Hello, Stage 32 Creatives!

I'm Sandra Isabel Correia. Today, I want to share my unexpected journey on Stage 32. This vibrant community for filmmakers, screenwriters, and creatives has been more transformative than I ever anticipated.

My Background

I spent part of my childhood in a theater owned by my father in the 1970s and 1980s in a village in southern Portugal. I remember choosing films with him for the theater, and they are still vividly in my mind: Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, Bruce Lee, and others. I was there, taking people to their seats, and I was allowed to watch movies. Inspired by films, I penned my first novel at the age of 14 on my grandfather's ancient typewriter.

As I grew older, my father sold the theater, and I embarked on my entrepreneurship career. My father is an entrepreneur, and our family story includes producing the cork Champagne stoppers. I founded my own company during Europe's economic crisis, and I learned that crises create amazing possibilities. I created the first worldwide brand of cork fashion accessories made from cork skin (umbrellas, bags, hats, yoga mats). Because of that, I opened the first Portuguese fashion store in New York (Soho). My brand was featured in MoMA stores for several years, and we also opened the first store in Shanghai, China.

I pioneered female entrepreneurship in Portugal and won the most significant awards a businesswoman could win. After thirteen years of living between countries, on planes and hotels without vacations, I decided to sell my company and pursue a new path- helping other entrepreneurs expand their businesses while developing their self-awareness for success.

A Creative Reawakening

In the summer of 2023, my creative writing was rekindled after I wrote a journal with 88 entries. I took a screenwriting TV pilot and feature course at Michigan University, and in 2023, I entered Stage 32.

You might ask how I found Stage 32. Honestly, I don't know! When searching for a filmmaking community, I discovered I had already been a member since June 2022, but I couldn't remember joining! Perhaps my higher self did that, but it wasn’t the right time until October 2023, when I set up my complete profile (photo and bio) and began networking and learning to navigate the platform. I started with the November Writers' Club challenges, and guess what? I won the competition, which was a big surprise. I had my first Script Coverage notes call, and the producer's guidance was so effective that two months later, I had written my first screenplay.

Because Stage 32 has a unique atmosphere that fosters collaboration, fellow member Geoff Hall invited me to work with him as an executive producer on his feature film, Seeing Rachel, and my journey in the filmmaking industry began.

Facing Challenges and Growth

By March 2024, my screenplay was written (Soul Mated), but I needed professional guidance. I invested in my education and some Stage 32 script consulting. You can find them HERE.

Marsy Robinson was my first producer notes consultant, and she told me something extremely important: "Sandra, your story is unique, but no one will get it! You need to rewrite it in a way that everyone can understand." I knew what she meant. Thank you, Marsy Robinson.

I rewrote my script using Marsy's notes, but I wasn’t satisfied. I knew I had a good story and script, but I wanted it to be excellent. In June, I engaged in a "Break my Feature" conversation with Kay Ross, and we worked all summer on breaking my feature. It was the best decision I made. I rewrote it again. Thank you, Kay.

Today, I have my fourth final draft, and it is ready for the market. But having a good screenplay isn’t enough. I needed to improve my pitch. Last October, I invested in Alexia Melocchi's Stage 32 Pitch Lab (you can see it HERE). My first pitch attempt took 20 minutes; one week later, I nailed it in 7 minutes. I was ready to begin Stage 32 Pitch Sessions. I made six pitches, and a producer and a manager requested my screenplay. For me, that’s a victory.

The Cherry on Top

The cherry on top came in December when Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32, invited me to become a Lounge Moderator (Producing and Writers’ Room Lounges). That is where I am today, learning about the industry, leveraging my business mindset to advance my career, and most importantly, having an impact on your lives and helping you achieve your goals by providing you with advice and tips to make your time here on Stage 32 more valuable.

Lessons learned: believe in yourself, accept your failures, embrace your victories, invest in yourself, build your own brand, give back to your community as you learn and grow, and never give up.

Building Meaningful Connections on Stage 32

My first surprise on Stage 32 came in the form of connections. I quickly found myself immersed in a community of talented and supportive individuals. From seasoned professionals to aspiring artists, everyone is eager to share their knowledge and experiences. I attended webcasts, participated in Pitch Sessions, invested in Script Consulting and Career Development Calls, and engaged in discussions that broadened my horizons. Before I knew it, I had built a network that inspired me to push my creative boundaries.

Opportunities Knocking at My Door

One of the most unexpected aspects of my journey was the sheer number of opportunities that came my way. Through Stage 32, I discovered invaluable Education, script consulting, pitch sessions, The Writers’ Room opportunities, and contests that allowed me to showcase my work. This led to invaluable feedback and even a few offers for collaboration. The platform truly lived up to its promise of being a launchpad for creative careers.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Of course, no journey is without its challenges. There were moments of self-doubt and frustration, especially when facing rejection or creative blocks. However, the supportive Stage 32 community was always there to lift me up. I received constructive criticism and words of encouragement that kept me going. These challenges ultimately became stepping stones, helping me to grow both as an artist and an individual.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my Stage 32 journey, I am filled with gratitude for the unexpected twists and turns that brought me to where I am today. This platform has not only connected me with amazing people but also opened doors I never thought possible. To anyone considering joining Stage 32, I say, take that leap of faith. Embrace the unexpected, and you'll be amazed at where it can lead you.

My Future Goals

Personally, I want my screenplay to be optioned, write a pilot and a new feature, and pursue a professional career as an executive producer in the industry.

I would also love to help Stage 32 become even more influential in Europe, create more opportunities for screenwriters/filmmaking productions in Europe, and help the global community to grow.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. I can't wait to see what the future holds and to continue growing alongside this incredible community.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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