Stage 32 + Millennium Media Action Thriller Screenwriting Contest

THE TOP ACTION THRILLER CONTEST IN THE WORLD IS BACK!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MILLENNIUM MEDIA

Open to Feature Film and TV Pilot Scripts!

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will sign a shopping agreement and go into development and packaging with Stage 32 & Millennium Media, the producers behind hits such as THE EXPENDABLES franchise, THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD franchise, THE FALLEN franchise and more!

"Millennium Media has built its reputation on producing high-level action franchises that resonate with audiences around the world. As the marketplace continues to evolve, we are on the hunt for the next generation of writers who can deliver fresh and unforgettable stories. Through our partnership with Stage 32, we're excited to tap into their wide network of talented, emerging writers and discover stories that, together with our robust studio and production capabilities, have the potential to become the next great action or thriller film.”

-Jonathan Yunger, President of Millennium Media

PLUS -- All Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships with Literary Manager Andrew Kersey, Producer Chapman Maddox (Guy Ritchie's new action movie IN THE GREY), and Development Executive Janet Jeffries of Lawrence Bender Productions (DJANGO: UNCHAINED, PULP FICTION)

Your Script Can Be the Next Action/Thriller Hit!

The Stage 32 Action Thriller Screenwriting Contest - the longest-running contest of its kind in the world - has connected writers like you with the producers, managers, and executives actively developing the next generation of action thriller storytelling. This isn't about winning a trophy and going home. It's about opening the door to your career.

SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT NOW

This Is Where Careers Launch

The Stage 32 Difference: Everyone hands out trophies. We do something different - we go to work for you. Over 13 years, Stage 32 contests have helped writers get representation, get optioned, get staffed, and get produced. Your win doesn't end with an announcement; it starts there.

Recent Stage 32 winners have signed with major agencies like UTA, WME, CAA, IAG, Verve, Gersh, Zero Gravity, 42MP, Evoke and 3 Arts, been hired into writers' rooms, and seen their scripts produced by Lionsgate and beyond. When you win with us, we roll up our sleeves and help you take your project to market.

"Breaking into this industry has never been harder, which is exactly why partnerships like this one matter," said Richard "RB" Botto, CEO of Stage 32. "Teaming up with Millennium Media gives action and thriller writers a shot at going from unknown to in-development. This is about discoverability, access, and getting the right scripts in front of the people who can actually make them."

What You'll Win

As our Grand Prize Winner, you'll sign a shopping agreement with Millennium Media to head straight into development and packaging to take your project to market. You will receive a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $4,000 - including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and a full education package. You'll get 1:1 career development sessions with our success team, an industry marketing campaign putting your work in front of 2,500+ managers, agents, producers, and executives along with rolling submissions to execs for a year, and dedicated support to prepare your script to take directly to market.

And it doesn't stop at the top.

ALL FINALISTS get set up on General Meetings and get your loglines sent out to over 2,500+ industry executives.

ALL Semi-Finalists & Quarterfinalists also receive prize packages filled with screenwriting education and access to executives!

See all the details below!

Who Is Millennium Media?

We're Looking for Your Story

Guns blazin' shootouts. High stakes heists. Gritty crime sagas. Heart pounding survival stories. Explosive escapes. Mind-blowing twists. Buddy action romps. The next legendary war epic. Whether it's a feature in the vein of THE EXPENDABLES, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, or THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD, or a TV pilot like JACK RYAN, PEAKY BLINDERS, or PARIS HAS FALLEN - if you have an Action Thriller story that needs to be told, we want to see it!

Who’s Reading Your Script? Meet Your Contest Judges

When you make the Top 10, your script gets read by working producers and development executives — the people who actually make these shows and films:

• Chapman Maddox, Producer, BBC Studios (IN THE GREY)
• Janet Jeffries, Development Executive, Lawrence Bender Productions (DJANGO: UNCHAINED)
• Andrew Kersey, Literary Manager, Kersey Management
• Marco Amato, Head of Development, SABi Productions (HIERARCHY)
• Katie Splete, Creative Executive & Producer (BLINDSPOTTING, DIDI)

Make the finals, and either of these execs can meet with you if your writing speaks to them. That's the kind of direct access Stage 32 is known for.

Want Script Coverage and 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 strengthen your story, sharpen your characters, and give your script the best possible chance to stand out.

You can even get coverage back in as little as 5 days! To see full details check the Terms & Conditions.

What Are You Waiting For? Submit Now!

Mentorship Opportunity Add On

Ready to get your logline in front of a top action/thriller executives? Choose the “add on prize mentorship” at checkout and your logline will be sent to our 3 mentors. Each will review all loglines submitted and will choose one writer to be mentor and have virtual development meetings on their script!

This unique opportunity is only available to those who chose “add on prize mentorship” at checkout:

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.

Chapman Maddox is a BAFTA nominated film and television producer. He is currently working as a Senior Development Executive at BBC Studios. Previously he served as Head of Development for Guy Ritchie’s Toff Guy Films in London. He was responsible for developing an original film and television slate for the director and oversaw all script development for the company. He is the Co-Producer of Mr. Ritchie’s latest project, In The Grey, starring Jake Gyllenhall and Henry Cavill, as well as his next production Wife and Dog.

Before joining Toff Guy, Maddox was the Vice President of Content for Boat Rocker Studios UK, where he was the Executive Producer for the original animated action-comedy series Daniel Spellbound for Netflix. He developed and produced the animated preschool series Love Monster, based on the beloved children's book series, for CBeebies and HBO Max, the hit series Danger Mouse for CBBC and Netflix. He also served in the same role for the teen drama series Get Even/Rebel Cheer Squad for Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

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.

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.

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: August 20th, 2026

Early Bird Deadline: September 9th, 2026

Regular Deadline: September 30th, 2026

Final Deadline: October 28th, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: December 11th, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: January 1st, 2027

Finalist Announcement: January 15th, 2027

Winner Announcement: January 29th, 2027

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 Millennium Media, 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 of your choice!
• 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 of your choice!
• 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 1-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 Action/Thriller contest winner Nico Burasco took his winning script KATANA CROCODILE into meetings with Zero Gravity Management, who loved the project and offered Nico the opportunity as a writer-for-hire to script a project for their current production slate. Nico also met with this year's contest partner Millennium Media, who gave Nico the green light to send them his future projects!

Nico was one of SIX writers in our 5th Annual Action/Thriller Screenwriting Contest who were selected to meet with last year's contest partner Zero Gravity Management. The Zero Gravity development team met with writers Mathew D. Wright (ONE EYE OPEN), Ben Klopfenstein (SOUTHBOUND), Sarah Ward (CHROME PLATED), Chris Watt (MORGAN'S WAKE) and Sean Wathen, who is currently developing his finalist placing script ROGUE with Zero Gravity Management.

Another finalist, Gabriella Walls earned a general meeting too, with one of the contest judges - Literary Manager Andrew Kersey who read her script HEY, GIRLIE! and enjoyed it. Andrew requested more scripts from Gabriella and they are now wading into the water for talks about representation.

Our 4th Annual 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

Recent Winners Making Waves:

Film & TV Comedy Winner Ted Sperling signed a shopping agreement with Pathfinder Media on his winning script TREASURE INC!

Diversity Talent Accelerator Winner Micheal S. Camp signed a shopping agreement with Color Farm Media on his winning script THE PERFECT KISSER!

TV Comedy Winners Maxwell Gay & Tucker Flodman - Signed with Literary Agent Joe Fronk of IAG (setup by Stage 32) who got them hired as Staff Writers on the 51st season of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE!

New Blood Winner 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.

New Blood Winners Tanya Klein & Jim Cirile - Script set up for production with $1.5M budget, Lucas Heyne attached to direct & Scoot McNairy set to star!

Diversity Springboard Winner Jeffrey Thompson - Staffed in the Writer's Room of THE GOLDBERGS

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

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

Career-Changing Representation:

• TV Drama Winner Katie McClung - Signed with literary manager Chloe Morris of 42 MP
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy Winner Josh Miller - Signed with literary manager Tamer Ashan of Zero Gravity Management
• Rom Com Finalist Henry Sawyer-Foner - Signed with literary manager Nicholas Bogner of Affirmative Entertainment
• Female Driven Winner Jimmy Miller - Signed with literary manager Marc Manus
• New Blood Winner Richard Doyle (Australia) - Signed with literary manager Will Rosenfield
• Drama Winner Jonathan Jordan - Signed by major agency Verve, script currently in production
• New Blood Winner Glenn Forbes - Secured representation with Infinity Management International
• Comedy Winner Diana Wright - Signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency
• New Blood Winners Alyssa & Griffin Devine - Signed with HG5 Entertainment
• Comedy Winner Greg Mania - Signed with Cohn/Torgan Management, published NPR Best Book of 2020
• New Blood Finalist Frank Ponce - Signed with 3 Arts Entertainment, script picked up by Atlas Entertainment, sold Evel Knievel series to USA Network

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!"

"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

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

Millennium Media (Contest Partner) - Production Company, Distribution Company

Millennium Media. Inc. is one of the longest-running independent film production and distribution companies in Hollywood. Millennium has established itself as a leader in creating multi-billion dollar box office action franchises and acclaimed independent films. The full-service entertainment company finances, produces and sells films worldwide and has a production facility, Nu Boyana Studios, in Bulgaria, which hosts international and Hollywood productions.

Millennium Media is best known for the box office hits THE EXPENDABLES franchise, the FALLEN franchise (Olympus Has Fallen, Angel Has Fallen, London Has Fallen), THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD franchise, MECHANIC RESURRECTION, and the successful reboot of the Rambo franchise, RAMBO: LAST BLOOD.

It has also produced the acclaimed independent films, Rod Lurie’s THE OUTPOST, TESLA starring Ethan Hawke, and BLACKBIRD starring Susan Sarandon and Kate Winslet. Recently released films include THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD, TILL DEATH starring Megan Fox, Amazon’s JOLT starring Kate Beckinsale, and Lionsgate’s THE PROTÉGÉ starring Maggie Q. Upcoming releases include the fourth installment in THE EXPENDABLES FRANCHISE, THE BRICKLAYER starring Nina Dobrev, Aaron Eckhart, Clifton Collins Jr. and Tim Blake Nelson and THE PIPER starring Charlotte Hope and Julian Sands. 

Next up for Millennium is JOHN RAMBO, starring Noah Centineo and David Harbour and directed by Jalmari Helander, and slated for release by Lionsgate Films on June 4, 2027. Recent releases for the company include films such as LUCKY STRIKE starring Scott Eastwood, Colin Hanks, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, GUNS UP starring Kevin James and Christina Ricci, RED SONJA starring Matilda Lutz, Wallis Day and Robert Sheehan, HELLBOY: THE CROOKED MAN starring Jack Kesy, SUBSERVIENCE starring Megan Fox, and DIRTY ANGELS with Eva Green, Ruby Rose, and Maria Bakalova.

Janet Jeffries (Mentor) - 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.

Andrew Kersey (Mentor) - 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.

Chapman Maddox (Mentor) - Senior Development Executive, BBC Studios

Chapman Maddox is a BAFTA nominated film and television producer. He is currently working as a Senior Development Executive at BBC Studios. Previously he served as Head of Development for Guy Ritchie’s Toff Guy Films in London. He was responsible for developing an original film and television slate for the director and oversaw all script development for the company. He is the Co-Producer of Mr. Ritchie’s latest project, In The Grey, starring Jake Gyllenhall and Henry Cavill, as well as his next production Wife and Dog.

Before joining Toff Guy, Maddox was the Vice President of Content for Boat Rocker Studios UK, where he was the Executive Producer for the original animated action-comedy series Daniel Spellbound for Netflix. He developed and produced the animated preschool series Love Monster, based on the beloved children's book series, for CBeebies and HBO Max, the hit series Danger Mouse for CBBC and Netflix. He also served in the same role for the teen drama series Get Even/Rebel Cheer Squad for Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Formerly, Maddox was the VP of Development and Production for the FremantleMedia’s Kids and Family division in Los Angeles and London, overseeing and producing multiple series in animation and live-action for the company.

He was also the Comedy Development and Current Series Coordinator at Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, where he worked on such shows as Adventure Time with Finn and Jake and Regular Show.

Maddox lives in London, but is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and is a lifelong Atlanta Falcons fan.

Marco Amato (Judge) - Head of Creative Development and Strategy, SABI Productions

Marco Amato is a Creative Development Exec and Head of Creative Development and Strategy at SABi Productions and is currently curating the company's upcoming slate alongside developing his own first short film and fourteenth and fifteenth feature scripts. He is also currently developing the sequel to the streamer hit heist thriller HIERARCHY (Netflix); the film was the #1 movie on Netflix LATAM in 20 countries, in the top 5 globally on Netflix, and #1 on Starz.

 

Marco worked at powerhouse firms CAA and WME in the Literary and Sales divisions and previously worked in development for P.G.A. Producer & Director John David Coles's (HOUSE OF CARDS, HOMELAND) outfit Talking Wall Pictures and Producer Josh Blum's (A MOST VIOLENT YEAR, MARGIN CALL) Washington Square Films.

 

Marco began his work at William Morris Endeavor's Independent Film Sales Department and specializes in evaluating film and television material across genres and styles, assessing areas ranging from character arcs and formatting to commercial viability and thematic messaging. He prioritizes character-driven material that makes bold and meaningful statements on the human condition and uses genre conventions in new and exciting ways. He enjoys working with writers from all walks of life and varying levels of screenwriting experience to help bring their stories alive on the page in the most cinematic way possible. He views critical feedback as an opportunity for creatives to learn from each other and measures the success of his consultation work by a writer's level of excitement going into the revision process after a notes session—notes should inspire, not discourage.

Katie Splete (Judge) - Producer/Development Exec, Works with Amazon, Netflix

Katie is a development executive and producer with a track record of championing queer voices, diverse storytellers, and emerging talent in television, film, and animation.

As Creative Executive at Carlos López Estrada's Antigravity Academy (BLINDSPOTTING, RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON, DIDI), Katie packaged projects across multiple formats and co-produced the 2024 Screenwriters' Camp fellowship for first-time filmmakers, creating direct pathways for underrepresented voices to access industry resources.

She has collaborated with CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and the Dolby Institute to develop and launch a series of free monthly webinars, democratizing access to development education for creators who typically face institutional barriers.

Previously, Katie supported the Head of TV & Film at Priyanka Chopra Jonas' Purple Pebble Pictures during a critical growth phase for the company's development slate, contributing to projects including THE BLUFF starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas for Amazon MGM Studios. Her hands-on experience extends into writers' rooms, where she's worked on NASHVILLE (ABC/CMT), ATYPICAL (Netflix), and most recently a dark thriller for Showtime—giving her invaluable perspective on how projects evolve from pitch to production.

Katie specializes in elevated genre storytelling, character-driven narratives with commercial hooks, and projects that expand representation without sacrificing audience accessibility. She's passionate about identifying authentic voices that deserve amplification and creating tangible opportunities for them to break through.

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.

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 November 2nd, 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 December 11th, 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 November 2nd, 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 Types of Scripts Are We Looking For? 

We are looking for Feature scripts like:

THE EXPENDABLES, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD, THE OUTPOST, RAMBO: LAST BLOOD, THE ACCOUNTANT, THE FALL GUY, MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, THE EQUALIZER, MONKEY MAN, THE BEEKEEPER, BALLERINA, THE AMATEUR, THE COVENANT, JOLT, THE PROTEGE, EXTRACTION, A WORKING MAN, FLIGHT RISK, MOTOR CITY, ATOMIC BLONDE, ARGYLLE, IN THE GREY, NOVOCAINE, GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE, EXTRACTION, LOVE HURTS, THE WRECKING CREW, THE RUNNING MAN, LUCKY STRIKE, HOW TO MAKE A KILLING, CRIME 101, and more!

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

GANGS OF LONDON, THE GENTLEMEN, PARIS HAS FALLEN, OZARK, THE BOYS, JACK RYAN, THE DAY OF THE JACKAL, REACHER, FALLOUT, SHOGUN, MR. & MRS. SMITH, THE LAST OF US, TWISTED METAL, THE PEACEMAKER, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, RINGS OF POWER, MASTERS OF THE AIR, AMERICAN PRIMEVAL, SQUID GAME, TERMINAL LIST, and more!

But that's not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven't seen before!

For the last 15 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!