6th Annual New Voices in Animation Screenwriting Contest

SEMIFINALISTS ANNOUNCED

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The ONLY Animation Screenwriting Contest in the World is Back!

The Grand Prize Winner Will Receive Mentorships with the Producer of the Oscar-nominated film FLOW and Studio Executives from Nickelodeon, Amazon Kids, and Bento Box (SPONGEBOB, AVATAR).

Over $40,000 in Prizes!

Ever dreamt of seeing your animated script come to life on the big screen or stream 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 $4,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be set up on VIP MENTORSHIP meetings industry professionals who’ve worked on iconic movies and shows like FAMILY GUY, MINIONS, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and more!

Our Finalists will receive a Career Momentum prize package valued at $1,500, including Career Development, a Writer Branding Workshop and an Education package, and will have your logline featured in a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 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!

Animation combines adventurous storytelling, colorful character development, and visually stunning images to create immersive, memorable experiences. From the action and adventure of DOGMAN, to the totally wild hijinx of THE SMURFS, to the hybrid live action/CGI animation of 2025 hits like MINECRAFT and LILO & STITCH. This year alone, classic franchises like ZOOTOPIA and  THE BAD GUYS have upcoming sequels scheduled for release, proving a great story can last for decades. The appetite for amazing animation projects is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

We are on the hunt for ALL types of animated scripts - Galaxy spanning adventures? Family friendly fun for all ages? Talking pets? Bold futuristic worldbuilding? Experimental dark comedies? The next legendary adult animation classic? We want to see it all!

If you have an animated 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!

Let our last year's Annual New Voices in Animation winners, Chris and Melinda, tell you why you should enter!

Congratulations Winner!

Congratulations Finalists!

Congratulations Semifinalists!

Congratulations Quarterfinalists!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We are looking for Feature scripts like:

INSIDE OUT, TOY STORY, MONSTERS INC, KUNG FU PANDA, THE INCREDIBLES, SPIDER-VERSE, RATATOUILLE, SUPER MARIO BROS, PUSS IN BOOTS, WOLFWALKERS, MEGAMIND, AKIRA, SPIRITED AWAY, DOGMAN, FLOW, THE WILD ROBOT, WALLACE & GROMIT, HIT PIG, MEMOIR OF A SNAIL, and more!

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, BOB'S BURGERS, DORA THE EXPLORER, KING OF THE HILL, HEY ARNOLD, FUTURAMA, ARCHER, THE FLINTSTONES, LOVE DEATH ROBOTS, INVINCIBLE, STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, SECRET LEVEL, THE PROUD FAMILY, FAMILY GUY, RICK & MORTY, THE BOONDOCKS and more!

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

For the last 13 years, Stage 32 Contests have led to dozens of success stories including writers getting representation, sold, optioned, staffed, given writing assignments and getting produced. No other contest opens more doors and we want to do the same for you!

Who Are The Judges?

• Neil Wade, Senior Manager for Animated Current Series and Development, Nickelodeon (DORA THE EXPLORER, FAMILY GUY)
• Jason Stiff, Producer, Bento Box Animation (SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, FAIRLY ODD PARENTS, KING OF THE HILL, INVADER ZIM)
• Josh Mandel, Senior Development Executive, Amazon Kids+ (MINONS: THE RISE OF GRU, ANGRY BIRDS MYSTERY ISLAND)
• Alfredo Marun, Independent Animation Producer (KIPO & THE WONDERBEASTS, DRAGONS: THE NINE REALMS)
• Jazmine Hill, Manager of Development, 20th Television Animation (FAMILY GUY, BOB'S BURGERS, THE SIMPSONS)
• Matīss Kaža, Producer & Writer, Dreamwell Studio (the Academy Award winning animated film FLOW)
• Evan Anglin, Co-Head of Animation & Literary Manager, Zero Gravity Management (client credits include RIO 2, THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE)

What Are the Prizes?

As always, our Grand Prize Winner will:

• Meet with top industry pros like who have worked on projects like FAMILY GUY, MINIONS, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and more!
• Work with Stage 32 to develop all the materials on your winning script!
• Have your script logline and bio sent to our exclusive roster of agents and managers actively seeking new talent.
• Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, gaining access to over 3,000 hours of educational content and networking with industry heavyweights.
• But that's not all!

Check below for ALL our new prize packages! Including packages for Finalists, Semifinalists, Quarterfinalists, and more!

Want Script Coverage & The Ability To Submit A New Draft?

Want professional feedback on your script? We offer discounted script coverage and the option to resubmit revised drafts. Our feedback options are designed to help you polish your work and give you the best chance at success.

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: June 12th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: July 9th, 2025

Regular Deadline: July 30th, 2025

Final Deadline: August 20th, 2025

Quarterfinalist Announcement: October 17th, 2025

Semifinalist Announcement:  October 31st, 2025

Finalist Announcement: November 14th, 2025

Winner Announcement: November 28th, 2025

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 FAMILY GUY, MINIONS, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, 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 3-month Writer’s Room Membership
• 1 Free Stage 32 Class
• 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
• 1 Free Stage 32 Webinar

SEMIFINALISTS: The Career Breakthrough Package - $1,000 Value

• Education Package
• Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
• 1 Free Stage 32 Class
• 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
• 1 Free Stage 32 Webinar

QUARTERFINALISTS: The Career Elevation Package - $500 Value

• Education Package
  • Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
  • 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
  • 1 Free webinar code

ALL ENTRANTS - $100 value

• Education
  • Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
  • 1 Free webinar code

In addition to all that, all writers receive continued support from the Stage 32 team, who work tirelessly to get you in front of decision-makers.

Our Animation 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?

Our 5th Annual Stage 32 New Voices in Animation winners, Chris & Melinda Saranchock gained massive traction on their winning script SAVING CINDERELLA, as they took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Bento Box Animation, Amazon Kids+, The Gotham Group, and more! -- all actively working on and looking for animation content.

Our 4th Annual Stage 32 New Voices in Animation winners, brothers Mark & Zeke Nelson won with their action-comedy script DETECTIVE GIZMO. 

"Couldn't be happier! It's like an early Christmas present!" - Mark Nelson, 4th Annual Stage 32 New Voices in Animation Winner

"Everyone [I met with] gave me great advice on how to navigate the animation industry. As a marginalized writer, I'm very grateful a contest like this exists, allowing new voices to break in." - Tayler Carter, 2nd Annual Stage 32 New Voices in Animation Winner

1st Annual Winner Samantha Clay met with Pixar, Disney, Zero Gravity & more!

PLUS! Our finalists have had their work requested by top production and management companies including SONY PICTURES ANIMATION and VERVE!

More Contest Winners Christina Pamies, Jonathan Jordan, and Greg Mania 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!

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 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!"

Winner Julie Ann Cross won a mentorship with Amy Baer of Gidden Media, and a $7,500 option agreement.

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

Neil Wade (Judge) - Senior Manager for Animated Current Series and Development, Nickelodeon Animation

Neil Wade serves as Senior Manager for Animated Current Series and Development at Nickelodeon Animation. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma they have lived across the USA and as far away as Japan, which solidified their desire to start a career in animation. Beginning as an intern at Nickelodeon, they have worked on series such as DORA THE EXPLORER, FAMILY GUY, THE FAIRLY ODD PARENTS, PIG GOAT BANANA CRICKET, CLEOPATRA IN SPACE, WONDER PARK, THE CASAGRANDES, BIG NATE, and STAR TREK: PRODIGY. Their career has placed them at studios such as Nickelodeon Animation, Fox Television Animation, and Dreamworks Television Animation. Most recently they’ve served as the EIC on the Emmy Award-winning series The Loud House and Emmy and GLAAD Award-winning Fairly OddParents: A New Wish.

Jason Stiff (Judge) - Producer, Bento Box Entertainment

Jason Stiff is a a Producer at Bento Box Entertainment's Atlanta studio. Jason's credits include KING OF THE HILL for Fox; SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, INVADER ZIM, DORA THE EXPLORER, in addition to numerous other series for Nickelodeon; AVENGERS ASSEMBLE, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY and ULTIMATE SPIDERMAN for Marvel; as well as work on series for Comedy Central, Netflix, and Adult Swim. He is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Prior to joining the Bento Box Atlanta team as a Producer in March of 2016, Jason was an Emmy and 6 time Golden Reel Award winner during his time with Nickelodeon Animation Studios, where he served as Vice President of Post Production. There he managed animation pipelines for television, direct to video, commercials, promos and other special projects including live action integration using a multitude of systems. His work has taken him to many different countries including South Korea, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland and others to manage the technology and workflow back to the US.

 

Josh Mandel (Judge) - Senior Development Executive, Amazon Kids+

Josh Mandel is a senior level producer and production executive with over 20 years of experience developing and producing content for Mattel, Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, Universal, Sony, DC Comics, Dreamworks, Microsoft, Amazon, Interscope, Atlantic Records and WWE.

Josh currently oversees Development of original TV series and movies at Amazon Kids+, the premiere destination for movies, TV, mobile games and books aimed at kids ages 3-12.

Josh began in Development at Miramax with Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York and Production at Interscope with artists like Eminem, Weezer and 50 Cent before segueing into feature films and television. Josh has produced 10 feature films around the world including Lord of the Rings documentary “Ringers,” Best of 2015 Critics Pick “Uncertain Terms,” Independent Spirit Award-winning “Without,” and 2023 WGA-shortlisted “Paris is in Harlem.”

Jazmine Hill (Judge) - Manager of Development, 20th Television Animation

Jasmine Hill is a Manager of Development at 20th Television Animation - the animation arm of 20th Century Fox (THE SIMPSONS, BOB'S BURGERS, FAMILY GUY) - where she scouts for upcoming comedic writing talent and animators.

LA born and raised, Jazmine Hill got her start in the film industry as an intern and assistant at the indie production and finance film company Bold Films (DRIVE, NIGHTCRAWLER, WHIPLASH). Then made the jump over at the indie production and finance studio, BRON Studios (BIRTH OF A NATION, FENCES, JOKER) in development. After realizing how much she loved comedy, she next worked on the management side at Avalon Entertainment, mostly known for representing comedic talent and producing LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER. 

Alfredo Marun (Judge) - Producer, DreamWorks, Disney Television Animation

Alfredo Marun a passionate animation producer who has worked at some of the top production companies and studios including DreamWorks Animation, SONY, Scott Rudin Productions, Matt Tolmach Productions, and most recently he was the Director of Development at Disney Television Animation before he decided to produce animation independently given the connections he has across studios, agencies, production companies and management firms.

After over a decade in the industry Alfredo has worked on dozens of projects and just some of his credits include KIPO & THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS, DRAGONS: NINE REALMS, THE MIGHTY ONES, and ZOMBIES: THE RE-ANIMATED SERIES.

Alfredo is an advisor/charter member for LatinX In Animation, a group dedicated to empowering diversity in animation from page to post and is a bilingual (Spanish-English) creative executive with a proven track record of developing live-action and animated television series and feature films for theatrical, linear, and SVOD.

Alfredo loves developing diverse and and contemporary stories and working with writers to get their stories to the screen!

Matīss Kaža (Judge) - Producer, Dream Well Studio

Matīss Kaža is an Academy Award-winning Latvian Producer, Director and Writer. He is best known for co-writing and producing the animated feature film FLOW (2024) directed by Gints Zilbalodis, which won the first ever Golden Globe and Oscar for an independent animated feature.

Kaža's recent producing credits include SISTERS (2022, Warsaw Film Festival 1+2 Competition Winner) directed by Linda Olte, and DROWNING DRY (2024, two awards in the Locarno Main Competition) directed by Laurynas Bareiša.

Matīss has directed and written for live action, documentary and the theatre, including NEON SPRING (2022, Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival) and critically acclaimed performances at the Latvian National Theatre, like “The Soft Power” (2023) and “The National Network” (2025). He teaches film directing at the Latvian Academy of Culture.

Evan Anglin (Judge) - Literary/Animation Manager, Zero Gravity

Evan is the co-head of the animation department and a Literary Manager at Zero Gravity Management. He oversees the development of the animation department and represents award winning artists talent including showrunners, feature writers and directors, production companies & studios, supervising directors, board artists, character designers, art directors, animators, and animation / live action cross over clients. Evan has held similar roles at other companies like BOLD Management & Production, Partos Company, and Innovative Artists. His work focuses on building successful careers for clients in film, television, and animation.