Stage 32 + Zero Gravity Management Action/Thriller Screenwriting Contest

WINNER ANNOUNCED

↓ SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW THE WINNER ↓

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will go into packaging and development with Stage 32 & Zero Gravity Management, the producers behind hits such as THE ACCOUNTANT franchise, EMMY-winning OZARK, HONEST THIEF and more!

Zero Gravity will review all Semi-Finalist loglines - eligible for script requests!

PLUS -- All Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships with:
Janet Jeffries, Producer/Development Executive at Lawrence Bender Productions (KILL BILL, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, DJANGO UNCHAINED, PULP FICTION, ROSWELL: NEW MEXICO)
-and-
Royce Reeves-Darby, Producer at 87 North (JOHN WICK, NOBODY, BORDERLANDS)

Fresh off the release of THE ACCOUNTANT 2, Zero Gravity founders Eric and Mark Williams are partnering with Stage 32 to find the next undiscovered action-thriller writing talents. The producers, who originally found screenwriter Bill Dubuque (THE ACCOUNTANT, OZARK, THE JUDGE) through a cold query, will work directly with Stage 32 through the Stage 32 Action/Thriller Screenwriting Contest.

Zero Gravity will be personally reviewing semi-finalist loglines and all top 10 finalist scripts, with winners selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability. The selected writers will receive script development, industry mentorship, and potential production pathways designed to fast-track emerging writers. Both Stage 32 and Zero Gravity will jointly package developed projects for production.

“I have known Eric and Mark for over a decade,” Stage 32 CEO Richard “RB” Botto said. “They’re commitment to discovering and breaking new talent speaks for itself and is directly in line with the Stage 32 mission. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working directly with them to uncover some fantastic, undiscovered screenwriters.”

“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Stage 32 and have witnessed some remarkable talent emerge from the platform over the past decade,” said Eric Williams, Owner of Zero Gravity. “Discovering fresh voices through queries has long been a key part of how we do business—it proves there’s no single path to getting noticed. Now, with Stage 32’s global reach, we’re casting the widest net yet to find the next voice—or voices—that could redefine the genre.

"In an industry where breaking in seems increasingly difficult, we're continuing to create a direct pipeline from undiscovered talent to professional development," added Geoffroy Faugerolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services. "This is about discoverability, access and launching careers."

The best Action/Thrillers combine intense action sequences with a gripping, suspenseful plot, strong character development, exciting action set pieces, and unexpected twists to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

From the intensity and action of THE ACCOUNTANT 2, to the totally wild and original concept of NOVOCAINE, to the dangerous power plays and high stakes of THE AMATEUR, audiences can’t get enough exciting action/thriller storytelling. This year alone, classic action franchises like SUPERMAN and KARATE KID were rebooted, proving a great story can last for decades. The appetite for amazing action projects is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

AS SEEN ON DEADLINE

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• Zero Gravity Talent Incubator placement for script development and packaging with Zero Gravity Management (THE ACCOUNTANT, OZARK)

• Career Accelerator Prize Package ($4,000 value) including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and comprehensive education resources
• Personal Mentorship Track with dedicated 1:1 career development sessions from our success team
• Industry Marketing Campaign promoting winner to our exclusive roster of 2,500+ managers, agents, producers, and executives
• Strategy Partnership where Stage 32 and Zero Gravity executives collaborate to take your project directly to market

Our Finalists will receive:

Our Finalists will receive a Career Momentum prize package valued at $1,500, 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 2,500+ 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!

Over the last year, screenwriter Sean Farley was discovered through Stage 32 by producer Chris Bellant of Vision Entertainment and wrote NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, starring Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, which hit theaters in April. Similarly, screenwriter James Papa met director Julia Verdin through Stage 32, resulting in the produced film NO ADDRESS, released in theaters in April starring Billy Baldwin and Patricia Velasquez.

Open to Feature Film and TV Pilot Scripts!

Let our last year's Annual Action/Thriller winner, Tim Kontje tell you why you should enter!

Congratulations Winner!

Congratulations Finalists!

Congratulations Semifinalists!

Congratulations Quarterfinalists!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We are looking for Feature scripts like:

THE ACCOUNTANT, ROAD HOUSE, THE FALL GUY, THE EQUALIZER, MONKEY MAN, THE BEEKEEPER, BALLERINA, THE AMATEUR, THE COVENANT, EXTRACTION, A WORKING MAN, FLIGHT RISK, HIT MAN, ATOMIC BLONDE, THE WOMAN KING, ARGYLLE, WARFARE, NOVOCAINE, G20, LOVE HURTS, THE CLEANER

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

OZARK, THE BOYS, JACK RYAN, THE DAY OF THE JACKAL, REACHER, FBI, S.W.A.T., FALLOUT, SHOGUN, MR. & MRS. SMITH, THE LAST OF US, TWISTED METAL, THE PEACEMAKER, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, RINGS OF POWER, GANGS OF LONDON, THE GENTLEMEN, MASTERS OF THE AIR, AMERICAN PRIMEVAL, SQUID GAME

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 action/thriller 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!

Who Is Zero Gravity?

Additional Judges

Additionally we have four more judges who are very interested in action/thriller scripts. These "fantastic four" will also read and judge the Top 10 finalist scripts, and potentially meet with any finalists whose writing they enjoy!

• Andrew Kersey, Literary Manager, Kersey Management (client credits include OPERATION ENDGAME, ARMED RESPONSE)
• Alexia Melocchi, Producer, Little Studio Films (DAY OFF, BOOK OF THE DEAD)
• Sofia Rovaletti, Director of Development, MoJo Global Arts (NIGHT OF THE HUNTED, MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN)
• Raquelle David, Literary Manager & Producer, Authentic Talent & Literary Management (client credits include THE BROTHERS SUN, THE CLEANING LADY)

ADD-ON PRIZE OPPORTUNITIES

This optional add-on prize category will grant one eligible writer the opportunity to be mentored and have 2 virtual development meetings with either of the following execs:

Janet Jeffries is a Development and Production Executive working in both feature films and television for Lawrence Bender Productions / Bender Brown TV Productions, where they strive to find and develop character driven material, working side by side with writers, directors and other producers to create projects with both commercial and award-winning potential.

Lawrence Bender Productions is an independent feature film company in Los Angeles, led by award-winning producer Lawrence Bender. Films include the Peabody Award-winning animated short film COPS AND ROBBERS, the Academy Award-winning, live action short film TWO DISTANT STRANGERS, THE HARDER THEY FALL, GRETA, and Academy Award-winning and nominated films - HACKSAW RIDGE, GOOD WILL HUNTING, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, PULP FICTION, and INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. As a development executive, Janet works closely with Mr. Bender to develop a wide variety of features in many genres.

Janet is also actively involved with the company’s television arm, Bender/Brown Productions, led by partner Kevin Brown. Credits include the docuseries, THE CHICANO SQUAD for A&E, the Netflix limited series SEVEN SECONDS, Starz limited series FLESH AND BONE, and the CW series ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO. They are also actively developing projects across many genres and formats for MGM+, Peacock, Telemundo, and Skydance, to name a few.

Royce Reeves-Darby is a Producer at 87North, the production company behind action hits such as JOHN WICK, NOBODY, THE FALL GUY, VIOLENT NIGHT, BULLET TRAIN, DAY SHIFT, KATE, and LOVE HURTS.

Prior to Paramount he worked at Picturestart, where he Produced BORDERLANDS (written and directed by Eli Roth starring Kate Blanchett, Kevin Hart and Jamie Lee Curtis) and AM I OKAY? (starring Dakota Johnson for MAX). He also set up various television shows at HBO, Paramount+, and Freeform.

Royce also worked in development for Paramount Players on PLAYING WITH FIRE starring John Cena, BODYCAM starring Mary J. Blige, SPELL starring Omari Hardwick, and LOVE & MONSTERS starring Dylan O'Brien.

He began his career in the mailroom at WME and worked his way up to an assistant in the Motion Picture Lit department. There he built a solid foundation for how the entertainment industry works before moving on to assist a studio executive at 20th Century Fox. While at the studio he was privileged to see the production of major projects like KINGSMAN 2 and THE PREDATOR.

Royce loves discovering new writers and developing scripts into great feature film and television.

This unique add-on benefit is separate from the Stage 32 Contest prizes and placements. Only projects submitted to the Stage 32 Contest AND that select this add-on are eligible for consideration in this category. Additionally, all projects that place in the Top 10 round of the competition will automatically be considered.

What Are the Prizes?

Our Grand Prize Winner will:

• Develop your script with Zero Gravity Management, who will take your project out to market!
• Work with Stage 32 to develop additional materials on your winning script.
• Have your script logline and bio sent to our exclusive roster of agents and managers actively seeking new talent.
• Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, gaining access to over 3,000 hours of educational content and networking with industry heavyweights.
• But that's not all!

Check below for ALL our new prize packages! Including packages for Finalists, Semifinalists, Quarterfinalists, and more!

Want Script Coverage & The Ability To Submit A New Draft?

Want professional feedback on your script? We offer discounted script coverage and the option to resubmit revised drafts. Our feedback options are designed to help you polish your work and give you the best chance at success.

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: July 17th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: August 6th, 2025

Regular Deadline: August 27th, 2025

Final Deadline: September 17th, 2025

Quarterfinalist Announcement: November 7th, 2025

Semifinalist Announcement: November 21st, 2025

Finalist Announcement: December 5th, 2025

Winner Announcement: December 19th, 2025

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

THIS YEAR'S PRIZE PACKAGES INCLUDE:

WINNER: The Career Accelerator Package - $4,000 Value

• PROJECT DEVELOPMENT with Zero Gravity Management, who will take the winning project out to market!
• 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
• An exclusive workshop with our team to learn how to navigate the industry and leverage your placement

• 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)
• 1 Free Stage 32 Class
• 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification

FINALISTS: The Career Momentum Package - $1,500 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
• An exclusive workshop with our team to learn how to navigate the industry and leverage your placement

• 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
• 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 Contest Winners See Results

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 12 years and emerged as the leading source for industry executives to uncover new talent! Is this your year to move the needle on your career?

Last year's winner, Tim Kontje gained massive traction on his winning script KITBASH, after he took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Sandstone Artists, NiteLite Pictures, Alta Global Media, Semiformal Productions, Mojo Global Arts, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Scott Schulman Management, Mind's Eye Entertainment and more! -- all actively working on and looking for action/thriller content.

Our first annual Winner, Gregg Guest, booked his first big screenwriting gig through Stage 32 after winning the contest!

"It's not just contests and booking gigs I like about Stage 32, it's the people also! Stage 32 is an amazing community of immensely talented and creative folks." -- Gregg Guest

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

Past winners, like Bill Poore went on to sign with a manager! In his own words, "This contest feels like a game changer."

Previous Winner John Dummer went on a whirlwind tour of meetings after his win, which lead to Wonder Woman Producer Stephen Jones sending John's script to Atlas Entertainment (Justice League, Suicide Squad), as well as Talent Agent Shawn Burns sending out his script to managers looking for writers!

Per John: "I don't imagine there is a contest that can do more for you than this one!"

Our Grand Prize Winner Ben Gross, writer of THE LADIES' GUIDE TO HACKING met and worked with manager Daniel Vang from Good Fear Film + Management, was commissioned to write a script for Daniel Herther, VP of Development from Baker Entertainment Group, met with Spencer Malof from the Illusinarium, and was mentored by Marc Zicree (Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica).

Our 2nd Place Winner, Ryan Lee, writer of TOWER 9 was optioned by studio producer Mitchell Peck!

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 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!"

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

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), THE CLEANING LADY (FOX), 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).

Sofia Rovaletti (Judge) - Director of Development, Mojo Global Arts

Sofia Rovaletti is the Director of Development at the management and production company MoJo Global Arts, with an extensive understanding of the film and TV industry from concept development to the sales process.

In July 2022, Mojo Global Arts optioned a feature script from Stage 32 writer Michael Mendershausen after he connected with her through Stage 32!

Mojo Global Arts was founded by Producer Morris Ruskin who has produced approximately sixty films including GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS. Sofia is the Executive Producer of the Feature Film MID-CENTURY which stars Bruce Dern and is being released through Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Previously, she worked in acquisitions for the sales agency Shoreline Entertainment.

In her current role, she actively seeks new and diverse content and creators to feed the company’s slate.

Born in Argentina, she studied directing at the Eliseo Subiela Film School and earned a bachelor’s degree at the National University of the Arts. In Argentina, she worked in feature films such as ZAMA directed by legendary Argentine filmmaker Lucretia Martel, and OPERATION FINALE directed by Chris Weitz for Netflix and MGM.

Her passion and personal mission as a content creator and developer are to help create emotional, diverse, and exhilarating stories that introduce a different insight into meaningful social topics and inspire people to change the world, through innovation and creativity.

Alexia Melocchi (Judge) - Producer & Sales Agent, Little Studio Films

Alexia Melocchi is a Producer at Little Studio Films, a representation and production company with more than 25 films and series credits. With more than twenty years in the industry, Alexia has worked in nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry.

Working at Little Studio Films since 2000, Alexia serves as Partner and Producer, involved in all aspects of company operations, including distribution and co-production deals, managing production activities, and film and television marketing.

On the feature side, Little Studio Films shot Summer Dance in New York last Fall. They are currently casting for the upcoming feature, Toxicant, to be directed by Marco Ristori and Luca Boni, and are preparing the miniseries on the life of young Maria Callas called "The Making of Maria". Little Studios recently completed the reality series, "The Experience"airing on UpLift Television.

Prior to Little Studio Films, Alexia served as President of Distribution at Alexia International Pictures and Director of Sales and Operations at Amazing Movies.

Andrew Kersey (Judge) - Literary Manager, Kersey Management

Andrew Kersey is a Literary Manager working in feature film and television who's clients have worked with all of Hollywood’s major film studios and streamers. His amazing clients have sold pilots to or been staffed on TV series for ABC, FOX, NBC, Disney Channel, CW, Nickelodeon, and WGN America, to name a few. Clients have also appeared on Hollywood’s buzzy Young & Hungry List.

Recently, Amazon Studios bought his client’s action comedy spec NEVER TOO OLD TO DIE with Sylvester Stallone attached to star which was featured in Deadline. Thunder Road Pictures (JOHN WICK franchise) is producing another client’s project, SUSPENSION, and is now currently out to talent.

His clients previously wrote VACATION FRIENDS starring John Cena and Lil Rel was Hulu's biggest 3-day weekend opener for an original in the streamers history. A sequel, VACATION FRIENDS 2, was immediately fast-tracked.

Andrew sold his client sci-fi spec script, VARIETAL, to Universal with Mike De Luca, the Oscar-nominated producer behind THE SOCIAL NETWORK and the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY movies, producing! You can read more in The Hollywood Reporter here.

His clients have been represented by all the major talent agencies, including WME, CAA, UTA, Gersh, APA, and Paradigm. His clients’ projects have been packaged — and many sold — with such names as Sandra Bullock, The Rock, Lil Rel Howery, Chris Pratt, Anna Faris, Ice Cube, Sylvester Stallone, Zach Galifianakis, Maggie Q, and Adam Scott.

Andrew worked his way up through the industry, starting as a production company intern before working for the management and production powerhouse 3Arts Entertainment. He left 3Arts to get experience in development at a Universal production company, before starting his own management company, Kersey Management, in 2004.

In the film space, clients of Andrew’s literary management company have had projects distributed by IFC, Saban Films, Well Go USA Entertainment and Anchor Bay Films.

Janet Jeffries (Judge) - Development and Production Executive, Lawrence Bender Productions / Bender Brown TV Productions

Janet Jeffries is a Development and Production Executive working in both feature films and television for Lawrence Bender Productions / Bender Brown TV Productions, where they strive to find and develop character driven material, working side by side with writers, directors and other producers to create projects with both commercial and award-winning potential.

Lawrence Bender Productions is an independent feature film company in Los Angeles, led by award-winning producer Lawrence Bender. Films include the Peabody Award-winning animated short film COPS AND ROBBERS, the Academy Award-winning, live action short film TWO DISTANT STRANGERS, THE HARDER THEY FALL, GRETA, and Academy Award-winning and nominated films - HACKSAW RIDGE, GOOD WILL HUNTING, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, PULP FICTION, and INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. As a development executive, Janet works closely with Mr. Bender to develop a wide variety of features in many genres.

Janet is also actively involved with the company’s television arm, Bender/Brown Productions, led by partner Kevin Brown. Credits include the docuseries, THE CHICANO SQUAD for A&E, the Netflix limited series SEVEN SECONDS, Starz limited series FLESH AND BONE, and the CW series ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO. Bender/Brown is developing an original scripted series for Fox Television and have a 5-part scripted series about survivors of the October 7th attacks which was filmed sin Tel Aviv and will air on Keshet TV starting October 2025. We are also actively developing projects across many genres and formats for MGM+, Peacock, Telemundo, and Skydance, to name a few.

She has also worked as a professional screenwriting mentor working with emerging screenwriters, reading and writing professional coverage, offering written and in person feedback on scripts and other materials.

Royce Reeves-Darby (Judge) - Producer, 87 North

Royce Reeves-Darby is a Producer who has worked in development for Paramount Players on PLAYING WITH FIRE starring John Cena, BODYCAM starring Mary J. Blige, SPELL starring Omari Hardwick, and LOVE & MONSTERS starring Dylan O'Brien.

Prior to Paramount he worked at Picturestart on AM I OKAY? (starring Dakota Johnson for MAX), BORDERLANDS (written and directed by Eli Roth starring Kate Blanchett, Kevin Hart and Jamie Lee Curtis), and he also set up various television shows at HBO, Paramount+, and Freeform.

He began his career in the mailroom at WME and worked his way up to an assistant in the Motion Picture Lit department. There he built a solid foundation for how the entertainment industry works before moving on to assist a studio executive at 20th Century Fox. While at the studio he was privileged to see the production of major projects like KINGSMAN 2 and THE PREDATOR.

Royce loves discovering new writers and developing scripts into great feature film and television.