5th Annual Search For New Blood Screenwriting Contest

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED! CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTINA PAMIES AND HER SCRIPT 'A GOOD DEED'!

Winner gets a mentorship with the writer of Jigsaw, Pete Goldfinger, PLUS gets flown to Hollywood and set up on meetings with executives from Blumhouse, Darren Aronofsky's Protozoa Pictures, and producers who have worked on Halloween, Haunt, Freddy vs. Jason and more!

ALL finalists get their material exposed to executives!

Winners and finalists from the last 4 New Blood contests have been produced, signed or in development! (See more below!)

It’s back! The thrills, chills, the horror of it all. The most popular horror and thriller screenwriting contests is here! It’s the 5th Annual Search for New Blood Contest.

We’re looking for the next A Quiet Place, Get Out, Hereditary, Witch, Red Sparrow, Unsane, John Wick, It Comes at Night, Happy Death Day, 47 Meters Down, The Meg, Atomic Blonde, The Shallows or whatever horror or thriller concept your twisted mind can dream up.

We're giving one deserving writer the opportunity of a lifetime. Our Grand Prize Winner will not only be flown to Hollywood for meetings with industry executives at Blumhouse, Darren Aronofsky's Protozoa Pictures and more, but he or she will also be mentored by the writer of Jigsaw, Pete Goldfinger.

Plus ALL our finalists will have their material exposed to a full list of industry executives. Last year's finalists were requested by The Cartel, Gotham Group, Good Fear Film + Management, Bohemia Group Originals and more.

How's that for opening doors and creating opportunity?

OUR TRACK RECORD

Over the last 4 years, our New Blood contest winners and finalists have been signed, optioned, put in development, and secured high level meetings with some of the top executives and companies in the film industry.

• We sent last year's winner Kevin Bachar (Blood Relative) on 10 meetings for his script Blood Relative and as a result he is now working with producer Mike DeTrana from Anvil Entertainment, attached director John Poloquin (Grave Encounters 2) to his screenplay, and signed an option for financing with Three Point Capital!
• 2016 Winner Alyssa & Griffin Devine met with Dino De Laurentiis Company, The Asylum, Crypt TV, Good Deed Entertainment, Samaco Films, Chris Sparling, and ultimately signed with HG5 Entertainment. Their film, Recovery, was released in 2018!
• 2015 Winner Glenn Forbes signed with manager Infinity Management International. His script is now set up with Glider Films
• 2014 Winner Frank Ponce signed with 3 Arts Entertainment and now has a mini-series in development with Atlas Entertainment (American Hustle) and Universal

You can see why so many executives who work within the horror / thriller / suspense genre love the Search for New Blood!

WHAT KIND OF SCRIPTS CAN I ENTER?

Stage 32 is looking for scripts in all areas of horror, thriller, and suspense. We welcome all feature screenplays in the horror / thriller genre. All micro-budget, low budget, mid level budget and blockbusters screenplays welcome. If your script fits in with any of these examples below, it’s a fit for this contest! **Please note this contest is for full-length screenplays only. No short scripts or teleplays will be accepted.

• Psychological Suspense: Split, Shutter Island, Green Room, Se7en, Silence of the Lambs, The Game, The Usual Suspects, American Psycho
• Crime Thrillers: John Wick, The Snowman, Wind River Fargo, Prisoners, The Counselor, No Country For Old Men, Blood Simple
• Contained Thrillers: 47 Meters Down, The Shallows, Buried, Phone Booth, Open Water, Hard Candy, Panic Room
• Destruction Thrillers: Geostorm, The Wave, San Andreas, Godzilla, Jurassic Park, Independence Day
• Revenge Thrillers: Blue Ruin, The Handmaiden, 13 Assassins, Kill Bill, Taken, Oldboy, Death Wish
• Sci-Fi Thrillers: Children of Men, Gravity, Interstellar, Alien, Inception, The Matrix, Blade Runner, Minority Report
• Spy Thrillers: Atomic Blonde, November Man, Safe House, The Bourne Identity, Ronin, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, True Lies
• Horror: The Babadook, The Witch, It Follows, Saw, Halloween, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist, Annabelle: Creation
• Ironic Horror: Get out, Scream, The House in the Woods, Scary Movie, Zombieland
  
• Found Footage Horror: Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, The Last Exorcism, Alien Abduction

FEEDBACK/SCRIPT COVERAGE OPTION

For an additional fee of only $49 (50% savings!) you can receive full coverage from our industry readers on your screenplay or teleplay. Just check "coverage" upon checkout.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

• Mentorship with Pete Goldfinger, writer of Jigsaw
• Flight to Los Angeles to meet with the Stage 32 judges: Ryan Turek (VP, Feature Film, Blumhouse), Rachel Foley (Producer at Darren Aronofsky's Protozoa, Mother!), Doug Curtis (Producer, Freddy vs. Jason), Ben Stillman (SVP, Black Bear Pictures), Nick Phillips (Producer, Haunt, Halloween)
• Script title and logline listed on Stage 32
• Logline sent to over 500 industry executives, managers, agents and producers

2ND PLACE / RUNNER UP

• Two Skype meetings with an industry executive
• Logline sent to over 500 industry executives, managers, agents and producers
• Script development notes from a Stage 32 executive
• 2 Stage 32 Happy Writers online pitch sessions
• Free Stage 32 Next Level Webinar
• Script title and logline listed on Stage 32

TEN FINALISTS

• Will have their loglines shared with over 500 industry executives, managers, agents and producers

The Stage 32 Search for New Blood contest is not associated with The Blood List.

"I have nothing but high praise for the folks at Stage 32. Because of meetings they set me up on I am now working with Mike DeTrana from Anvil Entertainment, have director John Poloquin from Grave Encounters 2 attached to my script, and an option for financing from Three Point Capital. One of the meetings was with Daniel Bekerman, the producer of The Witch. I wrote a horror screenplay and I got to talk with the producer of one of the greatest horror films the last decade. That's got to be viewed as something good. He didn't agree to produce the film, but he did offer his company to assist us with securing grants and tax incentives if we shot up in Canada. Again, that's a pretty damn good measure of success for a contest."

- Kevin Bachar, Grand Prize Winner, Stage 32 Search for New Blood, 2017; Working with Anvil Entertainment, attached financing & a director to the script

“It’s surreal. It’s changed our work life and we’re working in a professional realm that we’ve never worked in before. We’ve been struggling writers for a long time and when we found out we won, we were super stoked. Stage 32 put us out there on a bunch of meetings with production companies, managers and agents. We signed with HG5 Entertainment and are writing 2 scripts, which 1 is going into production this year. It’s changed our life.”

- Alyssa & Griffin Devine, Grand Prize Winner Stage 32 Search For New Blood Winners, 2016; Signed with HG5 Entertainment, in development on 2 scripts

"Speaking as a screenwriter to all my fellow writers, I highly recommend submitting to any and all Happy Writer's Writing Competition. I came in 2nd in the Search for New Blood Horror competition and it at very least exposes you and your work to industry professionals. To get that kind of eyes on something you've written, whether you end up selling your screenplay or not, is a great experience. All my best to all!"

- William Jeffrey, Stage 32 Happy Writers Search For New Blood Contest, 2015

"I have signed with a management company in LA, Infinity Management International. I met them when Stage 32 flew me down to LA, and now the deal is done. I'm so thrilled to have Stage 32 Happy Writers in my corner for this ride. I've been plugging away for more than 10 years to secure representation. My message is never give up on your dream, and surround yourself with people who can help you get there. For that, Stage 32 has become my lynchpin."

- Glenn Forbes, Grand Prize Winner, Stage 32 Happy Writers Search For New Blood Contest, 2014; Signed with Infinity Management International

"My only wish was to find this site sooner for the sake of saving time, discovering in-depth educational value, and making legitimate connections. I have to tip my hat at RB and the gang for changing the game and helping shape my future in filmmaking. I’m honored to be swimming in a community of like-minded individuals. I’m proud to be Stage 32’s HAPPIEST WRITER right now!"

- Frank Ponce, Stage 32 Happy Writers Search For New Blood Contest, 2014; Signed with 3 Arts Entertainment and his script has been picked up for development by Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight, American Hustle)

The Stage 32 Happy Writers Search for New Blood contest is not associated with The Blood List.

Peter Goldfinger - Feature and TV writer (JIGSAW, SPIRAL, PIRANHA 3D),

Pete Goldfinger is an incredibly successful feature and television writer in Hollywood perhaps best known for penning the two newest features in the SAW horror universe, including JIGSAW, which grossed over $100 million, and SPIRAL, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Rock, which debuted at number one at the box office this year. Other credits of Peter’s include SORORITY ROW, PIRANHA 3D and TV shows like TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER. When he’s not writing for the screen, Pete is running and hosting his own screenwriting retreats, in-person workshops, and Zoom classes.

Ryan Turek (Judge) - VP of Development, Blumhouse Productions (Get Out, Unfriended: Dark Web, Happy Death Day)

Ryan Turek got his start in the industry in 2000 as a journalist focusing solely on the world of horror films and entertainment. He began at an affiliate of CHUD.com - called Creature-Corner.com - before co-founding DreadCentral.com and, later, ShockTillYouDrop.com where he served as the managing editor for several years.

He has also contributed to Rue Morgue Magazine, Fangoria Magazine and Creative Screenwriting and consulted on various horror film productions. In addition to hosting various events on the convention and film festival circuit for a number of studios, Turek took some time to helm a feature-length documentary on the Scream franchise (currently featured on the Scream Blu-ray box set).

Following his departure from ShockTillYouDrop.com, he took a position as the VP of development for Blumhouse Productions (Get Out, Unfriended: Dark Web, Happy Death Day).

Nick Phillips (Judge) - Producer, PBR Streetgang

Nick Phillips is a studio executive and an award-winning producer & filmmaker who has been working in the entertainment industry for over two decades working on some of the most iconic films of our time across all genres and formats.

Nick started his career in New York City at Miramax/Dimension Films as the Vice President of Development & Production where he was involved in such franchises as SCREAM, HALLOWEEN, HELLRAISER, DR. STRANGE, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, HIGHLANDER and THE CROW. He appeared on Season 3 of Project Greenlight, helping shepherd the film Feast through production and launching a new franchise in the process.

Nick went on to work for Sony Pictures Entertainment Senior Vice President of Development & Production where he worked on successful sequels to 30 DAYS OF NIGHT and VACANCY and transitioned over to a role at Sony Screen Gems, where he oversaw a slate of films including STRAW DOGS, THIS CHRISTMAS and COUNTRY SONG.

Nick co-founded and served as Executive Vice President of Revolver Picture Company, a fully financed independent production label in conjunction with Kelly Wagner Osborne. Nick produced HAUNT with Jacki Weaver and Ione Skye; the award winning BENEATH with Jeff Fahey (both released by IFC Midnight) and DEVIL'S BACKBONE TEXAS for Fox Digital Studios. Revolver’s last feature, PET, starred Dominic Monaghan, Ksenia Solo, and Jennette McCurdy and premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and was released though Samuel Goldwyn Films. Revolver also co-produced and co-financed the horror reality series Fight of the Living Dead for YouTube Red, which ran for three seasons.

Nick then went on to produced two seasons of the series The Real Bros of Simi Valley for Studio 71 and Facebook Watch, and he produced season one of the short form series Mr. Mom for MGM and VUDU. He also produced season one of the series ALT for Gunpowder + Sky.

Nick became as the Head of Production for the feature startup studio/streaming platform CreatorPlus. CreatorPlus produced, financed and released two features – JANE, starring Madelaine Petsch, Chloe Bailey, and Melissa Leo (distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment) and DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH (distributed by Buffalo 8). He also executive produced a slate of five short films as part of CreatorPlus’ Flip The Script Short Film Program.

Most recently, Nick was head of Production for prolific producer Yale Entertainment. While there, he produced four films – BUCKY F*CKING DENT, written and directed by and starring David Duchovny; ALL YOU NEED IS BLOOD, with Mena Suvari; THE FOG OF WAR with John Cusack and Mira Sorvino; and BARRON'S COVE, starring Garrett Hedlund, Stephen Lang, Brittany Snow, and Hamish Linklater.

Nick is a prolific producer bringing all types of stories and formats to screen and loves working with writers to develop great stories that can get made.

Rachel Foley (Judge) - Producer, Darren Aronofsky's Protozoa Pictures

Rachel Foley is a producer for Darren Aronofsky's Protozoa Pictures. Protozoa is responsible for films such as Mother!, Aftermath, Jackie, Black Swan and more. 

Ben Stillman (Judge) - Senior Vice President, Black Bear Pictures (Variety's Ten Producers to Watch)

Ben Stillman is Senior Vice President of Black Bear Pictures, where he has worked since the company’s formation.

Ben has been a part of the creation and production of a number of films while at Black Bear. Most recently, Ben produced BARRY, directed by Vikram Gandhi, which sold to Netflix after premiering at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. He is Executive Producer of GOLD, directed by Steve Gaghan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Co-Producer of BROKEN CITY and A.C.O.D., and Associate Producer of AT ANY PRICE. He was also actively involved in the development and production of eight-time Academy Award-nominated THE IMITATION GAME, directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.

In 2016, Ben was named one of Variety’s Ten Producers to Watch. He has also served on the Board of Directors for prominent Canadian distributor Elevation Pictures.

Prior to Black Bear, Ben worked at Cinetic International, selling international distribution rights for such films as EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP, MEEK’S CUTOFF, and Diego Luna’s ABEL.

Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies and English with a concentration on Creative Writing from Stanford University. He lives in Los Angeles.

Doug Curtis - Freddy vs. Jason, Shark Night, Cellular, Shoot 'Em Up

Doug recently served as Line Producer and Production Manager overseeing extensive re-shoots on IM Global's "Fifty Shades of Black". Curtis also served as Executive Producer and Unit Production Manager on Relativity Media's "Shark Night". He was also Executive Producer on a number of New Line Cinema Feature films including: "Shoot 'Em Up", "Cellular", "Freddy vs. Jason", "Friday After Next", "All About the Benjamins" and "Next Friday".

Douglas Curtis' extensive career in the entertainment industry covers a wide variety of genres ranging from science fiction to horror to comedy to action films.

Curtis was co-producer and Unit Production Manager on Zide-Perry Entertainment's "Repli-Kate", MTV/Paramount Pictures,' "The Wood" and HBO's "Shadow of Doubt". He also worked as a co-producer/Line Producer on Paramount Picture's "Save the Last Dance". As a producer, his credits include MGM/Rysher Entertainment's "The Eighteenth Angel", "Gunfighters Moon" and "Judicial Consent". For Trimark Entertainment Curtis produced "The Philadelphia Experiment II". For New World Pictures he produced "The Philadelphia Experiment", "Black Moon Rising" and "Nice Girls Don't Explode". He both produced and directed "The Sleeping Car" and "The Hazing". He has also served as 2nd unit director on a number of his films including "Black Moon Rising" and "Judicial Consent". Among Curtis' other credits are "Madame Claude 2", "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" and "Take This Job and Shove It on which he served as a production supervisor for Avco Embassy Pictures. Curtis currently serves as CEO-Founder of Quarter Town Films (QTF) a Los Angeles based development and production company where he is developing a number of feature film projects including "The Money Cave", a family film, in the vein of Goonies and Stand by Me, which was written by and will be directed by Thomas Koveleskie, his partner at QTF.