2nd Annual Feature Screenwriting Fellowship Competition

THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE WINNERS!

Stage 32 is proud to present the 2nd Annual Feature Screenwriting Fellowship, an incredible opportunity to be mentored by top tier industry professionals and participate in round table discussions with a variety of producers, managers, and writers. Our mentors are looking for the next wave of screenwriting talent -- and we want them to discover YOU!

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're a screenwriter with a story 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!

About the Stage 32 Feature Screenwriting Fellowship Competition

At Stage 32, we’re always working to help our writers grow, learn, and find success. That’s why we created the Stage 32 Feature Screenwriting Fellowship Competition. We’re giving our panel of five Fellowship Mentors the option to choose mentees from our group of 10 finalists. And if you’re chosen as a mentee, you won’t just have one meeting with your mentor; you’ll meet with them consistently for six months, building a relationship with them, getting career advice, and of course, improving your script and other materials.

That’s not all we’re offering either. The winners of this contest will also have their complete portfolios sent to an exclusive roster of agents and managers hand picked by Stage 32 who are actively looking for new clients and material. We’ll also be organizing group panel events for ALL finalists each month throughout the six month fellowship period with experienced industry professionals. A different, exciting executive will join the panel discussion each month to answer your questions and share advice.

We are looking for feature scripts of all subjects and tones. Whether your story is a comedy, drama, or anything in between, our industry professionals want to read it! This contest is open to Feature scripts only.

Congratulations to our Winners!

Congratulations to our Finalists!

Congratulations to our Semifinalists!

Congratulations to our Quarterfinalists!

How Do I Apply?

In order for your application to be considered, you must submit all of the following:

1) Your Feature script of any genre through Stage 32

2) A biography detailing your professional experience, previous work, any accolades you have received, and any other information you believe will be valuable for the Fellowship Mentors to know about you. Please limit your biography to one page.

3) A cover letter explaining why you are ready for this career changing opportunity. Please limit your cover letter to one page.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR BIOGRAPHY AND COVER LETTER

Please note: In order for your application to be considered you must submit all required documents and pay the submission fee. Only one script per entry fee will be allowed.

Entrants can submit multiple scripts for consideration but each submission must be under separate entries with separate submission fees paid.

Only one biography and cover letter is required per entrant.

The biography and cover letter can be submitted at any point prior to the Final Deadline.

Script Coverage & Resubmission Options

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 December 2nd, 2023.

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 December 29th, 2023. 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 November 27th, 2023. You cannot submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

The Prizes

Our Grand Prize winners, each selected by one of our Fellowship Mentors, will:

• Be mentored by an industry professional through one-on-one virtual meetings for 6 months 
  
  • Jake Wagner, Manager, Alibi Management
  • Adam Novak, Head of the Story Dept, WME
  • Val McLeroy, Literary Manager, Epigram Entertainment
  • Henry Hereford, Producer of Oscar-nominated TO LESLIE
  • Olivia Hurd, Development Coordinator, Amasia Entertainment (THEM THAT FOLLOW staring Oscar-winner Olivia Colman)
• Have your portfolio 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.
• Participate in exclusive round table discussions each month for 6 months with a different top industry professional
  • David Chien, Literary & Talent Manager, Art/Work Entertainment
  • Audrey Knox, Literary Manager, The Cartel Management
  • Steve Desmond, Screenwriter, M. Night Shymalan's A KNOCK THE CABIN, TRANSFORMERS ONE
  • Matt Sacca, Head of Development, American High (First look deal with Hulu)
  • Jaylen Moore, Producer and Actor (INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY, HOMELAND)
  • Jordan Barel, Entertainment Attorney & Producer
• 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!

If you reach the Finals, you still get massive exposure to decision makers and get to join exclusive round table discussions with our Round Table Mentors!

ALL FINALISTS will participate in exclusive virtual round table discussions each month for 6 months with a different top industry professional, 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?

• Last year's Winners, Marta Reeder, CJ Hatch, and David Loong, developed their materials, strategized their next career moves, and built strong professional relationships with their top-tier industry mentors!

• 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!

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: September 14th, 2023

Early Bird Deadline: October 11th, 2023

Regular Deadline: November 1st, 2023

Final Deadline: November 22nd, 2023

Quarterfinalist Announcement: February 2nd, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: February 16th, 2024

Finalist Announcement: March 1st, 2024

Winner Announcement: March 15th, 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 December 2nd, 2023.

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 December 29th, 2023. 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 November 27th, 2023. 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.

Jake Wagner (Fellowship Mentor) - Manager, Alibi Management

Jake Wagner is one of the most respected literary managers working in the business today. Jake has also been one of top selling spec script managers of the last decade. Jake was responsible for the largest spec sale of the last 10 years (and one of the biggest in history), with SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN which sold to Universal Pictures. After an illustrious and celebrated career at Benderspink and Good Fear and Film + Management, Jake is now the owner of Alibi Management. Jake’s clients have made some of the most popular recent horror films including POLAROID, CRAWL and CHILD'S PLAY.

Adam Novak (Fellowship Mentor) - Head of Story Dept, WME

Born, bred, toasted, and buttered in DC, Adam Novak majored in screenwriting at USC’s School of Cinema-Television where he sold his senior thesis script Conversations with a Cannibal before starting his career at the venerable William Morris Agency (now WME) as the exclusive script reader for Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Whitney Houston, Sylvester Stallone, John Travolta, Clint Eastwood, and Bruce Willis.

 

As Head of the William Morris/Endeavor (WME) Story Department for more than 25 years, Novak championed The Blair Witch Project, Promising Young Woman, Titanic, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Truman Show, and Waterworld.

 

Novak has also published a series of novels about the movie business: The Non-Pro (Salvo Press/2008), Take Fountain (Rare Bird Books/2015), Freaks of the Industry (Rare Bird Books/2017), and Rat Park (Red Giant Books/2022). Novak recently celebrated his 33rd year at the agency.

Val McLeroy (Fellowship Mentor) - Literary Manager, Epigram

Val McLeroy is a literary Manager at Epigram. Although she has worked as an actor, a wardrobe supervisor, a script supervisor and a post-production supervisor, Val’s primary background has been as a development executive at several companies including Atlantic and Green/Epstein Productions (Growing Pains: The Movie, Malpractice, Above & Beyond). While at Green/Epstein she produced several TV movies, two of which she wrote (as V. R. McDade) for Lifetime: Spirit (starring Elisabeth Moss, Greg Evigan, Austin O'Brien) which was nominated for a Humanitas award and Heart of the Storm (Starring Tom Cavanagh, Melissa Gilbert). As a writer herself, she understands the needs and concerns of writers and is a calming and knowledgeable supporter.

Val has been partnered with Doug Draizin in managing writers for a number of years. McLeroy and Draizin currently have writers working with Amazon, Netflix and Freemantle on projects such as REACHER, FUBAR, SCORPION, NCIS, and AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER.

As a former teacher of high school English and Drama, Val loves working as a mentor to writers. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a BFA in English, Theatre and Education. She also completed a year of post-baccalaureate study in business and communications.

Henry Hereford (Fellowship Mentor) - 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.

Olivia Hurd (Fellowship Mentor) - Development Coordinator, Amasia Entertainment

Olivia Hurd is the Development Coordinator at Amasia Entertainment, the production company behind the upcoming sequel series DARK SHADOWS: REINCARNATION; and THE GREEN HORNET AND KATO, which is being set up at Universal as a tentpole franchise, written by David Koepp.

In 2020, Amasia produced John Patrick Shanley’s Irish romance feature film WILD MOUNTAIN THYME, starring Emily Blunt, and Jamie Dornan, Christopher Walken, and Jon Hamm. Amasia's other credits include the Sundance thriller THEM THAT FOLLOW starring Olivia Colman, Walton Goggins, Kaitlyn Dever, Alice Englert and Jim Gaffigan; MR. RIGHT starring Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick; and THE CALL, starring Halle Berry. Currently, Amasia is in post-production on AUDREY'S CHILDREN, a biopic about groundbreaking oncologist and Ronald McDonald House Charities co-founder Dr. Audrey Evans, starring Natalie Dormer, Jimmi Simpson, and Clancy Brown.

 

David Chien (Round Table Mentor) - Literary and Talent Manager, Art/Work Entertainment

David Chien is a Literary and Talent Manager at Art/Work Entertainment with 15 years in the business. During his time in the business, he has worked with global talents that have sold and made movies both domestically as well as internationally. Art/Work Entertainment is a LA based management company that represents award winning clients such as Eric Heisserer, best known for writing the Oscar nominated screenplay ARRIVAL, as well as writer for BIRD BOX and LIGHTS OUT; Erin Cressida Wilson, writer of GIRL ON A TRAIN; Christina Strain writer/producer for "Shadow & Bones" and "The Magicians"; Matthew D'Ambrosio writer and producer on "The Witcher"; directors Bola Ogun who worked on "The Witcher" and "Shadow & Bone", Keith Boak who directed for "Dr. Who" and Dennis Liu who directed "American Born Chinese" and created "Raising Dion".

Audrey Knox (Round Table Mentor) - Literary Manager, The Cartel

Audrey Knox is a literary manager at The Cartel, with clients in film and television, among whom are writers staffed on REASONABLE DOUBT and SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE and writing for Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and Hallmark. She is Associate Producer of the Tubi feature film CRUSHED, written by her client Heidi Lux. Her client Alanna Francis' feature ALICE, DARLING starring Anna Kendrick was released theatrically to critical acclaim in 2022. Audrey worked her way up from Receptionist in 2016 to Manager in 2018.

Steve Desmond (Round Table Mentor) - Screenwriter,

Steve Desmond is one of the screenwriters of the feature film, Knock at the Cabin, from Universal Studios and director M. Night Shyamalan. It opened at # 1 at the box office, and subsequently # 1 on VOD and # 1 on Peacock. He is currently a writer on the upcoming Transformers origin movie, Transformers One, which will be released theatrically by Paramount in 2024. His screenplays have been voted onto the prestigious industry Black List four times, including The Saturday Night Ghost Club, which he is attached to direct with Brad Fuller (A Quiet Place) producing. He sold his sci-fi adventure screenplay, Harry’s All-Night Hamburgers, to Warner Bros in a bidding war, with Oscar-nominated producer Andrew Lazar attached. His short film, Monsters, which he wrote and directed, has amassed over two million views online and screened in over 100 film festivals worldwide, winning 46 awards. Steve is represented by APA and Ziffren-Brittenham LLP.

Matt Sacca (Round Table Mentor) - Head of Development, American High

Matt Sacca is currently Head of Development for American High (multi-picture deal with Hulu). He began working with them in production on American High's first joint venture with Hulu, and one of Hulu's first-ever Original Films - The Binge. His contributions in production on projects such as The Ultimate Playlist of Noise, Gabriel's Rapture, and On the Count of Three -- led prolific producer Jeremy Garelick to hire Sacca as his assistant during production on Plan B, Sex Appeal, The Binge 2: It's a Wonderful Binge, and Crush.

Sacca has run point on a variety of projects, most recently including a co-development and co-production venture with Play Practice Productions on a queer tennis romcom starring Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why, Hellraiser, Looks That Kill), Shahadi Wright Joseph (Us, Them, The Lion King (2019), and Karan Brar (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Pacific Rim: Uprising), and to be directed by Eric Blume.

Sacca's own screenplay, a high-concept, R-rated high school comedy titled Second First Date, has attached Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack, Prom Pact, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.) in the lead role, with her production company Prince Hobo and American High co-producing. The project will continue with packaging and financing once the ongoing WGA and SAG strikes are resolved.

Prior to his role as Head of Development, Matt was instrumental in helping Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps build out their initial slate of independent films with LD Entertainment. Matt's steadfast work with American High landed him in development at Good Universe working with Nathan Kahane, Erin Westerman, and Brady Fujikawa on projects like Blockers, Good Boys, The Grudge, and Always Be My Maybe.

Jaylen Moore (Round Table Mentor) - Producer/Writer/Actor, Rumble Riot Pictures

Jaylen is a Middle Eastern and Hispanic American actor, producer, singer & writer. A true triple threat who does his own stunts & fight choreography due to extensive martial arts and dance background. Not to mention, a successful voice actor and looper due to the wide range of languages he speaks: Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, and Spanish.

He has amassed an impressive body of work in television and film. Most notable for portraying the character of Armin "Fisbait" Khan on two seasons of the A&E Series SIX and the character of Eric Baraz on the television show HOMELAND. He has appeared in hit films, such as BAD MOMS, HOT PURSUIT, TRI, AZTEC WARRIOR, THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE, ESCAPE PLAN, SONS OF LIBERT, RANDOM, OBLIVION, THE HOST, among many others. On the TV side, Moore has appeared in hit shows such as FBI, THE RESIDENT, THE ROOKIE: FEDS, 911, CW'S THE ORIGINALS, Fox's BONES, six episodes of Conan's WOLFBOY spoof of Taylor Lautner, and recurring roles in RED BAND SOCIETY with Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer.

As a producer, Jaylen serves as head of development for Rumble Riot Pictures. He executive produced the film AMERICAN SICARIO starring Danny Trejo on streaming platforms everywhere, and he is currently in post-production on a movie he was one of the lead producers on called PARALLEL starring Aldis Hodge, Danielle Deadwyler, and Edwin Hodge, which is set to premiere later this year.

Jordan Barel (Round Table Mentor) - Producer, Writer, Publisher, Entertainment Attorney, Loaded Barrel Studios

Jordan Barel is a producer, writer, publisher, and entertainment attorney with nearly 20 years of entertainment experience.

Jordan began his career created the graphic novel publishing studio, Loaded Barrel Studios. He won the Independent Publishing Book Awards, The LA Book festival, the Geekie Awards ®, and many others for their groundbreaking work in live-action graphic novels including Grey, Brielle and the Horror & God of the Machines.

All the while, Jordan was an entertainment attorney, working in Business and Legal Affairs at Generate, Alloy, New Line Cinema, and AMC.

During his time as the TV Coordinator at Verve Talent & Literary Agency he was named to Variety's Hollywood Movers and Shakers List. He moved on to work in production and development for Paul Scheer and Abominable Pictures. From there Jordan pursued screenwriting and was on the 2017 Annual Black List. He sold the project and has since been attached as a writer/producer on several more projects.

Jordan also produced the independent feature film The Incoherents in 2020 through Gravitas Distribution.