Stage 32 + Evoke Entertainment Romantic Comedy Screenwriting Contest

The ONLY Romantic Comedy Screenwriting Contest is BACK! This year, we've partnered with one of the top management, production, and finance companies in Hollywood: Evoke Entertainment!

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will go into a script development and packaging mentorship with Stage 32 & Evoke Entertainment!

Evoke Entertainment will review all Semi-Finalist loglines - eligible for script requests!

PLUS -- All Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships with managers from
42 Management & Production and Marilyn Atlas Management!

Ever dreamt of seeing your Romantic Comedy script come to life on the big screen or streaming 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 Stage 32 + Evoke Entertainment Romantic Comedy Screenwriting Contest to help discover the next great Rom Com writer. Evoke are partnering in a first-of-its-kind talent incubator designed to fast-track emerging Rom-Com writers from contest discovery to professional development and production! 

Evoke is leading that charge. CEO Stan Spry has produced dozens of rom-coms and holiday movies for companies like Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, Tubi, Great American Family and many others. The company produced nine Rom-Coms in the last twelve months alone, along with several series. For 2026, they already have a slate of over two dozen Rom Coms and Romances in development. With a rapidly growing client roster and proven production pipeline, Evoke is poised to dominate one of the fastest-growing segments of the business.

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• Evoke Entertainment placement for representation, script development and packaging.  

• 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 Partnership where Stage 32 and  Evoke Entertainment executives 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 our last TWO Romantic Comedy Contest Winners Barbie Ross and Arun Narayanan 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 romantic comedy scripts! Charming, flirty comedies? Goofy meet cutes? Tearjerking romances that make you laugh before you cry? The next legendary mismatched affair? We want to see it all!

We’re looking for feature film scripts like:

ANYONE BUT YOU, MATERIALISTS, SPLITSVILLE, OH HI!, KINDA PREGNANT, YOU'RE CORDIALLY INVITED, ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE, HOT FROSTY, CRAZY RICH ASIANS, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, LOVE SIMON, YOU'VE GOT MAIL, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, YOUR PLACE OR MINE, RYE LANE, BROS, BRIDGET JONES DIARY, ETERNITY, THE THREESOME, RED WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, THE IDEA OF YOU and more!

We’re looking for TV pilots scripts like:

NOBODY WANTS THIS, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, JANE THE VIRGIN, THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, LOVESICK, HIGH FIDELITY, THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY, SEX EDUCATION, THE MINDY PROJECT, PLATONIC, LOVE, LIFE & BETH, MODERN LOVE, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, and more!

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’re hungry for fresh, unique, and vibrant original Rom Com 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 Romantic Comedy 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 Evoke Entertainment?

Evoke Entertainment, formerly known as Cartel Entertainment, was founded in 2011 and is a full-service management, production, and finance company with offices in Los Angeles, Canada, New York, and Las Vegas. The company represents top-tier showrunners, show creators, writers, directors, producers, animators, and production companies in film, TV, and new media.

Evoke Entertainment has produced and financed several series since its inception, including the hit series CREEPSHOW for Shudder/AMC, the animated family series TWELVE FOREVER for Netflix and the Universal/Syfy series DAY OF THE DEAD, the upcoming Adult Animated series for Tubi, BREAKING BEAR (starring Academy Award Winner Brendan Fraser, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Josh Gad, Elizabeth Hurley, and Annie Murphy) and the upcoming unscripted series for NBC and Peacock FOREVER YOUNG WITH DR. PABLO PRICHARD for NBC. Evoke previously also produced the series TIES THAT BIND for Up TV, and A PLACE IN THE SUN for Discovery and has dozens of projects in development across broadcast, cable and streamers. Evoke also produces over 20 movies a year including TV and Streaming movies for platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Hallmark, Lifetime, Great American, and Tubi to name a few.

Evoke is led by CEO and Co-Founder Stan Spry who oversees the production slate, client management, and financing of films for Evoke, who have produced over 200 films, TV series, and movies, including CHRISTMAS WITH THE CAMPBELLS (RLJ), alongside Vince Vaughn, LOOKING THROUGH WATER, starring Academy Award Winner Michael Douglas and MONSTERS OF CALIFORNIA, directed by blink-182’s Tom DeLonge.

 

● Evoke Entertainment will judge the Top 10 finalist scripts in the contest.
● The winner will be selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability assessment.
● Immediate transition from contest recognition to professional development.

 

Learn more at https://evokeentertainment.com

 

Additional Judges

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

     

• Silvia Mathis, Producer, Punkin Studios (A NASHVILLE LEGACY, SPRING BREAKTHROUGH)
• Alexia Melocchi, Producer, Little Studio Films (STEALING ROSES, SHADOWS IN THE DISTANCE)
• Samantha Olsson Shear, Development Executive & Producer, Zoic Pictures (SHADES OF RAY)
• Sammy Warshaw, Producer (SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2, KNUCKLES)

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:

Michelle Knudsen is a producer and manager at 42 Management & Production. As a manager she has focused on championing women and diverse voices. Her clients include Carrie Solomon (writer of the Netflix movie A FAMILY AFFAIR starring Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King), Katie Silberman (SET IT UP, BOOKSMART, DON'T WORRY DARLING), and Jesse Andrews (ME & EARL & THE DYING GIRL, LUCA) in addition to dozens of writers currently actively working on shows like SHOGUN, DREAMING WHILST BLACK, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, RICHES, and more!

As a producer, Michelle's feature film credits include the comedy WHEN WE FIRST MET, the sci-fi ARQ, and the horror film NIGHTBOOKS, all for NETFLIX. She also served as a producer on the films QUEEN & SLIM (Universal Pictures) which stars Daniel Kaluuya and was written by Lena Waithe, THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY (TriStar Pictures) which stars Geraldine Viswanathan and Molly Gordon, BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE (NEON) which stars Pete Davidson, SOCIAL ANIMALS (Vertical Entertainment) which stars Josh Radnor, HIDDEN (Warner Bros.) which stars Alexander Skarsgård and Andrea Riseborough, BAD WORDS (Focus Features) which stars and was directed by Jason Bateman; in addition to multiple other films.

 

Marilyn R. Atlas is a Literary Manager and award-winning Producer working on projects such as EAST LOS HIGH (HULU), STARGATE SG-1 (SHOWTIME/SYFY), HART OF DIXIE (CW), as well as FLAGRANT DESIRE, starring Sam Waterston, ECHOES, and REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES for HBO starring Oscar-nominated actress America Ferrera, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Marilyn represents an array of clients who have written for projects such as MINX, STAR TREK, FRINGE, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, 90210, REVENGE, HART OF DIXIE, NCIS: LA, TRUE BLOOD, DEXTER, CHUCK, CASTLE, and CRIMINAL MINDS as well as companies like Mar Vista, Pantelion, CBS, Showtime, HBO, ABC, Warner Bros, Starz, Netflix, Lifetime, and Disney. Her clients include those completing projects with Sony and Warner Brothers and shows such as SWAT, FBI, Picard, and several indie films.

As a Producer, Marilyn developed projects for Lifetime Television such as THE CHOKING GAME and THE BRIDES MARCH and has been in development on pilots for Showtime and Freeform.

 

 

Ceci Cleary is a producer of the Oscar-nominated film TO LESLIE, starring Andrea Riseborough and Marc Maron, which is currently streaming on Netflix. In addition, she produced the film 40 LOVE also available on Netflix. Both these critically acclaimed films fall under the banner of Bluewater Lane Productions.

With a career spanning nearly two decades in the film industry, Ceci has made substantial contributions to feature films in various locations, including Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, and Hawaii. Her impressive portfolio includes roles such as working with the locations manager on the prestigious Clint Eastwood project HEREAFTER scouting locations for HOPE SPRINGS starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell, and EQUALIZER 2 featuring Denzel Washington.

 

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 - Winning 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, Contest Winner

What Are the Prizes?

Our Grand Prize Winners will:

• Get into a development and mentorship fast track with Evoke Entertainment, who will prepare your project to take out to market!
• Work with Stage 32 to develop 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.

Immediate Feedback & Resubmission Option

We offer the option to get immediate script coverage when you submit and the ability to re-submit a revised draft to the contest for $99.00. See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. With this option you will receive coverage/notes within 5-days from when you submit your script and you have up to 10 days after the final deadline to submit a new draft.

This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. See full terms in the Rules Section. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is May 9th, 2026. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

Discounted Coverage Option

We offer discounted script coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on June 5th, 2026. See full terms in the Rules Section.

Resubmission Option

We offer the option to resubmit a new draft of your script later in the contest for $39.00. You only have until 5 days after the Final Deadline to submit a new draft. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is May 4th, 2026. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

You cannot re-submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

 

What Are You Waiting For? Submit Now!

Stage 32 has launched the careers of countless writers, helping them secure representation, land paid gigs, and see their scripts come to life. Could this be the year your career takes off? Our previous winners have gone on to work with major studios, sign with top managers, and see their films produced.

Romantic comedy films are bigger and better than ever, and we’re here to make sure your script rises to the top. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be discovered—enter now and let us champion your story!

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: February 12th, 2026

Early Bird Deadline: March 11th, 2026

Regular Deadline: April 8th, 2026

Final Deadline: April 29th, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: June 5th, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: June 19th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: July 3rd, 2026

Winner Announcement: July 24th, 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

• PROJECT DEVELOPMENT with Evoke Entertainment, who will develop the winning project in house!
• 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 Romantic Comedy 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?

Last year's contest winner, Barbie Ross gained massive traction on her winning TV Pilot script MATCHED!, as she took a full slate of meetings with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from 42 Management & Production, Marilyn Atlas Management, Affirmative Entertainment, Almanor Films, and more! -- all actively working on and looking for romantic comedy stories.

Our 4th Annual contest winner, Arun Narayanan took his winning Feature script REWINDER to meetings with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from NEON KITE, AUGUST POINT PRODUCTIONS, MARSHALL ARTS, SANDSTONE ARTISTS, and more! Later that year, Arun rode his wave of momentum into signing with a manager from Citizen Skull Management & Production!

Our 1st Annual Romantic Comedy Contest winners, Callie & Richard Zelniker, signed with the Sovereign Talent Group. 

2nd Annual Romantic Comedy Contest winner, Jenna D'Angelo gained massive traction on her winning script LADY PLAYER and took a full slate of meetings in LA with managers and producers from Neon Kite, Artists First, Alliance Cinema, Mischief Entertainment and more!

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!

Stan Spry (Contest Partner) - CEO, Co-Founder, Manager, Producer, Evoke Entertanment

Stan Spry is the Co-Founder and CEO of the production, management, and finance company Evoke Entertainment. He has produced over 200 films, TV series, and movies, including Creepshow (AMC), Day of the Dead (Syfy), Twelve Forever (Netflix), Christmas with the Campbells (RLJ) alongside Vince Vaughn, Looking Thorough Water starring Academy Award Winner Michael Douglas and Monsters of California directed by blink-182’s Tom DeLonge. He’s currently executive producing Breaking Bear (Tubi), Forever Young with Dr. Pablo Prichard (NBC/Peacock) and a 20 picture TV Movie slate in Buffalo and Winnipeg.

Through Evoke, he also produces 20+ TV movies and indie films annually.

Michelle Knudsen (Mentor) - Literary Manager/Producer, 42 Management & Production

Michelle Knudsen is a producer and manager at 42 Management & Production. As a manager she has focused on championing women and diverse voices. Her clients include Carrie Solomon (writer of the Netflix movie A FAMILY AFFAIR starring Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King), Katie Silberman (SET IT UP, BOOKSMART, DON'T WORRY DARLING), and Jesse Andrews (ME & EARL & THE DYING GIRL, LUCA) in addition to dozens of writers currently actively working on shows like SHOGUN, DREAMING WHILST BLACK, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, RICHES, and more!

As a producer, Michelle's feature film credits include the comedy WHEN WE FIRST MET, the sci-fi ARQ, and the horror film NIGHTBOOKS, all for NETFLIX. She also served as a producer on the films QUEEN & SLIM (Universal Pictures) which stars Daniel Kaluuya and was written by Lena Waithe, THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY (TriStar Pictures) which stars Geraldine Viswanathan and Molly Gordon, BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE (NEON) which stars Pete Davidson, SOCIAL ANIMALS (Vertical Entertainment) which stars Josh Radnor,  HIDDEN (Warner Bros.) which stars Alexander Skarsgård and Andrea Riseborough, BAD WORDS (Focus Features) which stars and was directed by Jason Bateman; in addition to multiple other films.

Marilyn Atlas (Mentor) - Producer & Literary Manager, Marilyn Atlas Management

Marilyn R. Atlas is a Literary Manager and award-winning Producer working on projects such as EAST LOS HIGH (HULU), STARGATE SG-1 (SHOWTIME/SYFY), HART OF DIXIE (CW), as well as FLAGRANT DESIRE, starring Sam Waterston, ECHOES, and REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES for HBO starring Oscar-nominated actress America Ferrera, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Marilyn represents an array of clients who have written for projects such as MINX, STAR TREK, FRINGE, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, 90210, REVENGE, HART OF DIXIE, NCIS: LA, TRUE BLOOD, DEXTER, CHUCK, CASTLE, and CRIMINAL MINDS as well as companies like Mar Vista, Pantelion, CBS, Showtime, HBO, ABC, Warner Bros, Starz, Netflix, Lifetime, and Disney. Her clients include those completing projects with Sony and Warner Brothers and shows such as SWAT, FBI, Picard, and several indie films.

As a Producer, Marilyn developed projects for Lifetime Television such as THE CHOKING GAME and THE BRIDES MARCH and has been in development on pilots for Showtime and Freeform.

 

Silvia Mathis (Judge) - Executive Producer, Punkin Studios

Silvia Mathis is an Executive Producer who has worked on nearly a dozen television movies. Recent productions for Hallmark include A NASHVILLE LEGACY, directed by Roger M. Bobb, SPRING BREAKTHROUGH, directed by Mykelti Williamson – – as well as upcoming films BALLETHNIC for Hallmark Mahogany and BEWILDERED in partnership with the award-winning production team at The Wolper Org/WB for Hallmark Hall of Fame. Silvia is preparing to shoot the LGBTQUi+ Feature CHURCH BOi.

Silvia began her career in executive roles including Head of Development at One Street Books, where she helmed projects with notable authors including Oscar-winner Viola Davis; Senior VP of Content Acquisitions for TreImage; Senior VP of Original Programming for XOD, a black-owned streaming platform; and CEO of SILCO Productions, partnering with MGM exec Jeff Coleman.

Her company, Punkin Studios, has been instrumental in developing, selling, and producing a diverse range of films, series, documentaries, and shorts for over 20 years. Recently she signed a first-look deal with TAPAS MEDIA (recently acquired by Korean entertainment giant Kakao). Soon after, the company entered into an overall representation and development agreement with Sandstone Artists.

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.

Samantha Olsson Shear (Judge) - Development Executive/Producer, Zoic Pictures

Samantha Shear is a development executive and producer at Zoic Pictures, the content division of Emmy-winning global entertainment company Zoic Studios. She has close to two decades of experience creating and developing character-driven, visual stories in film, television and animation.

At Zoic, Shear is producing several feature film and television projects including the original screenplay SID at Amazon Studios featured in Deadline with Davis Entertainment to be directed by Ahern & Loughman (EXTRA ORDINARY) as well as the holiday film THE STOCKING STUFFER with Mattel Films.

Samantha was also Head of Film and Television Development at Kickstart Entertainment (THE BOYS, PREACHER).

In television, she is producing the YA Korean fantasy series SHE WAS THE FIRST with Sony Television and Rafe Judkins (WHEEL OF TIME) as well as arcane punk comic book series BATTLE CHASERS created by Joe Madureira and to be adapted by Derek Kolstad (JOHN WICK) with Alcon Entertainment.

Other current producing projects include THE BLACKSMITH, with AGC and producers Jon Shestack (GHOST OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST, AIR FORCE ONE) and Jeremy Stein (MORTAL KOMBAT, SENIOR YEAR) as well as THE TELLER, written and to be directed by Ben Ripley (SOURCE CODE) with Catchlight Studios.

Shear also produced the live action indie films SHADES OF RAY and BOUNTY KILLER. In animation, Shear was a Co-Executive Producer on the animated holiday specials DEAR DRACULA, FROZEN IN TIME, UNDER WRAPS, ABOMINABLE CHRISTMAS, THE NAUGHTY LIST and MONSTROUS HOLIDAY.

As a development executive, Shear has set up many projects over the years including television pilots DEMO at Syfy Channel, DEMONIKA at MTV, MOLLY at Lifetime and HENCH at NBC, WARD 6 with Cineflix, and SPACE TRASH at FTVS as well as feature films including THE SECRET TREE at Disney Channel, KISSING EZRA HOLTZ at Amazon, CRENSHAW based on the Katherine Applegate novel at Fox, MONSTER ATTACK NETWORK at Disney and the adaptation of the book 1421: THE YEAR CHINA DISCOVERED AMERICA with Warner Brothers China.

Shear has experience in comic book publishing as the editor of an indie comic publisher overseeing thirty-two unique graphic novel titles. She has moderated panels at SXSW and San Diego Comic Con on topics such as Women Writing in Genre and the Impact of AI on Creative Industries.

Sammy Warshaw (Judge) - Producer, Film Executive (Formerly of SONY, Original Film, Blumhouse)

Sammy Warshaw is a Producer and seasoned Film Executive who worked as a Creative Executive at Columbia Pictures (SONY). Prior to SONY, Sammy was a Co-Producer on SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 and its spinoff TV series KNUCKLES.

His passion for genre filmmaking was cultivated during his time at Blumhouse Productions, where he served on hit Jason Blum films such as HAPPY DEATH DAY, TRUTH OR DARE, INSIDIOUS 4, BLAKKKLANSMAN and HALLOWEEN. From Blumhouse, Sammy joined Neal Moritz’s company Original Film where he worked closely on the development, prep, production and post-production process on SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, ESCAPE ROOM, and SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL. Sammy began his career at WME and has worked in film development for over a decade.

While his passion for genre filmmaking remains strong, he’s dedicated to championing unique & fresh voices across all genres. His goal is to continue to develop high-concept, theatrical-ready films that can standout in the crowded marketplace.

Sammy is looking to meet and collaborate with up-and-coming writers!

Ceci Cleary (Mentor) - Producer, Bluewater Lane Productions

Ceci Cleary is a producer of the Oscar-nominated film TO LESLIE, starring Andrea Riseborough and Marc Maron, which is currently streaming on Netflix. In addition, she produced the film 40 LOVE also available on Netflix. Both these critically acclaimed films fall under the banner of Bluewater Lane Productions.

With a career spanning nearly two decades in the film industry, Ceci has made substantial contributions to feature films in various locations, including Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, and Hawaii. Her impressive portfolio includes roles such as working with the locations manager on the prestigious Clint Eastwood project HEREAFTER scouting locations for HOPE SPRINGS starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell, and EQUALIZER 2 featuring Denzel Washington.

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.