Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on THE MOTHER, THOR, ROAD HOUSE, RAY DONOVAN, THE ROOKIE, NCIS: LA, THE GREEN HORNET, FBI: MOST WANTED, BARBARIAN, 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!
The best action/thriller movies combine intense, well-choreographed action sequences with a gripping, suspenseful plot, strong character development, exciting action set pieces, and unexpected twists to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Classic action/thriller shows like CSI or GAME OF THRONES are some of the most watched series of all time and keep spawning spin-off series. Current action/thriller franchises like JOHN WICK, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, and FAST & FURIOUS won't stop delivering amazing sequels to fans. So far this year, DUNE: PART TWO is the second highest grossing movie of any 2024 release. And this summer BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE surged into the Top Ten at the box office with a strong global run. Audiences are always ready for that next action/thriller hit -- and we want it be YOURS!
We are on the hunt for ALL types of action/thriller scripts - all stories are welcome!
We are looking for action/thriller feature scripts like:
We are looking for action/thriller TV scripts like:
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 an action/thriller 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!
Would you like feedback on your submission or the option to make changes and resubmit?
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 November 15th, 2024. See full terms in the Rules Section.
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 September 28th, 2024. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.
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 September 23rd, 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:
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 Finalists Lookbook which includes your 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:
Super Early Bird Deadline: July 11th, 2024
Early Bird Deadline: July 31st, 2024
Regular Deadline: August 21st, 2024
Final Deadline: September 18th, 2024
Quarterfinalist Announcement: November 15th, 2024
Semifinalist Announcement: November 29th, 2024
Finalist Announcement: December 20th, 2024
Winner Announcement: January 3rd, 2025
Would you like feedback on your submission or the option to make changes and resubmit?
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 November 15th, 2024. See full terms in the Rules Section.
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 September 28th, 2024. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.
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 September 23rd, 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.
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 winner, Kate Jay gained massive traction on her winning script SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, as she took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Citizen Skull, Art/Work Entertainment, MAKE GOOD Content, and more! -- all actively working on and looking for action/thriller content.
Our first annual Winner, Gregg Guest, booked his first big screenwriting gig through Stage 32 after winning the contest!
"It's not just contests and booking gigs I like about Stage 32, it's the people also! Stage 32 is an amazing community of immensely talented and creative folks." -- Gregg Guest
Still don't believe us? Previous contest winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency! Check out her video here:
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 Contest 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!
Scott Schulman is a Literary Manager who staffs writers at major Networks and Streamers, and is a champion of helping writers break into the industry! He is currently building a roster of emerging voices and has a passion for representing and inspiring writers.
He currently represents the Co-Ep of the hit Netflix series "THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY", and has clients on the shows: "Dumped" (Netflix), "FBI: Most Wanted" (CBS), "NCIS: LA" (CBS), "SO Help Me Todd" (CBS)
One of his clients recently sold one of their pilots to Netflix carried through by 21 Laps (FREE GUY, "STRANGER THINGS").
Scott went off on his own after working at More/Medavoy Management. He first started representing actors and then transitioned to writers. As a manager he is also very adamant about breaking the barrier for women by helping get their voices heard.
Before More/Medavoy, Schulman was at A3 Artist Agency for a year as a junior agent in below the line packaging. He got his start working at Fremantle with over 200 Titles in business affairs in both scripted and non-scripted television. He is currently doing business with 21 Laps, Sugar 23, Phoenix Pictures, Omaha Productions, Fabel Entertainment, Mar Vista, CBS and Netflix.
Scott previously served on the Board of Directors for the entertainment organization, HRTS Associates. “Dream big and dare to fail”, says Schulman.
Prior to Patriot Pictures, he served as Head of Development at the award-winning design, visual effects, and virtual reality studio Aaron Sims Creative where he was in charge of all creative production as the studio transitioned into Unreal Engine Animation and Virtual Production workflows. Aaron Sims Creative brings iconic characters and worlds to life including, READY PLAYER ONE, PLANET OF THE APES, I AM LEGEND, THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN, CLASH OF THE TITANS, THE CONJURING, and "STRANGER THINGS".
Tyler began his career as an Executive in Training at Regency Enterprises, Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment. He spent three years working on productions for HBO and Marvel Studios while creating his own short-form work. Tyler's short projects have screened at numerous festivals namely SUNDANCE, SLAMDANCE, TRIBECA, and HOLLYSHORTS.
Sam Newman is currently a Creative Executive at Semi-Formal Productions. The company was co-founded by Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick and signed a multi-year first-look film deal with Amazon MGM Studios in July 2024, following a previous long-term deal at Warner Media.
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 THAT FOR YOU (Showtime), SPOILER ALERT (Focus), the 2025-slated Paramount Plus podcast series adaptation HAPPY FACE, 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.
Award winning Producer Steven Adams is a Founder of ALTA GLOBAL MEDIA where he represents international talent & media companies and is actively developing television and film projects with his clients. Adams also serves as Chief Strategist for Alta Global PR, the Marketing division of Alta Global Media.
Adams served for 4 years as VFX Executive Producer with Paris-based VFX house BUF. VFX EP credits there include such Academy Award winners as James Cameron’s AVATAR, Ang Lee’s LIFE OF PI, THOR for Marvel Studios, as well as GREEN LANTERN, GREEN HORNET, Stephen Sommers’ ODD THOMAS, and Tim Burton’s DARK SHADOWS.
Adams produced the Peabody Award winning A HUEY P NEWTON STORY, directed by Spike Lee. Other Luna Ray credits include BURNING SHADOWS, GOD’S WAITING LIST, JUSTICE, MY FATHER BELIZE and the indie pilot IT'S NOT ABOUT JIMMY KEENE, an official selection at Sundance 2019.
He is a frequent public speaker at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, The Motion Picture Academy Content London, and a host of others. Steven began his career at the Paradigm Talent and Literary Agency. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America, the Television Academy, Advisory Board member Catalyst Content Festival, Content London and the Los Angeles Art Association Advisory Board and serves as Board Ambassador for the Blackhouse Foundation, an official partner of the Sundance Institute.
Sofia Rovaletti is the Director of Development at the management and production company MoJo Global Arts, with an extensive understanding of the film and TV industry from concept development to the sales process.
Mojo Global Arts in July 2022, Mojo Global Arts optioned a feature script from Stage 32 writer Michael Mendershausen after he connected with her through Stage 32!
Mojo Global Arts was founded by Producer Morris Ruskin who has produced approximately sixty films including GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS. Sofia is the Executive Producer of the Feature Film MID-CENTURY which stars Bruce Dern and is being released through Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Previously, she worked in acquisitions for the sales agency Shoreline Entertainment.
In her current role, she actively seeks new and diverse content and creators to feed the company’s slate.
Born in Argentina, she studied directing at the Eliseo Subiela Film School and earned a bachelor’s degree at the National University of the Arts. In Argentina, she worked in feature films such as OPERATION FINALE -directed by Chris Weitz for Netflix and MGM.
Her passion and personal mission as a content creator and developer are to help create emotional, diverse, and exhilarating stories that introduce a different insight into meaningful social topics and inspire people to change the world, through innovation and creativity.
Aengus McLoone is the founder of Antihero Entertainment, where he focuses on horror, thrillers, sci-fi, and finding IP for TV and film adaptation. Since founding Antihero, he has sold a grounded sci-fi series to NBC with partners at Vertigo and Atomic Monster (THE CONJURING UNIVERSE), a series to Freevee with Steven Schneider (PARANORMAL ACTIVITY) and Vertigo, and a 1-hour adult animated horror series to Amazon with Vertigo. He has three features in development with Vertigo, including one based on a horror comic with Wattpad-Webtoon Studios, another to be written and directed by Ken Kobayashi (MOVE ON, HIT MONKEY, SUNNY), and another with director Chloe Okuno (WATCHER) attached. Aengus also has a thriller set up and financed by Limelight (PAM & TOMMY) and several comic books in development with showrunners like Patrick Somerville (MANIAC, STATION ELEVEN), Joe Mallozzi (STARGATE), and Matt Arnold (SIBERIA, EMERALD CITY).
Prior to founding Antihero Entertainment, Aengus worked for Roy Lee at Vertigo Entertainment as their Director of Development. At Vertigo, he worked on high-profile projects like IT, NIMONA, DON’T WORRY DARLING, THE MOTHER, BARBARIAN, and HIS HOUSE. Before joining Vertigo, Aengus transitioned to management at Management 360, where he worked in both talent and literary departments and developed the horror script MAN ALIVE, which sold to FOX with Noah Hawley (FARGO) attached to direct.
Aengus began his career as an assistant in talent at ICM before becoming an agent trainee at Paradigm Talent Agency. He is currently working on several feature pitches and a TV pitch based on his serialized horror podcast THE BURNED PHOTO, which he produced for Vertigo.
Harry Lowell is an award-winning Producer, Showrunner, and Television Academy member. Harry has worked in collaboration with talents such as Kevin Hart, Paul Rudd, Pierce Brosnan, and Gwen Stefani. He began his career at Disney on projects including MEET THE ROBINSONS, UP, and WALL•E.
Harry founded NiteLite Pictures in Los Angeles where he develops and produces scripted TV series, documentaries, and unscripted docu-series for networks and studios ranging from SyFy Channel and Disney to Discovery Channel and BBC America. NiteLite has co-productions deals with UK entity Berkley and has worked with the likes of Neil Brennan, LeBron James, Andra Day, and Peter Berg.
His film work includes the feature LOCKED IN starring Ben Barnes, Eliza Dushku and Sarah Roemer, ALASKAN STEEL MAN, and the award-winning immigration documentary #WeLaGente.
Recently, David hired a writer he met through Stage 32 to write the thriller he produced, DESOLATION, distributed by Gravitas Ventures. David has optioned two Stage 32 scripts and helped get another Stage 32 member a writing assignment with producer Luke Edwards.
Kevin has been integral to the early development and sales of "BATES MOTEL" for A&E, the 2016 Emmy-nominated "ROOTS" for History, STEPHEN KING'S SALEM'S LOT for TNT, THE MISTS OF AVALON for TNT, HELTER SKELTER for CBS, THE BAD SEED for Lifetime and more.
Thomas Pemberton is the Development Executive at Mind's Eye Entertainment under producer Kevin DeWalt. They are currently in production on DIE ALONE starring Carrie Ann Moss and Frank Grillo announced in the Hollywood Reporter. Mind’s Eye has produced over $400 million in production and has garnered over 50 national and international awards.
Thomas has worked on DANGEROUS with Mel Gibson and Famke Janssen, THE RECALL with Wesley Snipes, HUMANITY BUREAU with Oscar-winner Nicholas Cage, DISTORTED with Christina Ricci and John Cusack, DAUGHTER OF THE WOLF with Oscar-winner Richard Dreyfus, SCORE TO SETTLE again with Nicholas Cage, and a YA series based on the best selling books called AVALON.
Minds Eye Entertainment has produced over 60 feature film and television projects. The company has been instrumental in establishing the Canadian film and television industry with exceptional, exportable projects that have sold to over 200 territories around the world. With an expertise in international co-production and financing, Minds Eye has co-produced films with many countries including France, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, USA and the UK. Minds Eye Entertainment’s television portfolio includes the period mini-series THE ENGLISHMAN’S BOY and PRAIRIE GIANT: THE TOMMY DOUGLAS STORY, as well as the one-hour legal drama series JUST CAUSE, the action adventure teen series 2030CE, MY GLOBAL ADVENTURE, MYTHQUEST, MENTORS and INCREDIBLE STORY STUDIO, which sold to more than 170 countries and multiple networks including The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and YTV.
Thomas has a keen eye for great material and is quick to champion material he believes in. He discovered three writers through Stage 32 who now have their projects under option with Mind’s Eye Entertainment!
Mike Griffin is a talent manager and producer at Luber Roklin Entertainment. Mike works in artist management and creative development where his focus is TV/film production in both animation and live action along with representing actors, comedians, and screenwriters.
Mike previously worked at MAKE GOOD Content, a talent management firm and production company, alongside Paul Young, the Emmy-winning producer of KEY AND PEELE, who founded and ran Principato-Young Entertainment for 17 years.
Paul and Mike produced dozens of movies and television shows, including RENO 911 for Comedy Central, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE and KEANU for WB/New Line, WOMAN IN THE BOOK for Crypt TV & Facebook Watch, and the hit docuseries, THE COMEDY STORE for Showtime which chronicled the epic history of the World Famous Comedy Store on Sunset. Mike and MAKE GOOD is partnered with Starburns Industries, the animation studio behind RICK AND MORTY and the Oscar-nominated ANOMALISA.