1st Annual Period Piece Screenwriting Contest

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS!

SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW THE FINALISTS!

Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on LITTLE WOMEN, JOJO RABBIT, RICHARD JEWELL, and more!

ALL finalists loglines will go into a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 500 entertainment industry executives!

Open to Feature Films and TV Pilot Scripts!

We are on the hunt for ALL types of period piece scripts - all stories from all past eras are welcome! We are looking for:

> Scripts like: PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, TOMBSTONE, EMMA., ROBIN HOOD, LITTLE WOMEN, BRAVEHEART, WEST SIDE STORY, GLADIATOR, or KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

But that's not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven't seen before!

For the last 12 years, Stage 32 Contests have led to dozens of success stories including writers getting representation, sold, optioned, staffed, given writing assignments and getting produced. No other contest opens more doors and we want to do the same for you.

If you have a Historical story that needs to be told, now is the time to show us what you've got, because our goal is to amplify your voice, give you the access Stage 32 is known for, and take your writing career to the next level!

Congrats to the Finalists!

Congrats to the Semifinalists!

Congrats to the Quarterfinalists!

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

The Prizes

Our Grand Prize winner will:

• Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with:
  • Shaun O'Banion, Producer, Ravenwood Films, (JOJO RABBIT, THE AFTERMATH)
  • Sabrina Parra, Producer & Development Executive, (LITTLE WOMEN, THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE)
  • Henry Hereford, Producer, Fluffycat Productions, (TO LESLIE, FOR THE LOVE OF GEORGE)
  • Maria Baltazzi, Emmy Award-Winning Producer & Director, SOUJOURN MEDIA
  • Shannon Vayo, Producer & Development Executive, (WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, YOUR PLACE OR MINE)
  • Johnny Arreola, Producer, VISION Studios, (THE MATCH, THE CONVERSATION)
  • Julie Winograd, Producer, (RICHARD JEWELL, FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY)
  • Agustine Calderon, VP of Features, Amigos Studios (TETRIS, THE REVENANT)
  • Anna Henry, Producer & Development Executive (THE DEUCE, CHICAGO FIRE)
• Work with Stage 32 to develop your winning script’s pitch deck for the market
• Have your professional biography sent to an exclusive roster of over 30 agents and managers who have a First Look deal with Stage 32 and are actively looking for new clients and material after the strike is over.
• Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, a private, virtual community of writers from around the world the meet and learn from industry professionals like Meg LeFauve (INSIDE OUT, CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Aimee Riviera, VP of Motion Picture Production at Skydance Media (TOP GUN: MAVERICK), Tripper Clancy (STUBER) and managers & agents from WME, CAA, Gersh, Circle of Confusion, Zero Gravity & more!
• Free access to Stage 32’s educational webinar library, which includes over 3,000 hours of content featuring top industry professionals
• Continued support from the Stage 32 team to help move your career forward and get you in front of decision makers!

In addition to these meetings, the winner will also receive access to Stage 32’s Educational resources, be promoted on Stage 32’s social media, and have their professional biography sent to an exclusive roster of over 30 agents and managers hand picked by Stage 32 who are actively looking for new clients and material. Stage 32 will facilitate introductory meetings to any of the representatives who respond to your material and bio. This is the type of exposure that will change your career forever!

If you reach the Finals, you still get massive exposure to decision makers!

ALL FINALISTS will receive a FREE MONTH OF THE MEMBER'S ONLY STAGE 32 WRITERS' ROOM, an exclusive community of writers who gather online for inspiring and educational webcasts from top industry pros, and will be in a Stage 32 Lookbook which includes their script title, logline & bio mailed to over 500 industry executives including, managers, agents, producers, development executives, and financiers! Stage 32 Lookbooks are some of the most sought after talent resources for the industry and have helped secure meetings with places like Verve, Good Fear, 3 Arts, APA, Echo Lake, Amazon, UTA, CAA, WME, First Friday, Pathfinder, The Cartel, Art/Work and many, many more.

Stage 32 will be a champion for your script - once you’re part of our community, we make sure you rise to the top!

Our Screenwriting Contest Winners See Results

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 12 years. Stage 32 has quickly emerged as the leading source for industry executives to uncover new talent! Is this your year to move the needle on your career?

• Winner Jonathan Jordan was signed by major literary agency Verve, and worked on a script currently in production through them. He has also signed with a manager and is currently working on a new film.
• Winner Christina Pamies was signed by Billion Dollar Literary Manager Jake Wagner. After that, he got her a paid gig with StudioCanal adapting the highly anticipated BAGHEAD. Check out the Variety article the film is featured in.
• Winner Greg Mania was signed by Cohn/Torgan Management, and has since published a memoir called Born To Be Public, which was named NPR’s Best Book of 2020.
• Winner Diana Wright signed with Audrey Knox at The Cartel, a prominent management company, and with Culture Creative Entertainment.
• Winner Julie Ann Cross won a mentorship with Amy Baer of Gidden Media, and a $7,500 option agreement.

Still don’t believe us? Let Winners Christina Pamies & Jonathan Jordan tell you why you should enter!

Click the "Success Stories" link here for even more testimonials from our past winners!

Judge’s Credits and Company/Client Credits Include:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: November 10th, 2023

Early Bird Deadline: November 29th, 2023

Regular Deadline: December 20th, 2023

Final Deadline: January 24th, 2024

Quarterfinalist Announcement: March 29th, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: April 12th, 2024

Finalist Announcement: April 26th, 2024

Winner Announcement: May 10th, 2024

Submission Options

Feedback & Resubmission Option

Would you like immediate feedback on your submission and the option to make changes and resubmit? Using our NEW Feedback & Resubmission Option you will get 3-5 pages of coverage/notes back in 5-days with a guaranteed option to resubmit one (1) revised draft of your script up to 10 days after the Final Deadline! See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. You can position yourself for the best chance of success - all for an additional fee of only $99. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. See full terms in the Rules Section. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is February 3rd, 2024. 

Feedback Option

We offer discounted coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on March 29th, 2024. See full terms in the Rules Section.

Resubmission Option

We offer the option to resubmit a new draft of your script later in the contest for $39.00. You only have until 5 days after the Final Deadline to submit a new draft. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is January 29th, 2024. You cannot submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

If you have any questions regarding this contest, check out frequently asked questions here.

Shaun O'Banion (Judge) - Producer, Ravenwood Films,

Shaun O'Banion is an award winning producer with over a decade of international producing and production experience on some of today’s top titles. He has worked on the Oscar Winning Film JOJO RABBIT written and directed by Taika Waititi, JUNGLE CRUISE starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, TERMINATOR: DARK FATE produced by 3 time Oscar Winning Producer James Cameron and stars Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Emmy Winning Series GENIUS.

Shaun is concurrently the owner of Ravenwood Films with a slate of films in development. His film GIRLFRIEND starring Shannon Woodward (WESTWORLD) premiered at TIFF, and sold to Strand Releasing. DAKOTA SKYE streamed on Netflix, Showtime and Hulu, and THE AUTOMATIC HATE starring Joseph Cross(LINCOLN) and Deborah Ann Woll (TRUE BLOOD), premiered at SXSW and was released by Film Movement.

Shaun has formed a strategic partnership with Broad Reach Productions where he and his partner have recently optioned several novels. Among the projects they are currently developing is a big-budget period drama with Academy Award-winner Bruce Cohen (AMERICAN BEAUTY), a family adventure film for Disney+ along with an Academy Award-nominated producer, and two limited series for premium cable both of which he co-created and co-wrote.

Shaun believes development is one of the most important parts of the creative process and is eager to help young creators bring their projects to fruition.

Sabrina Parra (Judge) - Producer and Development Executive who's worked with Amazon, Apple, A24, and Netflix,

By working closely with studios like Amazon, Apple, A24, and Netflix, Sabrina has spent her career developing projects from inception and guiding writers through the studio process. Her experience provides invaluable insight into what financiers are looking for when they read your screenplay. In addition, she has also read scripts for competitions and writing workshops. She values creative integrity and imagination of story above all. She believes there is nothing stronger than a film that allows its viewer to catapult themselves into the perspective of another.

Sabrina Parra is a producer, and film development executive. She was the former VP of Di Novi Pictures. The prolific company has produced almost two dozen films and grossed over a billion dollars worldwide including the hit Nicholas Sparks films THE BEST OF ME starring James Marsden, THE LUCKY ONE starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, as well as the classic Oscar Nominated film LITTLE WOMEN. They also produced the notable films YOU'RE NOT YOU starring Oscar Winner Hillary Swank, the mega hit SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS, A WALK TO REMEMBER and CRAZY STUPID LOVE.

Sabrina ran creative development for the company and was also on the producing team of THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE for Apple+, and A24. By working closely with studios like Amazon, Apple, A24, and Netflix, Sabrina has spent her career developing projects from inception and guiding writers through the studio process. Her experience provides invaluable insight into what financiers are looking for when they read your screenplay. She values creative integrity and imagination of story above all. She believes there is nothing stronger than a film that allows its viewer to catapult themselves into the perspective of another.

Henry Hereford (Judge) - Producer/Actor,

Henry Hereford is an award-winning actor and filmmaker who was born and raised in the UK. Henry worked in casting and on the agency side of the business before training as an actor at the prestigious Drama Studio London.

Henry is staring as Brian Lee in Luther: The Fallen Sun currently streaming on Netflix.

Other career highlights include the NBC series CROSSBONES starring John Malkovich, Claire Foy and created by Luther scribe Neil Cross, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, the last season of TRUE BLOOD, and he also starred in multiple episodes in the hit sketch comedy show WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA’AM for the ABC in Australia.

In 2022 Henry won the award for Best Actor in Los Angeles for his role of the quirky Dr. Dudley Allen in the multi-award-winning short film LAST CHANCE OF EVIL.

Henry is also making his mark as a producer on both sides of the Atlantic. Significantly Henry was a co-producer on the hugely successful break out feature film “To Leslie” which received a Best Actress academy award nomination for Andrea Riseborough.

In the U.K. Henry has just finished post production on “Violin Boy”. BAFTA Award winning DOP Damian Paul Daniel shot this touching short film family story set against the back drop of London’s ever worsening knife crime.

Henry is currently developing three television pilots based in both the U.K and the U.S.

Henry is a member of the Television Academy and SAG-AFTRA.

Maria Baltazzi (Judge) - Emmy Award-Winning Producer & Director, Sojourn Media

Maria Baltazzi is an Emmy Award-Winning Executive Producer of series for A&E, ABC, CBS, Discovery, ESPN, History, Lifetime, National Geographic, TNT, and Travel Channel. She was one of the original show producers on" SURVIVOR" for CBS, continuing her role through its first ten seasons.

Maria has Produced or Executive Produced pilots for ABC, CBS, Lifetime, TNT, and NBC. She has also been hired directly by ABC Studios to produce a Proof of Concept for a major series. Her company currently has a deal with Pilgrim Media Group.

Previously she produced Animal Planet's critically acclaimed 3-part series, "BATTLEGROUND: RHINO WARS". Other series include "WORLD'S TOUGHEST TRUCKERS", a co-production for Discovery US and Channel 5 UK. "ONE MAN ARMY" for Discovery, "SARAH PALIN'S ALASKA" for TLC and Mark Burnett. "SPA" debuted at almost 5 million viewers; the biggest premiere in the channel's history.

Maria transitioned into scripted series and is looking to produce that could air on National Geographic, Disney+, Discovery, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple+, Peacock, CNN, History, HBO, and HBO Max.

Maria is a PGA and DGA member, a Fellow National Member of The Explorers Club, and an Advisor and Herald for the Transformational Travel Council.

Maria previously found a script from a writer through Stage 32 which she is currently shopping around!

Shannon Vayo (Judge) - Producer/Development Executive,

Shannon Vayo is an entertainment veteran who has worked across the industry in producing, development, and current programming. Most recently she was the Director of Development for Film & TV at Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine where she managed and drove results on multiple film & television projects in various stages of development, production and post.

She has served as an executive and producer on numerous television projects including the Emmy award-winning series THE MORNING SHOW and SURFACE starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw (both for Apple). On the film side, Shannon helped produce the film adaptation of one of Reese’s Book Club’s most beloved selections, the chart-topping New York Times Bestselling novel WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (3000 Pictures/Sony), starring Daisy Edgar Jones, as well as Aline Brosh McKenna’s feature directorial debut YOUR PLACE OR MINE (Netflix).

Prior to joining Hello Sunshine, Shannon worked at The CW Network, Sony, Amazon Studios, and CBS Entertainment on such series as RIVERDALE, THE GOOD FIGHT, MOM, and the CHARMED reboot, among others.

Johnny Arreola (Judge) - Founder, CEO, & Producer, VISION Studios Corporation

JOHNNY ARREOLA is the Founder & CEO, VISION Studios Corporation. Member, VISION Media Group (VMG), LLC. A current member of the Producers Guild Of America (PGA), & Directors Guild Of America (DGA).

 

Mr. Arreola created VISION Media Group, LLC. to fund and produce a slate of feature films, international documentaries and creative programming to mainstream audiences for all entertainment platforms, with a highly experienced production team including notable filmmakers.

 

Upcoming projects include "Travelin' Man" The Rock And Road Story Of Bob Seger, untitled Reality TV series, international documentaries and co-productions with notable production companies.

 

Johnny recently produced the feature film "The Conversation" (2022), and Executive Producer on "The Match" (2021), both shot in Croatia and currently being distributed in 72 countries, limited theatrical release in the states, and streaming on Showtime (Dec 2021).

 

Along with various projects in different stages of development, Johnny currently has 3 productions on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO, one of which was a feature film “In Between Engagements,” produced with the late 2-Time Academy Award Winning producer, Branko Lustig (Schindler's List, Gladiator), and international documentaries on Orson Welles and Anne Frank. “A Season To Remember with Billy Kats” is also streaming on AP and premiered on SPORTSMAN CHANNEL father’s day weekend.

 

With gleaning knowledge through references including The Jerry Springer Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Windy City LIVE, sports entertainment for Don King Boxing, HBO, Telefutura & prestigious Award Shows, he began his journey acting in theatre, commercials & independent films. It is this perspective of being on the other side of the table that adds to the depth & strength of his success as a producer.

 

Since the inception of his company, VISION Studios, Johnny has successfully created & produced multiple Internet Television shows including, “What’s Your 2wenty,” an inside look at the entertainment industry without the gossip, and a pioneering documentary series with the prestigious Goodman Theatre entitled, “Backstage At The Goodman,” highlighting the process of making a theatrical production come to life. Through Johnny Arreola Productions, Inc. he formed a working partnership creating commercials for Comcast, Nike, Bacardi and other established organizations.

 

Mr. Arreola has promoted films from these Hollywood studios: Universal, Paramount, Sony, Sony Picture Classics, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers., Dreamworks Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment, 20th Century Fox and more.

Julie Winograd (Judge) - Producer, Works with Amazon, AMC, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, 20th Television, UCP, Universal International, and WBTV

Julie Winograd is an independent producer and experienced development executive. She has worked in partnership with numerous companies in both film and television, including Amazon, AMC, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, 20th Television, UCP, Universal International, and WBTV.

Among Winograd's specialties is her experience in IP adaptation. She previously served as the Director of Development, Live Action Film & TV at IDW Entertainment (LOCKE & KEY), where, in addition to developing and producing adaptations of existing IDW properties, she worked alongside IDW Publishing to create new properties, building cohesive story worlds and developing engaging stories to be told across multiple mediums, including, film, TV, and print.

Prior to IDW, Winograd served as Manager of Development at Circle of Confusion Television Studios, a joint venture between Circle of Confusion and ITV Studios America, and as an assistant to Director/Producer Michelle MacLaren (BREAKING BAD).

She began her career in creative development at Kevin Misher's Misher Films, where she worked on projects including FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY and RICHARD JEWELL.

Winograd is a member of the Television Academy and HRTS. She has participated as an HRTS/JHRTS mentor, and she is also part of the Television Academy Peer Mentorship Circle.

Agustine Calderon (Judge & Mentor) - VP of Features, Amigos Studios

Agustine Calderon is the VP of Features at Amigos Studios. Previsouly he was VP of Features at 3Pas ("Trey Pās") which has a First Look production deal with Lionsgate for features, and ABC Signature for series. Their previous 3 projects with Lionsgate have made over $250m in the Global Box Office - starting with breakout remake of the classic OVERBOARD with Anna Ferris.

Previously, Agustine identified the IP, and co-produced TETRIS starring Taron Egerton for Apple+. He also just developed CRITICAL THINKING directed by actor, John Leguizamo.

He was previously an executive at a major production company with a co-financing and production deal at Warner Bros. His production and development credits include HORRIBLE BOSSES, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, THE REVENANT, BIRDMAN, READY PLAYER ONE, WONDER WOMAN, THE LEGO MOVIE & THE LEGO MOVIE II, THE JUNGLE BOOK.

Agustine is also currently in development on a project with producer Beau Flynn (Rampage, Requiem for a Dream, San Andreas). Agustine specializes in Drama, Horror, Comedy, Action-Comedy Features, and Television of all genres.

 

Anna Henry (Judge) - Producer & Development Executive, Idle Hour Entertainment

Anna Henry began her 20-year career as a development executive at Nickelodeon, working on the development and production of animated television series, pilots and features, including the cult hit “INVADER ZIM.” She crossed over to prime-time television working at CBS and ABC in drama development and programming, then freelanced as a creative consultant for a number of production companies before serving as Director of Development at a boutique literary management and production company representing writers and directors.

Anna is currently an independent producer through her company, Idle Hour Entertainment. She set up a historical fiction series as a German-Canadian co-production, and is currently in development on several other projects focusing largely on international and diversity (women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+) writers and stories. In addition, Anna is a sought-after script consultant and screenwriting instructor. As a manager and consultant, her clients have worked on shows at virtually every broadcast, cable and streaming television network, and have set up projects at Amazon, Starz, HBO, Sony, Fox, EOne, ITV America, OddLot Entertainment, Corus, and others. Anna teaches writing for television at Loyola University Chicago and UCLA Extension. She enjoys having a close collaboration with writers in refining scripts, expanding their range of material, and finding the best home for each project. Anna is a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.