5th Annual Female Driven Screenwriting Contest

The BIGGEST Female Driven Screenwriting Contest is BACK!

Featuring Mentorships with Literary Managers from Marathon Management, King Lamb Entertainment, and Corvisiero Literary Agency!

Over $40,000 in Prizes!

PLUS -- The Grand Prize Winner and Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships as well!

Ever dreamt of seeing your female driven script come to life on the big screen or stream on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality! We're proud to announce the 5th Annual Stage 32 Female Driven Screenwriting Contest to help discover the next great female driven script!

Our Grand Prize Winner will win a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $4,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be first in line for VIP MENTORSHIP meetings literary managers whose clients have worked on iconic movies and shows like THE MAZE RUNNER, LAW & ORDER, FOUR GOOD DAYS, and more!

Daring, thought-provoking female driven stories are a staple of modern entertainment. From the heartwarming laughter of FREAKIER FRIDAY, to the gripping tension of THE HOUSEMAID, and the romantic drama of MATERIALISTS, audiences can’t get enough powerful female-driven storytelling. This year alone, films like WICKED: FOR GOOD and LILO & STITCH have proven female driven movies can still rock the box office. The appetite for prolific female driven stories is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• 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
• Strategic Backing where Stage 32 and the winner will collaborate to prepare your project to take 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!

Let last year's 4th Annual Female Driven Contest Winner Alexandra Fisher tell you why you should enter!

Open to Feature Film & TV Pilot Scripts!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We’re on the lookout for all types of female driven scripts! Deep, thought-provoking dramas? Gritty, fast-paced action movies? Tearjerking romances? The next legendary road trip romp? We want to see it all!

We’re looking for Female Driven film scripts like:

HAMNET, ANORA, LITTLE WOMEN, SENTIMENTAL VALUE, DIE MY LOVE, MATERIALISTS, THE SUBSTANCE, PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, BUGONIA, IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU, THE FAVOURITE, BARBIE, ELLA MCCAY, THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10, MEAN GIRLS, SWIPED, MY OLD ASS, BRIDE HARD, BABYGIRL, NIGHTBITCH, COMPANION, OH HI!, BRIDGET JONES DIARY, OCEAN'S 8, WICKED, MISS CONGENIALITY, ERIN BROKOVICH, and more!

We’re looking for Female Driven TV scripts like:

PLURIBUS, HACKS, THE CROWN, FLEABAG, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, POKER FACE, KILLING EVE, GILMORE GIRLS, THE WHITE QUEEN, THE MARVELOUS MS. MAISEL, BROAD CITY, BIG LITTLE LIES, GLOW, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, INSECURE, BRIDGERTON, ELSBETH, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, and more!

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’re hungry for fresh, unique, and vibrant original female driven ideas that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats!

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 female driven 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 are the Judges?

These execs will read and judge the Top 10 finalist scripts and meet with any finalists whose writing they enjoy!

• Stacia Crawford, Director @ Lifetime, CMT, Hallmark, Netflix (THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN, DEAD SILENT)
• Amrita Kalsi, Creative Executive (FOUR GOOD DAYS, INVINCIBLE, THE CW'S SIGHT UNSEEN)
• Kendall Fletcher, Producer (DIDI, ALL THAT WE LOVE)

ADD-ON PRIZE OPPORTUNITIES

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

Dallaslyn Lamb is a Literary Manager at King Lamb Entertainment, which represents award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated screenwriters and television writers. Dallaslyn's current clients have written on SOLAR OPPOSITES, THE HUNTING PARTY, LAW & ORDER: SVU, and THE PRADEEPS OF PITTSBURGH. Dallaslyn signed Jennifer Goldson from the Stage 32 community after Jennifer won our First Annual Female-Driven Screenwriting Contest.

Before launching King Lamb Entertainment, Dallaslyn was with RAIN, Art/Work Entertainment, and Activist Artist Management, representing writers and directors. Early in her career, she served as a Coordinator at Fortitude International.

Lameese Hassen is a Manager at Marathon Management, a premiere management company based in Los Angeles. Clients of Marathon Management have worked on a number of feature film productions and TV shows such as SUITS: LA, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, LOST IN SPACE, THE WITCHER, and WILL TRENT. Lameese has worked on other projects such as FOUR GOOD DAYS.

Lameese also worked under Robert Lazar and she served as a coordinator at Brillstein Entertainment Partners/Oakhurst Entertainment and began as an assistant to Jai Khanna, a former manager. Brillstein is a talent management firm and television production company and Oakhurst is an entertainment company focused on the production and financing of features, television, and digital media content.

What They Are Looking For: I’m looking for thriller and horror specs in the feature space.

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.

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:

• Work with Stage 32 to develop your winning script and additional materials to prepare your project for the market.
• 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: January 15th, 2026

Early Bird Deadline: February 11th, 2026

Regular Deadline: March 4th, 2026

Final Deadline: March 25th, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: May 29th, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: June 12th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: June 26th, 2026

Winner Announcement: July 10th, 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 - $4,000 Value

• 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 Female Driven 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 Female Driven contest winner, Alexandra Fisher gained massive traction on her winning script SEA OF SOULS, as she took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Anonymous Content, Heroes & Villains Entertainment, Hello Sunshine, Zoic Pictures, et al -- all actively working on and looking for female driven stories!

Our 3rd Annual Female Driven contest winner, Ellen Warner O'Brien took meetings with her winning script TIGHT, getting herself in front of Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Circle of Confusion, Gotham Group, Bellevue Production, Gramercy Park Entertainment, and more!

1st Annual Female Driven contest winner, Jennifer Goldson, was signed by mentor Literary Manager Dallaslyn Lamb of King Lamb Entertainment!

2nd Annual Female Driven contest winner, Jimmy Miller, signed with Marc Manus at Persistent Entertainment! Then his Stage 32 winning script SLUGGER went on to become an Academy Nicholl Fellowship winner in 2024 as well!

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!

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.

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

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.

Our 4th Annual Comedy Contest 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!

Tessa Shaffer (Judge) - VP - Head of Film & TV / Senior Literary Manager, Corvisiero Literary Agency

Tessa Shaffer is the Vice President - Head of Film & TV and a Senior Literary Manager with Corvisiero Literary Agency, a boutique agency in NYC that represents both authors and screenwriters. The clients of CLA include many New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #1 Bestselling Authors.

 

Corvisiero Literary Agency has a growing relationship with networks and producers and has successfully negotiated book-to-film deals, most recently FOREVER MY GIRL to Roadside Attractions and Disney International with LD Entertainment producing.

 

CLA is currently looking for made-for-TV movies that would be a good fit for Hallmark or Lifetime as well as high concept, YA, and drama content for streamers.

 

In 2025, Tessa also Executive Produced her first documentary - Beyond Disclosure: The Corey Goode Files.

Dallaslyn Lamb (Judge) - Literary Manager, King Lamb Entertainment

Dallaslyn Lamb is a Literary Manager at King Lamb Entertainment, which represents award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated screenwriters and television writers. Dallaslyn's current clients have written on SOLAR OPPOSITES, THE HUNTING PARTY, LAW & ORDER: SVU, and THE PRADEEPS OF PITTSBURGH. Dallaslyn signed Jennifer Goldson from the Stage 32 community after Jennifer won our First Annual Female-Driven Screenwriting Contest.

Before launching King Lamb Entertainment, Dallaslyn was with RAIN, Art/Work Entertainment, and Activist Artist Management, representing writers and directors. Early in her career, she served as a Coordinator at Fortitude International.

 

 

Lameese Hassen (Judge) - Manager, Marathon Management

Lameese Hassen is a Manager at Marathon Management, a premiere management company based in Los Angeles. Clients of Marathon Management have worked on a number of feature film productions and TV shows such as SUITS: LA, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, LOST IN SPACE, THE WITCHER, and WILL TRENT. Lameese has worked on other projects such as FOUR GOOD DAYS.

Lameese recently signed two writers from pitch sessions!

Lameese also worked under Robert Lazar and she served as a coordinator at Brillstein Entertainment Partners/Oakhurst Entertainment and began as an assistant to Jai Khanna, a former manager. Brillstein is a talent management firm and television production company and Oakhurst is an entertainment company focused on the production and financing of features, television, and digital media content.

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You! I’m looking for thriller and horror specs in the feature space.

Amrita Kalsi (Judge) - Creative Development Executive, Worked with Amazon Studios, The CW, Nickelodeons, and Disney

Amrita Kalsi is a Creative Development Executive with expertise in evaluating both the creative and commercial potential of film and television projects for studios and financiers. She most recently served as Coordinator at independent film financier CAMELBACK PRODUCTIONS (credits include upcoming films PATEL and DOIN’ IT), where she reviewed pitches and materials for potential investment.

Her prior experience includes serving as Story Coordinator on THE CW's SIGHT UNSEEN and as Creative Assistant at AMAZON STUDIOS, where she worked on high-profile animated series including INVINCIBLE, LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA, THE SECOND BEST HOSPITAL IN THE GALAXY, and SECRET LEVEL. She has also held creative development internships at NICKELODEON and DISNEY TELEVISION ANIMATION.

Stacia Crawford (Judge) - Director, Netflix, Lifetime, CMT, Hallmark

Stacia Crawford is a Director/Writer/Actress with over 40 credits to her name. She has directed several feature films, which have premiered theatrically, on Netflix, Hulu, Lifetime, Tubi, UpTV; along with multiple episodes of true-crime television for ID Discovery.

Prior to directing, she produced feature films with MarVista Entertainment (premieres on Hallmark, Lifetime, CMT and Netflix), as well as numerous independent feature films. She also produced multiple unscripted/reality television shows. As an actress, she can be seen in several feature films, including cameo roles in films that she has directed.

As a writer, she has co-created four original dramatic television series, all currently in development; and has authored two books. Stacia is an active member of several guilds and filmmaker alliances, and often serves as a panelist and/or guest lecturer.

Kendall Fletcher (Judge) - Producer, Honey Chile

Kendall Fletcher is a Producer, most known for her work at Unapologetic Projects, where she worked on the Sundance award-winning fillm DIDI (Focus Features), starring Joan Chen and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sean Wang (Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó), where the film was awarded the US Audience Award and the US Dramatic Jury Award.

Kendall also helped produce ALL THAT WE LOVE, starring Margaret Cho and directed by Yen Tan which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Kendall is well versed in the development landscape within the industry having acquired a vast knowledge while working on development teams at places such as SNL, Hillman Grad, FX, and ABC. She began her career at 7th Sun Productions, the company founded by Yara and Keri Shahidi with and overall deal with ABC Studios.

She has a passion for inclusive storytelling and has a robust slate of projects spanning film, television, and documentaries.

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.