5th Annual New Voices in Animation Screenwriting Contest

SEMIFINALISTS ANNOUNCED!

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NEW THIS YEAR - Our Grand Prize Winner will be mentored by Paul Watling, longtime animation Writer/Storyboard Artist of hit animated films and series such as SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, ED EDD N EDDY, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2, and THE SNOOPY SHOW!

PLUS, Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, KING OF THE HILL, SONIC PRIME, INVADER ZIM, KIPO & THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS, 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!

Animation is having a surge right now with INSIDE OUT 2 surpassing over $1 billion at the box office and it shows no signs of stopping. A great animated film or TV show combines adventurous storytelling, colorful character development, visually stunning animation, and a imaginative spirit to create an immersive and memorable experience. Classic animated shows like THE SIMPSONS or SOUTH PARK are some of the most watched series of all time, in the television and film spaces. Current animated franchises like DESPICABLE ME, INSIDE OUT, and MOANA have fans waiting on the edge of their seats for upcoming sequels. So far this year, KUNG FU PANDA 4 is the third highest grossing movie of any 2024 release. And just recently THE GARFIELD MOVIE beat FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA at the box office opening weekend. Audiences are always ready for that next animated hit -- and we want it be YOURS!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We are on the hunt for ALL types of Animation scripts - all stories are welcome!

We are looking for feature animation scripts like: INSIDE OUT 2, TOY STORY, MONSTERS INC, KUNG FU PANDA, THE INCREDIBLES, SPIDERVERSE, RATATOUILLE, SUPER MARIO BROS, PUSS IN BOOTS, WOLFWALKERS, MEGAMIND, YOUR NAME, SPIRITED AWAY

We are looking for TV animation scripts like: SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, BOB'S BURGERS, KING OF THE HILL, HEY ARNOLD, FUTURAMA, ARCHER, THE FLINTSTONES, LOVE DEATH ROBOTS, INVINCIBLE, STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, THE PROUD FAMILY, FAMILY GUY, RICK & MORTY, THE BOONDOCKS

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 animated 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 Semifinalists

Congratulations Quarterfinalists

Want Script Coverage and the Option to Make Changes & 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 October 18th, 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 August 24th, 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 August 19th, 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.

Who Are The Judges?

• Jason Stiff, Producer, Bento Box Animation (SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, FAIRLY ODD PARENTS, KING OF THE HILL, INVADER ZIM)
• Siobhan Murphy, Literary Manager, The Gotham Group (Client credits include STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, SONIC PRIME)
• Josh Mandel, Senior Development Executive, Amazon Kids+ (MINONS: THE RISE OF GRU, ANGRY BIRDS MYSTERY ISLAND)
  
• Alfredo Marun, Creative Producer & Development Consultant, Disney and DreamWorks (KIPO & THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS, THE MIGHTY ONES)
• CJ Jones, Creative Executive, Lion Forge Entertainment (IYANU: CHILD OF WONDER, BOSSY BEAR, THE TINY CHEF SHOW)
• Michael Poisson, Emmy-Nominated Writer & Producer (ROBOT CHICKEN, CROSSING SWORDS)
• Ariel Goldberg, Director of Talent Acquisition, Skydance Animation (LUCK, WONDLA, SPELLBOUND)
• Monica Lago-Kaytis, Producer, Frogbot Films (ZOOTOPIA, WRECK IT RALPH)
• Wes Ambrecht, Producer & Head of Studio Partnerships, TITAN 1 STUDIOS (THE TIME TRAVELLER'S DAUGHTER, THE EVENTS AT UNITY FARM)

What Are The Prizes?

Our Grand Prize winner will:

• Be mentored by Paul Watling, longtime animation Writer/Storyboard Artist/Head of Story on hit animated films and series such as SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, ED EDD N EDDY, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2, and THE SNOOPY SHOW!
• Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with top animation executives!
• 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 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 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

Stage 32 will be a champion for your script - once you’re part of our community, we make sure you rise to the top!

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: June 13th, 2024

Early Bird Deadline: July 3rd, 2024

Regular Deadline: July 24th, 2024

Final Deadline: August 14th, 2024

Quarterfinalist Announcement: October 18th, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: November 1st, 2024

Finalist Announcement: November 22nd, 2024

Winner Announcement: December 6th, 2024

If you have any questions regarding this contest, check out frequently asked questions here.

Our Animation Screenwriting Contest 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 winners, brothers Mark & Zeke Nelson gained massive traction on their winning script DETECTIVE GIZMO, as they took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Bento Box Animation, Amazon Kids+, UTA, and more! -- all actively working on and looking for animation content.

"Couldn't be happier! It's like an early Christmas present!" - Mark Nelson, 4th Annual Stage 32 New Voices in Animation Winner

"Everyone [I met with] gave me great advice on how to navigate the animation industry. As a marginalized writer, I'm very grateful a contest like this exists, allowing new voices to break in."  - Tayler Carter, 2nd Annual Stage 32 New Voices in Animation Winner

1st Annual Winner Samantha Clay met with Pixar, Disney, Zero Gravity & more!

PLUS! Our finalists have had their work requested by top production and management companies including SONY PICTURES ANIMATION and VERVE!

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!

Siobhan Murphy (Judge) - Literary Manager, The Gotham Group

Siobhan Murphy represents award-winning creatives and fresh new voices at the leading management/production company, The Gotham Group. The company is known for visually striking films and series like their wildly successful Paramount + SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, 20th Century Fox MAZE RUNNER trilogy, as well as KODACHROME starring Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis for Netflix.

Siobhan admires animation as a medium and is delighted to collaborate with artists, writers, directors, and producers across genres in TV and Film. Siobhan was honored on The Tracking Board’s 2022 “Industry Next List” for her work championing and advocating emerging and underrepresented voices.

Most recently, she spoke at the 2023 AfroAnimation Summit on “The Art of the Pitch” panel. Previously, Siobhan worked at CAA and graduated summa cum laude from DePaul University in Chicago.

Jason Stiff (Judge) - Producer, Bento Box Entertainment

Jason's credits include King of the Hill for Fox; SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Invader Zim, Dora the Explorer, in addition to numerous other series for Nickelodeon; Avengers Assemble, Guardians of the Galaxy and Ultimate Spider Man for Marvel; as well as work on series for Comedy Central, Netflix, and Adult Swim. He is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Prior to joining the Bento Box Atlanta team as a Producer in March of 2016, Jason was an Emmy and 6 time Golden Reel Award winner during his time with Nickelodeon Animation Studios, where he served as Vice President of Post Production. There he managed animation pipelines for television, direct to video, commercials, promos and other special projects including live action integration using a multitude of systems. His work has taken him to many different countries including South Korea, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland and others to manage the technology and workflow back to the US.

 

Josh Mandel (Judge) - Senior Development Executive, Amazon Kids+

Josh Mandel is a senior level producer and production executive with over 20 years of experience developing and producing content for Mattel, Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, Universal, Sony, DC Comics, Dreamworks, Microsoft, Amazon, Interscope, Atlantic Records and WWE.

Josh currently oversees Development of original TV series and movies at Amazon Kids+, the premiere destination for movies, TV, mobile games and books aimed at kids ages 3-12.

Josh began in Development at Miramax with Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York and Production at Interscope with artists like Eminem, Weezer and 50 Cent before segueing into feature films and television. Josh has produced 10 feature films around the world including Lord of the Rings documentary “Ringers,” Best of 2015 Critics Pick “Uncertain Terms,” Independent Spirit Award-winning “Without,” and 2023 WGA-shortlisted “Paris is in Harlem.”

Alfredo Marun (Judge) - Producer, DreamWorks, Disney Television Animation

Alfredo Marun a Producer who has worked at multiple production companies and studios, including Scott Rudin Productions, Matt Tolmach Productions, Sony, DreamWorks Animation, and most recently, was Director of Development at Disney Television Animation. Some of his credits include KIPO & THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS, DRAGONS: NINE REALMS, THE MIGHTY ONES, and ZOMBIES: THE RE-ANIMATED SERIES. Alfredo is an advisor/charter member for LatinX In Animation, a group dedicated to empowering diversity in animation from page to post.

Alfredo Marun is a bilingual (Spanish-English) creative executive with over ten years of experience and a proven track record of developing live-action and animated television series and feature films for theatrical, linear, and SVOD.Born and raised in Colombia, Alfredo Marun moved to the United States in his early teens and quickly found his passion for filmmaking and storytelling.

 

CJ Jones (Judge) - Creative Executive, Lion Forge Entertainment

CJ Jones (they/them) is a seasoned industry development executive. They currently work as a Creative Executive in Development at the Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning production company Lion Forge Entertainment - a Black-owned animation and live-action studio focusing on diverse stories, authentically told for kids, family and YA audiences. Lion Forge Entertainment has a First-Look deal with Paramount Animation/Nickelodeon. Initial projects identified for development include BORN DRIVEN, a story based on the life of Wendell Scott, the first Black NASCAR driver; comedy adventure IRON DRAGON, based on original IP created by Jay Kim at Mostapes studio in South Korea and Lion Forge; and MARLEY AND THE FAMILY BAND, an animated series based on Cedella Marley’s book, co-produced by Universal Music Group.

Before Lion Forge, CJ worked in Development at Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment, where they helped funnel numerous projects from development to delivery, including THE SLUMBER PARTY for Disney+, the Annie-Award winning series THE TINY CHEF SHOW and BOSSY BEAR for Nickelodeon, and WILD LIFE for HBOMax. Prior to Imagine, CJ developed projects with top talent including Viola Davis/ JuVee Productions and Amazon; Tony Kushner (The Fablemans, West Side Story, Lincoln) and Plan B; Tate Taylor (The Help, The Girl on the Train); Chad & Carey Hayes (The Conjuring), and others.

Michael Poisson (Judge) - Emmy-Nominated Writer, Producer, & Veteran Development Executive, ROBOT CHICKEN, CROSSING SWORDS

Michael Poisson is a veteran television development executive, producer, and writer with four Emmy nominations for his work on Adult Swim’s critically-acclaimed ROBOT CHICKEN. Most recently, he finished working as a Co-Producer on The CW's sci-fi, action series TOM SWIFT (LaVar Burton). Before that, he worked on Netflix’s super hero drama RAISING DION (Michael B. Jordan) as well as on the Hulu series CROSSING SWORDS (Nicholas Hoult, Seth Green, Tara Strong). On the development side, Michael previously developed with Red Hour and Full Fathom Five for UNRAVELING: A Sadistic Musical.

Michael began his career as the Director of Development for Krysten Ritter’s production company Silent Machine Entertainment. Prior to Silent Machine, Michael spent two years at Ryan Reynolds and Allan Loeb’s TV pod, DarkFire TV. Michael began his career in the TV Packaging Department at CAA.

Ariel Goldberg (Judge & Mentor) - Director of Talent Acquisition at Skydance Animation, Skydance Animation

Ariel Goldberg is the Director of Talent Acquisition at Skydance Animation, working since 2019 to grow the new studio into a major player in both feature and episodic animation. Skydance Animation released its first feature animated film, LUCK, in 2022, distributed through Apple Studios. Their second feature film SPELLBOUND is due to be released November 2024 via Netflix. They've produced 2 short films distributed through Apple Studios, the new animated series WONDLA (2024) on Apple+, and a 4-picture slate setup at Netflix. 

Ariel received his MFA in Animation from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television. After starting out as an independent animation director and freelance illustrator, Ariel worked as a Senior Concept Artist at Zynga, designing costumes and characters for social games FarmVille and CastleVille. In July 2013, Ariel joined the Recruitment team at Disney Interactive, where he remained until January 2015, when Nickelodeon asked him to oversee Talent Acquisition for its animated productions.

At Nickelodeon, Ariel developed a staffing pipeline for the hiring of designers, storyboard artists, directors, production assistants, and script coordinators, among other positions.

Having been both a freelance and studio artist, at startup companies and large corporations, and in games, television, and feature films, Ariel has developed a multifaceted understanding of the challenges facing creative, technical, and business professionals looking to launch their careers in entertainment. This is why, in his spare time, Ariel is passionate about discussing these challenges with young professionals, in the hopes that he can demystify the Recruitment process for them and help them to avoid some of the mistakes he made in his own career.

Monica Lago-Kaytis (Judge & Mentor) - Associate Producer, WRECK-IT RALPH and ZOOTOPIA

Monica Lago-Kaytis is a Latin-American producer. Born in Hollywood, Monica Lago-Kaytis joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1994 for the film POCAHONTAS and continued to work in a wide variety of production roles on traditional, CG and stereoscopic animated films including HERCULES, MEET THE ROBINSONS and THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG.

She served as Associate Producer on WRECK-IT RALPH and ZOOTOPIA then made her live-action debut with Netflix’s THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES. Her talent for casting put Kurt Russell at the top of the list for his now iconic performance as Santa Claus.

Monica is a co-founder of the non-profit organization Rise Up Animation, which was created as a response to social injustice and inequity. Rise Up Animation provides feedback and guidance for BIPOC individuals around the world who are interested in working in all areas of the animation industry.

Wes Ambrecht (Judge) - Head of Studio Partnership, Titan1Studios

Wes Ambrecht is a writer, producer and development executive. He currently serves as the Head of Studio Partnerships at TITAN1STUDIOS, overseeing the Toronto based company's push into Film and TV.

TITAN1STUDIOS is an award-winning Toronto-based production house focused on the creation and promotion of uniquely diverse, original content IP via publishing and multi-media digital platforms, including comics, novels, XR (Virtual, Mixed and Augmented Reality) and location-based entertainment.

Wes was previously the VP, Development and Production at Foundation Films and the Director of Development at both Paper Plane Entertainment and Viewfinder Pictures.

At each stop on his journey, Wes has prioritized collaboration and creative freedom to tell fresh stories. Wes’ credits include KILLING ANIMALS starring Joey King. His work has shown at festivals worldwide, most notably Santa Barbara International Film Festival and Cannes, and has been recognized by both the Sundance Institute and the Sprite Young Filmmaker Series. He holds a MFA in Film/TV Production from UCLA and a BS in Communication from Cornell University.

Paul Watling (Judge & Mentor) - Writer, Storyboard Artist, Head of Story, SPIDERMAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, ED EDD N EDDY, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2, THE SNOOPY SHOW

Paul Watling has orbited the animation industry for the past two decades, honing his skills as a writer, director, story artist and designer, joining Nickelodeon in 2019 as CoEp of The Intergalactic Shorts Program. Paul has contributed to numerous television and feature productions most recently, as a director on Craig McCracken's Netflix series 'Kid Cosmic' and head of story on Sony Pictures Animation’s Academy award winning feature, 'Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse'. He served as a story artist on several other Sony Pictures Animation films, including Smurfs: The Lost Village, and Hotel Transylvania 2, along with a multitude of feature development projects.

Paul relocated to Los Angeles from Toronto, Ontario where he worked as a storyboard artist, designer and director on a variety of television productions, such as Grojband, Sidekick, Total Drama Island, Yin Yang Yo, Atomic Betty, and Ed, Edd n Eddy.