Stage 32 Members In Pre-Production On Short Horror Film

Stage 32 Members In Pre-Production On Short Horror Film

I’ve always told myself to never give up, keep writing and reaching out to producers, etc. If you work hard at it, one day something great will happen. Well, it’s taken many years to get to this moment, but I’ve finally sold a script - a short horror film that is currently in pre-production. And it’s all because of a connection that I made on Stage 32.
About seven months ago, I was reading through the various posts on Stage 32 and saw that a producer from NJ was looking to collaborate with others who love horror and always looking for good scripts. I joined the conversation in the Stage 32 Lounges, saying that I was also from NJ and had a feature and short horror script.
The producer messaged me and requested my short script. I was excited and grateful, but like always, didn’t count on anything major happening. Well, to my surprise, the producer contacted me the very next day and said that she loved the script. Yes! However, the story had special effects and she couldn’t produce it for another year or so. Even though this news was disappointing, I was grateful to make this connection and the producer said to feel free and reach out with any new scripts.
During the next six months, I tried to come up with a new short horror script, but there wasn’t anything that I really loved. I felt that I had to keep in mind one or two locations, two-three characters, and no special effects.
Finally, it came to me. A short horror story about an evil clown doll that torments a young teen. Bad Clown. Once I finished the script, I have to say that I did love it. I thought it could definitely fit the needs of the producer. The script had two characters, one simple interior, and would be inexpensive to film.
So, I contacted the producer, politely reminding her of our initial discussion six months prior. She remembered me! (I was also following her production company on social media.) In my email, I included the logline and asked if she might be interested in reading the script. She said yes, and, within the same day got back to me, saying that she loved the script and wanted to buy it. Yes! Finally!!
And talk about being at the right place at the right time. The script that the producer was going to film got stalled due to a location issue. So now my script would be her current project. Since all parties are non-signatory, we’re now in pre-production and the producer plans to film in late August/early September.
This is all possible because of the connection we made on Stage 32. And perhaps a little bit of fate too.
I would advise writers to not be afraid, to reach out and make those connections. Be polite, humble, and grateful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’ve found everyone on Stage 32 to be extremely helpful, kind, and supportive.
And most of all, never give up. It will happen one day.
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About the Author

Jane Tumminello
Screenwriter
I'm a produced screenwriter based out of New Jersey. I've been writing for many years, optioned a few scripts, and placed and/or won in a number of competitions. All but one of my feature and short scripts have a female protagonist, and my favorite genres are rom/coms, horror, and suspense-thrille...