5th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Screenwriting Contest

WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED! SCROLL DOWN TO SEE!

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 "STRANGER THINGS", "THE WITCHER", BIRDBOX, (Netflix), "DOOM PATROL" (HBOMax), "LUCIFER" and "SLEEPY HOLLOW" on Fox, ARRIVAL (Paramount), AVATAR (Fox), THOR (MCU/Disney), GREEN HORNET (Sony), GREEN LANTERN, DARK SHADOWS (Warner Bros.)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!

If there is anything that audiences are most in need of right now, it’s pure escapist entertainment. So, trust us when we say that two of the most sought after genres in Film and Television right now are Sci-Fi and Fantasy! Nearly every streaming service, production company, and studio is looking for an original Sci-Fi or Fantasy concept. Netflix has gone on the record to say they want their version of the STAR WARS and HARRY POTTER franchises. Universal is rebooting THE GREEN HORNET & KATO and Warner Bros is rebooting the "DARK SHADOWS" franchise - both with Amasia Entertainment (who are close collaborators and dear friends of Stage 32). Warner Bros. and HBOMax continues develop properties from the DC Universe. And of course, Disney+ continues to expand worlds with "THE MANDALORIAN" from STAR WARS and "WANDAVISION" from the MCU.

Production companies, managers, and agents are looking for writers working with Fantasy and Sci-Fi ideas. And Stage 32 is ready to answer the call. We’re once again looking to shine a light on the most talented undiscovered writers. Our panel of judges are not only experts in the field of understanding Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing, but are on the hunt for new writers and material.

 Stage 32 is proud to announce our 5th Annual Fantasy and Sci-Fi Screenwriting Contest!

What are we looking for? Well, everything! Remember there are endless sub-genres of Sci-Fi and Fantasy. From small budget contained, to mid-range worlds, to blockbuster new realms, we want your best. We want you to build worlds, travel galaxies, discover civilizations, fight dragons, embark on quests, vanquish enemies, and above all entertain and inspire.  And for the first time ever we are opening up this competition to Television writers as well as Feature writers.  That's right! We will be accepting Sci-Fi or Fantasy Features AND Television Pilots!

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

Perhaps the great time traveling scientist Doc Brown said it best: “Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads.” Sci-Fi and Fantasy revolve around limitless possibility, and they’re defined by how boundless and magical and utterly fantastical the pieces are. These are the stories that show us direct routes for escape from the world that we know into worlds beyond our wildest imagination.

This year we are welcoming another all-star panel of judges from leading companies specializing in Sci-Fi and Fantasy, including Circle of Confusion, Netflix, Art/Work Entertainment, Disrupting Influence, Alta Global Media, and Osowik Management!

Who are the Judges? 

Our panel of judges are not only experts in the field of understanding Sci-Fi and Fantasy 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:

Steven Adams, Producer & Founder, Alta Global Media (previous credits include AVATAR (Fox), THOR (Disney), GREEN HORNET (Sony), GREEN LANTERN, DARK SHADOWS)

Kaley Smalley Romo, Producer, Sketch Films ("SLEEPY HOLLOW", "LUCIFER" on FOX, "SWAMP THING" for DC Streaming)

Karim Lahkani, Creative Executive International Original Film, Netflix ("STRANGER THINGS", "THE WITCHER", BIRDBOX) 

Dallaslyn Lamb, Literary Manager, Art/Work Entertainment (client credits include ARRIVAL, BIRDBOX, "COWBOY BEBOP", "SHADOW & BONE") 

Ewan Dunbar, Head of Development, Sales, Acquisitions, Disrupting Influence (previous credits include WORLD WAR Z, "UNTITLED NETFLIX SCI-FI SERIES")

Charlie Osowik, Literary Manager, Osowik Management (client credits include "DOOM PATROL")

Becca Lonngren, Film Coordinator, Circle of Confusion (company & client credits include "THE WALKING DEAD", KRAMPUS, X-MEN; FIRST CLASS, "12 MONKEYS") 

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.

Bill Poore, Winner, 3rd Annual Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenwriting 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 screenplays and teleplays.

Feature Length Screenplays:

All feature films and sub-genres of Sci-Fi/Fantasy screenplays are welcome.

Teleplays:

Yes! We are opening up the competition to Sci-Fi Television Series! 30 or 60 minute Original Pilots will be accepted. But please no spec scripts based on existing shows.

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 the 2021 Winner!

Congratulations to the 2021 Finalists!

Congratulations to the 2021 Semi-Finalists!

Congratulations to the 2021 Quarterfinalists!

The Grand Prize Winner

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:

• Alta Global Media (previous credits include AVATAR (Fox), THOR (Disney), GREEN HORNET (Sony), GREEN LANTERN, DARK SHADOWS)
• Sketch Films ("SLEEPY HOLLOW", "LUCIFER" "SWAMP THING") 
• International Original Film, Netflix ("STRANGER THINGS", "THE WITCHER", BIRDBOX)
• Art/Work Entertainment (client credits include ARRIVAL, BIRDBOX, "COWBOY BEBOP", "SHADOW & BONE")
• Disrupting Influence (previous credits include WORLD WAR Z, "UNTITLED NETFLIX SCI-FI SERIES")
• Osowik Management (client credits include "DOOM PATROL")
• Circle of Confusion (company & client credits include "THE WALKING DEAD", KRAMPUS, X-MEN; FIRST CLASS, "12 MONKEYS")

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 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.

Steven Adams (Judge) - Founder & Producer, Alta Global Media

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.

 

Dallaslyn Lamb (Judge) - Manager, RAIN Managment

Dallaslyn Lamb is a Literary Manager at RAIN Management which represents Emmy, Golden Globe, PGA, Tony, WGA, DGA, Humanitas, BAFTA, NAACP Image, Peabody, People’s Choice, James Beard Award winners.  Dallaslyn's current clients have written on LOPEZ VS LOPEZ, ONE MORE TIME, WARRIOR NUN, SELENA: THE SERIES, and THE BLACKLIST REDEMPTION. Dallaslyn signed Jennifer Godson from the Stage 32 community after Jennifer won our First Annual Female-Driven Screenwriting Contest. 

 

RAIN is founded on the simple idea that the artist comes first and believe their clients are One of One. RAIN has produced multiple projects across multiple mediums, collaborating on award-winning TV series, movies, documentaries, podcasts, and musicals.

 

Prior to joining RAIN, Dallaslynn was with Activist Artist Management and Art/Work Entertainment representing writers and directors and started her career as a Coordinator at Fortitude International. 

 

 

Karim Lakhani (Judge & Mentor) - Creative Executive, International Original Film, Netflix

Karim Lakhani is most recently the Creative Executive on the International Original Film team at Netflix where he served as a creative lead and buyer for development and acquisitions.

For two and a half years he’s worked with established and emerging filmmakers across film, television, and animation in both domestic and international initiatives including Jeremy Caplin’s Academy Award Nominated I LOST MY BODY, Mati Diop’s ATLANTICS, Mitsuyo Miyazaki’s 37 SECONDS, Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s THE PLATFORM, Nora Fingscheidt’s SYSTEM CRASHER, Patrice Laliberté’s THE DECLINE, Just Philippot’s THE SWARM, and Olivier Assayas’s WASP NETWORK.

Previously Karim was at Micah Green and Dan Friedkin’s company 30WEST where he served as a Coordinator working with senior executives to package and arrange third-party financing for independent film and television projects including NO GLORY with Adam McKay and Kumail Nanjiani. Additionally he worked with partners to determine development and acquisition opportunities including AGBO, Lucky Chap Entertainment, Dark Horse Entertainment, NEON, Valparaiso Entertainment, End Cue, Gary Sanchez Productions, and Imperative Entertainment.

Prior to 30WEST he spent three and a half years at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in International and Business Development groups supporting local and cross-border deals for film and television across North America, India, China, Korea, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Kaley Smalley Romo (Judge & Mentor) - Producer, Sketch Films

Kaley Smalley Romo is a producer with Len Wiseman's company, Sketch Films, and has worked in the television and feature space for over ten years. While with Sketch, she's worked on notable television programs like "SLEEPY HOLLOW", "LUCIFER" and "APB" on FOX, and most recently "SWAMP THING" for DC Streaming. In the feature arena she's helped develop projects such as MCCLANE for FOX and BALLERINA, the female spin off to the John Wick franchise.

 

Filmmaker Len Wiseman's career began through his work in the art department on the blockbuster hits like GODZILLA, MEN IN BLACK, and Independence Day

Becca Lonngren (Judge) - Film Coordinator, Cirlce of Confusion

Becca Lonngren is the Film Coordinator at Circle of Confusion, whose clients include prolific feature and television writers and directors who have been featured at Sundance and the Cannes Film Festival.

Circle of Confusion is a feature film and television production and management company whose credits and client credits include "THE WALKING DEAD", KRAMPUS, X-MEN; FIRST CLASS, "12 MONKEYS."

Originally founded in 1990 as a boutique literary management company, it expanded into television and feature production in 2002. In July 2012, it again broadened its scope to include talent management, cementing its reputation as a premiere destination for exceptional writers, directors, actors, content creators, publishers, and journalists.

Ewan Dunbar (Judge & Mentor) - Producer, Red Stag Entertainment

Ewan Dunbar is a Development Consultant and Producer at his company Red Stag Entertainment and the Head of Development at London based production house LSF, overseeing development and acquisitions of their in-house slate. Ewan has developed a range of projects that have made their way to companies including Netflix, Amazon/MGM, Disney+, studios, broadcasters, broadcasting partners and independent distributors. Ewan works closely with literary agents, managers, I.P. rights holders, writers and creatives to source and develop exciting, commercial and engaging original projects.

Ewan’s latest projects he has developed on include Pierce Brosnan led thriller Wolfland (featuring VFX by Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium), Nowhere Men starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid, and was an Executive Producer on Willem & Frieda presented by Stephen Fry and distributed by Film 4.

Over the last 15 years of his career Ewan has also worked in acquisitions, international sales, production management, assistant directing and film aviation services on titles including World War Z, Rush, 360, Berlin, I Love You starring Helen Mirren and Kiera Knightly and Zero Tolerance starring Scott Adkins. He has also appeared on judging panels at film festivals, mentored for a number of programs for both new and established content makers and was named in The Business of Film’s International Village of Independents.

Charlie Osowik (Judge & Mentor) - Literary Manager, Osowik Management

Charlie Osowik is a literary manager who began his career at top international sales companies such as FilmNation, Sierra/Affinity and Voltage, amongst others. He later worked in the office of the CEO of MGM. After two years there, he went on to work for a partner in the feature literary department at Gersh, where he stayed for another two years. It was there that he realized his passion for guiding writers and directors could be turned into a career.

In June 2018 he established his own company, Charles Osowik Management. He currently has a writer staffed as Story Editor on her second year on the hit HBOMax Fantasy Adventure series DOOM PATROL, while Gunpowder & Sky released a film by his writer/director client on their sci-fi platform DUST in 2018. That film is now being developed as a series with a production company, which he is executive producing. He also has a number of production companies attached to other projects in development. He is a firm believer in quality over quantity, loves ideas and surrounds himself with people who deeply connect with what they do.