Happy Friday, Creative Army!

You know I love to shout from the rooftops when our Stage 32 members turn their passion and hard work into real-world success. And today, I’ve got a big one for you.

Stage 32 writer Sean Farley’s new movie, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, is officially out in theaters! And what makes this moment even more thrilling? This film began right here on Stage 32—with a Feature Script Read + 30 Minute Consultation Call with an Executive.

Stage 32 Managing Director Amanda Toney sat down with Sean Farley in an interview and he talked about the entire screenwriting process which we will be sharing on upcoming blogs. "If you get one or two people on to champion it, it's really all you need" said Sean Farley. "I'd say there are 2 stages. You send your script out a few different times, knowing that purposefully you send it out for the rewrite. You get the notes to attack the rewrite. Once you have the notes and you agree with them and are done implementing them you can concentrate on trying to get to somebody at Stage 32 who might have an interest in taking it out. But, once again, it's not a guarantee. But the good news is that you're getting the feedback straight from the horse's mouth."

In this case, that creative collaboration came when Sean submitted his script through our Script Services program and chose to work with Manager and Producer Chris Bellant of Vision Entertainment. Chris read the script, was blown away, and saw real potential. That initial consultation led to Chris signing Sean as a client and boarding the film as a producer.

Flash forward, and NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH is now a full-blown theatrical release starring Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Malin Akerman, directed by Duncan Skiles (The Clovehitch Killer), and shot by cinematographer Luke McCoubrey.

This marks the second film in theaters this year, born directly out of Stage 32! The first being James Papa’s No Address, directed by Julia Verdin and starring William Baldwin, Ashanti, Beverly D’Angelo, and Xander Berkeley.

If that doesn’t prove the power of connection and execution, I don’t know what does.

Here’s what the story is about:

When a mentally ill young man thinks he witnesses an abduction and the police refuse to believe him, he reluctantly turns to his next-door neighbor—a bitter, retired security guard—to help him find the missing woman.

Want a taste? You can watch the trailer by clicking HERE!

Let’s just say the critics are loving the ride:

“Rageaholic meets schizophrenic may not sound like a very enticing hook for a buddy comedy, but that dysfunctional duo proves pretty good company.” – Variety

“A heartbreaking tragedy is also one of the best feel-good movies of the year.” – Collider

“Do have a look at this. It’ll very likely hit an old-school sweet (or sour) spot or two.” – RogerEbert.com

So what does this mean for you?

It means these success stories are no longer “one day” dreams—they’re happening right now.

Sean’s journey started with our Feature Script Read + 30 Minute Consultation Call, where you choose your executive, get professional feedback, and—if it’s a fit—they can request your script, set up a meeting, and even sign you or move your project into development. That’s exactly what happened here.

Want to take the first step toward your own success story?

Here’s what you can expect when you book a Script Read + Call:

- Transparency: Your full script will be read by the executive that you choose based on their bio, with their knowledge of current market trends in mind.

- Direct Access: A private, 30-minute-long phone call or Zoom video call in which the executive will provide detailed feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your piece, plus suggestions on development to ensure that your project is market-ready.

- Industry Standard Rating: You will receive an industry standard rating of pass/consider or recommend for both you as a writer and your project.

- Double Recommend Lookbook + Badge Perks: If the executive recommends you as a writer and your script to us ("Double Recommend"), we will send your script, bio & logline out to over 500 managers, agents, producers, financiers, and executives in our Stage 32 Look Book. Plus, you will automatically get a special Double Recommend Badge on your Stage 32 Profile showing that a vetted Stage 32 executive has recommended both you as a writer and a project of yours. This is the highest honor reserved for our top writers. Our Look Book is much anticipated and has resulted in meetings at CAA, WME, 3 Arts, Broken Road, Cold Iron, Verve, Gidden Media, and More!

- BONUS! If the executive you submitted your script to would like another meeting with you, we will be notified and will facilitate that request and make a direct introduction - we've made thousands of introductions between writers and executives!

• Send your feature script to an exec to read + book a 30 minute consultation call
• Send your feature script to an exec to read + book a 60 minute consultation call
• Send your TV Pilot script to an exec to read + book a 30 minute consultation call
• Send your TV Pilot script to an exec to read + book a 60 minute consultation call

Let’s make this clear, this is not about a pipe dream. This is about making the right moves, at the right time, with the right platform.

Sean did it. James did it. And you can too.

As always, here at Stage 32, we’re not just here to help you get noticed - we’re here to help you get working.

Much love,

RB

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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