Stage 32 + Color Farm Media Diversity Talent Accelerator Screenwriting Contest

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will go into a script development incubator and mentorship with Stage 32 & Color Farm Media, led by Erika Alexander (AMERICAN FICTION, GET OUT, LIVING SINGLE, and more!)

Color Farm Media will review all Semi-Finalist loglines - eligible for script requests!

PLUS -- All Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships with execs from
Phoenix Pictures, Hemingway Productions, Project X Entertainment, and Good Fear Content.

Erika Alexander - beloved for her iconic acting roles as Maxine Shaw (“Living Single,” NAACP Image Awards as Outstanding Actress/Comedy Series), Detective Latoya (“Get Out”), Cousin Pam (“The Cosby Show”), Perenna (“Black Lightning”), Linda Diggs (“Wutang: An American Saga”), Barb Ballard ( Run The World), and Meredith Lockhart (“Swimming with Sharks”) - and Erika's production company Color Farm Media are partnering with Stage 32 to find the next undiscovered diverse writing talents. Erika has built her company on diverse, prestige projects for and her team will work directly with Stage 32 through the Stage 32 Diversity Talent Accelerator Screenwriting Contest.

Color Farm Media will be personally reviewing semi-finalist loglines and all top 10 finalist scripts, with winners selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability. The selected writers will receive script development, industry mentorship, and potential production pathways designed to fast-track emerging writers. Both Stage 32 and Color Farm Media will jointly package developed projects for production.

"Color Farm's mission is to create an ecosystem where underestimated and underrepresented creators don't just survive — they thrive." said Erika Alexander, founder of Color Farm Media "Stage 32 shares that vision and has spent over a decade proving that world-class training can break down the traditional barriers that keep talented voices on the sidelines."

"This partnership takes that philosophy one crucial step further," Erika added. "We're not just opening doors, we're walking through them together and ensuring our contest winner gets real development, real mentorship, and a real shot at getting their story to screen."

“Leveraging Stage 32’s worldwide leading entertainment educational resources, the partnership launches an immersive creative ecosystem that transforms how emerging writers break into the industry.” Richard Botto, CEO and Founder of Stage 32, said in a statement Tuesday. “Great stories and talented writers shouldn’t be limited by geography, connections, or background. This pipeline ensures the best voices get the platform they deserve.”

"In an industry where breaking in seems increasingly difficult, we're continuing to create a direct pipeline from undiscovered talent to professional development," added Geoffroy Faugerolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services. "This is about discoverability, access and launching careers."

Diversity is what makes the film industry special - the best movies take us into new perspectives that help us understand the world through unique point of views, often different from our own. In a world of re-boots, re-makes, and re-treads, what stands out is singular, fresh voices to keep audiences on the edge of our seats.

From the frightening scares and terror of SINNERS, to the totally fun and hilarious antics of ONE OF THEM DAYS, to the supernatural psychological terror of THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, audiences can’t get enough exciting diverse storytelling. This year alone, classic franchises like CAPTAIN AMERICA with BRAVE NEW WORLD and JOHN WICK with BALLERINA were rebooted with diverse leads and proved smashes at the boxes. The appetite for diverse projects is massive, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

AS SEEN ON DEADLINE

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• Color Farm Media Diversity Talent Accelerator placement for script development and packaging with Color Farm Media

• Career Accelerator Prize Package ($4,000 value) including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and comprehensive education resources
• Personal Mentorship Track with dedicated 1:1 career development sessions from our success team
• Industry Marketing Campaign promoting winner to our exclusive roster of 2,500+ managers, agents, producers, and executives
• Strategic Partnership where Stage 32 and Color Farm Media executives collaborate to prepare your project to take directly to market

Our Finalists will receive:

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 2,500+ 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!

Let our 1st Annual Winner Jeffrey Thompson, who went on to work in the writer's room of the popular TV series, The Goldbergs and rose up the ranks to a Staff Writer contributing on 22 episodes of the ABC sitcom tell you why you should enter!

Open to Feature Film and TV Pilot Scripts!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We are looking for Feature scripts like:

AMERICAN FICTION, GET OUT, MOONLIGHT, THE FAREWELL, REZ BALL, CRAZY RICH ASIANS, OLD DADS, DIDI, THELMA, TÁR, BOOK CLUB, NICKEL BOYS, SIX TRIPLE EIGHT, ANORA, EMILIA PEREZ, SING SING, THE SUBSTANCE, NOMADLAND, THE FATHER, LOVE LIES BLEEDING, THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, THE HALF OF IT, SEARCHING, QUEER, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

INSECURE, RESERVATION DOGS, FRESH OFF THE BOAT, THE BOONDOCKS, ATLANTA, EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS, GRACIE & FRANKIE, HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, RAMY, WOKE, DAVE, THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, THE MINDY PROJECT, BLACK-ISH, BABY REINDEER, TRUE DETECTIVE, KILLING EVE, THE CHAIR, MIXED-ISH, THE WIRE, GODFATHER OF HARLEM

But that's not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh 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.

If you have a diverse 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!

Who Is Color Farm Media?

Additional Judges

Additionally we have four more judges who are very interested in discovering diverse writers. These execs will also read and judge the Top 10 finalist scripts, and potentially meet with any finalists whose writing they enjoy!

• Luca Borghese, Producer, AGX Films (BEAU IS AFRAID, SPACEMAN, NYAD)
• Bethany Cerrona, Producer, Jay Silverman Productions (YALE, CAMERA, SAVING PARADISE, OFF THE MENU)
• Sydney Foos, Creative Executive & Producer (FIRST REFORMED, VOX LUX, DARK WATERS, SHIRLEY)
• Alex Pelham, Literary Manager, 831 Entertainment (client credits incl. SWIPED, UNPREGNANT)

ADD-ON PRIZE OPPORTUNITIES

This optional add-on prize category will grant one eligible writer the opportunity to be mentored and have 2 virtual development meetings with the following execs:

Jiarui Guo is a powerhouse creative producer with her company Incandescent Entertainment, and a member of the Producers Guild of America. Jiarui has produced about 35 short films and 8 feature films in the last three years, including serving as Executive Producer on the Oscar-winning film THE BRUTALIST, starring two-time Oscar winning Best Actor Adrian Brody and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Brady Corbet.

Jiarui's additional producing credits include visionary Paul's Schrader latest film OH, CANADA! starring Richard Gere and Uma Thurman; the horror film HAZARD (2024),which starred Sosie Bacon (SMILE); and other titles such as BECOMING VERA (2025), DESERT DAWN (2025), PORTAL IN THE PINES (2025), THE WRECKER (2025), and the upcoming Mona Fastvold period biopic feature ANN LEE, co-written by Corbet and starring Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Abbott, Tim Blake Nelson, Thomasin McKenzie, and Lewis Pullman.

Jiarui cut her teeth at Breakthrough Entertainment, one of Canada’s most established and respected production companies under Executive Producers Ira Levy, Nat Abraham and Michael McGuigan. She later served as Production Manager at Propagate Content, then as VP of Physical Production for Vast Entertainment, a production company with a unique focus of fostering book-to-screen adaptations.

Born and raised in China, Jiarui is a self-starter who has built a proven track record of hard work, integrity, and innovative creativity, developing a loyal reputation among her peers. Her successful projects have received more than 200+ International film festival awards or official selections. In addition, Jiarui has also worked in other aspects of the business from Line Producing, UPM, and Production Coordinator throughout her career.

Nicole Tossou is a dynamic executive with 10+ years of experience developing innovative scripted and unscripted content. She serves as Head of Television at Project X Entertainment (FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH for APPLETV+), where she currently executive produces THE NIGHT AGENT for Netflix, an untitled medical drama for Amazon, and an untitled action thriller for Hulu. She oversees multiple projects in development with Sony Pictures, UTV, and 20th Century Studios under Project X's first-look deal.

Previously at The SpringHill Company (now Fulwell Entertainment), Nicole executive produced Self Made starring Octavia Spencer for Netflix and developed projects set up at Fox, Freeform, Paramount+, and Amazon. She began her career in the NBC Page Program before joining A+E Networks/Studios.

Whitney Davis is the co-executive producer of MIKE for Hulu and TRUE LIES for CBS. A passionate creative executive and producer with twenty years of experience in entertainment, she began her career as an Associate Field Producer at CBS NEWS before transitioning to scripted television in 2011. Most recently, she served as Vice President at Anthony Hemingway Productions, developing projects with the Emmy-winning director. Davis has sold projects to Disney, FX, Hulu, and Onyx Collective.

She is currently developing a scripted series with Anthony Hemingway and Bassett Vance Productions, an animated series, multiple features, and a narrative podcast. Through her work with Interim Entertainment, she champions bold storytellers creating impactful content across drama, comedy, horror, erotic thrillers, sci-fi, and fantasy.

After two decades in the industry, Davis remains passionate about discovering writers with unique voices and compelling life experiences. She specializes in helping artists transform their personal stories into powerful entertainment that resonates with audiences.

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.

Stage 32 Contests Launch Careers

Recent Winners Making Waves:

Jeffrey Wright - Staffed in the Writer's Room of THE GOLDBERGS

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.

Tanya Klein & Jim Cirile - Script set up for production with $1.5M budget, Lucas Heyne directing.

Christina Pamies - Signed by "Billion Dollar" Literary Manager Jake Wagner, then hired by StudioCanal to adapt BAGHEAD (now streaming on Shudder/AMC+).

Kevin Bachar - Winning script became THE INHABITANT (2022), produced by Lionsgate and released on Hulu.

Career-Changing Representation:

• Jimmy Miller - Signed with literary manager Marc Manus
• Richard Doyle (Australia) - Signed with literary manager Will Rosenfield
• Glenn Forbes - Secured representation with Infinity Management International
• Alyssa & Griffin Devine - Signed with HG5 Entertainment, writing 2 scripts with 1 going into production
• Frank Ponce - Signed with 3 Arts Entertainment, script picked up by Atlas Entertainment, sold Evel Knievel series to USA Network
• Diana Wright - Signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency
• Jonathan Jordan - Signed by major agency Verve, script currently in production
• Greg Mania - Signed with Cohn/Torgan Management, published NPR Best Book of 2020

The Stage 32 Difference: Winners receive meetings with managers, agents, and producers - not just a trophy. Real careers launched, real movies made, real representation secured.

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

What Are the Prizes?

Our Grand Prize Winner will:

• Get into a development and mentorship fast track with Color Farm Media, who will prepare your project to take out to market!
• Work with Stage 32 to develop additional 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: September 18th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: October 15th, 2025

Regular Deadline: November 7th, 2025

Final Deadline: November 26th, 2025

Quarterfinalist Announcement: January 23rd, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: February 6th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: February 20th, 2026

Winner Announcement: March 6th, 2026

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 - $4,000 Value

• PROJECT DEVELOPMENT with Color Farm Media, who will develop the winning project in house!
• 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 - $1,500 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 Feature 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 3rd Annual Diversity Springboard Screenwriting winner, French screenwriter Marine Mondelot gained massive traction on her winning script EON, as she took a full slate of meetings with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Iconic Media, Little Lark Productions, Black Monarch Entertainment, 93 Cedar, MACRO Studios, Majestic Productions and more -- all looking for diverse stories!

Our 2nd Annual Winner Lorna Green met with execs from Warner Bros, ViacomCBS, Circle of Confusion, EntertainmentOne, The Kaplan Stahler Agency, Gidden Media, and more!

Our 1st Annual Winner Jeff Thompson went on to work in the writer's room of the popular TV series, The Goldbergs! Jeffrey rose to the ranks of Staff Writer and contributed to 22 episodes of the ABC sitcom!

Jeffrey's winning reaction:

Our 3rd Annual Feature Drama Winner Kelly Nugent tells you why you should enter!

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.

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!

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!"

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

Jiarui Guo (Judge) - Producer & Founder, Incandescent Entertainment

Jiarui Guo is a powerhouse creative producer with her company Incandescent Entertainment, and a member of the Producers Guild of America. Jiarui has produced about 35 short films and 8 feature films in the last three years, including serving as Executive Producer on the Oscar-winning film THE BRUTALIST, starring two-time Oscar winning Best Actor Adrian Brody and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Brady Corbet.

Jiarui's additional producing credits include visionary Paul's Schrader latest film OH, CANADA! starring Richard Gere and Uma Thurman; the horror film HAZARD (2024),which starred Sosie Bacon (SMILE); and other titles such as BECOMING VERA (2025), DESERT DAWN (2025), PORTAL IN THE PINES (2025), THE WRECKER (2025), and the upcoming Mona Fastvold period biopic feature ANN LEE, co-written by Corbet and starring Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Abbott, Tim Blake Nelson, Thomasin McKenzie, and Lewis Pullman.

Jiarui cut her teeth at Breakthrough Entertainment, one of Canada’s most established and respected production companies under Executive Producers Ira Levy, Nat Abraham and Michael McGuigan. She later served as Production Manager at Propagate Content, then as VP of Physical Production for Vast Entertainment, a production company with a unique focus of fostering book-to-screen adaptations.

Born and raised in China, Jiarui is a self-starter who has built a proven track record of hard work, integrity, and innovative creativity, developing a loyal reputation among her peers. Her successful projects have received more than 200+ International film festival awards or official selections. In addition, Jiarui has also worked in other aspects of the business from Line Producing, UPM, and Production Coordinator throughout her career. 

Whitney Davis (Judge) - VP, Hemingway Productions

Whitney Davis is the co-executive producer of MIKE for Hulu and TRUE LIES for CBS. A passionate creative executive and producer with twenty years of experience in entertainment, she began her career as an Associate Field Producer at CBS NEWS before transitioning to scripted television in 2011.

Most recently, she served as Vice President at Anthony Hemingway Productions, developing projects with the Emmy-winning director. Davis has sold projects to Disney, FX, Hulu, and Onyx Collective. She is currently developing a scripted series with Anthony Hemingway and Bassett Vance Productions, an animated series, multiple features, and a narrative podcast. Through her work with Interim Entertainment, she champions bold storytellers creating impactful content across drama, comedy, horror, erotic thrillers, sci-fi, and fantasy.

After two decades in the industry, Davis remains passionate about discovering writers with unique voices and compelling life experiences. She specializes in helping artists transform their personal stories into powerful entertainment that resonates with audiences.

Nicole Tossou (Judge) - Head of Television, Project X Entertainment

Nicole Tossou is a dynamic executive with 10+ years of experience developing innovative scripted and unscripted content. She serves as Head of Television at Project X Entertainment, where she currently executive produces The Night Agent for Netflix, an untitled medical drama for Amazon, and an untitled action thriller for Hulu. She oversees multiple projects in development with Sony Pictures, UTV, and 20th Century Studios under Project X's first-look deal.

Previously at The SpringHill Company (now Fulwell Entertainment), Nicole executive produced Self Made starring Octavia Spencer for Netflix and developed projects set up at Fox, Freeform, Paramount+, and Amazon. She began her career in the NBC Page Program before joining A+E Networks/Studios.

Daniela Gonzalez (Judge) - Literary Manager, Good Fear Content

Daniela Gonzalez is a literary manager at Good Fear Content, a Los Angeles-based management and production company known for representing generation-defining talent and producing clutter-busting content. Daniela's television clients have written for: Severance, The Wilds, Only Murders in the Building, Running Point and Nancy Drew. On the feature side, Daniela's clients have secured work at major studios including Disney, Lionsgate, TriStar and Amazon.

 

Daniela identifies as a TCI – a third culture individual: Venezuelan-born, with a childhood in South East Asia, Daniela now calls the United States home. Prior to working at Good Fear Content, Daniela was with Circle of Confusion for nearly a decade. Her international background informs her taste as she builds her roster of clients who have unique voices and backgrounds. Daniela holds a BA in Film Production with a minor in Film Producing from New York University. She is currently completing a part-time MBA at Pepperdine University.

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

Michael runs Development for Phoenix Pictures with Mike Medavoy, where he worked on 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. They are in development on an NFT documentary. Michael was also involved in the development of THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER starring Corey Hawkins, based on Bram Stoker's Dracula novel, and in production partnership with Steven Spielberg's Amblin, Universal, and Dreamworks.

Phoenix Pictures, known for producing critical and commercial hit films, including the Oscar-winning film BLACK SWAN, Martin Scorsese's SHUTTER ISLAND, and WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING. Michael produced The Critics Choice-nominated series THE LONG ROAD HOME for National Geographic and the animated film OZI: VOICE OF THE FOREST with Medavoy, which premiered at the Annecy International Film Festival. 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.

Bethany Cerrona (Judge) - Producer/Development, Jay Silverman Productions

Bethany Cerrona is a Producer at Jay Silverman Productions, the film and TV production company headed by industry veteran Jay Silverman, where she oversees all films at every stage from development through final release for the company. Her most recent feature film YALE is a true story drama starring Kevin Dunn and Caitlin McGee is currently in post production.

 

Cerrona's previous films include CAMERA, a coming of age story starring Beau Bridges, which is available on Amazon and Tubi; SAVING PARADISE, is an inspiring drama starring William Moseley and Johanna Braddy; OFF THE MENU, a charming romantic comedy starring Dania Ramirez, Tony Award winner Santino Fontana, and Maria Conchita Alonzo that premiered on HBO; and the award winning film GIRL ON THE EDGE, penned by Joey Curtis (BLUE VALENTINE) and starring Taylor Spreitler, Peter Coyote, and Elizabeth Pena that premiered on Showtime. 

On the heels of these amazing productions, Jay Silverman Productions is looking for its next feature to develop. Silverman gravitates toward character-driven and inspirational material, including stories of unlikely heroes, small-town secrets, and characters that showcase the best of humanity, with themes of acceptance, love, and hope.

 

Sydney Foos (Judge) - Creative Executive/Producer, Developed Projects for Amazon, AMC, Peacock

Sydney Foos produces projects for film, TV and digital media, and she has developed projects with Amazon, AMC, Peacock, Kevin Hart's Hartbeat, and many more notable production companies.

Sydney served as the Vice President of Development at Jay Ellis and Aaron Bergman’s Black Bar Mitzvah where she brought in multiple projects, both original ideas and based IP. She set up and sold half-hour and one-hour television pitches, features and podcasts, acquired financing for various projects, widening Black Bar Mitzvah’s presence in the marketplaces and managed the development slate of 40+ projects across film, TV and podcasts, including packaging, filling open assignments, preparing pitch materials and script drafts.

She oversaw a slate of various projects including ALL THE SINGLE LADIES (OWN), SUE BIRD: IN THE CLUTCH, which was acquired by Wolfe Releasing, the largest exclusive distributor of LGBTQ+ films, following its buzzy Sundance debut.

She previously worked as a Creative Executive at Killer Films (MAY DECEMBER), where she Executive Produced the Gotham Award nominated limited docu-series PRIDE for FX. She also contributed to projects with a wide range of independent filmmakers across all genres and budgets, such as Paul Schrader’s FIRST REFORMED, Brady Corbet’s VOX LUX, Wash Westmoreland’s COLETTE, Todd Haynes’ DARK WATERS, and Josephine Decker’s SHIRLEY.

Sydney loves meeting and developing new writers with unique, fresh ideas!

Alex Pelham (Judge) - Literary and Talent Manager, 831 Entertainment

Alex Pelham is a Literary and Talent Manager at 831 Entertainment which is involved in the highly anticipated upcoming BUMBLE biopic starring Lily James, VAMPIRES OF THE VELVET LOUNGE starring Mena Suvari and FINEST KIND starring Scotty Tovar). He represents a diverse group of writers, directors, and actors between the US and Canada. His literary clients have staffed on Stephen Colbert's TOONING OUT THE NEWS on Paramount+ and SOFT FOCUS WITH JENNA FRIEDMAN on Adult Swim, while his talent clients have appeared in Amazon Prime's WITH LOVE, NBC's YOUNG ROCK, and CW's WALKER.

Alex started his career at Cross Creek Pictures and Ghost House Pictures and he previously worked with the Austin Film Society.

 

Alex has a strong grip on what makes a great story and loves working with writers. He's looking to find fresh new voices he can represent in film and television.

Luca Borghese (Judge) - Producer, AGX Films

Luca Borghese is one of the most prolific producers working today. His producing credits include LOVE ME (Sam and Andy Zuchero), THE PERSIAN VERSION (Maryam Keshavarz), DIANE (Kent Jones), MONSTERS AND MEN (Reinaldo Marcus Green), MINYAN (Eric Steel), GOLDIE (Sam de Jong), QUITTERS (Noah Pritzker), TEN THOUSAND SAINTS (Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman), and GABRIEL (Lou Howe).

He is a partner in AgX alongside Ben Howe. Luca’s films have screened at major festivals worldwide including Sundance, the Berlinale, SXSW, Directors’ Fortnight, Locarno and Tribeca. They have been distributed theatrically both internationally and domestically by Neon, Sony Pictures Classics, IFC Films, Oscilloscope Laboratories, and Strand Releasing, amongst others.

Other work includes co-producing NYAD (Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin), BEAU IS AFRAID (Ari Aster), SPACEMAN (Johan Renck), MR HOLMES (Bill Condon), TIME OUT OF MIND (Oren Moverman), NORMAN (Joseph Cedar), RAMPART (Oren Moverman) and supervising post production on OKJA (Bong Joon-Ho) LOST CITY OF Z (James Gray), TRIPLE NINE (John Hillcoat), YOUNG ADULT (Jason Reitman), THE BEAVER (Jodie Foster), THE MESSENGER (Oren Moverman), and ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL (Sasha Gervasi).

Upcoming projects include Kent Jones’ MY SHIP, Nicholas Ma’s MABEL (starring Judy Greer and Christine Ko) and Stephen Cone’s LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CONNOR BELL.

 

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.