Some shots from the Opening Night Party for the Marche du Film at Cannes. We celebrated our 11th year of Stage 32 being the official education partner of the Marche with the people who make the whole Dan thing run…effortlessly. Love these humans.
Much more to come! ❤️
So happy to announce that my TV pilot script “The District” has garnered a Double Recommend on the @stage32@stage32scripts platform. The District is about the founding of Storyville and Lulu White, the most powerful Black Madame in “The District.”
From Stage 32:
Congratulations! Your script received a coveted “Double Recommend” through Stage 32! Let’s pause to give you a standing ovation for your accomplishment!
Receiving a “Recommend” is a major achievement and not easy to obtain. It’s an endorsement of you as a writer and your screenplay from an accomplished industry reader or a working executive. It means that your script has been reviewed and deemed worthy of consideration, potentially opening doors for opportunities such as representation, development deals, or production.
Out of the hundreds of thousands of scripts that have been covered through Stage 32 over the last 14 years, only the top 1% receive a “Double Recommend”!
Day 1 at Cannes and we're already announcing deals. This time with the incredible people at the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI)
There’s a conversation happening all over the world right now about runaway production, shrinking crews, disappearing opportunities, and whether this industry can actually sustain itself long term.
But one thing has become very clear to me over the last few years:
If we want production to grow globally, we have to invest in the people who actually make production possible.
That means training. Education. Workforce development. Real access.
Not just for the top of the call sheet, but for the crew members, coordinators, accountants, ADs, location managers, production managers, post supervisors, and every below-the-line professional productions rely on every single day.
That’s why this initiative with the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) means so much to all of us at Stage 32.
This is not theory. This is action.
Together, we’re building global workforce training initiatives designed to help film commissions, regions, and production hubs strengthen their local crews so productions can confidently shoot there, stay there, and grow there.
The entertainment industry has changed. The old model is gone. The future belongs to the regions, countries, and communities willing to invest in infrastructure, education, and people.
Proud of our team. Big shoutout to Amanda Toney who spearheaded this initiative.
Proud of our partners.
And deeply grateful to The Hollywood Reporter for covering this important story.
For those of you who have followed me for a while, you know my first stop, full stop, when arriving at Cannes for the last ten years plus is Da Laura.
By far, my favorite place in Cannes, not only because the food is amazing, but because of the one and only Laura, the most incredible hostesses on the planet.
So many memories here. Friendships made and grown, deals done, and conversations that changed lives.
Now I feel like I’m home.
Today’s the day.
For the next 24 hours, you have direct access to a television development executive who has helped develop projects at Media Res Studio, including The Morning Show, Pachinko, and The Miniature Wife.
If you’ve ever wondered:
• Why some TV scripts instantly stand out
• What executives are actually responding to right now
• What makes buyers keep reading
• What writers are getting wrong in today’s market
…this is your opportunity to ask directly.
These are the kinds of conversations writers spend years trying to access, and today, it’s happening live inside the Stage 32 Writer’s Room Lounge.
Click the link in our bio for a free month of the Writer’s Room to join in now.
What’s the biggest question you have about today’s TV marketplace?
If you’ve ever wondered what executives are actually looking for in TV scripts right now, this is your chance to stop guessing and ask directly.
This Friday, inside the exclusive Stage 32 Writer’s Room Lounge, a development executive who has worked on projects like The Morning Show and The Miniature Wife will be answering your questions for 24 hours.
What makes a script stand out in today’s market?
What are executives tired of seeing?
What makes someone keep reading?
What kinds of stories are buyers actively responding to right now?
This is the kind of insight most writers spend years trying to access.
And the best part? You can ask your questions directly.
Whether you’re developing your first pilot or refining your next sample, this is an opportunity to learn from someone who has sat in the rooms where projects get discussed, developed, and moved forward.
Click the link in our bio for a free month of the Writer’s Room to join in now.
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to ask a TV executive?
You don’t get the most out of opportunities like Cannes by just showing up.
You get it by showing up prepared.
In just over a week, one of the biggest film markets in the world kicks off. And whether you’re attending Cannes, AFM, or any major industry event, the difference between feeling overwhelmed and making real progress comes down to one thing, your strategy.
Do you know why you’re going?
Who you want to meet?
What you’re actually trying to accomplish?
Because when someone asks, “What brings you here?” you need more than a vague answer. You need clarity. Confidence. Purpose.
And just as important, you need to stay open, curious, and human. The real opportunities often come from the conversations you didn’t plan.
So before you walk into your next opportunity, ask yourself if you’re truly prepared or just hoping something happens.
When you walk into an industry event or big opportunity, what helps you feel the most prepared and confident?
Not too long ago, I sold a TV show to Amblin, Steven Spielberg’s company. I often get asked how I made that happen given - 1) I sold nothing but features to that point and 2) I had no experience selling or running a TV show.
It all started with checking my ego at the door, but also knowing my worth and choosing my battles wisely.
You can make it happen too. Give this a watch. Drop any questions of comments below.
