Stage 32 + Catalyst Studios Empowering Women Script Competition

THE WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED!

SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW THE WINNER!

WINNING WRITER WILL RECEIVE A GUARANTEED $5,000 OPTION FOR THEIR SCRIPT AND IS ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO $3,000,000 IN FINANCING FROM CATALYST STUDIOS IF PRODUCED!

Stage 32–the global entertainment industry’s leading social network and educational platform with over 1 Million Members and over 3,000 hours of film and television webinars and classes–and Catalyst Studios–a groundbreaking U.S. production company supporting female-fronted projects–are partnering to launch a first-of-its kind screenwriting contest for feature films with a focus on social impact!

The contest is open to feature film scripts by women and non-binary filmmakers of any and all genres that bring awareness to a current issue or progress society forward with innovative thinking that doesn’t fall into typical patriarchal views and conditioning.

The winning writer will receive a guaranteed $5,000 option for their script and is eligible for up to $3,000,000 in financing from Catalyst if produced. Additionally, the Catalyst team will work with the writer on development, Stage 32 will support the script development through education, and Berlinale Managing Director Mariette Rissenbeek has signed on to mentor the winner.

Congratulations to Our Winner!

Congratulations to Our Finalists!

Congratulations to Our Semifinalists!

Congratulations to Our Quarterfinalists!

MORE ABOUT THE CONTEST:

Open to women and non-binary writers and directors to submit feature film scripts of any and all genres with a focus on social impact (i.e. brings awareness to current issues or progresses society forward with new/innovative thinking that doesn't fall into typical patriarchal views and conditioning especially as it pertains to women.) that can be made for $3 Million or less, can be in any language and MPAA rating, and must be original works created by the entrant that address underlying social issues with intent for social change/awareness building. No SAG or WGA during the strike; open to everyone after their respective strikes are over. Catalyst is non-signatory.

ABOUT STAGE 32

Stage 32–the world’s largest online film and television creative talent incubator with over 1 Million members worldwide, who engage with the platform’s global job boards, supportive networking community and industry-leading 3,000 hours of educational content.

Supporting entertainment industry professionals in over 185 countries and counting, Stage 32 is dedicated to providing an oasis of community and educational resources such as webinars, classes, and labs to help creators connect and develop their artistic gifts, and access new opportunities in TV and film. Stage 32 members include all professions, above the line, below the line, creative and professional across countries including the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, South Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Netherlands, and Australia

Stage 32 educational workshops, webinars and events are led by some of the most influential voices across the entertainment industry spectrum, including award-winning directors, writers, producers, showrunners, composers, documentarians and more.

ABOUT CATALYST STUDIOS

Catalyst Studios- an American production company, was formed to deliver a slate of high quality, fiscally conscious, commercially successful films, with broad and identifiable audiences while giving new and visionary filmmakers unique opportunities that have previously been scarce.

The current Catalyst Slate covers a diverse collection of films, from aspirational journeys, to action-based adventures, and psychological thrillers. The Catalyst Mission for this slate is to shine a light on female talent, promoting women in every role of the process in front of and behind the camera. By making a real investment in our mission, Catalyst has provided opportunities to incredibly talented women that the industry has either ignored or overlooked. Catalyst is funding project that gives female filmmakers a platform to showcase their creativity and skill in a variety of ways within a range of works.

Catalyst intends to bring story to life by employing work practices that have an aspirational message and carry values that may lead to a social impact. By focusing on underrepresented talent in the industry, Catalyst is merging great stories with highly capable and creative hands in a work environment that hopefully will become the blueprint for the future.

The Prizes

Our Grand Prize winner will:

• Receive a guaranteed $5,000 option for their script
• Be eligible for up to $3,000,000 in financing from Catalyst if produced
• Work with the Catalyst team on Development
• Receive development support from Stage 32 through education
• Receive mentorship from Berlinale Managing Director Mariette Rissenbeek

 Our Shared Mission

“It has been my mission as the Managing Director of Stage 32 to lift up, inspire and encourage real opportunities for women in the entertainment industry around the world through our community.” 

-Amanda Toney, Stage 32 Managing Director

“Stage 32 and Catalyst Studios share a passion and mission for discovering and promoting new voices in film. As such, this partnership is a no-brainer and one we’re extremely excited about. There’s nothing more thrilling than shepherding a project from script to screen. We’re looking forward to working with our winner and taking their career to the next level.”

-Richard "RB" Botto, Stage 32 CEO

​​“Catalyst Studios is trying to create a roadmap for systemic change and inclusivity in the entertainment industry and we want to inspire and support others to do the same. We couldn’t think of a better partner than Stage 32 as both our missions and core values are perfectly aligned.”

-Holly Anderson Levow, Catalyst Studios Chairperson

“This partnership is very important to me, right away I knew something big was meant to be, from two power houses such as Catalyst Studios and Stage 32. I couldn’t think of a better way to empower voices that have been too often silenced. This contest celebrates the strength and resilience of women and non-binary creators. I am sure this can bring to life stories that illuminate new paths, shatter old norms, and inspire us all to reach higher."

-Giulia Lupetti, Director of Marketing for Catalyst Studios

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: September 7th, 2023

Early Bird Deadline: September 20th, 2023

Regular Deadline: October 18th, 2023

Final Deadline: November 15th, 2023

Quarterfinalist Announcement: December 22nd, 2023

Semifinalist Announcement: January 5th, 2024

Finalist Announcement: January 19th, 2024

Winner Announcement: February 16th, 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.  The last day to submit new drafts with this option is November 26th, 2023.

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 22nd, 2023. 

Resubmission Option

We offer the option to resubmit a new draft of your script later in the contest for $39.00. You only have until 5 days after the Final Deadline to submit a new draft. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is November 21st, 2023. You cannot submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

Catalyst Studios -

Catalyst Studios- an American production company, was formed to deliver a slate of high quality, fiscally conscious, commercially successful films, with broad and identifiable audiences while giving new and visionary filmmakers unique opportunities that have previously been scarce.

The current Catalyst Slate covers a diverse collection of films, from aspirational journeys, to action-based adventures, and psychological thrillers. The Catalyst Mission for this slate is to shine a light on female talent, promoting women in every role of the process in front of and behind the camera. By making a real investment in our mission, Catalyst has provided opportunities to incredibly talented women that the industry has either ignored or overlooked. Catalyst is funding project that gives female filmmakers a platform to showcase their creativity and skill in a variety of ways within a range of works.

Catalyst intends to bring story to life by employing work practices that have an aspirational message and carry values that may lead to a social impact. By focusing on underrepresented talent in the industry, Catalyst is merging great stories with highly capable and creative hands in a work environment that hopefully will become the blueprint for the future.