s why we’re inviting you to take advantage of a completely FREE Stage 32 exclusive event you can join from anywhere in the world.

On Tuesday, July 16th, we’re hosting a live virtual roundtable featuring some of the most accomplished executive producers and showrunners in genre television. These are the creatives and decision-makers behind the franchises you love, and they’re showing up to share what it really takes to get your projects made in today’s market.

Free & open to all Stage 32 members- current and new!

Meet the Guests:

JONATHAN WALKER – Showrunner, SNOWPIERCER, VAN HELSING

A genre veteran known for gritty worldbuilding and character-driven sci-fi drama, Jonathan brings deep insight into how to shape high-stakes stories for today’s global audiences.

NICKY WEINSTOCK – President, Invention Studios (SEVERANCE)

As a producer and executive behind SEVERANCE, Nicky understands how to blend high-concept storytelling with emotional nuance—and what it takes to sell a fresh, genre-bending idea.

MATTHEW BOUCH – Producer, THE WITCHER, DOCTOR WHO

Matthew’s work speaks for itself. From legendary time travelers to monster-hunting epics, he knows how to elevate complex worlds and keep global audiences coming back for more.

THOMAS VITALE – Executive Producer, STARGATE, SLASHER, PANDORA

With decades of experience developing sci-fi and horror content, Thomas has an unmatched eye for genre market trends and knows how to package, pitch, and place content in a competitive landscape.

What You’ll Learn:

• How the genre TV market is shifting, and what networks and streamers are actively looking for
• The dos and don’ts of adapting intellectual property (and how to find IP that fits your voice)
• What these decision-makers look for in a pitch—and how you can stand out
• Why tone, structure, and worldbuilding matter now more than ever in pitching original sci-fi and fantasy
• Live Q&A where you can ask questions directly and get real-time feedback from working producers

This is more than just a panel. It’s a front-row seat to insider conversations that rarely happen in public—and a chance to position your work in alignment with what the industry actually wants.

You don’t need a ticket. You don’t need a budget. You just need your passion and an internet connection.

Register for free by clicking here and mark your calendar for July 16th!

This Week’s July Filmmakers Club Challenge: Build Intentional Relationships

This week is all about identifying and connecting with partners who are a true fit for your genre, style, and vision. Whether you’re developing your first short or polishing a feature, these challenges are designed to help you get visible, stay intentional, and build relationships that matter. Everyone who completes the below challenges and comments on the blog will be automatically entered to win a FREE Career Development Call with the Stage 32 executive of your choice!

This is your chance to ask a working industry professional anything about navigating relationships with producers, pitching your project, or leveling up your career. The winner will be announced in next Monday’s blog!

Week Three Challenges:

• Share Your Work for Visibility & Feedback: Post about your current project in the Filmmaking Lounge and let others know what you’re working on! Whether it’s a concept summary, a trailer, or a link to your reel—we want to see it. Ask for feedback and see how others are pitching their work. Be open to the advice that you receive and support others with your thoughts on how they can improve. Be professional, respectful, and supportive.
• Make Your Introductions Count: This upcoming weekend is Introduce Yourself Weekend here on Stage 32! You can get ahead of the celebrations by creating a post in the Introduce Yourself Lounge, sharing details about who you are: your goals and interests, the genres you want to work in, and the types of collaborators you’re hoping to meet.
• Expand Your Network: Send at least five new Stage 32 connection requests to producers, filmmakers, writers, actors, composers, editors, etc. who align with your genre and goals. Don’t just hit “connect”—take the time to leave a comment or compliment on their work. Show up as someone they’ll want to remember. Don't reach out and immediately talk about yourself and your project; ask them about theirs first!

Last week's winner!

Let's all give a HUGE shoutout to our Week 2 Winners of a Stage 32 Webinar- Libby Wright & Ktenidi Evangelia! Everyone drop congratulations for them in the blog comments below!!

Make sure you’re following @Stage32 and @rbwalksintoabar to stay in the loop on giveaways, challenges, and new resources all month long.

Let’s make this the week you move closer to finding that collaborator who truly “gets” your work. We can’t wait to hear what you’re working on and support you in building the right relationships.

See you in the lounges!

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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