4th Annual TV Drama Screenwriting Contest

THE WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW THE WINNER!

NEW THIS YEAR - Our Grand Prize Winner will be mentored by Josh Kesselman, Producer on all three seasons of the hit TV Comedy show THE GREAT, starring Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult and Phoebe Fox, now streaming on Hulu!

PLUS, Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on GREY'S ANATOMY, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, GOSSIP GIRL, COBRA KAI, INVENTING ANNA, WILL TRENT, CHICAGO FIRE, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, 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!

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

EUPHORIA, POWER, SUITS, BILLIONS, BALLERS, THE CROWN, THE REGIME, THE CLEANING LADY, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, YOUR HONOR, YELLOWSTONE, YELLOWJACKETS, THE L WORD, TULSA KING, SHAMELESS, DEAD TO ME, NYPD BLUE, BIG LITTLE LIES, FARGO, DEVS, RESERVATION DOGS, ATLANTA, ER

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 drama 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!

Congratulations to the Winner!

Congratulations to the Finalists!

Congratulations to the Semifinalists!

Congratulations to the Quarterfinalists!

 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 1st, 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 July 26th, 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 May 29th, 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 by by Josh Kesselman, Producer on all three seasons of the hit TV Comedy show THE GREAT, starring Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult and Phoebe Fox, now streaming on Hulu!
• Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with:
  • Dougie Cash, VP Drama, Hulu Originals, HULU (COBRA KAI, TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE)
  • Jennifer Breslow-Kendrick, Executive Vice President Scripted Series, LEGENDARY ENTERTAINMENT (GOSSIP GIRL, SCANDAL, PRIVATE PRACTICE)
  • John Herrera, Writer & Producer (THE HANDMAID'S TALE, THE PURGE)
  • Nina Fiore, Writer & Producer (THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, EUREKA, THE HANDMAID'S TALE)
  • Leila Cohan, Writer & Producer (BRIDGERTON, FIRST WIVES CLUB, SANTA CLARITA DIET) 
  • Chris Bellant, Literary Manager & Producer, ZERO GRAVITY MANAGEMENT (Client credits GROWN-ISH and CHICAGO FIRE)
  • Rachel Polan, SVP Development & Production, PACESETTER PRODUCTIONS (DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, STATION ELEVEN)
  • Nathan Varni, Executive Director, ABC CURRENT PROGRAMMING (WILL TRENT, GREY’S ANATOMY, THE CONNERS)
  • Anna Henry, Producer & Manager, IDLE HOUR ENTERTAINMENT (Client credits include THE DEUCE and THE FLASH)
  • Raquelle David, Producer & Literary Manager, LIT ENTERTAINMENT (Client credits include THE BROTHERS SUN and THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER)
  • Nelson Cole, Literary Manager (GINNY & GEORGIA, ELI)
  • Danny Alexander, Literary Agent, Independent Artists Group (Client credits include LOUDERMILK, FIRE COUNTRY, INVENTING ANNA)
  • Kiele Sanchez, Staff Writer, NETFLIX (THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER)

• 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: March 14th, 2024

Early Bird Deadline: April 10th, 2024

Regular Deadline: May 1st, 2024

Final Deadline: May 22nd, 2024

Quarterfinalist Announcement: July 26, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: August 9th, 2024

Finalist Announcement: August 23rd, 2024

Winner Announcement: September 6th, 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 1st, 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 July 26th, 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 May 29th, 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 TV Drama Screenwriting Winners See Results

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, Lisa Steadman gained massive traction on her winning script LAUREN OF ARABIA and is currently taking a full slate of meetings in LA with managers and producers currently working on television drama content.

Our 10 finalists get amazing exposure too; last year’s finalists had their work requested by top production and management companies staffing and producing today's hottest shows!

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 11 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?

Don't believe us? Hear from Trish Persen, our 2nd Annual TV Drama Contest Winner!

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

Still don’t believe us? Let Previous Contest Winners Christina Pamies & Jonathan Jordan 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.

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

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!

Dougie Cash (Judge) - VP Drama, Hulu Originals, Hulu

Dougie Cash is the VP Drama, Hulu Originals at Hulu. Cash was previously VP Development at Overbrook Entertainment, where he served as a producer on ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVE BEFORE and COBRA KAI. Prior to that, he worked in post-production at Sony Pictures Entertainment and in production at MTV on shows such as MADE and TEEN MOM.

Jennifer Breslow-Kendrick (Judge) - Executive Vice President, Scripted Series, Legendary Entertainment

Jennifer Breslow-Kendrick is the Executive Vice President, Scripted Series at Legendary Entertainment, where she oversees the development and production of pilots and series. Breslow-Kendrick worked previously as the Vice President of Scripted Series at Lifetime Network, where she was instrumental in finding the short film SEQUIN RAZE at SXSW 2013 and later shepherding it into the series UnREAL which aired on Lifetime.

Before Lifetime, Breslow-Kendrick was Vice President of Drama Development and Current Programming at ABC, where she worked closely with show producers, writers and cast to steer the creative direction of some of the networks top shows including SCANDAL, GREY'S ANATOMY, and PRIVATE PRACTICE. Before that, she served as Vice President of Drama Development at the CW. While there she was responsible for the creation of cult favorites THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, GOSSIP GIRL, and 90210.

It was at Kevin Williamson’s Outerbanks Entertainment where Breslow climbed the ranks of the executive ladder, starting as an Executive Assistant before being promoted to Creative Executive and subsequently to Vice President. Her career isn’t limited to the small screen however, as she’s also produced features including Wes Craven’s CURSED and Jim Gillespie’s VENOM. She began her career working as a production assistant on Michael Jacob’s much beloved series BOY MEETS WORLD. Breslow graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arizona, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts.

John Herrera (Judge) - Writer & Producer, Emmy-nominated THE HANDMAID'S TALE

John Herrera is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer on Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale where he collaborates with writing partner, Nina Fiore. After The Handmaid’s Tale, John and Nina wrote on Bloom, a new show for Netflix that will be coming soon, and they have also worked together on USA’s The Purge, Syfy’s Nightflyers, Blood Drive, Alphas, and Eureka. Additionally, they have sold their pilots Players and Dante’s Inferno (the latter co-written with Ethan Reiff & Cyrus Voris) to CW and Freeform, respectively, and an adaptation of Melissa Lenhardt’s genre-bending, feminist western novel, Heresy, with MGM. John also co-wrote the movie Nancy Drew and The Hidden Staircase for Warner Brothers and is currently adapting a true-life feature story about the latter days of the Bosnian-Serb conflict of the 1990’s. Before becoming a TV writer, John was a script coordinator on Eureka, Californication, and Sleeper Cell.

Nina Fiore (Judge) - Writer & Producer, Emmy-nominated THE HANDMAID'S TALE

Nina Fiore is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer on Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale where she collaborates with writing partner, John Herrera. After The Handmaid’s Tale, Nina and John wrote on Bloom, a new show for Netflix that will be coming soon. She and John have also worked on USA’s The Purge, Syfy’s Nightflyers, Blood Drive, Alphas, and Eureka. Additionally, Nina and John have sold their pilots Players and Dante’s Inferno (the latter co-written with Ethan Reiff & Cyrus Voris) to CW and Freeform, respectively, and an adaptation of Melissa Lenhardt’s genre-bending, feminist western novel, Heresy, with MGM. Nina also co-wrote the movie Nancy Drew and The Hidden Staircase for Warner Brothers. Before becoming a TV writer, Nina was a script coordinator and writer’s assistant on Eureka, Sleeper Cell, The L Word. Born in the Bronx to a Puerto Rican mother and a Sicilian father, Nina spent most of her formative years surrounded by an excess of personality.

 

Leila Cohan (Judge) - Writer & Executive Producer, Emmy-winning BRIDGERTON

Leila Cohan is an Emmy-nominated television and feature writer, currently serving as Co-Executive Producer on Netflix’s THE PERFECT COUPLE. Previously, she’s written for SPECIAL (WB/Netflix), BRIDGERTON (Shondaland/Netflix), THE FIRST WIVES CLUB (Paramount/BET Plus), SANTA CLARITA DIET (Netflix), TELENOVELA (NBC), and AWKWARD (MTV). She’s developed pilots for Paramount, Hello Sunshine, The CW, YouTube Red, and the last days of ABC Family, as well as features for Lionsgate and Picture Start.

Danny Alexander (Judge) - Literary Agent, IAG (Independent Artists Group)

Independent Artist Group (IAG) is the fourth largest talent agency in Los Angeles with offices in Beverly Hills, New York, and Nashville. Clients include Mel Gibson, Gary Oldman, Lily Gladstone, Lindsay Lohan, Hayden Panettiere, Cary Elwes, John Cusack, Lucy Liu, Mickey Rourke, William H. Macy, Justin Long, John Carpenter, and many, many more. They've also packaged movies and television series with virtually every major network and Hollywood studio.

Danny Alexander works in the TV literary department at IAG, working directly with writers such as John Carpenter (Halloween), Derek Kolstad (John Wick) and Mike Le (upcoming Patient Zero with Natalie Dormer and Stanley Tucci). Prior to working at IAG, Danny was at Kaplan Perrone Entertainment where he worked with a wide array of comedy and drama writers.

Nathan Varni (Judge) - Executive Director, ABC Current Network Programming, ABC - Disney

Nathan Varni is Executive Director, Current Programming, ABC Entertainment Group/Disney.

Mr. Varni oversees all creative and day-to-day management on ABC’s primetime series including Will Trent, Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, The Conners and General Hospital. In past seasons, Mr. Varni served as the covering executive on Alaska Daily, The Company You Keep, Rebel, The Baker and the Beauty, How to Get Away with Murder, Grand Hotel, Once Upon A Time, Scandal, Cristela, The Middle, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, the revival of Roseanne and also serves as the network/studio executive on ABC’s long-running daytime drama series, General Hospital, currently celebrating 60 years on-air, where he has oversaw 3000+ episodes of the series, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding daytime drama series. Mr. Varni joined ABC in comedy current programming working in development and current programming and worked on a vast number of both comedy and drama series including According to Jim, Samantha Who?, Better off Ted, Cougar Town, Castle, V, 666 Park Avenue and three seasons co-covering Happy Endings.

Prior to joining ABC, Mr. Varni worked in series development at Regency Television (Malcolm in the Middle, The Bernie Mac Show). While at Regency Mr. Varni assisted with the creative coverage of NBC’s Windfall and FOX’s New Amsterdam. Prior to his time at Regency TV, Mr. Varni worked in reality series as a story assistant for series such as America’s Next Top Model, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, High School Reunion, For Love or Money and The Next Great Champ. Game show experience includes working on 65 episodes of GSN’s Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck. Mr. Varni served as a production assistant and then Exec Producers assistant on the CBS sitcoms Listen Up and How I Met Your Mother.

Rachel Polan (Judge) - SVP, Development & Production, Pacesetter Productions

Rachel Polan is currently the SVP at Pacesetter Productions, which is behind the Emmy-nominated HBO Max limited series “Station Eleven” starring Mackenzie Davis, as well as the upcoming Starz show “The Venery of Samantha Bird”.

Prior to joining Pacesetter, Polan served as Vice President of scripted development for Chelsea Handler Productions. Before that, she was an executive at Lionsgate, where she was creatively involved in some of the Television Group’s biggest accomplishments, including securing “Nashville” a fifth season at CMT; shepherding the first season of “Casual;” selling Epix one of its first scripted shows, “Graves;” and developing “Dear White People” for Netflix.

Polan’s other credits include “Nurse Jackie,” “Weeds,” “Manhattan,” and “The Royals.”

Chris Bellant (Judge) - Literary Manager & Producer, Vision Entertainment

Chris Bellant is a Literary Manager and Producer at Vision Entertainment. He was previously a manager at Zero Gravity, Established Artists and Waldorf Entertainment, and before that spent years developing film, TV, theater, commercials and digital content for several production companies. At Zero Gravity, he represents actors, writers, directors, authors and media rights for IP.

Chris's clients have past and current projects with companies including Netflix, Warner Bros, Paramount+, IFC, 101 Studios and Freeform, among others. He is currently producing a limited series based on Anna Clark’s book, The Poisoned City, which chronicles the events of the Flint Water Crisis, as well as a series adaptation of Sara Foster's novel The Hush. He also has several features financed to shoot in 2023, including projects created by clients.

Previously, Bellant worked with SXM Studios to develop branded content, and produced independent films. Previous films include LOSERVILLE, which was released in theaters by MarVista Entertainment and starred Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Matt McGorry and Darby Stanchfield, THE LOST WEEKEND with Tony-winner Reed Birney and Gracie Gillam, LIGHT with Will Pullen (winner of Best LGBTQ Film at the Venice Film Awards), and LIVING WITH THE DEAD (winner of Best Feature at the Aberdeen Film Festival).

Nelson Cole (Judge) - Literary Manager, Independent

Nelson Cole is an independent Literary Manager with a roster of clients who have projects in association with Shondaland, Llewellen, Silkmass, Sugar 23, Chronology, and many more.

Nelson began his career working at Energy Entertainment, a management and production company founded by Brooklyn Weaver, the producer of THE NUMBER 23 with Jim Carrey, RUN ALL NIGHT with Liam Neeson, and OUT OF THE FURNACE with Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson. Brooklyn's clients included Brad Ingelsby (MARE OF EASTOWN), Rob Liefield (DEADPOOL) as well as Mickey Fisher (REVERIE and EXTANT).

At Energy, Nelson helped identify clients such as Sarah Lampert who went on to create GINNY AND GEORGIA, Audrey Wong Kennedy who developed material with SPIDER-MAN Producers Ari Arad for the DARKER THAN BLACK live-action Manga series as well as Jordan Kalms who had projects with Hillary Swank and Adam Scott.

Nelson started his career working for producer Scott Budnick, THE HANGOVER, WAR DOGS, JUST MERCY, and RESPECT. After 1Community, Nelson worked at Bellevue Productions helping identify clients such as Bradley Kaaya Jr. who went on to make the end-of-year screenplay shortlists.

Raquelle David (Judge) - Producer and Literary Manager, Lit Entertainment

Raquelle David is a Producer and Literary Manager with Lit Entertainment, a full-service Talent and Literary Management firm in Los Angeles, California. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Raquelle has a ten year career spanning both television and feature production.

Raquelle David has worked across independent film and television as a producer as well. Her multiple film credits have garnered a number of accolades including nominations for Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Australian Academy Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award and the Screen Producers Australia Award. Raquelle previously worked for Goalpost Pictures, Seven Network, Screen New South Wales in Australia and Rhombus Media in Toronto, Canada, under the tutelage of producer Niv Fichman (THE RED VIOLIN, ENEMY, BLINDNESS).

Anna Henry (Judge) - Producer & Development Executive, Idle Hour Entertainment

Anna Henry began her 20-year career as a development executive at Nickelodeon, working on the development and production of animated television series, pilots and features, including the cult hit “INVADER ZIM.” She crossed over to prime-time television working at CBS and ABC in drama development and programming, then freelanced as a creative consultant for a number of production companies before serving as Director of Development at a boutique literary management and production company representing writers and directors.

Anna is currently an independent producer through her company, Idle Hour Entertainment. She set up a historical fiction series as a German-Canadian co-production, and is currently in development on several other projects focusing largely on international and diversity (women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+) writers and stories. In addition, Anna is a sought-after script consultant and screenwriting instructor. As a manager and consultant, her clients have worked on shows at virtually every broadcast, cable and streaming television network, and have set up projects at Amazon, Starz, HBO, Sony, Fox, EOne, ITV America, OddLot Entertainment, Corus, and others. Anna teaches writing for television at Loyola University Chicago and UCLA Extension. She enjoys having a close collaboration with writers in refining scripts, expanding their range of material, and finding the best home for each project. Anna is a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Kiele Sanchez (Judge) - Writer (THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER), Netflix

Kiele Sanchez is a writer and actress, who served as a staff writer for all 8 episodes of THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, the 2023 TV mini series produced by NETFLIX.

Kiels is also a prolific actress, having featured in films suchs THE PURGE: ANARCHY, BENJI, and STUCK ON YOU, in addition to shows like STATION 19, CRIMINAL MINDS, and KINGDOM in a starring role as Lisa Prince.

Josh Kesselman (Judge & Mentor) - Manager/Producer, Sugar 23

Josh Kesselman is a Producer and Manager at Sugar23, a talent management & production company, who brings a dynamic blend of creativity and business acumen to the entertainment industry. Sugar23 is a multimedia production and talent management organization with a mission to impact culture through entertainment.

With a knack for nurturing talent and a keen eye for captivating storytelling, Josh navigates the ever-evolving landscape of media with finesse and innovation. His credits include acclaimed TV shows like Hulu's "THE GREAT" starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult and created by Oscar-nominated writer Tony McNamara (POOR THINGS, THE FAVOURITE) and AMC's "PARISH" starring Giancarlo Esposito as well as films like "THE ESTATE" starring Toni Collette, Anna Faris, and David Duchovny. Whether he's crafting compelling narratives or forging strategic partnerships, Josh's passion for the craft shines through in every project he touches.