8th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Screenwriting Contest

NEW THIS YEAR - Our Grand Prize Winner will be mentored by Tory Tunnell, longtime Showrunner/Producer of hit Sci-Fi shows and movies such as MONARCH, ATLAS, and KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD!

PLUS - Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on MARVEL'S MOON KNIGHT, THE FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER, THE X-FILES, THE RANGERS, MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM, and more!

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

Open to Features and Pilot Scripts!

A great sci-fi/fantasy movie or TV show captivates audiences by seamlessly blending rich and imaginative worlds with relatable characters, thought-provoking futuristic themes, and groundbreaking storytelling. Classic science fiction franchises like STAR TREK or STAR WARS are some of the most watched series of all time, in both the film and television spaces. Current shows like SEVERANCE, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, and DOCTOR WHO have fans waiting on the edge of their couches for a new season. Audiences are always ready for that next sci-fi/fantasy hit -- and we want it be YOURS!

We are on the hunt for ALL types of sci-fi/fantasy scripts - all stories are welcome! We are looking for scripts like:

SEVERANCE, FOR ALL MANKIND, FOUNDATION, GEN V, BLACK MIRROR, SILO, THE MANDALORIAN, THE LAST OF US, THEY CLONED TYRONE, LOLA, MARS ONE, THE EXPANSE, SPACEMAN, THE CREATOR, HIGH LIFE, SNOWPIERCER, ARRIVAL, 12 MONKEYS, STARSHIP TROOPERS, POOR THINGS, FINCH, FOE, INTERSTELLAR, PRIMER, AD ASTRA, THE MIDNIGHT SKY, REBEL MOON, LOOPER, OBLIVION, DAMSEL, GRIMM, THE MAGICIANS, SHADOW & BONE

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

For the last 13 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 sci-fi/fantasy 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 feedback on your submission or the option to make changes and resubmit?

Discounted Feedback Option

We offer discounted script coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on September 20th, 2024. See full terms in the Rules Section.

Immediate Feedback & Resubmission Option

We offer the option to get immediate script coverage when you submit and the ability to re-submit a revised draft to the contest for $99.00. See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. With this option, you will receive coverage/notes within 5-days from when you submit your script and you have up to 10 days after the final deadline to submit a new draft.

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 July 27th, 2024. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

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 July 22nd, 2024. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

You cannot re-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:

• Be mentored by Tory Tunnell, longtime Showrunner/Producer of hit Sci-Fi shows and movies such as MONARCH:LEGACY OF MONSTERS, ATLAS, and KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD, along with some of Tory's MONARCH co-creators.
• Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with:
  • Louis Heinberg, Literary Manager, Thruline Entertainment (Client credits include THE X-FILES, MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM)
  • Rodrigo Moscoso, Literary Manager, Zero Gravity Management (MOON KNIGHT, THE FALCON & THE WINTER SOLDIER)
  • Chelsea Matthews, Producer, Fossil Record Films (GLASS ONION, TRUE DETECTIVE)
  • Ron Newcomb, Producer, The Forge Studios (THE RANGERS, THE RANGERS: BLOODSTONE)
  • Kacie Lehner, Producer, Good Soil Collective (THE GATEWAY, YOU'RE NOT ALONE)
  • Jonny Paterson, Producer, JP International Productions (HALFWAY, THE PERFECT FIND)
  • Casey Malone, Head of Production & Original Content Development, Breleased Productions (FINCH, THE WITCHES)
  • Ewan Dunbar, Producer, Red Stag Entertainment (WOLFLAND, ZERO TOLERANCE)

• 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: May 16th, 2024

Early Bird Deadline: June 5th, 2024

Regular Deadline: June 26th, 2024

Final Deadline: July 17th, 2024

Quarterfinalist Announcement: September 20th, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: October 4th, 2024

Finalist Announcement: October 25th, 2024

Winner Announcement: November 8th, 2024

Script Coverage & Resubmission Options

Would you like feedback on your submission or the option to make changes and resubmit?

Discounted Feedback Option

We offer discounted script coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on September 20th, 2024. See full terms in the Rules Section.

Immediate Feedback & Resubmission Option

We offer the option to get immediate script coverage when you submit and the ability to re-submit a revised draft to the contest for $99.00. See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. With this option, you will receive coverage/notes within 5-days from when you submit your script and you have up to 10 days after the final deadline to submit a new draft.

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 July 27th, 2024. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

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 July 22nd, 2024. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

You cannot re-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 winner, Josh Miller gained massive traction on his winning script TIME TOURISTS and two more of his scripts, as he took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Citizen Skull, Unique Features, LBI Entertainment, First Story Entertainment, Perfect Storm Entertainment, Majestic Productions, and more!  -- all actively working on and looking for sci-fi/fantasy content.

Like Josh shared: "Living in our imaginations is a valid career choice and we should never give up on our dreams!"

"Keep writing, keep submitting, keep improving your scripts and breakthroughs will happen!" -- Josh Miller

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

Past Sci-Fi winners, like Bill Poore went on to sign with a manager! In his own words, "This contest feels like a game changer."

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Winner John Dummer went on a whirlwind tour of meetings after his win, which lead toWonder Woman Producer Stephen Jones sending John's script to Atlas Entertainment (Justice League, Suicide Squad), as well as Talent Agent Shawn Burns sending out his script to managers that specialize in sci-fi writers!

Per John: "I don't imagine there is a contest that can do more for you than this one!"

Our Grand Prize Winner Ben Gross, writer of THE LADIES' GUIDE TO HACKING met and worked with manager Daniel Vang from Good Fear Film + Management, was commissioned to write a script for Daniel Herther, VP of Development from Baker Entertainment Group, met with Spencer Malof from the Illusinarium, and was mentored by Marc Zicree (Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica).

Our 2nd Place Winner, Ryan Lee, writer of TOWER 9 was optioned by studio producer Mitchell Peck!

More Contest Winners Christina Pamies, Jonathan Jordan, and 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.

Previous 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!

Louis Heinberg (Judge) - Literary Manager, Thruline Entertainment

Louis Heinberg is a Literary Manager at Thruline Entertainment, a talent and literary management company that takes a long-term approach to developing meaningful relationships and includes an entrepreneurial, bespoke approach to talent and literary representation. There, he specializes in working with Television writers, having built a keen eye for under-represented and up-and-coming scribes. Louis has a passion for all things Genre/sci-fi/thriller. He resonates deeply with anything left of center.

Thruline has been honored with the world's most prestigious awards, including Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, Grammys, and BAFTAs. Thruline features a roster of more than 300 clients. They represent several major film and television stars as well as some of the most prestigious long-form television and film writers in the UK and Australia, diverse acting talent from the UK, Australia, France, Russia, Germany, Israel, and Canada, and a stable of writers and directors at the top of their respective fields. By taking a holistic and long-term approach to career management, Thruline has helped clients develop their voices across multiple platforms, allowing them to freely navigate between television, film, online, theater, and publishing.

Louis has accumulated an impressive network at a young age, and is always on the hunt for new and exciting talent. Louis began his career at The Gersh Agency in Los Angeles after graduating from Colgate University in 2018 where he earned a degree in English Literature and Language.

Rodrigo Moscoso (Judge) - Literary Manager, Zero Gravity Management

Rodrigo Moscoso is a Creative Executive and Literary Manager based in Los Angeles at Zero Gravity Management, a progressive entertainment company whose strength lies in the development and representation of screenwriters, directors, and actors. In the literary world, Zero Gravity’s reputation has been built upon its hands-on development process, working intimately with their clients to generate the most elevated and unique material possible. As creative executive at Zero Gravity Management, Rodrigo develops projects and talent from the ground up, with feet in both the production and management worlds.

With over five years of experience in the industry, Rodrigo has held roles in production, development, and literary management. Prior to joining Zero Gravity, he worked as a Creative Executive at The Radmin Company, a boutique literary management/production company that represents screenwriters and directors, where he developed scripts alongside the co-producer of MARVEL’S MOON KNIGHT and THE FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER, among other showrunners. and as a Development Coordinator at Luminate and VMI Worldwide. With his keen eye for talent and storytelling, Rodrigo plays a vital role in shaping the projects that come to life under Zero Gravity's banner.

 

Kacie Lehner (Judge) - Producer, Good Soil Collective

Kacie Lehner is a producer. Most recently, Kacie, alongside Jamal Watson former EVP of Monkeypaw Productions, launched Good Soil Collective where they have actively been developing several projects with high level talent, as well as developing and discovering up and coming creatives in multiple media spaces. Together they have also produced and line produced music videos, commercials, and digital content under the Good Soil banner. Clients worked with include: Netflix, Microsoft, Spotify, YouTube, Westbrook, Chevron, JustWater, I Love You, GitHub & KidzBop. They have many projects in development with several companies including: Netflix, Monkeypaw, Universal, Chorus Boy, Warner Brothers. In addition, they are developing a book franchise series, and in production have a short live action film directed by Anna Musky-Goldwyn and a short animated film directed by C. Craig Patterson.

Nearly a decade ago, Kacie began producing independent films, television, documentaries, and music videos at Running Brook Productions. Since going independent, Kacie has Executive Produced the Lionsgate film THE GATEWAY starring Olivia Munn (The Newsroom, X-Men Apocalypse) and directed by Michele Civetta (Executrix) and, alongside Jay Hernandez (Magnum P.I., Suicide Squad), produced the recent horror and psychological thriller, YOU’RE NOT ALONE starring Katia Winter (Legends of Tomorrow, Sleepy Hallow) and directed by Eduardo Rodriguez (Fright Night). She also contributed to the 2018 hit thriller, SEARCHING starring John Cho and Debra Messing and directed by Aneesh Chaganty.

Ron Newcomb (Judge) - Producer, The Forge Studios

Ron Newcomb is a producer who boasts a multifaceted career spanning over 25 years, with a focus on the art of storytelling. With a penchant for indie fantasy and sci-fi genres, Ron's creative journey spans various mediums, showcasing his versatile talent. Throughout his illustrious career, Ron has contributed to a diverse array of projects, from feature films to episodic content, shorts, and beyond. His works have been on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and even theatrical releases.

Ron Newcomb is one of the founding producers of The Fantasy Network, a network comprised of several fantasy companies: Arrowstorm Entertainment, Zombie Orpheus Entertainment, and his own The Forge Studios. The Fantasy Network aims to be the lead, go-to place for all things fantasy related, created for and by fantasy fans.

Prior to immersing himself in the world of filmmaking, Ron served in the Marines and later upheld the badge as a Police Officer, experiences that undoubtedly shape his narratives with authenticity and depth. While Ron's primary role leans toward producer, his passion for writing and directing remains undiminished. Armed with degrees in Business and Counseling, he brings a unique perspective to his storytelling, enriched by his life experiences.

Chelsea Matthews (Judge) - Producer, Rainy Day Pictures Ltd

Chelsea is a producer who has worked on over 30 films and television shows in various capacities including SHAMELESS (SHOWTIME), THIS IS US (NBC), STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX), THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE (FX), TRUE DETECTIVE (HBO), GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY (NETFLIX), and COCAINE BEAR (UNIVERSAL). Her most recent project was sold to Gunpowder & Sky, who have produced over 100 films.

Chelsea began her career in theatre and has worked as an assistant, food stylist and in the art department prior to getting into producing and launching her production company Fossil Record Films.

Jonny Paterson (Judge) - Producer & Executive, JP International Productions

Jonny Paterson is an LA-based producer and entertainment executive and formerly the Head of Development and Vice President of Television at Confluential Films where he built and oversaw their slate of features, scripted and unscripted TV, and premium documentaries. He has worked with Sony, Netflix, HBO Docs, Hulu and Peacock among others.

Earlier in his career he held positions at ICM and Lionsgate before spending 18 months in the office of Paula Wagner (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE franchise) at Chestnut Ridge Productions.

Jonny produces under his company banner, JP International Productions, and recently produced HALFWAY for Peacock starring Quinton Aaron (THE BLINDSIDE) and Jeffrey DeMunn (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, THE GREEN MILE, THE WALKING DEAD).

A native of Scotland, Jonny received his bachelor’s degree in English literature and history from the University of Leeds and his master’s degree in entertainment industry management from Carnegie Mellon University.

 

Tory Tunnell (Mentor) - Producer, Safehouse Pictures

Tory Tunnell is a producer and partner who runs Safehouse Pictures with her producing partner, Joby Harold. The duo currently have an overhead tv deal with Legendary TV and Amazon Prime for features.

Originally based in New York, Tunnell began her career producing independent features including HOLY ROLLERS starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha which premiered at Sundance 2009; TRUMBO starring Liam Neeson, Michael Douglas, Joan Allen, Nathan Lane, and Donald Sutherland, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival 2007; and AWAKE written and directed by Joby Harold starring Jessica Alba, Hayden Christensen, and Terrence Howard.

Tunnell and Harold have made films in a variety of genres. From Guy Ritchie’s KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD starring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law to the breakout comedy of SXSW MY BLIND BROTHER starring Adam Scott, Nick Kroll, and Jenny Slate to the critical hit tv show, UNDERGROUND about slaves escaping the south, to the ice skating drama SPINNING OUT on Netflix starring Kaya Scodelario and January Jones and Johnny Weir. 

Tunnell's latest projects are the upcoming films SPACE MOUNTAIN and ATLAS starring Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, and Sterling K. Brown both of which she will be producing alongside Harold. She is also working on the new show MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS with Legendary starring Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Ren Watabe, Anna Sawai, and Kiersey Clemons. Tunnell is developing the movie I.F. with Mike Mitchell attached to direct and Tiffany Haddish set to star.

Casey Malone (Judge) - Head of Production & Original Content Development, Breleased Productions

Casey Malone is a Producer/Development Executive working and living in Los Angeles. She is currently the Head of Production and Original Content Development at Breleased Productions, a social media production company which is expanding into building out a slate of original scripted Film and Television content. She meets with creators, writers, directors, actors, producers, always searching for new and incredible stories to tell. And with a penchant for horror, she'll never say no to a good ghost story!

 

Prior to her current role, Casey was a producer at Snapchat and a Creative Executive at ImageMovers the production company of feature film Writer/Director/Producer Robert Zemeckis. She now takes projects directly to ImageMovers as a Producer.

 

At ImageMovers, she worked on FINCH with Tom Hanks for Amblin Partners, Warner Bros.'s THE WITCHES, NBC 's "MANIFEST", and Disney's live-action PINOCCHIO.

 

Prior to working at ImageMovers, Casey worked in production and at CBS Television, including on "THE PRICE IS RIGHT".

Ewan Dunbar (Judge & Mentor) - Producer, Red Stag Entertainment

Ewan Dunbar is a Development Consultant and Producer at his company Red Stag Entertainment and the Head of Development at London based production house LSF, overseeing development and acquisitions of their in-house slate. Ewan has developed a range of projects that have made their way to companies including Netflix, Amazon/MGM, Disney+, studios, broadcasters, broadcasting partners and independent distributors. Ewan works closely with literary agents, managers, I.P. rights holders, writers and creatives to source and develop exciting, commercial and engaging original projects.

Ewan’s latest projects he has developed on include Pierce Brosnan led thriller Wolfland (featuring VFX by Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium), Nowhere Men starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid, and was an Executive Producer on Willem & Frieda presented by Stephen Fry and distributed by Film 4.

Over the last 15 years of his career Ewan has also worked in acquisitions, international sales, production management, assistant directing and film aviation services on titles including World War Z, Rush, 360, Berlin, I Love You starring Helen Mirren and Kiera Knightly and Zero Tolerance starring Scott Adkins. He has also appeared on judging panels at film festivals, mentored for a number of programs for both new and established content makers and was named in The Business of Film’s International Village of Independents.

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.