1st Annual Holiday Movie Screenwriting Contest

Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on THIS CHRISTMAS, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, SOUTHERN FAMILY CHRISTMAS, and more!

ALL finalists loglines will go into a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 500 entertainment industry executives!

Open to Feature Films and TV Pilot Scripts!

Holidays are often a time for family, celebrations, and even a bit of magic, and holiday scripts uniquely capture the wonder and excitement of those occasions. All-time classics like LOVE ACTUALLY and HOME ALONE warm our hearts and bring us a sense of nostalgia, while unconventional holiday stories like DIE HARD and KRAMPUS explore unique ways into the holiday season. Audiences are always ready for that next holiday movie hit -- and we want it be YOURS!

We are on the hunt for ALL types of Holiday scripts - all stories from all holidays are welcome! We are looking for:

> Scripts like: THE HOLIDAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, VALENTINE'S DAY, HALLOWEEN, OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY, GROUNDHOG DAY, MERRY HAPPY WHATEVER

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

For the last 12 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 Holiday 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!

Script Coverage & Resubmission Options

Would you like immediate feedback on your submission and the option to make changes and resubmit? 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. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

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 January 7th, 2024.

Feedback Option

We offer discounted coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on December 29th, 2023. 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 January 2nd, 2024. You cannot submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

The Prizes

Our Grand Prize winner will:

• Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with:
  • Nick Phillips, Producer, PBR Streetgang (THIS CHRISTMAS, HALLOWEEN RESURRECTION)
    
  • Kristen Lucas, Producer & Manager, Goldilocks Productions & The Bohemia Group (client credits include MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3, HATEFUL EIGHT)
  • Robin Galloway, Manager & Producer, Gramercy Park Entertainment (THE ROOKIE, FRACTURE)
    
  • Stacia Crawford, Director (worked for NETFLIX & LIFETIME, A UNICORN FOR CHRISTMAS)
  • L.T. Verrastro, Producer & Development Executive (THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, wrote holiday movie for JIM HENSON COMPANY)
  • Andrew Kersey, Literary Manager, Kersey Management (VACATION FRIENDS, CAVEMEN)
  • Rosemary Tarquinio, Producer & Senior Creative Executive (10+ LIFETIME original movies, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND)
    
  • Alys Murray, Screenwriter & Novelist (MY SOUTHERN FAMILY CHRISTMAS, NEW ORLEANS NOEL)
  • Dallaslyn Lamb, Literary Manager, Rain Management (LOPEZ VS LOPEZ, SELENA)
• Work with Stage 32 to develop your winning script’s pitch deck for the market
• Have your professional biography sent to an exclusive roster of over 30 agents and managers who have a First Look deal with Stage 32 and are actively looking for new clients and material after the strike is over.
• Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, a private, virtual community of writers from around the world the meet and learn from industry professionals like Meg LeFauve (INSIDE OUT, CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Aimee Riviera, VP of Motion Picture Production at Skydance Media (TOP GUN: MAVERICK), Tripper Clancy (STUBER) and managers & agents from WME, CAA, Gersh, Circle of Confusion, Zero Gravity & more!
• Free access to Stage 32’s educational webinar library, which includes over 3,000 hours of content featuring top industry professionals
• Continued support from the Stage 32 team to help move your career forward and get you in front of decision makers!

In addition to these meetings, the winner will also receive access to Stage 32’s Educational resources, be promoted on Stage 32’s social media, and have their professional biography sent to an exclusive roster of over 30 agents and managers hand picked by Stage 32 who are actively looking for new clients and material. Stage 32 will facilitate introductory meetings to any of the representatives who respond to your material and bio. This is the type of exposure that will change your career forever!

If you reach the Finals, you still get massive exposure to decision makers!

ALL FINALISTS will receive a FREE MONTH OF THE MEMBER'S ONLY STAGE 32 WRITERS' ROOM, an exclusive community of writers who gather online for inspiring and educational webcasts from top industry pros, and will be in a Stage 32 Lookbook which includes their script title, logline & bio mailed to over 500 industry executives including, managers, agents, producers, development executives, and financiers! Stage 32 Lookbooks are some of the most sought after talent resources for the industry and have helped secure meetings with places like Verve, Good Fear, 3 Arts, APA, Echo Lake, Amazon, UTA, CAA, WME, First Friday, Pathfinder, The Cartel, Art/Work and many, many more.

Stage 32 will be a champion for your script - once you’re part of our community, we make sure you rise to the top!

Our 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?

• 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 Christina Pamies was signed by Billion Dollar Literary Manager Jake Wagner. After that, he got her a paid gig with StudioCanal adapting the highly anticipated BAGHEAD. Check out the Variety article the film is featured in.
• 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.
• Winner Diana Wright signed with Audrey Knox at The Cartel, a prominent management company, and with Culture Creative Entertainment.
• Winner Julie Ann Cross won a mentorship with Amy Baer of Gidden Media, and a $7,500 option agreement.

Still don’t believe us? Let Winners Christina Pamies & Jonathan Jordan tell you why you should enter!

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

Judge’s Credits and Company/Client Credits Include:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: October 20th, 2023

Early Bird Deadline: November 8th, 2023

Regular Deadline: December 6th, 2023

Final Deadline: December 27th, 2023

Quarterfinalist Announcement: March 8th, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: March 22nd, 2024

Finalist Announcement: April 5th, 2024

Winner Announcement: April 19th, 2024

Submission Options

Feedback & Resubmission Option

Would you like immediate feedback on your submission and the option to make changes and resubmit? 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. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

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 January 7th, 2024.

Feedback Option

We offer discounted coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on December 8th, 2023. 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 Janury 2nd, 2024. You cannot submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

If you have any questions regarding this contest, check out frequently asked questions here.

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 – BUCKY F*CKING DENT, written and directed by and starring David Duchovny; 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.

Kristen Lucas (Judge) - Producer & Manager, Goldilocks Productions & The Bohemia Group

Kristen Lucas is a Producer and Manager who joined forces with Bohemia Group to launch the Boston branch of the company leveraging her extensive knowledge of the talent in the market. Kristen is excited to be a part of this exciting expansion and will be working with actors, writers and directors.

Kristen’s passion for telling unforgettable stories about strong women is the foundation for her independent film company, Goldilocks Productions where the tagline is “We tell stories about badass women.”

 

She is an award-winning Producer and Creator, her short film SNOWFLAKE won “Best Narrative Short” at the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival in 2017, as well as many others. She is also the founder of Respect Her Hustle, a brand and podcast focused on supporting and honoring women who break the mold and don’t look back.

Planning to sleep when she’s dead, Kristen’s relentless hustle finds opportunity where others find dead ends. Through her vast network of contacts across all areas of entertainment and business she will work tirelessly to ensure the success of her clients.

Robin Galloway (Judge) - Manager/Producer, Gramercy Park Entertainment

Robin Galloway is NY-based literary manager and producer whose journey as a storyteller spans continents and disciplines. Robin currently serves as a Manager/Producer for LA-Based Gramercy Park Entertainment which represents an elite and diverse list of writers, directors and producers working across film and television on such projects as THE ROOKIE, SWEET TOOTH, SEAL TEAM, MINDHUNTER, and FRACTURE.

After growing up internationally, Robin majored in political science and began her career as a journalist and content editor for American Lawyer Media. She went on to work in the IT, finance, government, and non-for-profit sectors, as well as for Hollywood giants FOX/TNT and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

In 2012, after working as a writer, performer and producer for both stage and screen, Robin established P-38 Lightning Productions and has specialized in the development and production of scripted series, film (feature, short & documentary), pitching, acquisitions, film festival circuit, fundraising and multi-media work. Prior to joining the GPE team, she was a consulting buyer for indie distributor, Film Movement 2019-2021.

Robin strives to launch and support the careers of unique and underrepresented voices to provide fresh narratives to film and television and like her GPE peers, celebrates the trailblazers and artists who make an impact.

Stacia Crawford (Judge) - Director/Writer/Actress,

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

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

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

L.T. Verrastro (Judge) - Producer & Development Executive,

L.T. Verrastro is a seasoned entertainment industry development executive and producer. He has helped developed and produce films for Laurence Mark Productions (Jerry Maguire, As Good as It Gets, Julie & Julia) including The Greatest Showman, Flatliners, and Lady Chatterley's Lover. In television, he worked in production and in the writers rooms of series including Portlandia (IFC), Man Seeking Woman (FX), Moonbase 8 (Showtime), Made for Love (HBO Max), and Baskets (FX).

As an executive producer, L.T. most recently co-created and developed an upcoming show for Disney Channel. In addition, he is pitching a new comedy series with the producers of Ginny & Georgia (Netflix). He has optioned a feature script to Star Thrower Entertainment (King Richard, The Post) and developed it with Oscar-winning director Ed Berger, and he has written a puppet-based holiday movie for the Jim Henson Company and Universal. L.T. has also worked as a staff writer on HBO Max's reboot of Degrassi, as well as with writers like Tim Heidecker (Tim & Eric Awesome Show), Patrick Somerville (Station 11, The Leftovers), Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale), Jonthan Krisel (Portlandia, The Kroll Show), Karen Kilgariff (My Favorite Murder, Ellen), Lara Azzopardi (The Bold Type, 9-1-1), and Jed Elinoff & Scott Thomas (Raven's Home, Day of the Dead).

L.T. began his career at ICM. He has also worked at CAA and in commercial production (including spots for Dr. Pepper, Fruit of the Loom, and Spotify).

Rosemary Tarquinio (Judge) - Producer & Senior Creative Executive (worked with CBS Entertainment, A&E Lifetime Television)

Rosemary Tarquinio is a producer and Senior Creative Executive who has skillfully facilitated the development, launch, and management of over 1,600 hours of scripted television content for leading entertainment brands.

Rosemary served as Senior Vice President of Current Programming and Vice President at CBS Entertainment where she oversaw the creative direction of 30+ dramatic, comedic, and late-night talk show series’, acting in dual capacity as both studio and network executive on multiple shows. She has also works with A & E Lifetime Entertainment where she is responsible for the development and production of 10+ Lifetime original movies.

Some of the shows Rosemary has worked on include: CRIMINAL MINDS; FBI; FBI MOST WANTED; THE GOOD WIFE; THE MENTALIST; EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND; TWO AND A HALF MEN; TWO BROKE GIRLS and THE UNICORN.

Rosemary loves collaborating with writers and filmmakers to develop their scripted projects and achieve their creative vision. As a producer, she is also looking for scripted content in television and film to produce.

Alys Murray (Judge) - Screenwriter & Novelist,

Alys Murray writes genre fare for the romantic in all of us. After beginning her career as an internationally best-selling romance novelist, Alys pivoted to screenwriting, where she has penned films like My Southern Family Christmas and New Orleans Noel (among others) for Hallmark, Lifetime, and ViacomCBS. In addition to steadily working in the romantic film space, she also works as a script doctor, sold a pilot in the U.K. television market, hosted a Stage32 Holiday Screenwriting Course, and teaches screenwriting at UCLA Extension School. A RespectAbility Fellow, an Orchard Project Lab Fellow, and an Inevitable Foundation Grant Recipient, she is represented by CAA and Aevitas Creative Management.

Dallaslyn Lamb (Judge) - Manager, RAIN Managment

Dallaslyn Lamb is a Literary Manager at RAIN Management which represents Emmy, Golden Globe, PGA, Tony, WGA, DGA, Humanitas, BAFTA, NAACP Image, Peabody, People’s Choice, James Beard Award winners.  Dallaslyn's current clients have written on LOPEZ VS LOPEZ, ONE MORE TIME, WARRIOR NUN, SELENA: THE SERIES, and THE BLACKLIST REDEMPTION. Dallaslyn signed Jennifer Godson from the Stage 32 community after Jennifer won our First Annual Female-Driven Screenwriting Contest. 

 

RAIN is founded on the simple idea that the artist comes first and believe their clients are One of One. RAIN has produced multiple projects across multiple mediums, collaborating on award-winning TV series, movies, documentaries, podcasts, and musicals.

 

Prior to joining RAIN, Dallaslynn was with Activist Artist Management and Art/Work Entertainment representing writers and directors and started her career as a Coordinator at Fortitude International. 

 

 

Andrew Kersey (Judge & Mentor) - Manager, Kersey Management

Andrew Kersey is a Literary Manager and the head of Kersey Management. In fall 2021, his client's comedy 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 is being fast-tracked.

In 2023, Andrew sold his client's action comedy spec script NEVER TOO OLD TO DIE, to Amazon Studios with Sylvester Stallone attached to star and produce!

His incredibly talented clients are working on projects at all the major studios and streaming outlets including Netflix and Amazon, and the networks and cable channels ABC, Fox, NBC, CW, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon.

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. Kersey Management is a boutique literary management company that
nurtures unique storytelling voices in film and TV.

 

 

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.