1st Annual Television Drama Writing Contest

WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED!

SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW THE WINNER.

The Grand Prize Winner will be flown to Hollywood (travel permitting) to meet one-on-one with our incredible panel of judges whose company and client credits include Emmy-winning “THE NIGHT OF”, “YELLOWSTONE’, Emmy-winning “DEXTER”, Emmy-winning “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”, Emmy-winning “SUCCESSION”, upcoming “GENERATION” and "DOOM PATROL" on HBOMax and more!

ALL Finalists will have exposure to these judges, & both their titles & loglines will be featured in our Industry LookBook (sent to over 500 executives & professionals who work directly with Stage 32)! Previous Stage 32 finalists have had their projects optioned &/or been signed because of their inclusion in our LookBooks!

Television Drama is crushing right now. Television Drama has expanded the possibilities for character exploration and led to storytelling that is beyond what any feature film could achieve. That is why series like THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT and BRIDGERTON on Netflix, EUPHORIA on HBO, YELLOWSTONE on Paramount, DEXTER on Showtime, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, and upcoming series like GENERATION on HBOMax are blowing away critics. Writers and producers of Television Drama are on the cutting edge of entertainment. And the next iteration of Television Drama will need to meet and exceed the expectations of an audience who are already enjoying television the likes of which have never been seen before.

And Stage 32 is ready to answer the call. In a first ever for Stage 32 - we are shining a light on writers who work in Television Drama. And we have once again blown the doors of the industry open and brought in executives from the most prolific producers in television to read your work. Your work could be read by executives at companies behind series including Emmy-winning “THE NIGHT OF”, “YELLOWSTONE’, Emmy-winning “DEXTER”, Emmy-winning “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”, Emmy-winning “SUCCESSION”, the upcoming series “GENERATION” on HBOMax, “DOPESICK” on Hulu, and many more! 

Our panel of judges are not only experts in the field of understanding Television Drama writing, but are on the hunt for new writers and material.

Stage 32 is proud to announce our 1st Annual Television Drama Writing Contest.

What are we looking for? Something dramatic. Television Drama has seemingly infinite sub-genres and we are open to them all. We want unique Dramas that have something new to say to audiences. Whether your story is a Gritty Crime Drama, Historical Drama, Horror Drama, Procedural Legal Drama, War-time Drama, Young Adult Drama, Sports Drama, Soap Opera Drama - or anything else in between - our judges want to see it! They are looking to get new ideas made and they want your best.

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

As Elizabeth Harmon says at the conclusion of “THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT”...“Let’s play.” 

This competition is designed to discover the most unique voice in television writing and give that person a platform to launch their career. And make no mistake - the Stage 32 team will work tirelessly to propel the winner (and finalists) of this competition to new heights. If you have a voice that needs to be heard. If you have a story that needs to be told. If you are ready to play at the top of the industry, then this competition is for you.

This year we are welcoming another all-star panel of judges and mentors from Emmy and Golden Globe-winning companies specializing in Television Drama including Bad Wolf, John Goldwyn Productions, HBOMax, and the minds behind series including ‘ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”, “YELLOWSTONE”, “CRIMINAL MINDS”, “KYLE XY”, and many more.

Who are the Judges?

Our panel of judges are not only experts in the field of understanding Television Drama writing, 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:

• Tracy Mercer, Senior Vice President, Amasia Entertainment ("DARK SHADOWS") 
• Aaron Kerman, Development Executive, Paramount Plus Originals ("Star Trek") 
• Mike Blutstein, Head of Television Development, John Goldwyn Productions (“DEXTER”, “DOPESICK”)
• Ashlie Sapiro, Development Manager, HBOMax (Lena Dunham’s "GENERATION”, “DOOM PATROL”)
• Harrison Rothman,  Literary Manager, Elevate Entertainment (client credits include “YELLOWSTONE”)
• Liz Dickler, Producer & Executive, (“ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”, “CRIMINAL MINDS”, “KYLE XY”)

PLUS...we will reveal an A-list mystery Industry Mentor during the competition! 

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.

Chris Torres signed with Energy Entertainment after a meeting set by Stage 32!

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 Drama teleplays.

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 found Stage 32’s contest coverage far better than some other services I have used in the past, where I felt almost assaulted. Please thank him or her for a well-done job. It was my first try with Stage 32 but it will not be my last." - Bob C.

"Stage 32 contest coverage is even better than some of the industry coverage I received. Thank you for these invaluable notes!" - E. Robinson

"The insight from my coverage from the Stage 32 contest helped me improve my script's dimension exponentially. I had looked at the script so much that I can't believe I missed a major plot point. Thank you!!" - S. Persons

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 from companies including:

Paramount Plus ("STAR TREK")

Amasia Entertainment ("DARK SHADOWS")

John Goldwyn Productions (“DEXTER”, “DOPESICK”)

HBOMax (Lena Dunham’s "GENERATION”, “DOOM PATROL”)

Elevate Entertainment (client credits include “YELLOWSTONE”)

Bad Wolf America (“THE NIGHT OF”, “SUCCESSION”)

Producer & Executive, (“ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”, “CRIMINAL MINDS”, “KYLE XY”)

PLUS...we will reveal an A-list mystery Industry Mentor during the competition!

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.

Tracy Mercer - Senior Vice President of Television, Amasia Entertainment

Tracy is Amasia Entertainment’s Senior VP of Television. She joined Amasia in 2017. Currently, Amasia is in development at The CW with a sequel series to Dan Curtis’ classic, DARK SHADOWS, to be showrun by Emmy-winner Mark B. Perry. Additional shows in development include BECAUSE THE NIGHT based on the James Ellory book.

Tracy began her film in production before working as a personal assistant to actress, Jennifer Aniston. After working as a script analyst for producers Jennifer and Suzanne Todd at Team Todd, Tracy took a story editor position with producer Rob Fried at Fried Films; there she worked on projects including THE BOONDOCK SAINTS, and HBO’S, WINCHELL. Tracy next joined producer Dan Halsted at Halsted Pictures, who was then partnered with Oliver Stone, where she worked in development on TNT’s WITCHBLADE and films including ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and THE ART OF WAR.

Tracy was next hired by her childhood hero, Gale Anne Hurd, at her company, Valhalla Motion Pictures. Tracy was the executive in charge of production on the PBS award-winning documentary, TRUE WHISPERS: THE STORY OF THE NAVAJO CODETALKERS and helped develop Ang Lee’s HULK, Marvel’s THE PUNISHER, and Karyn Kusama’s AEON FLUX.

After four years at Valhalla, she headed up development for Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman’s Revelations Entertainment, where she was involved in the development of films including INVICTUS, directed by Clint Eastwood, and 10 ITEMS OR LESS, directed by Brad Silberling.

Of all of her work at Revelations, she is most proud to have been instrumental in setting up, developing, and serving as an executive producer on the pilot of CBS’ hit series, MADAM SECRETARY. Working with TV showrunner Barbara Hall remains a career highlight. Tracy was a producer on 60 episodes of MADAM SECRETARY before moving on from Revelations to launch Amasia’s TV division

Creative Executive 180 (Judge) - Manager, Drama Development, HBOMax

Creative Executive 180 is the manager of original content at HBOMax, focusing primarily on Drama series. A lover of all character dramas and stories that defy genre and type, they are currently working on the upcoming Lena Dunham produced series "GENERATION", the reboot of "PRETTY LITTLE LIARS" with Roberto Aguierre Sacasa, "DOOM PATROL" and "TITANS" from the DC Universe, and the pilot for the beloved book, "RULES OF MAGIC".

They started their career working at CAA in the TV Literary department.

Aaron Kerman (Judge) - Development Executive, Originals Content Development, Paramount+

Aaron is a Development Executive in the Originals Content Development division of the recently launched Paramount+. He has worked on series including THE GOOD FIGHT, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, GUILTY PARTY, and WHY WOMEN KILL, among many others.

This executive have been at CBS Studios for the last three years. Prior to this, he was at WME for two years, working directly with the heads of TV and Talent. His is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Mike Blutstein (Judge) - Head of Television Development, John Goldwyn Productions

Mike Blutstein is the Head of Film and Television for the heavy hitting John Goldwyn Productions. Under the prolific producer, John Goldwyn, the company has been responsible for successes such as "DEXTER", THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, BABY MAMA and HOT ROD.

Mike’s position and taste have afforded him an expansive network including Hollywood’s top agents, writers, directors and studios. Presently, he is an executive on content such as Lionsgate’s "MANHUNT", Hulu’s "DOPESICK" and Peacock’s MACGRUBER. He is also currently adapting the story of Mandy Harvey, the world’s most famous fully-deaf musician.

Mike enjoys championing stories with poignant themes and interesting characters, ranging in genre from Sci-Fi to Romance and Dramas. In his prior position, Mike worked on the production side at "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE", where he also continued to build a love for Comedies and Dramedies.

 

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.

 

Harrison Rothman (Judge) - Literary Manager, Elevate Entertainment

Harrison Rothman is a Jr. Literary Manager at Elevate Entertainment. Founded by Alexander Cole and Jenny Wood, Elevate is a boutique Talent and Literary Management company representing some of the biggest names in film, including Academy Award Nominee Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Hell or High Water, Wind River) and Academy Award Nominee Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook, Animal Kingdom).

Harrison started his film career in development, previously working at Bold Films (Drive, Whiplash, Nightcrawler) and then at Pandemonium (Hacksaw Ridge, Coraline) with Oscar nominated producer and former CEO & Chairman of 20th Century Fox, Bill Mechanic (Titanic, Braveheart, The Thin Red Line, and Fight Club). In 2018, Mr. Rothman decided to transition into literary management with an eye towards finding and developing new and exciting voices.