Stage 32 + DramaBox Screenwriting Competition

Grand Prize-Winning screenwriter will receive a $5,000 contract to write or adapt a vertical story for DramaBox!

Additionally, the winning writer will enter into a vertical drama development incubator with Stage 32 and DramaBox to learn everything you need to write verticals.

The DramaBox team will review all Semi-Finalist loglines - eligible for script requests!

This is your chance to get paid to write a real project that will get PRODUCED!

Stage 32, the world's largest online platform connecting and educating the global entertainment industry, and DramaBox, a leading vertical series platform, have partnered to launch an unprecedented dual-track program designed to discover and develop writers for the exploding vertical series market.

The partnership includes two concurrent initiatives: The Stage 32 + DramaBox Global Vertical Series Competition, offering a $5,000 grand prize contract and potential adaptation opportunities, and The Stage 32 + DramaBox Writer Incubator, a free, invite-only development experience providing priority access to Stage 32's top-tier writers.

"DramaBox is where the next generation of storytellers are cutting their teeth," said Christianne Cruz, Head of Development at DramaBox. “We’re looking for writers who can move fast, be bold, and understand what hooks an audience within seconds. Our partnership with Stage 32 unlocks a worldwide network of emerging and seasoned writers, creating new opportunities for discovery on a global scale.”

Open to Feature Film Scripts, TV Pilot Scripts, and Short Scripts -- Enter with your Best Writing Sample!

"Vertical series aren't just a trend. They're a legitimate career pathway," said Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto. "DramaBox is at the forefront of this movement, and this partnership gives writers direct access to a thriving market that's actively seeking fresh voices. Whether through our competition or our invite-only incubator, we're creating real opportunities for writers to work with digital studios and see their stories produced."

Running concurrently with the competition, the Stage 32/DramaBox Writer Incubator offers a curated, free development experience exclusively for Stage 32's most accomplished writers. This invite-only program provides participants with direct collaboration opportunities with DramaBox's development team, insight into the vertical series format and market, priority consideration for future writing assignments and mentorship and feedback from industry professionals actively producing content. Selected writers will work directly with DramaBox's creative team to develop content for their rapidly expanding platform.

"This dual approach ensures we're discovering talent at every level," added Geoffroy Faugérolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services. "The competition is open to everyone—we want the best story to win, regardless of experience. The incubator gives our proven writers a fast track to working directly with DramaBox. It's about creating multiple pathways into a market that's hungry for writers."

As vertical series continue their explosive growth—reaching millions of viewers globally and attracting major talent and production companies—this partnership represents a critical new avenue for writers to break into a format that's redefining how stories are told and consumed in the digital age. Vertical series represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the entertainment industry. Optimized for mobile viewing and designed for binge-watching, these short-form narratives have proven their ability to attract massive audiences while providing writers with a platform to hone their craft, build credits, and develop material that can scale to traditional film and television.

AS SEEN ON THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• $5,000 writer contract with the opportunity to adapt existing IP matched to the winner's unique voice and strengths
• Career Accelerator Prize Package ($4,000 value) including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and comprehensive education resources
• Personal Mentorship 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
• Strategic Partnership where Stage 32 and DramaBox executives collaborate to prepare your project to take directly to market

Our Finalists will receive:

Our Finalists will receive an invite to The Stage 32 + DramaBox Writer Incubator, a free, invite-only development experience providing priority access to Stage 32's top-tier writers.

Additionally 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!

Let our previous short script contest winner Katy Dore tell you why you should enter!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We’re on the lookout for all types of scripts - features, pilots, shorts, etc! This contest is wide open when it comes to script format. The DramaBox team is willing to consider all types and genres of stories, because they are serious about finding amazing writing talent on Stage 32. Not just for one project, but for a lifetime of collaboration. So we want to see it all!

Submit your best samples-- we want to see 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 a 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 DramaBox?

Drama Box is a world-leading short drama platform launched in April 2023. Covering over 200 countries and regions, it adopts a dual-track strategy of adapted dramas and local originals to deepen market presence, catering to the cultural preferences of various regions with diverse genres, including romance and suspense. Boasting blockbuster titles like Revenge Marriage Sweet Love, From Contract Lover to the Billionaire's Bride and I Wish It Were You — each amassing 100+ million views — Drama Box leads the global micro-short drama market in both revenue and cumulative downloads. Backed by high-quality content and effective market tactics, it leverages a pay-to-unlock + ad monetization model, earned Google Play's 2024 Best Entertainment App Award, and secured a spot in the 2025 Disney Accelerator Program.

Stage 32 Contests Launch Careers

Recent Winners Making Waves:

Travis J. Opgenorth - Script optioned by Broken Time Entertainment and signed with Persistent Entertainment after Stage 32 introduced him to nearly a dozen industry pros.

Tanya Klein & Jim Cirile - Script set up for production with $1.5M budget, Lucas Heyne attached to direct.

Christina Pamies - Signed by "Billion Dollar" Literary Manager Jake Wagner, then hired by StudioCanal to adapt BAGHEAD (now streaming on Shudder/AMC+).

Kevin Bachar - Winning script became THE INHABITANT (2022), produced by Lionsgate and released on Hulu.

Jeffrey Wright - Staffed in the Writer's Room of THE GOLDBERGS

Career-Changing Representation:

• Josh Miller - Signed with literary manager Tamer Ashan of Zero Gravity Management
• Henry Sawyer-Foner - Signed with literary manager Nicholas Bogner through our 2025 Romantic Comedy contest!
• Jimmy Miller - Signed with literary manager Marc Manus
• Richard Doyle (Australia) - Signed with literary manager Will Rosenfield
• Glenn Forbes - Secured representation with Infinity Management International
• Alyssa & Griffin Devine - Signed with HG5 Entertainment, writing 2 scripts with 1 going into production
• Frank Ponce - Signed with 3 Arts Entertainment, script picked up by Atlas Entertainment, sold Evel Knievel series to USA Network
• Diana Wright - Signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency
• Jonathan Jordan - Signed by major agency Verve, script currently in production
• Greg Mania - Signed with Cohn/Torgan Management, published NPR Best Book of 2020

The Stage 32 Difference: Winners receive meetings with managers, agents, and producers - not just a trophy. Real careers launched, real movies made, real representation secured.

"Stage 32 isn't about a quick win and a pat on the back. They're serious about opening doors." - Travis J. Opgenorth

What Are the Prizes?

Our Grand Prize Winners will:

• Head into a development fast track with DramaBox to write an Vertical Drama for the emerging streamer!
• Join the The Stage 32 + DramaBox Writer Incubator tolearn about the medium and develop your micro-drama writing skills.
• Have your 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

Important Dates to be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: December 5th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: December 17th, 2025

Regular Deadline: January 14th, 2026

Final Deadline: February 4th, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: April 3rd, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: April 17th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: May 1st, 2026

Winner Announcement: May 15th, 2026

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 - $9,000 Value

• $5,000 WRITER CONTRACT to adapt a DramaBox IP for US audiences.
• PROJECT DEVELOPMENT INCUBATOR with DramaBox + Stage 32, who will work with the winning writer to learn micro-drama writing!
  
  
• 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 1,500 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 1,500 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 Feature 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 2nd Annual Short Script Winner Katy Dore (PERFECT)

Last year's winner, Katy Dore had her script PERFECT produced by Malia Botello, Alan Gitlin, Laurilie Jackson, Janice Lopez, and Kate Spates. The short was co-directed by Gina Kartsonis and Laurilie Jackson. It stars Tonya Peregrin as Ramona and Aubrey Trujillo as Sasha. PERFECT screened at the 21st Annual Hollyshorts Film Festival in August 2025!

Logline: RAMONA adores her quirky bestie SASHA, but today's obsession is just too much. Sasha used an AI App to design her dream man, and now she's convinced their server, CRUX, is her perfect partner. Ramona admits the server DOES look a lot like the image the App generated. And it's sweet that he's concerned about Sasha's health. But wait. He also speaks Portuguese!? Sasha is smitten, but Ramona suspects Crux might just be a little too perfect.

Our 1st Annual Short Script Winner Patricia Semler (EXIT INTERVIEW)

EXIT INTERVIEW by Pat Semler, our winning script from 2023, released in 2024, and was directed by Kate Spates and Carolyn Moloshco! The film had a full festival run and screened at the 20th Annual Hollyshorts Film Festival in August 2024 as part of the Stage 32 Short Film block!

Logline: A young woman discovers freedom of choice has consequences during her exit interview at a gene center.

Our 3rd Annual Feature Drama winner Kelly Nugent signed with a manager at Wonder Street Entertainment after winning with her script THE OTHER MOTHER CRIED!

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.

Previous contest winner Chris Torres signed with manager Brooklyn Weaver of Energy Entertainment after Stage 32 set them up on a general meeting!

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

Still don't believe us? Previous contest winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency! Check out her video here:

More Contest Winners would love to 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.

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!"

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

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.