1st Annual TV Comedy Screenwriting Contest

THE WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED!

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE WINNER!

The Grand Prize Winner will be flown to Hollywood to have private one-on-one meetings with some of the most prolific writers, producers, literary managers and executives from top television companies including Will Smith's Westbrook Studios, ViacomCBS, The Cartel Management Company and the creative minds behind "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "YOU'RE THE WORST", "2 BROKE GIRLS", "BLACK JESUS" and more!

ALL Finalists will not only receive exposure to our incredible panel of Television mentors, but they will also have their titles and loglines featured in the Stage 32's industry Look Book which will be sent to over 500 executives and professionals who work directly with Stage 32. If an executive requests your script or a meeting with you, we will facilitate!

It’s no secret that we’re in a new Golden Age of Television. With audiences’ increasing desires for escapism and purely bingeable TV, there is perhaps no greater demand for new material than within Televised Comedies. Series like TED LASSO on Apple+, PEN15 and RAMY on Hulu, BARRY and INSECURE on HBO, ASTRONOMY CLUB on Netflix, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL on Amazon, critics and global audiences alike can’t get enough. Not only are these shows changing the way that we watch television but, in many cases, they’re actually changing the way that we view the world. Hilarious writers and ingenious creators have dramatically upped the game with televised comedic storytelling. The next batch of new TV comedies needs to be even better, even bolder and even more groundbreaking.

As always, Stage 32 is on the cutting edge of the industry and invites you to answer the call for gut-busting, thought provoking comedy pilots!

STAGE 32 IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE OUR 

1ST ANNUAL TV COMEDY SCREENWRITING CONTEST!

For the first time ever, Stage 32 is looking specifically for the most revolutionary voice in comedic television writing. Our mission is to give that writer a platform to launch their career. And true to form, we’re giving you exclusive access to professionals from across television. Your work could be read by the creative comedic minds behind “IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY”, “YOU’RE THE WORST,” “2 BROKE GIRLS”, “SCHITT’S CREEK”, “WILL SMITH’S BUCKET LIST,” “BLACK JESUS,” “SCRUBS” and more!

Our panel of judges are not only experts in the field of televised comedy, but they are actively on the hunt for both new writers and new material.

So go ahead and make ‘em laugh! (...No pressure.) Remember that Comedy is a deceptively nuanced genre: Dark Comedies, Multi-Cam Slapstick Sitcoms, grounded Single-Cam Comedies, Comedic Horror, Serio-Comedies, biting Satires, you name it, we want to see it. Because in this Golden Age of Television, Comedies are more fresh, more boundary-pushing and more sought after than ever, and your story should be out there continuing to change the game. Give us all you’ve got and dare big.

Stage 32 is your key to exclusive access & unprecedented opportunity.

“Winning [the 3rd Annual Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenwriting Contest] feels like a game changer. Stage 32 bought me a week in LA, flown out on their dime, for a week of meetings with reps and producers. These are real industry people. Stage32 becomes like your manager in a way. They prep you before. They follow up with them after. They are the bridge and they go over and above! I had my first official meeting not even 2 hours off the freakin’ plane." - Bill Poore, Winner, 3rd Annual Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenwriting Contest

"Stage 32 stayed involved, set me up with new meetings, introduced me to a producer who is interested in optioning...Stage 32 kept in contact long after they had any obligation to. They kept passing [my script] AVALANCHE around, championing it on my behalf. This led to a meeting with First Friday Entertainment, who were sent the script, read, and loved. Both parties felt the vibe and they are now my representation." - Eric Jeske, Winner, Stage 32 Screenwriting Contest

"I suddenly had people with real industry knowledge and connections in my corner. Not only did Jason Mirch help prep me for all the meetings they were setting up for me, but he helped me create an entire pitch deck (and helped me realize that I actually want to get this show made, not just use it as a writing sample)." - Jenny Rauch, Winner, Stage 32 Screenwriting Contest

The Stage 32 team will work tirelessly to propel the winner (and finalists) of this competition to new heights. So, do you have a unique voice that needs to be shared with the world? Do you have a fresh story that will change the game of television comedies? Are you ready to play at the top of the industry? Then this competition is for you, my friend.

Who are the judges? 

Our panel of judges are not only experts in the field of understanding Television Comedy, but are on the hunt for new writers and material. The Grand Prize Winner will be flown to LA (travel permitting) and meet with judges and mentors including:

• Ashley Henderson, Television Coordinator, Westbrook Studios ("AMEND") 
• Janean Jeffries, Senior Coordinator, ViacomCBS ("SCHITT'S CREEK")
• Liz Dickler, Producer & Executive, "ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK", "SCRUBS"
• David Shecter, Writer, "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "2 BROKE GIRLS"
• Heath Cullens, Director, "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "YOU'RE THE WORST"
• Audrey Knox, Literary Manager, The Cartel (Client credits include "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "CALIFORNICATION")

ALL FINALISTS will be in a Stage 32 Look Book which includes their script title, logline & bio mailed to over 500 industry executives including, managers, agents, producers, development executives, and financiers! Stage 32 Look Books are respected throughout the industry and have helped secure dozens meetings and which have led to writer success with companies 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 Gets Results!

Stage 32 screenwriting and television writing competitions have springboarded over TWENTY screenwriting careers! All of these writers have either been signed, optioned, or are now working screenwriters in the industry.

Jenny Rauch - Winner of the 5th Annual Comedy Writing Contest

Some highlights from Stage 32 contest winners and finalists in the last 12 months alone include:

• Eric Jeske - was signed by literary managers Krista Sipp and Devon Byers of First Friday Entertainment after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32!
• Greg Mania - was signed by Laina Cohn and Jon Taub of Cohn/Torgan Management after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32!
• Christina Pamies - was signed by prolific spec script selling manager Jake Wagner of Alibi Entertainment after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32! She was hired to write the horror Thriller BAGHEAD for StudioCanal (see the announcement on Deadline here)!
• Christine Torres - signed with prolific manager and producer Brooklyn Weaver of Energy Entertainment after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32!
• See dozens of success stories below under "Our Track Record"

What Types Of Scripts Can I Enter?

This year, we’re looking for any and all original Comedic teleplays. 

Note: Please no Feature length screenplays or spec episodes based on existing series.

Feedback Option

For an additional fee of only $49 you can receive full coverage from our industry readers on your screenplay or teleplay. Just check "coverage" upon checkout. Coverage will be sent out after the winners are announced.

“I have ordered coverage from other services in the past- and some was good and some was bad- But this coverage was really excellent. One of the things that was really a plus for me was the fact the reader did not just point out some areas where things could be improved, he also gave some very good suggestions about dealing with those areas that needed work.” - Arthur Payne

“The reader clearly gave my script a thorough read—that doesn’t always happen! While I’ve been able to find nuggets of valuable information in most of the other feedback I’ve received, I’ve also had way too many head-scratching moments. Not one with the Stage 32 reader, whose comments were very insightful throughout. Her comment summary beautifully summed up the messages I had hoped to portray, which fed my soul. The suggestion she had is a good one, and I’m looking to where I can incorporate it in my script.” - Andrea Zastrow

Unprecedented access. Greater opportunities. Better exposure. More reads.

Real success!

Congratulations to our Winner!

Congratulations to our Finalists!

Congratulations to our Semifinalists!

Congratulations to our Quarterfinalists!

The Grand Prize Winner will be flown to Hollywood and sent on private one-on-one meetings with the panel of industry mentors including:

• Ashley Henderson, Television Coordinator, Westbrook Studios ("AMEND")
• Janean Jeffries, Senior Coordinator, ViacomCBS ("SCHITT'S CREEK")
• Liz Dickler, Producer & Executive, "ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK", "SCRUBS"
• David Shecter, Writer, "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "2 BROKE GIRLS"
• Heath Cullens, Director, "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "YOU'RE THE WORST"
• Audrey Knox, Literary Manager, The Cartel (Client credits include "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "CALIFORNICATION"

In addition, Stage 32's executive team will send your screenplay title, logline, writer bio & script synopsis to over 500 development executives, producers, managers & agents who work with Stage 32. If an executive requests the script or a meeting, we will facilitate the delivery.

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 and will be in a Stage 32 Look Book which includes their script title, logline & bio mailed to over 500 industry executives including, managers, agents, producers, development executives, and financiers! Stage 32 Look Books 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’s contests have gained a reputation as one of the “most worthwhile contests to change your career.” No other contest provides their winners and finalists with the same level of direct access to industry leading professionals who can take your career to the next level! Stage 32 has become an incubator for finding talent and material across the globe.

Ashley Henderson (Judge & Mentor) - Television Coordinator, Westbrook Studios

Ashley Henderson is the TV Coordinator at Westbrook Studios, a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., the media company launched in 2019 by founders Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada, focused on empowering artists to tell stories that connect the world. Led by Co-Presidents, Terence Carter (Television) and Jon Mone (Film).

Ashley recently made her transition into Television and formally was doubling as a Creative Executive at Busted Shark Productions, the company behind 2019 Toronto International Film Festival official selection BLACKBIRD starring Susan Sarandon and Kate Winslet, as well as, a Coordinator at The H Collective the producers behind BRIGHTBURN and THE PARTS YOU LOSE.

At Busted Shark Productions, she received an Associate Producer credit on the feature film WISH UPON directed by John R. Leonetti and starring Joey King & Ryan Phillippe. In addition, she will be receiving a Co-Producer credit on the upcoming film JOLT directed by Tanya Wexler and starring Kate Beckinsale and Stanley Tucci later in 2021.

Janean Jeffries (Judge) - Senior Coordinator, ViacomCBS

Janean Jeffries is the Senior Coordinator at ViacomCBS working directly with the Executive Vice President Head of Production for MTV, VH1, CMT, Paramount TV, Logo, Smithsonian Channel, MTV Studios, TVLand, Pluto TV, Comedy Central, and Pop which produced and distributed the hit series "SCHITT'S CREEK."

Paramount TV released THIS IS PERSONAL which took an insider look at the struggle for intersectional activism among the Women's March leadership. While Logo released "RUPAUL's DRAG RACE", "CHASING BEAUTY, and "HUNGRY". 

Janean has over 15 years experience in the entertainment industry, giving her a broad knowledge of what executives want and need on their screens. Previously, Janean worked for Love Life Entertainment & CBS Films.

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.

 

Heath Cullens (Judge & Mentor) - Director, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA,

Heath Cullens is best known for directing IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, GREAT MINDS WITH DAN HARMON, and YOU’RE THE WORST. Cullens’ other notable credits include IDIOTSITTER for Comedy Central, DEADBEAT for Hulu, and BLACK JESUS for Adult Swim.

Cullens produced the Lionsgate feature ARMED RESPONSE, starring Cary Elwes, Ethan Embry, and Alan Arkin.

Before transitioning to TV and film, he spent several years in the New York theater scene where he worked with New York Theatre Workshop, Playwrights Horizons, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Urban Stages. Cullens is a recipient of a Drama League Directing Fellowship and a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab. He received his MFA from Brown University.

David Shecter (Judge & Mentor) - Writer (2 BROKE GIRLS, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA),

David Shecter has has been in the industry for over a decade. David was first acclimated into TV production when he worked on season 5 of “IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA". Eventually David landed on the pilot of the CBS show 2 BROKE GIRLS where he worked his way up as a staff writer on the 6th and final season of the show. He has written and produced two episodes of 2 BROKE GIRLS.

From his early years in the industry he has cultivated strong relationships with Emmy winners Michael Patrick King (SEX AND THE CITY, THE COME BACK, 2 BROKE GIRLS) Max Mutchnick & Dave Kohan (WILL AND GRACE), Greg Malins (WILL AND GRACE), and John Riggi (30 ROCK, THE COMEBACK).

He is currently developing a female driven action comedy cop show with New Form and STX Entertainment. Most recently David was named one of the WGA TV Writer access honorees for his script FOR WORSE.

Audrey Knox (Judge) - 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.