13th Annual Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest

Winner set up on meetings with producers of THE MONKEY, LONGLEGS, BAGHEAD, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, PET, SAW, and more!

Open to Feature Film & TV Pilot Scripts

Top 10 Finalists set up on general meetings with industry execs!

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

- Travis J. Opgenorth, 11th Annual Search for New Blood Winner

Travis optioned his script THE WHISPERERS and signed with a manager after winning this contest!

Your Horror Script Could Be Next

You've built the world. You've written the script. Now let's get it into the right hands.

SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT NOW

The Stage 32 Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest - the longest-running horror screenwriting contest in the world - has connected writers like you with the producers, managers, and executives actively developing the next generation of genre storytelling. This isn't about winning a trophy and going home. It's about opening the door to your career.

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.

BAGHEAD (2023) and THE INHABITANT (2022) were previous winners of this contest!

What You'll Win

As our Grand Prize Winner, you'll be set up on meetings with top industry pros like who have worked on projects like THE MONKEY, LONGLEGS, BAGHEAD, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, PET, SAW, and more! 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 their 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’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:

• Nick Phillips, Producer, PBR Streetgang (SCREAM, HALLOWEEN, HELLRAISER, PET)
• Jake Wagner, Lit Manager, Alibi Entertainment (BAGHEAD, POLAROID, CRAWL)
  
• Michael Peterson, Creative Executive, Phoenix Pictures (THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER)
  
• Laurie Cook, Head of Development, Newscope Films (CONSECRATION, THE HAUNTING OF THE QUEEN MARY)
• Connor Purcell, Director of Development, C2 Motion Picture Group (LONGLEGS, THE MONKEY)

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

We're Looking for Your Story

Classic slashers. Atmospheric psychological terrors. Supernatural forces beyond our control. Monsters, vampires, zombies, all the things that go bump in the night. Whether it's a feature in the vein of OBSESSION, BACKROOMS, SCREAM or RESIDENT EVIL, or a TV pilot like WIDOW'S BAY, THE WALKING DEAD, or STRANGER THINGS - if you have a horror story that needs to be told, we want to see it.

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.

SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT HERE

Mentorship Opportunity Add On

Ready to get your logline in front of a top action/thriller executive? Choose the “add on prize mentorship” at checkout and your logline will be sent to our mentor, Andrew Wilson. He will review all loglines submitted and will choose one writer to 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:

Andrew Wilson is a successful producer and literary manager at Wonder Street Entertainment with close to 30 years of experience in the entertainment business. As an industry veteran with several high-profile clients and projects, Andrew represents some of the most exciting writers and directors in the industry, and whose clients’ collective worldwide film grosses reach over a billion dollars. After Zero Gravity had successfully launched OZARK and THE ACCOUNTANT, Wilson partnered with a few of his colleagues to mount the new shingle Wonder Street Entertainment in 2021, where he continues his career in producing, negotiating, and executing major production and development deals for film, television and digital content.

His recent projects include a film development deal with Paramount Studios and producer Frank Marshall on the legendary Shirley Jackson short story THE LOTTERY, which is slated for a 2026 production. Wilson also Executive Produced the Spanish language Netflix heist thriller series BANDIDOS for two seasons, based on an original Wonder Street idea.

Wonder Street Entertainment is best known for producing the BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated BEASTS OF NO NATION (Idris Elba) for Netflix, Golden Globe winner THE MAURITANIAN (Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley) for STX, and SELF MADE (Octavia Spencer) for Netflix.

Andrew previously signed two Stage 32 writers and sold one of their scripts to Steven Paul Media Group out of Paramount Pictures!

Prior to Zero Gravity, Andrew was at Evolution Entertainment, where he was instrumental in shepherding the ultra-successful horror franchise SAW, to the big screen. During his 11- year stint at Evolution, he helped to build the genre banner Twisted Pictures. Other notable projects include developing and producing LOTTERY TICKET starring Ice Cube for Warner Brothers and producing the microbudget documentary thriller DEVIL'S BACKBONE TEXAS for Fox Digital Studios.

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.

See Our Track Record of Past Winner Success Stories Below!

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: October 1st, 2026

Early Bird Deadline: October 21st, 2026

Regular Deadline: November 11th, 2026

Final Deadline: December 2nd, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: January 22nd, 2027

Semifinalist Announcement: February 5th, 2027

Finalist Announcement: February 19th, 2027

Winner Announcement: March 5th, 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 - $5,000 Value

• VIP MENTORSHIP meetings with top industry pros, who have worked on projects like THE MONKEY, LONGLEGS, BAGHEAD, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, PET, SAW and more!
  
  
• 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 - $2,500 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 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 15 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?

Our 11th Annual New Blood winner, Travis J. Opgenorth gained massive traction on his winning script THE WHISPERERS, which was optioned by Producer Jeremy Elliott of Broken Time Entertainment through a meeting set up by Stage 32. Travis also received multiple offers to sign with literary managers, eventually signing with Literary Manager Marc Manus of Persistent Entertainment.

"I’m Travis J. Opgenorth, winner of Stage 32’s Search for New Blood Competition, and my experience with Stage 32 has been above and beyond expectations. Stage 32 introduced me to nearly a dozen industry pros, including manager Jake Wagner, who offered to sign me, and producers like Ethan Erwin (ORPHAN: FIRST KILL) and Jeremy Elliott. It was a level of exposure not many contest organizers can match, and it resulted in Jeremy Elliott optioning my winning script. The most impressive part of the process was Stage 32’s genuine, vested interest in creating opportunities for me. They truly want to see writers succeed and create real opportunities. Amazing! Stage 32 isn’t about a quick win and a pat on the back. They’re serious about opening doors. If you’re looking for a place to start, or a place to grow, you need to look at Stage 32."

VIEW THE BAGHEAD (2024) TRAILER HERE! AVAILABLE NOW ON SHUDDER!

Previous Winner, Kevin Bachar, had his winning script BLOOD RELATIVE produced and released as THE INHABITANT (2022) by Lionsgate through Gravitas Ventures and Highland Films.

VIEW THE INHABITANT (2022) TRAILER HERE! AVAILABLE NOW ON HULU!

"I have nothing but high praise for the folks at Stage 32. Because of meetings they set me up on I am now working with Mike DeTrana from Anvil Entertainment, have director John Poloquin from Grave Encounters 2 attached to my script, and an option for financing from Three Point Capital. One of the meetings was with Daniel Bekerman, the producer of The Witch. I wrote a horror screenplay and I got to talk with the producer of one of the greatest horror films the last decade. That's got to be viewed as something good. He didn't agree to produce the film, but he did offer his company to assist us with securing grants and tax incentives if we shot up in Canada. Again, that's a pretty damn good measure of success for a contest." -- Kevin Bachar

Our 10th Annual New Blood Winners, Tanya Klein and Jim Cirile got their winning script PSYCHOPATHY setup for production with Lucas Heyne (MOPE) directing and Kelly Hayes (SITE), Ian Holt (FROM THE SHADOWS), and Jim Thalman of HExTC producing on currently a $1.5 million budget! 2026 Update: they've recently attached Scoot McNairy in the lead!

9th Annual Winner, Richard Doyle, who is based in Australia, met with almost a dozen industry pros and signed with literary manager Will Rosenfield through Stage 32!

"The best part about it was honestly Stage 32's support. They introduced me to a bunch of people. I was also flown out to LA. While I was over there, I got to meet with personal heroes of mine and I managed to snag a manager, who I've been working with since then to get some stuff made. Especially for an international screenwriter like myself, sometimes it feels like LA is a long way away, but Stage 32 supported me and gave me opportunities it would've taken me years of pounding pavement to get." -- Richard Doyle

Glenn Forbes, Grand Prize Winner, Stage 32 Search For New Blood Contest in 2014 -- Signed with Infinity Management International!

"I have signed with a management company in LA, Infinity Management International. I met them when Stage 32 flew me down to LA, and now the deal is done. I'm so thrilled to have Stage 32 Happy Writers in my corner for this ride. I've been plugging away for more than 10 years to secure representation. My message is never give up on your dream, and surround yourself with people who can help you get there. For that, Stage 32 has become my lynchpin." -- Glenn Forbes

Hear what other New Blood winners have to say:

"I can't believe it. I'm I'm amazed. I'm excited. It's just phenomenal. I've worked so hard on this screenplay. I've I've believed from in it from the very beginning. Stage 32 have been there at every stage of the journey from the writing to the pitching to everything basically. I'm so isolated here in Cyprus where I live. It's so lonely writing and so on. But to be connected to such a fantastic community of creatives has has been a turning point for me." - 12th Annual Search for New Blood Winner Selma Karayalcin, who won with her script WITCH MOTHER and took development meetings with Mammoth Pictures on the project!

"I've entered so many contests over the years and none of them have offered the same amount of support that Stage 32 has." -- Kim Britt

“It’s surreal. It’s changed our work life and we’re working in a professional realm that we’ve never worked in before. We’ve been struggling writers for a long time and when we found out we won, we were super stoked. Stage 32 put us out there on a bunch of meetings with production companies, managers and agents. We signed with HG5 Entertainment and are writing 2 scripts, which 1 is going into production this year. It’s changed our life.”

- Alyssa & Griffin Devine, Grand Prize Winner Stage 32 Search For New Blood Winners in 2016, who SIGNED with HG5 Entertainment.

"Speaking as a screenwriter to all my fellow writers, I highly recommend submitting to any and all Stage 32 Writing Competitions. I came in 2nd in the Search for New Blood Horror competition and it at very least exposes you and your work to industry professionals. To get that kind of eyes on something you've written, whether you end up selling your screenplay or not, is a great experience. All my best to all!"

- William Jeffrey, Stage 32 Search For New Blood Contest Runner up in 2015

"My only wish was to find this site sooner for the sake of saving time, discovering in-depth educational value, and making legitimate connections. I have to tip my hat at RB and the gang for changing the game and helping shape my future in filmmaking. I’m honored to be swimming in a community of like-minded individuals. I’m proud to be Stage 32’s HAPPIEST WRITER right now!"

- Frank Ponce, Stage 32 Search For New Blood Contest Runner up in 2014, who SIGNED with 3 Arts Entertainment and had his script picked up for development by Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight, American Hustle).

Frank went on to sell an Evel Knievel limited series to USA Network with Atlas Entertainment, Wonderland Sound & Vision, and Universal co-producing. He also got his own producing career off the ground with 4 films in the last few years: THE LINE (2023), JAMOJAYA (2023), PRIVATE PROPERTY (2022), and AS THEY MADE US (2022), all thanks to Stage 32 helping his career lift-off!

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

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

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

More Contest Winners Jonathan Jordan and Greg Mania would love to tell you why you should enter!

Winner Jonathan Jordan was signed by major literary agency Verve, and worked on a script currently in production through them. He has also signed with a manager and is currently working on a new film.

Winner Greg Mania was signed by Cohn/Torgan Management, and has since published a memoir called Born To Be Public, which was named NPR’s Best Book of 2020.

Previous Contest Winner Layla O'Shea took meetings all over Los Angeles (and online) with Literary Managers, Producers, and Execs and is still going strong!

She shares her advice: "There is no one path or age limit when it comes to breaking in!"

"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!

Jake Wagner (Judge) - Manager/Producer, Alibi Management

Jake Wagner is one of the most respected Literary Managers and Producers working in the business today, he served as the Executive Producer on the hit Netflix comedy SENIOR YEAR starring Rebel Wilson, the action-comedy STUBER starring Dave Bautista and Kumail Nanjiani, and the horror feature BAGHEAD starring Freya Allan (KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, THE WITCHER, and HBO's THE THIRD DAY).

Jake signed Stage 32 writer Christina Pamies after she won the Search for New Blood Contest. Christina wrote the hit film BAGHEAD for Studio Canal which was featured in the Hollywood Reporter.

Jake has also been one of the top-selling spec script managers of the last decade. Jake was responsible for the largest spec sale of the last 10 years (and one of the biggest in history), with SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN which sold to Universal Pictures. After an illustrious and celebrated career at Benderspink and Good Fear and Film + Management, Jake owns and founded Alibi Management. Jake’s clients have made some of the most popular recent horror films including POLAROID, CRAWL, and CHILD'S PLAY.

Jake has a long history of finding material for development and loves working with Stage 32 writers.

Connor Purcell (Judge) - Director of Development, C2 Motion Picture Group

Connor Purcell serves as the Director of Development for C2 Motion Picture Group, playing a pivotal role in the company's feature film endeavors including producing Oz Perkins' THE MONKEY. He is instrumental in guiding each project through its entire lifecycle, from conception and production to post-production and release, ensuring that every film aligns with C2's standards of quality.

C2 Motion Pictures is a global film and television studio that produces and finances premium content for distribution on streaming platforms and theatrically, known for IN THE GREY (Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill), MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING, BABYLON (Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie), Oz Perkins' LONGLEGS (Nicolas Cage), and TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS.

Connor brings a wealth of experience to his role with previous positions at Paradigm Talent Agency, SUGAR23, and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. His strategic insight and storytelling skills have played a key role in shaping projects such as SECRET HEADQUARTERS, YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA, MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE, TOP GUN: MAVERICK, and F1: The Movie.

As Co-Executive Producer on THE MONKEY, Connor continues to expand his producing credits. His upcoming projects include films from S. Craig Zahler, David Bruckner, Johan Renck, Gus Van Sant, and more.

Nick Phillips (Judge) - Producer, PBR Streetgang

Nick Phillips is a studio executive and an award-winning producer & filmmaker who has been working in the entertainment industry for over two decades working on some of the most iconic films of our time across all genres and formats.

Nick started his career in New York City at Miramax/Dimension Films as the Vice President of Development & Production where he was involved in such franchises as SCREAM, HALLOWEEN, HELLRAISER, DR. STRANGE, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, HIGHLANDER and THE CROW. He appeared on Season 3 of Project Greenlight, helping shepherd the film Feast through production and launching a new franchise in the process.

Nick went on to work for Sony Pictures Entertainment Senior Vice President of Development & Production where he worked on successful sequels to 30 DAYS OF NIGHT and VACANCY and transitioned over to a role at Sony Screen Gems, where he oversaw a slate of films including STRAW DOGS, THIS CHRISTMAS and COUNTRY SONG.

Nick co-founded and served as Executive Vice President of Revolver Picture Company, a fully financed independent production label in conjunction with Kelly Wagner Osborne. Nick produced HAUNT with Jacki Weaver and Ione Skye; the award winning BENEATH with Jeff Fahey (both released by IFC Midnight) and DEVIL'S BACKBONE TEXAS for Fox Digital Studios. Revolver’s last feature, PET, starred Dominic Monaghan, Ksenia Solo, and Jennette McCurdy and premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and was released though Samuel Goldwyn Films. Revolver also co-produced and co-financed the horror reality series Fight of the Living Dead for YouTube Red, which ran for three seasons.

Nick then went on to produced two seasons of the series The Real Bros of Simi Valley for Studio 71 and Facebook Watch, and he produced season one of the short form series Mr. Mom for MGM and VUDU. He also produced season one of the series ALT for Gunpowder + Sky.

Nick became as the Head of Production for the feature startup studio/streaming platform CreatorPlus. CreatorPlus produced, financed and released two features – JANE, starring Madelaine Petsch, Chloe Bailey, and Melissa Leo (distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment) and DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH (distributed by Buffalo 8). He also executive produced a slate of five short films as part of CreatorPlus’ Flip The Script Short Film Program.

Most recently, Nick was head of Production for prolific producer Yale Entertainment. While there, he produced four films – REVERSE THE CURSE, written and directed by and starring David Duchovny and Logan Marshall Green; ALL YOU NEED IS BLOOD, with Mena Suvari; THE FOG OF WAR with John Cusack and Mira Sorvino; and BARRON'S COVE, starring Garrett Hedlund, Stephen Lang, Brittany Snow, and Hamish Linklater.

Nick is a prolific producer bringing all types of stories and formats to screen and loves working with writers to develop great stories that can get made.

Michael Peterson (Judge) - VP Development and Production, Phoenix Pictures

Michael Peterson is the Vice President of Development for Phoenix Pictures with Mike Medavoy, where he served as the Production Executive on THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER based on Bram Stoker's Dracula novel and in production partnership with Steven Spielberg's Amblin, Universal, and Dreamworks, as well as the biopic THE 33 with Antonio Banderas, THE PROMISE with Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac, and the Monty Python comedy ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING with Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg. He is the Co-Producer on the hit animated film OZI:VOICE OF THE FORREST for Leonardo Dicaprio's Appian Way, and the Critics Choice-nominated historical drama TV series THE LONG ROAD HOME for The National Geographic Channel.

Phoenix Pictures is in development on a KingCharles I & II epic THE THORN IN THE CROWN announced in Deadline, crime thriller A COUNTRY OF STRANGERS announced in Deadline, comedy F*CK FEELINGS based of the NY Times Bestseller announced in Deadline, and NFT documentary.

Phoenix Pictures, known for producing critical and commercial hit films, including the Academy Award-winning BLACK SWAN, Martin Scorsese's SHUTTER ISLAND, and WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING. Prior to joining Medavoy at Phoenix, Michael worked in independent production as a producer and production manager.

Michael has great experience in development and is always looking for more projects to develop and grow writers' talents.

Laurie Cook (Judge) - Producer & Head of Development, Newscope Films

Laurie Cook is a feature film producer and Head of Development for Jason Newmark's Newscope Films who has worked on almost two dozen feature films with recent films including William Brent Bell’s LORD OF MISRULE, starring Tuppence Middleton and Ralph Ineson, Chris Smith’s CONSECRATION, starring Jena Malone and Danny Huston and THE HAUNTING OF THE QUEEN MARY, starring Alice Eve & Joel Fry. Laurie is producing William Brent Bell’s exorcist film THE ASCENT, and ski heist thriller THE FALL LINE, with Balthazar Kormakur.

Laurie develops and produces commercially positioned, high concept, elevated genre films with international sales appeal. Previous titles Laurie has worked on include underwater survival thriller PRESSURE, starring Danny Huston and Matthew Goode, teen horror DON’T HANG UP, Neil Biswas’ debut DARKNESS VISIBLE, Charles Dorfman’s debut BARBARIANS for Media Finance Capital, and Chris Smith’s THE BANISHING for WestEnd Films.

Andrew Wilson (Mentor) - Literary Manager, Wonderstreet Entertainment

Andrew Wilson, a North Jersey native, is a successful producer and manager with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment business. As an industry veteran with several high-profile clients and projects, Andrew represents some of the most exciting writers and directors in the industry, and whose clients’ collective worldwide film grosses reach over a billion dollars. Wilson joined a few of his colleagues from Zero Gravity, who launched the new shingle Wonder Street Entertainment in 2019, where he continues his career in producing, negotiating, and executing major production and development deals for film, television, and digital content.

His recent projects include a film development deal with Paramount Studios and producer Frank Marshall on the legendary Shirley Jackson short story THE LOTTERY, which is slated for a 2024 production. Wilson is also an Executive Producer for the Spanish language Netflix heist thriller series BANDIDOS, currently filming in Mexico. Andrew’s prior experience includes his start at Evolution Entertainment, where he was instrumental in shepherding the ultra-successful horror franchise SAW, to the big screen. During his 11-year stint at Evolution, he helped to build the genre banner Twisted Pictures.

Other notable projects include developing and producing LOTTERY TICKET starring Ice Cube for Warner Brothers, and producing the microbudget documentary thriller DEVILS BACKBONE TEXAS for Fox Digital Studios.

Andrew currently splits his time between Los Angeles, California, and Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and two sons. An avid runner, golfer, tattoo aficionado, and entertainment enthusiast, Andrew enjoys spending time in the low-country sampling local Southern cuisine and visiting the beach with his family.

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 December 12th, 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 January 22nd, 2027 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 December 7th, 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 Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

For Features, we're looking for bold, frightening, inventive horror in the vein of:

OBSESSION, BACKROOMS, BRING HER BACK, WEAPONS, SINNERS, THE MONKEY, LONGLEGS, TALK TO ME, SCREAM, SAW, FINAL DESTINATION, M3GAN, TERRIFIER, SMILE, THE CONJURING, 28 YEARS LATER, FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S, EVIL DEAD, BARBARIAN, RESIDENT EVIL, LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, THANKSGIVING, FEAR STREET, V/H/S, IRON LUNG, COMPANION

For TV Pilots, we're looking for compelling horror series in the vein of:

WIDOW'S BAY, STRANGER THINGS, FROM, THE LAST OF US, IT: WELCOME TO DERRY, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE / THE VAMPIRE LESTAT, THE TERROR, YELLOWJACKETS, THE CREEP TAPES, REVIVAL, AMERICAN HORROR STORY, THE WALKING DEAD, EVIL, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, GOOSEBUMPS, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

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 horror 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!