Happy Friday, Stage 32!

If you didn’t attend Tuesday’s Q&A with Stage 32 CEO RB Botto and Director of Development Services Geoff Faugerolas, you missed crucial information about navigating the business and what 2026 holds for writers.

This Q&A with RB and me is a perfect example of the kind of insider access Writers’ Room members get every single week.

The full replay of RB’s State of the Industry Q&A is available now in the Writers’ Room portal. If you haven’t watched it yet, make time this week—the insights are too valuable to miss.

And if you’re not a member, you can get a free month here.

The Top 10 Takeaways You Need to Know

Note: This is just a summary—the full Q&A delves much deeper into each of these points with specific examples, strategies, and actionable advice. Watch the complete replay in your Writers’ Room portal to get the full insights.

1. Will AI Take My Job or Replace Humans?

Short answer: No. AI is a tool, not a competitor—and the writers who learn to use it effectively will have the advantage. RB and I break down how A-list writers are already using AI in their rooms and why the human element can never be replicated.

2. How Do I Create Momentum for Myself?

Two strategies: Network where the industry shows up, and don’t wait for permission. RB and I share why the writers succeeding right now are the ones creating their own opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered.

3. Will the Warner Bros./Netflix Merger Affect Me?

Yes and no—but the shifts happening might actually create more opportunities if you know how to position yourself. RB explains why studios are increasingly trusting creatives to bring them ready-to-go projects.

4. How Can Writers Stand Out in This Market?

“Be the CEO of you.” RB breaks down the five things every writer needs to do to separate themselves from the pack—from writing for talent to following the path of least resistance.

5. Is Packaging Crucial to Selling a Project?

There are 50 ways to skin a cat in Hollywood. RB explains when packaging matters, when it doesn’t, and how to find the right champions to shepherd your project.

6. What Formats or Genres Are Doing Well?

Action, horror, rom-com—but that’s not the whole story. I reveal the “sweet spot” that makes executives gravitate toward material and why chasing trends is a losing game.

7. Are Productions Going Back to Hollywood?

Not anytime soon. With tax incentives popping up globally, RB shares what this means for writers and why thinking internationally from the start is now essential.

8. How Can Writers Best Take Advantage of Stage 32 and the Community?

“Befriend other writers, not just producers.” RB and I explain why your network is your net worth and how to build the trusted circle that helps you last in a marathon business.

9. Are Vertical Series a Gold Rush or Here to Stay?

Both. I break down the explosive growth of vertical content, our DramaBox partnership, and why this format is a legitimate opportunity for emerging writers to get work produced and paid.

10. Big Takeaway: Ignore the Doom and Gloom

The industry is thriving internationally, with new opportunities every day. RB’s message: If you’re waiting for permission or the “perfect time,” you’re already behind. Here’s what you need to do instead.

What’s Coming in 2026

We’re not slowing down. In 2026, you can expect:

More Open Writing Assignments connecting you directly with production companies seeking material

Incredibly A-level executives hearing pitches and answering your questions during live Q&As, including:

• Dan Kavanagh (most recently Director of Development at Vertigo Entertainment - Warhammer 40,000, IT)
• Showrunners from hit series like Amazon Prime’s RANGEEN
• CAA executives actively seeking new voices
• Heads of Film and TV at financiers with active development slates
• Evan Anglin, Co-Head of Animation and Literary Manager at Zero Gravity Management
• And many, many more

We’re bringing you direct access to the people who can change your career—managers, agents, producers, and executives who are actively looking for material and talent.

Click here to watch the full replay of the Q&A event now!

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