4th Annual Romantic Comedy Screenwriting Contest

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Wednesday, Apr 9TH 11:59PDT Regular Deadline
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Anthony and I have done well in several screenwriting contests, but Stage 32 was the first to set us up with actual production companies and managers. That can’t be overstated.
Keith Strausbaugh Keith Strausbaugh

Contest Info

The ONLY Romantic Comedy Screenplay Contest in the World is Back!

Over $50,000 in Prizes!

 

Ever dreamt of seeing your romantic comedy script come to life on the big screen or streaming on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality!

Our Grand Prize Winner will win a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $5,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be flown to LA to meet industry professionals who’ve worked on iconic romantic comedy movies and shows like A FAMILY AFFAIR, ISN'T IT ROMANTIC?, DIDI, MINX, CHEMICAL HEARTS, LOOK BOTH WAYS, THE MORNING SHOW and many more!

Our Finalists will receive a Career Momentum prize package valued at $2,500, including Career Development, a Writer Branding Workshop and an Education package, and will have your logline featured in a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 500+ top entertainment industry executives, giving your work unparalleled exposure!

But that’s not all! Everyone who makes the Semi-Finals will receive a Career Breakthrough prize package valued at $1,000, our Quarterfinalists will receive a Career Elevation prize package valued at $500, and all Entrants will get a prize package valued at $100!

Open to Feature Film and TV Pilot Scripts!

Captivating romantic comedy movies and shows are a staple of modern entertainment. From the raw passion and intensity of CHALLENGERS, to the totally wild and original concept of HOT FROSTY, to the fun and games of ANYONE BUT YOU, audiences can’t get enough powerful romantic comedy storytelling. Last year alone, romantic comedy films like THE FALL GUY and WE LIVE IN TIME proved romantic comedy movies can still make a splash the box office. The appetite for amazing romantic comedy movies and show is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

We’re on the lookout for all types of romantic comedy scripts! Charming, flirty comedies? Goofy meet cutes? Tearjerking romances that make you laugh before you cry? The next legendary mismatched affair? We want to see it all!

Let last year's 3rd Annual Romantic Comedy Contest Winner Arun Narayanan tell you why you should enter!

 

 

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:


 


Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: February 13th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: March 12th, 2025

Regular Deadline: April 9th, 2025

Final Deadline: May 7th, 2025

 

Quarterfinalist Announcement: June 27th, 2025

Semifinalist Announcement: July 11th, 2025

Finalist Announcement: July 25th, 2025

Winner Announcement: August 8th, 2025

 

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

Contest Prizes

THIS YEAR'S PRIZE PACKAGES INCLUDE:

WINNER: The Career Accelerator Package - $5,000 Value

  • Be flown to LA to meet with top industry pros, who have worked on projects like A FAMILY AFFAIR, ISN'T IT ROMANTIC?, DIDI, MINX, CHEMICAL HEARTS, THE MORNING SHOW, 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
    • Inclusion in the Stage 32 A-List - Get your work sent to a stable of top literary managers & agents actively seeking new talent!
  • 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)
    • Free Stage 32 Writing Lab of your choice with one-on-one mentoring with an executive
    • 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
    • Inclusion in the Stage 32 A-List - Get your work sent to a stable of top literary managers & agents actively seeking new talent!
  • Writer Branding Workshop with an Executive
    • A punch-up of your professional bio
    • Headshot selection advice
    • Logline polish for your finalist script
  • Education Package
    • Free 3-month Writer’s Room Membership
    • Free Stage 32 Writing Lab of your choice with one-on-one mentoring with an executive
    • 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 Track Record

Our Romantic Comedy Screenwriting Contest Winners See Results

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 12 years. Stage 32 has quickly emerged as the leading source for industry executives to uncover new talent! Is this your year to move the needle on your career?

Last year's contest winner, Arun Narayanan gained massive traction on his winning script REWINDER, as he took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from NEON KITE, AUGUST POINT PRODUCTIONS, MARSHALL ARTS, SANDSTONE ARTISTS, and more! -- all actively working on and looking for romantic comedy stories.



1st Annual Romantic Comedy Contest winners, Callie & Richard Zelniker, signed with Lanette Mastandrea at Sovereign Talent Group, whose client credits include FRIENDS and SHE HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW. They are also currently working with a producer they met through Stage 32 to develop their script! Check out their blog here to read all about what they're up to.


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

















 

Still don't believe us? Previous contest winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency! Check out her video here:

More Contest Winners would love to tell you why you should enter!

Previous winner, Christina Pamies, was signed by "Billion Dollar" Literary Manager, Jake Wagner. After that, he got her a paid gig with StudioCanal adapting the recently released film BAGHEAD, which was co-produced by The Picture Company and released via AMC+ Networks!

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

Our 3rd Annual Feature Drama winner Kelly Nugent signed with a manager at Wonder Street Entertainment after winning with her script THE OTHER MOTHER CRIED!

Our 6th Annual Feature Screenwriting winner, Jeff Galante signed with a manager at Primary Wave, and he is currently working on a slate of feature films with producers. Jeff's gone on to create/produce TV pilots for NBC and A&E and has consulted on projects for Ron Howard, Chris Moore, and Warner Bros animation.

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

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

Our 4th Annual Comedy Contest winner, Greg Mania was signed by Cohn/Torgan Management, and has since published a memoir called Born To Be Public, which was named NPR’s Best Book of 2020.

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

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

 

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

Contest Judges

Michelle Knudsen (Judge)

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

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

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

Kendall Fletcher (Judge)

Kendall Fletcher (Judge) - Producer, Honey Chile

Kendall Fletcher is a Associate Producer & Development Coordinator who currently works at Honey Chile, the production company of award-winning Producer Felicia Pride (GREY’S ANATOMY, QUEEN SUGAR, BEL-AIR), that centers Black women 40+ in front of or behind the scenes.

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

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

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

 

Brendan Kenney (Judge)

Brendan Kenney (Judge) - Producer & Literary Manager, Mad Delusion

For over a decade Brendan Kenney has been a producer and manager working with some of the industry's top names including Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea for their production company Pacific Standard, which is now part of Hello Sunshine, where he served as the development and production executive. There he worked on the development of dozens of films and TV series and the productions of the films WILD (which Reese was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar), HOT PURSUIT and the Emmy-winning HBO show BIG LITTLE LIES.

Brendan works with leading studios and networks such as FOX, MGM, HBO and Amazon. He has projects currently set up with Fifth Season (Formerly Endeavor Content), Made Up Stories, John Wells Productions, Clubhouse Pictures, Wise Entertainment, Flower Films and H2L Media. He is in post-production on a comedy film and pre-production on an indie film starring Mary-Louise Parker and Philip Ettinger.

Brendan began his career at Relativity Media in Business Affairs and then Red Wagon Entertainment supporting the Creative Executive Team and the Agency of the Performing Arts (APA) in the Feature Literary Department.

Brendan's experience in both production, development and writing give him a unique perspective on the marketplace, production and the writing process which allows him to decide how to serve every individual project with the best shot at success to be on the screen. He loves working with undiscovered writers and tapping them into his expansive network.

Ayanna Anene (Judge)

Ayanna Anene (Judge) - Producer, Works with ABC STUDIOS, WARNER BROS, NETFLIX, APPLE

As a producer with experience in development, Ayanna specializes in female-driven, family, rom-com, and faith-based movie or TV shows. Ayanna worked alongside colleagues at broadcast companies (ABC STUDIOS, WARNER BROS, FBC) and streamers (NETFLIX, APPLE) for nearly a decade.

Previously, Ayanna worked alongside Mara Brock Akil at Story27, which has an overall deal with Netflix (announced in Variety). She touches all aspects of development for TV and film and oversaw the launch of the inaugural Writers' Colony where she regularly collaborated with screenwriters to hone their unique voice through original scripts and navigate a journey by pursuing a creative career. Ayanna also developed book pitches and arranged meetings with buyers at publishing houses such as PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE.

Ayanna began her career at Walt Disney Television/ABC STUDIOS supporting deal development for above-the-line talent for primetime television shows including THE GOOD DOCTOR, THE FIX, DOWNWARD DOG, THE MAYOR, REEF BREAK, and TAKE TWO, among others. Ayanna has worked with colleagues at WME, CAA, UTA, and multitudes of management companies, law firms, publishing houses and other agencies.

Ayanna gravitates toward grounded stories with fresh perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with you to take your concept to the next level!

Marilyn Atlas (Judge)

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

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

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

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

 

Leyla Dahm (Judge)

Leyla Dahm (Judge) - Producer, Gazebo Springs

Leyla Kader Dahm is a producer at the independent production company Gazebo Springs which has projects with Columbia Pictures and Nickelodeon Original Films. Additional Gazebo Springs projects include scripts in development with ShadowMachine and Untitled Entertainment.

Leyla worked as a literary manager and producer at Zero Gravity Management, where she worked closely with companies including CAA, SpectreVision, Dark Castle, Animal Logic, and Nickelodeon Original Films. She then moved to CSP Management before leaving the rep side to focus on independent producing. She started out in development and production at Miramax/Dimension Films and went on to become a script analyst for clients including Mike De Luca Productions, Broadway Video, The Weinstein Company, and Big Beach.

Leyla ran the film development department for Hollywood veterans Ed Jones and Cary Granat and oversaw the narrative for rock star Perry Farrell's proposed Las Vegas immersive experience, “KIND HEAVEN.”

Leyla has worked as a development executive, a literary manager, and a screenwriter and knows the industry from all angles and as a result, has a great depth of knowledge and lots of constructive advice to offer.

Liska Ostojic (Judge)

Liska Ostojic (Judge) - Head of Development, 120E Films

Liska Ostojic is the Head of Development for 120E Films, a company run by producer Pin-Chun Liu (PAPER TIGER, TEST PATTERN). Focusing on stories of diverse and underrepresented voices for an international market, 120E Films is interested in short-form and feature-length content that is timely and impactful.
 
Previously Liska worked at Dreamworks Animation where she was involved in films such as MEGAMIND and THE BEE MOVIE. After graduating with an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory, Liska co-wrote the award-winning shorts CONTRAPELO and WAY IN RYE, as well as numerous commissioned features.
 
Her passion remains collaborating with and mentoring writers, discovering wonderful stories that deserve to be told, and championing ones that will make a difference in the world.
Marcos Sotelo	(Judge)

Marcos Sotelo (Judge) - Producer, SCRN Studio

Marcos Sotelo is a Los Angeles-based Producer with extensive experience in film and television development. Marcos is currently building out SCRN Studio's slate, a sustainability-first, impact-driven film & television production company. He served as a Creative Executive at Small Victory Productions, Lili Reinhart’s production company, where he played a key role in developing and producing feature films and television projects under a first-look deal with Amazon Studios such as CHEMICAL HEARTS and LOOK BOTH WAYS for NETFLIX.

Before joining Small Victory, Marcos was at Universal Music Group, where he collaborated across all UMG divisions to develop music-driven feature films, documentaries, and television projects, both scripted and unscripted. His notable work includes THE BEE GEES (HBO MAX), THE VELVET UNDERGROUND (APPLE), BEASTIE BOYS STORY (APPLE), THE GO-GO’S (SHOWTIME), and ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST (NBC), co-produced by the Tannenbaum Company and FeigCo.

Marcos began his career as an Agent Trainee at William Morris Endeavor in the Motion Picture Literary and Production department, where he worked with top-tier directors, writers, and department heads.

Marcos focuses on developing modern young adult content that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, in addition to championing new voices and bringing their stories to life.

Mallory Schwartz (Judge)

Mallory Schwartz (Judge) - Producer, Almanor Films

Mallory Schwartz is a creative producer for Film and TV. Schwartz began her career with Broadway Video working on 30 ROCK, LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON, and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. She then went on to actor Alec Baldwin’s El Dorado Pictures, first assisting and eventually producing and running development. Schwartz oversaw a robust slate of TV projects under first-look deals with Universal Television and ABC Studios, serving as EP for ABC’s reboot of MATCH GAME, THE ALEC BALDWIN SHOW, and TruTV’s LOVE RIDE, among others.

Schwartz later produced the independent film BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, written by Jen Tullock and Hannah Pearl Utt, and directed by Utt, starring Judith Light and Mandy Patinkin. The film premiered to rave reviews at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up for distribution by 1091 Media. She and Utt collaborated again on Utt’s second feature, CORA BORA starring Megan Stalter.

In 2021, Schwartz helped build a traditional development arm for YouTube creators Rhett & Links’ Mythical Entertainment as their first ever VP, Film & TV Development. Schwartz was tapped in 2022 by Echo Films to Supervise Produce the 3rd season of THE MORNING SHOW for AppleTV+.

She was a 2016 Sundance Institute Creative Producing Fellow and selected as a participant in the 2017 Sundance Institute Catalyst Women Initiative. She is also a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Gio Bakunawa (Judge)

Gio Bakunawa (Judge) - Manager, Established Artists

Gio Bakunawa is a Talent Manager at Established Artists, a full-service talent management company with clients in every market across the US, with a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry. Gio represents an accomplished roster of clients, including staffed writers working alongside major studios and production companies—including Universal, Dreamworks, Netflix, HBO, NBC, CBS, Sony, Amazon/MGM, Berlanti, and more!

Expanding his expertise, he also worked with Naturally Fit Agency in the commercial sector. He began his career at The Green Room Talent Management, a full service talent management company that advocates for top tier talent in all major markets across the world, where his ability to identify and cultivate exceptional talent quickly set him apart.

Known for his dedication to artistic and professional growth, Gio has built an extensive network of meaningful collaborations with writers, directors, producers, and representatives.

His unwavering commitment to elevating talent and fostering lasting partnerships solidifies his reputation as a dynamic and influential figure in talent management.

Nicholas Bogner (Judge)

Nicholas Bogner (Judge) - Literary Manager & Producer, Affirmative Entertainment

Nicholas Bogner has been a Producer and Literary Manager at Affirmative Entertainment for the last fifteen years and currently is the Head of Literary. Under his stewardship, he has had numerous movies made including WEDDING SEASON for Netflix, INFINITE STORM for Sony, along with COME PLAY for Amblin and Focus Features, and has sold television pilots to just about all of the majors from network to streamers. In addition, many of his writers have been staffed at various levels of successful shows over the years including a supernatural thriller sold to Paramount.

Previously, Bogner served as Vice President of Original Programming for TNT. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development of all long-form – including two-hour movies, backdoor pilots, and mini-series - for the network’s TNT Originals franchise. Bogner worked on several high-profile projects including Steven Spielberg’s twelve-hour mini INTO THE WEST as well as Stephen King’s SALEM’S LOT. Beyond these projects, Bogner shepherded over 15 movies into production.

Bogner has two produced credits as a screenwriter, THE LITTLE DEATH and NO STRINGS ATTACHED. He also produced SOCCER MOM starring Emily Osment and Missi Pyle for Starz and Anchor Bay. Most recently, he produced A NICE GIRL LIKE YOU (based on a non-fiction book by Ayn Carrillo- Gailey) which stars Lucy Hale.

Sara Ray (Judge)

Sara Ray (Judge) - Development Executive, KINGDOM BUSINESS, MADAM SECRETARY

Sara Ray is an experienced development executive who served as a Script Coordinator on the BET+ television series KINGDOM BUSINESS (Franklin Entertainment) as well as having multiple projects currently in the works.

Prior to her role on KINGDOM BUSINESS, Sara worked directly with creator Barbara Hall (JUDGING AMY, JOAN OF ARCADIA, ARMY WIVES) developing a new series under her overall deal with CBS TV. Sara worked in the writers' room of Barbara Hall's CBS political drama, MADAM SECRETARY.

Sara began her career as at the Don Buchwald & Associates Agency, who represent clients including Lucy Davis, Sonya Balmores, Stephanie Beatiz, and Richard T Jones. Sara then went to work at CBS in Current Programming, working on dramas and comedies for CBS, as well as The CW, Syfy, and other networks. She has strong relationships with such companies as Paramount/CBS, NBC, BET, Hulu, CAA, Lionsgate, IAG, Brillistein, Franklin Entertainment, Revelations Entertainment, and Barbara Hall Productions.

Her experience in development at these studios and networks equipped her with a keen eye for great screenplays and a deft hand for giving notes. Now she's looking to help aspiring writers and discover great scripts.

Lisa Baylin (Judge)

Lisa Baylin (Judge) - Producer, Emmy Award®-winner

Lisa Baylin is an Emmy Award®-winning producer with over ten years of scripted development and production experience. She was the Director of Scripted Development at Cineflix where she developed original scripted features and series for Hallmark, Lifetime, Bell Media, and Tubi. Lisa's projects in development include the half-hour comedy adaptation of comedian Bonnie McFarlane's memoir YOU'RE BETTER THAN ME (announced in Variety), the hour-drama adaptation of Sam Weibe's WAKELAND trilogy, as well as true crime movies for Lifetime, multiple rom-coms and Christmas movies for Hallmark, and an LGBTQ+ independent feature film.

Prior to Cineflix, Lisa was the VP Scripted at iThentic, where she oversaw the development and production of multiple award-winning original series, including FOR THE RECORD (CBC, Universal Music), the Canadian Screen Award-winning series SAVE ME SI-II (CBC) and SPACE RIDERS SI-II (Bell Media, Hulu, Funny or Die), EPIC STUDIOS (Disney), and the Emmy Award® and Canadian Screen Award-winning branded series GUIDESTONES SI-II (Bell Media, Hulu).

Previously, Lisa was the Program Manager for the Bell Fund, the Independent Production Fund, and the COGECO Fund, supporting the production of hundreds of linear and interactive projects. Before joining the Funds, she was the Associate Conference Producer for the Banff World Television Festival and began her career in casting, working on such feature films as THE SENTINEL, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 2 and FOUR BROTHERS.

She began her career launching her own casting company, LB Casting, where she cast projects for CBC, History Channel, YouTube, Fear Network, and Bell Media. In addition, she has participated in collective bargaining talks between the CMPA and ACTRA, DGC, and WGC.

Contest Rules

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.

Winner Announcements

Jun 27
Quarter-Finalists Announced
on Stage 32
Jul 11
Semi-Finalists Announced
on Stage 32
Jul 25
Finalists Announced
on Stage 32
Aug 08
Contest Winners Announced
on Stage 32
* Announcement dates subject to change.

Contest Deadlines

Super Early Bird

Thursday, Feb 13 - 11:59 PM PST

Submission fee: $49.50

Early Bird

Wednesday, Mar 12 - 11:59 PM PDT

Submission fee: $59.50

Regular Deadline

Wednesday, Apr 9 - 11:59 PM PDT

Submission fee: $69.50

Final Deadline

Wednesday, May 7 - 11:59 PM PDT

Submission fee: $79.50

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