4th Annual TV Comedy Screenwriting Contest

NEW THIS YEAR - Our Grand Prize Winner will be mentored for 1 year by Sivert Glarum, longtime Showrunner/Producer of hit TV Comedy shows such as TACOMA FD, MARON, WILFRED, KING OF THE HILL, and BRICKLEBERRY!

PLUS - Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on THE GOOD PLACE, MASTER OF NONE, TWISTED METAL, KUNG FU PANDA, A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, SEARCH PARTY and more!

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

Open to TV Pilot Scripts!

The best comedy TV shows seamlessly blend clever scenarios, relatable characters, and impeccable timing to consistently deliver laughter and resonate with audiences. Classic network comedies like THE SIMPSONS or IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA are some of the most watched shows by fans new and old, both live and on streaming. Current shows like ABBOTT ELEMENTARY and TED LASSO have fans waiting on the edge of their couches for a new season. Audiences are always ready for that next TV Comedy hit -- and we want it be YOURS!

We are on the hunt for ALL types of TV comedy scripts - all stories are welcome! We are looking for scripts like:

FRIENDS, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, ATLANTA, BIG BANG THEORY, TWO & A HALF MEN, 30 ROCK, GIRLS, BLACK-ISH, THE OFFICE, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, SCRUBS, MODERN FAMILY, PARKS & RECREATION, NIGHT COURT, THE OTHER TWO, THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES,  FAMILY GUY, PRIMO, THE MARVELOUS MS. MAISEL, THIS FOOL, DAVE

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 television comedy 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!

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 June 29th, 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 August 30th, 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 June 24th, 2024. 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 winner will:

• Our Grand Prize Winner will be mentored for 1 year by by Sivert Glarum, longtime Showrunner/Producer of hit TV Comedy shows such as TACOMA FD, MARON, WILFRED, KING OF THE HILL, and BRICKLEBERRY, who has produced over 300 episodes of TV comedy!
• Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with:
  • Jackie Wertheimer, Manager of Comedy Development, SONY (TWISTED METAL, A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN)
  • Audrey Knox, Literary Manager, THE CARTEL (client credits include GROWN-ISH, HACKS)
  • Alison Mann, Talent Manager, FOURTH WALL MANAGEMENT (client credits include MOANA 2, TUCA & BERTIE)
  • Sam Newman, Creative Executive, SEMIFORMAL PRODUCTIONS (THE DROPOUT, SEARCH PARTY)
  • Tyler Straessle, Writer (THE GOOD PLACE, MASTER OF NONE)
  • Ryan Noggle, Writer & Producer (KUNG FU PANDA, THE NEIGHBORHOOD, MARLON)
  • Michael Wormser, Producer, CINEMAND FILMS (THE REAL BROS OF SIMI VALLEY, THE HAUNTING OF HAUNTED HOUSE) 
  • Brandon Tamburri, Director & Producer, JOKE ZERO (PLAN B, NATIONAL LAMPOON RADIO HOUR)
  • Liz Dickler, Producer (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, SCRUBS, ACCORDING TO JIM)

• 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.
• 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 Sony, Hulu, Showtime, ABC, Amazon, Netflix, Verve, Good Fear, 3 Arts, Zero Gravity, Circle of Confusion, Echo Lake, Gotham Group, Gersh, UTA, CAA, WME, IAG, 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!

Judge’s Credits and Company/Client Credits Include:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: April 11th, 2024

Early Bird Deadline: May 8th, 2024

Regular Deadline: May 29th, 2024

Final Deadline: June 19th, 2024

Quarterfinalist Announcement: August 30, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: September 13th, 2024

Finalist Announcement: September 27th, 2024

Winner Announcement: October 11th, 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 June 29th, 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 August 30th, 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 June 24th, 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.

Our Contest Winners See Results

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 12 years and 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, Tucker Flodman and Maxwell Gay have gained massive traction on their winning script REBOUNDING and are currently taking a full slate of meetings in LA with managers and producers from SONY, The Cartel, IAG, Fourth Wall, and Westbrook Studios -- all actively working on and looking for television comedy content.

Previous winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency! Check out her video here:

Past winners, like Anthony Guidubaldi & Keith Strausbaugh (MARATHON, 2021), were flown to LA and sent on a whirlwind of meetings with executives and production companies resulting in:

• Amasia Entertainment requested their horror comedy script and a mockumentary they produced.
• Lionsgate's LOL Network requested their animation pilot and asked for a sketch packet.
• Big Beach Films requested their short film Baby Grand.
• Panay Films went into development on a spec pilot written by Keith & Anthony!

Watch Anthony Guidubadi & Keith Strausbaugh Talk About their Industry Meetings All Over Hollywood!

And another previus Comedy Contest winner, Kelly Anelons (Life's a Beaut), was also set up on a whirlwind tour around town meeting with numerous executives. We set Kelly up for meetings with two of the most respected comedy writer, director, producers in town: Jerry Zucker (Airplane, Naked Gun, My Best Friends Wedding) and Scot Armstrong (Old School, The Hangover II, Road Trip)! How's that for access?

Still don't believe us? Let Comedy Screenwriting Contest Winner Jenny Rauch tell you why you should enter!

More Contest Winners Christina Pamies, Jonathan Jordan, Greg Mania,  would love to tell you why you should enter!

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 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 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.

Winners Rachel & Bobby Eddy share about their experience winning the 7th Annual Comedy Contest, and on their trip to LA making lots of great industry contacts, including one Producer with which they are currently developing their project!

TV Winner Layla O'Shea took meetings all over Los Angeles (and online) with Literary Managers, Producers, and Execs and is still going strong! She shares her advice: "There is no one path, or age limit when it comes to breaking in!" 

Winner Julie Ann Cross won a mentorship with Amy Baer of Gidden Media, and a $7,500 option agreement.

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

Audrey Knox (Judge & Mentor) - Literary Manager, The Cartel

Audrey Knox is a TV literary manager at The Cartel - a management and production company. Audrey most recently staffed her client on the series SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, GINNY & GEORGIA, P-VALLEY, GROWN-ISH, HACKS, and UPSHAWS for Netflix.

Audrey recently signed a writer she met through a Stage 32 Script Service consultation. The writer's Feature project was produced by The Cartel -- CRUSHED, is currently available to watch on Tubi!

Audrey has a background in both scripted and unscripted television, on set, in production, and in writers’ rooms. Prior to joining The Cartel Audrey worked in development at WME and Lighthearted Entertainment and in the literary department at Gersh. In television Audrey’s worked in the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation writer’s room and was the showrunner’s assistant for the hit Bravo show Millionaire Matchmaker.

 

Alison Mann (Judge & Mentor) - Talent Manager and President, Fourth Wall Animation Production Co

Alison Mann is the President of Fourth Wall Animation Production Co and also a talent manager. Prior to that, she was the Vice President of Creative & Strategy at Sony Pictures Animation. In her role, Mann is responsible for managing the development and talent for the studio’s feature film, international and series-based projects, collaborating with business affairs, recruiting, and the creative team to foster new relationships with key creatives within the animation industry.

As an artist, Mann always knew she wanted to work in animation. She began her career at Nickelodeon as a finance department intern while attending Columbia College in Chicago. After graduating, she was offered the amazing opportunity to continue working with Nickelodeon/MTV as their recruiter/coordinator of talent relations. Through her 17 years in the industry, she gained experience in TV, film and gaming while working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Zynga, Disney Interactive, Paramount Pictures Animation, and Illumination Entertainment.

Mann is the co-founder and CEO of the BRIC Foundation, an organization set up to solve how to create new access points for women and people from underrepresented groups so they can excel at creative leadership and to enable culture change through engaging and empowering talent.

As creative and supporter of talent, Mann is passionate about storytelling and identifying and working with inspiring creators that can continue to elevate the animation industry.

Sam Newman (Judge) - Creative Executive, Semi-Formal Productions

Sam Newman is currently a Creative Executive at Semi-Formal Productions. The company was co-founded by Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick and has expanded with their First Look Deal with WarnerMedia streaming platform.

During the past few years, Sam has had a role in the production of their award winning films and series, which include: the Emmy Award Winning series THE DROPOUT (Hulu), the two time Oscar Winning film THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE (Searchlight Pictures), the Oscar-nominated THE BIG SICK (Amazon), the Emmy-winning series GRACE & FRANKIE as well as SEARCH PARTY (Max) starring Alia Shawkat, THE SHRINK NEXT DOOR (Apple), I LOVE YOU FOR THAT (Showtime), SPOILER ALERT (Focus) and more! Sam has worked with writers such as Elizabeth Merriwether, Sharon Horgan, Georgia Pritchett, Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae, Charles Rogers, Dan Savage and among others. As well as with producers Nina Jacobsen (THE HUNGER GAMES) and Christine Vachon (CAROL).

Sam started his career at ICM Partners, HBO, Color Force, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Killer Films and ABC.

Sam works across genres, formats and budget levels (and has worked on small indie films to features with budgets over $50 million). He enjoys championing up and coming voices with fresh perspectives and new stories to tell.

Ryan Noggle (Judge) - Writer,

Born and raised in Indiana, Ryan Noggle is a writer/producer/lyricist whose credits include stints at Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, CBS’s hit comedy The Neighborhood, starring Cedric the Entertainer, Netflix’s Marlon, starring Marlon Wayans, Nickelodeon, SYFY, and Dreamworks Animation. Ryan also served as the head writer of the CBS Sketch Comedy Showcase. Ryan recently completed writing his first full-length musical, currently being workshopped in New York.

Tyler Straessle (Judge) - Television Writer,

Tyler Straessle is a television writer who specializes in TV Comedy. He started his career as an intern on THE DAILY SHOW, and then worked on the production staff of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES during its eighth season. While there, he developed a good relationship with showrunner Marc Cherry, who took Tyler on as his assistant on his next venture, DEVIOUS MAIDS. Tyler also worked in the writer's rooms of huge comedies like PARKS & RECREATION and MASTER OF NONE before landing a position on THE GOOD PLACE, where he stayed throughout its three-year run.

Jackie Wertheimer (Judge) - Manager of Comedy Development, Sony

Jackie Wertheimer is a Manager of Comedy Development at Sony. Prior to her time at Sony, Jackie worked in the Comedy Touring department at UTA. Jackie also worked at NBCUniversal in Scripted Content and in USA/Syfy Alternative Programs, Oxygen Network in Production and Operations, 3 Arts Entertainment, and CBS on the show THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.

Michael Wormser (Judge) - Founder/Executive Producer, Cinemand

Michael Wormser is a producer and PGA member, who produced and distributed the psychological horror-thriller SMILEY, which was released through AMC Independent.

 

Michael also produced the the horror-comedy SOME GUY WHO KILLS PEOPLE, which was Executive Produced by John Landis and released through Anchor Bay Entertainment. Michael next produced the YA dystopian thriller THE THINNING for Legendary Entertainment, starring Logan Paul and Peyton List, acquired by YouTube Originals, and garnering a Streamy nomination for Best Feature.

 

Michael has produced features for Lakeshore Entertainment, Netflix, and IFC Films, as well as series for Fox Television Studios, Hulu, Netflix, and 20th Century Fox Digital.

Brandon Tamburri (Judge) - Founder, Director, Producer, Joke Zero

Brandon Tamburri is the director, producer, and co-writer of the upcoming comedy feature film Plan B starring Jamie Lee (HBO's Crashing), Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Tom Berenger (Platoon), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), and Kate Flannery (The Office). Tamburri produced the film under his comedy venture, Joke Zero. Prior to Joke Zero, Tamburri directed and produced several projects for National Lampoon including the National Lampoon Radio Hour which was distributed by Roku. Though he specializes in comedy, he also served as an Associate Producer on A24's hit feature film Hereditary which premiered at Sundance in 2018 before going on to gross over $80M at the box office.

Liz Dickler (Judge & Mentor) - Producer, Anders Media, Inc

Liz Dickler has been consulting at Anders Media, Inc. for both scripted and non-scripted television series.

Liz started her executive career at ABC Studios in both Current and Development. She worked on series including "CRIMINAL MINDS", "SCRUBS", "ACCORDING TO JIM", and "KYLE XY".

She then went to work at A&E as the VP of Drama Programming, overseeing series, such as "THE GLADES" and "BREAKOUT KINDS" along with Movies of the Week. Next, she joined Lionsgate as their VP of Television shepherding projects including "ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK" and "CHASING LIFE".

She is known for her ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with writers and production companies. Having worked closely with Stan Lee, Adam Glass, Nancy Miller, Alli Shearmur, Zoe Saldana, Evolution Media, and Televisa.

 

Sivert Glarum (Judge & Mentor) - Showrunner, Producer (HBO Max, FOXTV, NBC, CBS, Nick at Nite & more),

Sivert Glarum is a television showrunner, producer and writer with over two decades of experience working in edgy comedy and animation. Currently, Sivert serves as Co-Executive Producer on Tacoma FD (TruTv/HboMax). Previously, Sivert has worked on hit shows such as KING OF THE HILL, BEAVIS & BUTTHEAD, JUST SHOOT ME, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT and has produced on projects for HBO Max, CBS, FOX TV, NBC, TruTV, YouTube Red, IFC, Nick at Nite and TV Land.

He has showrun Marc Maron’s comedy MARON on IFC, animated series GLENN MARTIN DDS on Nick at Nite, and YouTube Red’s RHETT AND LINK’S BUDDY SYSTEM. When Sivert isn’t writing or running shows, he helps young writers develop their craft and trains new showrunners on breaking story and character.

ENTRANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Void where prohibited by law.

This Stage 32 Contest is an international contest. Must be 18 years or older to submit.

Entrant agrees to Stage32.com terms and conditions.

This Stage 32 Contest is not a game of chance. All material is read and reviewed by industry professionals.

All quarterfinalists, semi-finalists, finalists and winners are subjectively determined by our judges.

There is no limit to the number of screenplays an Entrant can enter. The same screenplay cannot be submitted multiple times under different names. If so, you will be disqualified.

Entrant must not be an immediate family member or friend of any of the judges or their respective companies.

Entrant acknowledges that because of the judges' and mentors' position in the entertainment industry they receive numerous submissions of ideas, formats, stories, suggestions and the like and that many such submissions heretofore or hereafter received by them are similar to or identical to those developed by them or their employees or, if an agent, are otherwise available to them.

Entrant acknowledges that they will not be entitled to any compensation because of the use by judges or mentors of any such similar material.

Entrant acknowledges that no fiduciary or confidential relationship now exists between Entrant and judges or mentors, and Entrant further acknowledges that no such relationships are established between Entrant and judges or mentors by reason of this contest entry.

Entrants must submit screenplays and payment online.

Entrants must upload their submission within 72 hours of entry purchase.

Entry fees will not be returned or adjusted.

No waivers are available for this contest.

SCREENPLAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Screenplays should be written in English and in standard industry format.

The rights to the Entrant’s screenplay should not have been previously optioned or sold.

The Entrant retains the rights to his or her screenplay at all times.

Entrant’s screenplay must not have been produced.

The screenplay can be submitted with or without a title page and/or contact information.

After a screenplay is entered, no new drafts or corrected pages can be made by the Entrant unless it is confirmed in our records that the Entrant has paid for the "Resubmission" option.

Screenplay must be submitted as a PDF document.

Screenplay must be the original work of the Entrant and may not be based whole or in part on any fictional or non-fictional material, published or unpublished, produced or unproduced for which the Entrant does not have rights. Neither Stage 32 nor its judges investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.

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.

This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. Updated drafts will need to be sent to contests@stage32.com to be scored.