5th Annual TV Drama Screenwriting Contest

Submission Fee:

$59.50 $79.50
Next Deadline
Wednesday, Apr 2ND 11:59PDT Early Bird Deadline
Next deadline ends in:
18days23hrs2mins4secs

Submit Now

Please make sure you use the same email address as the one you use to sign in to Stage 32, otherwise you won't have access to your webinar.
apply Your coupon will be applied after you agree to terms below.

- or -

$59.50
TOTAL PRICE:
Overlay Icon
Anthony and I have done well in several screenwriting contests, but Stage 32 was the first to set us up with actual production companies and managers. That can’t be overstated.
Keith Strausbaugh Keith Strausbaugh

Contest Info

The BIGGEST TV Drama Screenplay Contest in the World is Back!

Over $50,000 in Prizes!

 

Ever dreamt of seeing your TV Drama script come to life and stream on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality!

Our Grand Prize Winner will win a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $5,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be flown to LA to meet industry professionals who’ve worked on iconic TV shows like BILLIONS, THE BEAR, GREY'S ANATOMY, SHRINKING, SCANDAL, SUPER PUMPED, GOSSIP GIRL, TULSA KING, BAD MONKEY, and many more!

Our Finalists will receive a Career Momentum prize package valued at $2,500, including Career Development, a Writer Branding Workshop and an Education package, and will have your logline featured in a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 500+ top entertainment industry executives, giving your work unparalleled exposure!

But that’s not all! Everyone who makes the Semi-Finals will receive a Career Breakthrough prize package valued at $1,000, our Quarterfinalists will receive a Career Elevation prize package valued at $500, and all Entrants will get a prize package valued at $100!

Open to TV Pilot Scripts!

Drama is the basis of every story that endures throughout entertainment. From the intensity and action of SHOGUN, to the totally wild and original concept of BABY REINDEER, to the dangerous power plays and high stakes of LANDMAN, audiences can’t get enough exciting dramatic storytelling. This year alone, classic TV series like SUITS and LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE are being rebooted, while popular films HARRY POTTER and DUNE are being adapted for TV, proving a great story can last for decades. The appetite for amazing TV shows is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

We’re on the lookout for all types of TV drama scripts! Classic family melodramas? Atmospheric psychological mind-benders? Bold period pieces? Genre-twisting Legal, War, Musical, Sports, Fantasy or Sci-Fi? The next legendary biopic? We want to see it all!

 

Let our 3rd Annual Drama Winner Kelly Nugent tell you why you should enter!

 

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:


 


Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: March 13th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: April 2nd, 2025

Regular Deadline: April 30th, 2025

Final Deadline: May 28th, 2025

 

Quarterfinalist Announcement: July 18th, 2025

Semifinalist Announcement: August 1st, 2025

Finalist Announcement: August 22nd, 2025

Winner Announcement: September 5th, 2025

 

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

Contest Prizes

THIS YEAR'S PRIZE PACKAGES INCLUDE:

WINNER: The Career Accelerator Package - $5,000 Value

  • Be flown to LA to meet with top industry pros, who have worked on projects like BILLIONS, THE BEAR, GREY'S ANATOMY, SHRINKING, SCANDAL, SUPER PUMPED, GOSSIP GIRL, TULSA KING and more!
  • Script Development Package
    • Free detailed, comprehensive story notes on your script
    • Pitch deck development to help get your winning project market-ready for you to shop
    • Logline polish for your winning project
  • Career Development Package
    • Free Career Development call with a top Executive
    • Inclusion in the Stage 32 Finalists Lookbook which goes out to over 1,000 working industry executives
    • Private Open Writing Assignment submissions for 1 year
    • Inclusion in the Stage 32 A-List - Get your work sent to a stable of top literary managers & agents actively seeking new talent!
  • Writer Branding Package
    • A punch-up of your professional bio
    • Headshot selection advice
    • Portfolio guidance
    • Portfolio branding tips
    • Social media branding tools
  • Education Package
    • Free 1-year Writer’s Room Membership
    • Stage 32 Webinar Library All-Access prize code (3,000+ hours of educational content)
    • Free Stage 32 Writing Lab of your choice with one-on-one mentoring with an executive
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Class
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification

 

FINALISTS: The Career Momentum Package - $2,500 Value

  • Career Development Package
    • Free Career Development call with a top Executive
    • Inclusion in the Stage 32 Finalists Lookbook which goes out to over 1,000 working industry executives
    • Private Open Writing Assignment submissions for 1 year
    • Inclusion in the Stage 32 A-List - Get your work sent to a stable of top literary managers & agents actively seeking new talent!
  • Writer Branding Workshop with an Executive
    • A punch-up of your professional bio
    • Headshot selection advice
    • Logline polish for your finalist script
  • Education Package
    • Free 3-month Writer’s Room Membership
    • Free Stage 32 Writing Lab of your choice with one-on-one mentoring with an executive
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Class
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Webinar

 

SEMIFINALISTS: The Career Breakthrough Package - $1,000 Value

  • Education Package
    • Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Class
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Webinar

 

QUARTERFINALISTS: The Career Elevation Package - $500 Value

  • Education Package
    • Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
    • 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
    • 1 Free webinar code

 

ALL ENTRANTS - $100 value

  • Education
    • Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
    • 1 Free webinar code

 

In addition to all that, all writers receive continued support from the Stage 32 team, who work tirelessly to get you in front of decision-makers.

Our Track Record

Our TV Drama 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?

Our 4th Annual TV Drama winner, Katie McClung gained massive traction on her winning script HOMER RANCH and took a full slate of meetings in LA with managers and producers from ABC, Hulu, IAG, Zero Gravity Management, Sugar23, Legendary Entertainment, First Story Entertainment, and more! -- all currently working on and looking for TV drama content. Katie currently has multiple offers on the table for representation!


Our 3rd Annual TV Drama winner, Lisa Steadman won with her script LAUREN OF ARABIA and is now signed with by Mark Saffian at Content House. 

Our 2nd Annual TV Drama Contest Winner, Trish Person, shares her experience!

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!"

 

Still don’t believe us? Let Previous Contest Winners tell you why you should enter!

Previous winner, Christina Pamies, was signed by "Billion Dollar" Literary Manager, Jake Wagner. After that, he got her a paid gig with StudioCanal adapting the recently released film BAGHEAD, which was co-produced by The Picture Company and released via AMC+ Networks!

VIEW THE BAGHEAD (2024) TRAILER HERE! AVAILABLE NOW ON SHUDDER!

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:

Our 6th Annual Feature Screenwriting winner, Jeff Galante signed with a manager at Primary Wave, and he is currently working on a slate of feature films with producers. Jeff's gone on to create/produce TV pilots for NBC and A&E and has consulted on projects for Ron Howard, Chris Moore, and Warner Bros animation.

Our 5th Annual Feature Screenwriting winner, Eric Jeske signed with a manager at Heroes & Villains Entertainment.

 

Click the "Success Stories" link here for even more testimonials from our past winners!

Contest Judges

Mike Harrop (Judge)

Mike Harrop (Judge) - Producer, Firehead Films

Michael "Mike" Harrop is a veteran film and TV producer, who produced 84 episodes across all 7 seasons of the SHOWTIME smash hit television series BILLIONS created by Brian Koppelman and David Levien. Mike started as an Associate Producer in season 1 of the show and worked his way up to Executive Producer for seasons 5-7. 

Additionally Mike executive produced the SHOWTIME miniseries SUPER PUMPED, about the founding of Uber, also created by Koppelman and Levien, and starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, Uma Thurman, and Kyle Chandler.

Previously Mike produced the animated comedy series HOPELESS PICTURES created by Bob Balaban for IFC, in addition to the films A MOUTHFUL OF AIR, starring Amanda Seyfriend and Finn Witrock; I SMILE BACK, starring Sarah Silverman and Josh Charles; and is career long collaborator with Edward Burns, having produced 4 of his films and overseen post on 2 others; along with producing a handful more indie pictures.

Earlier in his career, Mike worked as a Post Production Supervisor on over 20 projects, including Derek Cianfrance's BLUE VALENTINE, and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winning documentary RESTREPO. 

Mike got his start in the industry working as an Associate Producer on the Three 6 Mafia biopic film CHOICES filmed in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Nathan Varni (Judge)

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.

Jon Hersh (Judge)

Jon Hersh (Judge) - Literary Manager, Night Drive Management

Jon Hersh is a Manager at Night Drive Management, who represents writers and directors in film, television, and digital content. Jon has sold his clients projects or staffed them on writing jobs at Universal, Paramount, Lionsgate, Atlas Entertainment and Gidden Media among others. Jon works with writers and directors to develop quality content and helps with submitting clients’ content to top production companies, networks, and studios and has developed relationships with producers, agents, and studio executives.

Jon's clients are currently working on the Netflix series THE MAGIC ORDER, Hulu's hit series THE BEAR, and the ABC hit series PRETTY LITTLE LIARS.

Most recently, the production company Stampede Ventures started development on a television series based on the short film 'AUTONOMOUS", a cyberpunk sci-fi project from Jon's client Matisse Tolin. Greg Silverman of Stampede Ventures will produce the series for Stampede Ventures with Sill and Tolin serving as co-creators

Billion-Dollar Producer Amy Baer has called Jon "one of the great managers in the business".

Housefire has offices in Los Angeles and London. Prior to Housefire, Jon was at CAA, Lionsgate, and Broad Green Pictures.

Jon has worked with dozens of Stage 32 writers and signed a couple to his roster including Aaron Benjamin from a pitch session - you can read the success story here!

 

Chris Bellant (Judge)

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 Vision Entertainment, he represents actors, writers, directors, authors and media rights for IP.

As a producer, Chris is currently in awaiting release of the film NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH starring Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, which was a script he found through Stage 32 from writer Sean Farley.
 
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.

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).
Rachel Polan (Judge)

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

Rachel Polan is a Producer on AVIARY starring Malin Akerman and most recently partnered with Jessica Rhoades as the Senior Vice President at Pacesetter Productions (which was announced in Variety), 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.

She developed, sold and produced a slate of projectes including: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD (Netflix), DEAR MR. YOU (Netflix), MATCHED (Netflix), 129 WAYS TO GET A HUSBAND (NBC), PONIES (Peacock), NICE JEWISH GIRLS (Netflix), UNT. HARBINDER KAUR SERIES (CBS), DISQUIET (AMC), AVIARY (feature).

Prior to joining Pacesetter, Polan served as Vice President of Scripted Development for Chelsea Handler Productions where she helped develop, sell, and co-executive produce shows such as BLAIR for MAX and WIPED OUT for Peacock. 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 for Hulu which garnered it's first ever Golden Globe nomination,selling Epix one of its first scripted shows, GRAVES; and developing DEAR WHITE PEOPLE for Netflix.

Polan’s other credits include Showtime’s NURSE JACKIE and WEEDS, WGN America’s MANHATTAN, and E!’s THE ROYALS.

Rachel has a passion for helping writers develop scripts that have strong, relatable characters and exciting worlds are marketable for what buyers are looking for.

Stewart Dickson (Judge)

Stewart Dickson (Judge) - Development Executive, THE TOWER, MURDER IS EASY

Stewart is a Development Executive with significant development and production experience, working across a development slate most recently at Mammoth Screen, a production company established by powerhouse producers Michele Buck and Damien Timmer (THE PRISONER for AMC/ITV, PARADE'S END, WUTHERING HEIGHTS). It produces drama for key UK broadcasters, especially ITV, and international distribution.
 
Stewart worked on an Amazon thriller for Drama Republic (ONE DAY, THE HONOURABLE WOMAN), and developed a thriller for a global streamer with New Pictures (THE LONG SHADOW for ITV, CHAMPION fro BBC/NETFLIX). Stewart has built up strong working relationships with agents at Independent Talent, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, and Imagine Talent.

His recent works includes HAVEN (PRIME VIDEO), THE TOWER S3 (ITV), GRIME KIDS (BBC), and MURDER IS EASY (BBC), the first Agatha Christie adaptation for the broadcaster with a black lead. In his development work, he has worked on projects with writers like Simon Amstell (BENJAMIN, upcoming MARIA), Theresa Ikoko (BAFTA-nominated ROCKS), Courttia Newland, and Archie Maddocks.

 

Patrick Callan (Judge)

Patrick Callan (Judge) - Executive Producer, Spiral Staircase Productions

Patrick Callan began his career as an executive at Amazon Studios and is now an Executive Producer for Spiral Staircase Productions. Recently he also served as VP Narrative Film & TV Development at Concordia Studio which was announced in Deadline, that produced STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Oscar Nominee TIME with Amazon Studios, the BAFTA nominated film SWAN SONG starring Mahershala Ali distributed by Apple TV+ and the documentary BOYS STATE.

At Spiral Staircase, Patrick has developed and sold family dramas to Amazon and Apple TV, dramatic comedies to major TV studios, and an ambitous horror franchise to an international distributor.

Patrick has worked with Jonathan King (Oscar Winning Films: SPOTLIGHT, DREAMGIRLS, ROMA, and the Emmy-winning show WHEN THEY SEE US), Davis Guggenheim, Oscar-winning TRAINING DAY and Emmy-winning HE NAMED ME MALALA), and Laurene Powell Jobs (produced over 2 dozen films and series).

While at Amazon Studios Patrick was an executive in development and current series, where he produced Golden Globe and Emmy-winning MOZART IN THE JUNGLE, THE TICK, JEAN-CLAUDE VAN JOHNSON, RED OAKS, and Greg Daniels' (THE OFFICE, PARKS AND REC) series UPLOAD.

Patrick has a passion for discovering powerful and surprising stories and ambitious creative talent. His needs across film and television include evergreen adult dramas, grounded sci-fis, family comedies, and relatable horror films. He is open to all submissions.

Ian Phillips (Judge)

Ian Phillips (Judge) - Producer, ALICE & JACK, THE GREATEST HITS

Ian is an experienced Producer and Creative Executive who, has worked with top companies and is now building out his own slate of film & TV project. Most recently he worked on the feature film GREATEST HITS as featured in Deadline and Alice and Jack, also featured in Deadline.

He was the Creative Executive at prolific production company Groundswell Productions working alongside Michael London and Shannon Gaulding, where he helped with their first look deal at Lionsgate which was announced in Variety. Known for their character-driven film and TV just some of their dozens of projects include the Oscar-nominated film TRUMBO, 2 time Oscar winning film MILK, WIN WN which was nominated for best original screenplay at the WGA Awards, as well as hit TV shows such as THE MAGICIANS for SyFy, SNOWFALL on FX and THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB.

He has also worked with Jon Silk, formerly at his own imprint (Silk Mass), now Head of Original Film at Netflix.

Ian is a passionate about developing stories and is looking forward to finding new and unique stories and develop them with writers for his own slate.

Corey Hanley (Judge)

Corey Hanley (Judge) - Development Executive & Producer, Discount Sushi Productions

Corey Hanley is a veteran Development Executive and Producer for Jon Cryer's Discount Sushi Productions. They have a first look deal with Warner Bros. that was recently announced in The Hollywood Reporter. Among Corey’s many relationships, he counts UTA, CAA, Rebel Creative Group, Echo Lake, and The CW among the strongest.

Corey works across both feature film and television and is the Executive Producer of the upcoming indie feature TERRESTRIAL (as featured in Deadline ) from director Steve Pink (HOT TUB TIME MACHINE) starring Jermaine Fowler (SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH), Pauline Chalamet (THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS) and Brendan Hunt (TED LASSO).

With extensive experience in TV development, Corey has also worked for The CW, Vin Diesel's One Race TV, and Nicholas Sparks Productions. He has worked on such series as HBO/MAX's GENERATION, AND JUST LIKE THAT (SEX AND THE CITY), and DUNE:PROPHECY.

Corey began his career at HBO and Walt Disney.

Charlie Osowik (Judge)

Charlie Osowik (Judge) - Literary Manager, Osowik Management

Charlie Osowik is a top literary manager who represents both Feature Film and Television writers. Most recently, Charlie closed a deal for his client to be a Supervising Producer on "DEAD BOY DETECTIVES" for MAX. Read more here.

He also closed a Feature writing assignment deal for one of his clients with Confluential Films - the Producers of BLACK LOVE on OWN and 40 YEARS A PRISONER for MAX.

Charlie has also staffed clients on series for HBO and MAX, including the hit series DOOM PATROL and has clients who are working with Warner Bros. and DC.

He 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.

Gunpowder & Sky released a film by his writer/director client on their sci-fi platform DUST. 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.

 

Chelsea Matthews (Judge)

Chelsea Matthews (Judge) - Producer, Fossil Record Films

Chelsea is a producer who has worked on over 30 films and television shows in various capacities across multiple departments. Some of Chelsea's credits include SHAMELESS (SHOWTIME), THIS IS US (NBC), STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX), THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE (FX), TRUE DETECTIVE (HBO), GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY (NETFLIX), and COCAINE BEAR (UNIVERSAL).

She recently sold her project THE GAZER, a grounded sci-fi directed by Spencer Drees & Eleni Rivera, to Gunpowder & Sky, an independent entertainment studio known for stories about groundbreaking stories who have produced over 100 films. Chelsea began her career as an assistant, prior to getting into producing and launching her production company Fossil Record Films.

Her goal is to continue to create impactful films and television that can be seen by a wide audience. She is actively looking to develop a new slate of projects for her production company.

 

Saleena Lockett (Judge)

Saleena Lockett (Judge) - Development Exec/Producer, ALL AMERICAN, WALKER, WILD CARDS, LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER

Saleena Lockett is a veteran Producer and Development Executive. Saleena most recently served as the Executive Director of Scripted programming at The CW Network where she developed various hits such as ALL AMERICAN, WALKER, WILD CARDS, the upcoming LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER, and multiple DC series, as well as leading the production of a slate of series upcoming romantic comedy features.

Prior to her role at The CW Network, Saleena worked at HBO in Films and Mini’s along and with her combined experience, Saleena continues to work to empower emerging talent and deliver captivating content. She has over 20 years of experience as a DGA Training Program Alum, Producer, Network Executive and is an active member of the Directors Guild Association.

As a DGA Trainee, she trained on shows such as THE OC, CARNIVALE, and THE SHIELD, and movies such as ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE, THE HOLIDAY, and 1408. She later worked in the directing departments for the shows WHAT ABOUT BRIAN, TRUE BLOOD, and HAWAII FIVE-O, in addition to the film HANCOCK.

She is a creative leader in the industry who is passionate about nurturing new talent, building bridges and bringing stories to life.

Giselle Contreras (Judge)

Giselle Contreras (Judge) - Film and TV Development Executive, Works with Monkeypaw, Overbrook Entertainment, 3Pas Studios, HBOMax, Amazon, Hulu, FX

Giselle Contreras is a television and film development consultant who is passionate about sharing stories that reflect the world around us. Giselle's work includes serving as a development consultant on an upcoming documentary project at Jordan Peele’s production company, Monkeypaw. For 3 years previously, she served as the Manager of Television Development at Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios, which set up projects at HBOMax, Amazon, Hulu, FX, among others, and is most notably behind the half-hour comedy ACAPULCO on Apple+.

Prior to her executive roles, Giselle's sharpened her skills at FactoryMade, a business venture company specializing in entertainment projects, and Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network, an English-language, Latino-infused cable channel.

Other experience also includes The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation, where she worked at the intersection of media and philanthropy, eventually transitioning to their Film/TV production and development department, Overbrook Entertainment. She enjoys mentoring emerging young writers.

James Presson (Judge)

James Presson (Judge) - Producer & Head of Original Programming, Graven Images

James Presson is a producer and the Head of Original Programming at Graven Images, an entertainment co-financing and production company startup specializing in high-end indies that cost between $1MM and $9MM. Graven Images is led by Omar Theron Barnes, and has held several major development and first-look deals with Truly Original, Bullish Creative, Tupelo Honey, Switchblade Entertainment, John Doe Media, Fatstache, Jarrett Creative, Roc Nation Television, and cable networks Spike TV, WETV, and VH1.

Previously, James was the Head of Production and Development for Alcorp, the producing outfit for legendary television director Allen Coulter. James has been a producer on SUPER PUMPED (Showtime), VINYL (HBO), GET SHORTY (Epix), CIVIL (TNT), and most recently, TULSA KING (Paramount+).

James has supervised a wide array of development projects and deals with the top studios and production companies in Hollywood, including Paramount, MGM, Blumhouse, Sony TV, Killer Films, Miramax, Thunder Road, Village Roadshow, ITV, Storied Media, Legendary, Black Bear, and Cross Creek. He is based in New York, where he has been an active member of the television and theatre communities for a decade.

 

James Renfroe (Judge)

James Renfroe (Judge) - Producer, BAD MONKEY, SHRINKING, SUPERSTORE

James Renfroe is an experienced producer and editor, who has worked in the entertainment industry for the last 20 years. James most recently served as a producer on season 2 of SHRINKING and the limited series BAD MONKEYboth for AppleTV+.

James got his start working as an editor on hit TV shows like FALLEN (ABC), WITHOUT A TRACE (CBS), THE MIDDLE MAN (ABC FAMILY), and 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (ABC FAMILY). After working on the hit NBC show SUPERSTORE for the first 3 seasons, James took up a Producer role on the show and produced over 30 episodes throughout seasons 4-6, even directing two himself. Additionally, James credits include BLACK MONDAY (SHOWTIME), BLOCKBUSTER (NETFLIX), and ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (ABC). 

 

Raquelle David (Judge)

Raquelle David (Judge) - Producer and Literary Manager, Authentic Talent and Literary Management

Raquelle David is a Producer and Literary Manager with Authentic Talent and Literary Management, 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.

Her clients have worked on shows, such as THE BROTHERS SUN (NETFLIX), GORDITA CHRONICLES (Max), GOSSIP GIRL (Max), CLEAN SLATE (Prime Video), THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (NETFLIX), MIDNIGHT MASS (NETFLIX), and 9-11 (FOX)

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).

Contest Rules

ENTRANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Void where prohibited by law.

This Stage 32 Contest is an international contest. Must be 18 years or older to submit.

Entrant agrees to Stage32.com terms and conditions.

This Stage 32 Contest is not a game of chance. All material is read and reviewed by industry professionals.

All quarterfinalists, semi-finalists, finalists and winners are subjectively determined by our judges.

There is no limit to the number of screenplays an Entrant can enter. The same screenplay cannot be submitted multiple times under different names. If so, you will be disqualified.

Entrant must not be an immediate family member or friend of any of the judges or their respective companies.

Entrant acknowledges that because of the judges' and mentors' position in the entertainment industry they receive numerous submissions of ideas, formats, stories, suggestions and the like and that many such submissions heretofore or hereafter received by them are similar to or identical to those developed by them or their employees or, if an agent, are otherwise available to them.

Entrant acknowledges that they will not be entitled to any compensation because of the use by judges or mentors of any such similar material.

Entrant acknowledges that no fiduciary or confidential relationship now exists between Entrant and judges or mentors, and Entrant further acknowledges that no such relationships are established between Entrant and judges or mentors by reason of this contest entry.

Entrants must submit screenplays and payment online.

Entrants must upload their submission within 72 hours of entry purchase.

Entry fees will not be returned or adjusted.

No waivers are available for this contest.

 

SCREENPLAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Screenplays should be written in English and in standard industry format.

The rights to the Entrant’s screenplay should not have been previously optioned or sold.

The Entrant retains the rights to his or her screenplay at all times.

Entrant’s screenplay must not have been produced.

The screenplay can be submitted with or without a title page and/or contact information.

After a screenplay is entered, no new drafts or corrected pages can be made by the Entrant unless it is confirmed in our records that the Entrant has paid for the "Resubmission" option.

Screenplay must be submitted as a PDF document.

Screenplay must be the original work of the Entrant and may not be based whole or in part on any fictional or non-fictional material, published or unpublished, produced or unproduced for which the Entrant does not have rights. Neither Stage 32 nor its judges investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.

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.

This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. Updated drafts will need to be sent to contests@stage32.com to be scored.

Winner Announcements

Jul 18
Quarter-Finalists Announced
on Stage 32
Aug 01
Semi-Finalists Announced
on Stage 32
Aug 22
Finalists Announced
on Stage 32
Sep 05
Contest Winners Announced
on Stage 32
* Announcement dates subject to change.

Contest Deadlines

Regular Deadline

Monday, Mar 3 - 11:59 PM PST

Submission fee: $69.50

Super Early Bird

Thursday, Mar 13 - 11:59 PM PDT

Submission fee: $49.50

Early Bird Deadline

Wednesday, Apr 2 - 11:59 PM PDT

Submission fee: $59.50

Regular Deadline

Wednesday, Apr 30 - 11:59 PM PDT

Submission fee: $69.50

Final Deadline

Wednesday, May 28 - 11:59 PM PDT

Submission fee: $79.50

register for stage 32 Register / Log In