Stage 32 + Mark Creative Management Film + TV Drama Screenwriting Contest

The Grand Prize-Winning screenwriter will go into a drama script development and packaging program with Stage 32 & MARK CREATIVE MANAGEMENT!

NEW - Literary Manager Alex Pelham of 831 Entertainment will work with a winning writer as well!

Literary Manager Eileen Cope and her team, and Literary Manager Alex Pelham will review all Semi-Finalist loglines - eligible for script requests!

PLUS -- All Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships with execs from
Citizenskull Management & Productions, Footprint Pictures, Arclight Films, and Cognito Entertainment!

Stage 32 and Mark Creative Management, a boutique literary management company founded by industry veteran Eileen Cope, has partnered to launch the Global Drama Writers Discovery Program—assembling an unprecedented panel of managers, producers, and industry decision-makers committed to discovering new voices.The Stage 32 + Mark Creative Management Film + TV Drama Screenwriting Contest provides a complete pathway to representation. Winning writers will receive comprehensive script development, direct mentorship from Mark Creative Management's management team, and potential representation—with the company actively seeking to sign new clients through this initiative.

Literary Manger Eileen Cope, who has signed 5 writers off Stage 32 already, 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 Mark Creative Management will jointly package developed projects for production.

"This partnership represents a paradigm shift in how management companies discover talent," said Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto. "For years, emerging writers have been told to 'get a manager,' but no one built a direct path. Mark Creative Management is creating that pathway—actively seeking writers to champion, develop, and package. Combined with Stage 32's global reach of 1.3 million members, we're democratizing access to representation in an unprecedented way."

"We've spent three decades building relationships and packaging talent at the highest level," said Eileen Cope, President of Mark Creative Management. "This partnership allows us to find the next generation of writers before anyone else does. In today's market, packaging is everything—writers need direct access to talent, and talent needs great material. We're creating that ecosystem through this competition."

"It's a career launchpad," added Geoffroy Faugérolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services, who developed the program and facilitated the collaboration. "Mark Creative Management will actively work with us to package winning projects with their clients, provide ongoing mentorship, and potentially sign writers as clients. That's unprecedented access for emerging voices."

Drama is the basis of every story that endures throughout entertainment. From the anxiety-inducing turmoil of THE PITT to the relentless tension of THE SMASHING MACHINE and the psychological depth of DIE MY LOVE or PLURIBUS, audiences can’t get enough drama storytelling. This year alone, drama films like ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and A COMPLETE UNKNOWN have crushed it at the box office. The appetite for scintillating drama is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• Development placement for script development and packaging with Mark Creative Management 
• 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 Mark Creative Management 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 5th Annual Feature Drama and TV Drama Winners John Norton & Vincent Essid tell you why you should enter!

Open to Feature Film & TV Pilot Scripts!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We’re on the lookout for all types of drama scripts! Classic family melodrama? Atmospheric psychological mind-bender? Passionate period piece? Genre-twisting Legal, War, Musical, Medical, Sports, Fantasy or Sci-Fi? The next legendary biopic? We want to see it all!

We’re looking for Feature Drama film scripts like:

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, THE SMASHING MACHINE, MARTY SUPREME, CHALLENGERS, THE HOLDOVERS, AMERICAN FICTION, PAST LIVES, ANATOMY OF A FALL, DIE MY LOVE, BUGONIA, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, EDDINGTON, IT ENDS WITH US, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE, THE IRON CLAW, OPPENHEIMER, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, MAY DECEMBER, SORRY BABY, SING SING, NICKEL BOYS, THE LAST SHOWGIRL, BABYGIRL, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, and many more.

We’re looking for TV Drama film scripts like:

THE WHITE LOTUS, TRUE DETECTIVE, SHRINKING, TASK, RIPLEY, KILLING EVE, LANDMAN, YELLOWJACKETS, MASTERS OF THE AIR, SEVERANCE, I MAY DESTROY YOU, EXPATS, THE BEAR, FALLOUT, THE CROWN, SUCCESSION, THE PITT, THE LAST OF US, BAD MONKEY, SLOW HORSES, COBRA KAI, GOSSIP GIRL, and more!

But that's not all, we want to see 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 drama 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 Are Mark Creative Management?

Mark Creative Management is a literary management company representing screenwriters, and authors across the entertainment field. Founded by literary manager Eileen Cope — whose three-decade spanning career has seen her set up projects at all the major studios.

Many of Mark Creative Management's projects have recently been optioned for film and TV including The New York Times bestselling book The Three Year Swim Club; Deal with the Devil to Ron Howard’s production company, Imagine Entertainment; Queen of the Air to producer Andrew Lazar and Warner Bros. with Margot Robbie attached; Matthew Black’s Operation Underworld optioned by LBI and Martin Scorsese with Terence Winter (Boardwalk Empire) attached to write the pilot; Brittany Kaiser’s explosive memoir Targeted: The Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower’s Inside Story optioned for a limited series by Maven Pictures with Ruth Wilson attached to star.

Mark Creative Management believes that great things can only be achieved through true partnership. Inherent in true partnership is collision—an explosive coming together of disparate forces that creates something greater than any single person can imagine. It is these unique perspectives that challenge artists to push beyond boundaries, creating not just opportunity but momentum in a complex marketplace.

Who Is 831 Entertainment?

Alex Pelham is a Literary Manager at 831 Entertainment. He was involved in the recent Bumble dating app founder biopic SWIPED (Hulu) starring Lily James, in addition to 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 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.

Additional Judges

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

• Nick Batzias, Producer GoodThing Production Company (NITRAM, THE MAN IN MY BASEMENT)
• Lisa Zambri, Independent Spirit Award-nominated Producer (VOX LUX, SHOT CALLER, COLETTE)
• Ewan Dunbar, Producer, Red Stag Entertainment (BERLIN I LOVE YOU, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH)
• John Giwa-Amu, Producer (p.g.a.), Good Gate Media (H IS FOR HAWK, BANK OF DAVE)
  

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:

Sean M. Butler is a Senior Literary and Talent Manager / Producer at Citizenskull, where he represents showrunners and writers along with top hybrid clients and actors.

His upcoming projects include KILLER BEE with Dewanda Wise (CONFLUENTIAL FILMS), the LAWRENCE TAYLOR BIOPIC (STOKED BROS MEDIA), ROCKY TOP COLLEGE with MEGAN GOOD (STOKED BROS MEDIA), THE WILL OF MANY (LIONFORGE / K PERIOD), and HARRIET TUBMAN DEMON SLAYER (TITMOUSE / MACRO). Butler co-created and executive-produced Showtime’s hit basketball docuseries ALL THE SMOKE and the acclaimed Audible Original MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy, co-produced with Oscar-nominated MACRO Television Studios. In scripted television, he has produced series including Dead Places (AMC+), SNAP (AMC ALLBLK), and Nowhere Man (Amazon Prime). His film credits include The Available Wife, A Holiday Chance, and Wayward on BET.

He has sold content to nearly every major buyer, including HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime, AMC, Sony Pictures Television, Lionsgate, and more.

Mac Hendrickson is a producer, writer, and director at Footprint Pictures. He most recently served as a Producer for the comedy feature RE-ELECTION (directed by Adam Saunders), released theatrically by Picturehouse.

Mac served as the Associate Producer for DOTTY & SOUL (directed by Saunders as well), which sold to SHOWTIME, and the Executive Producer for DARBY AND THE DEAD (directed by SILAS HOWARD) for HULU/20TH CENTURY.

FEATURE DRAMA WINNER MENTOR

Adam Fratto is a seasoned executive producer and creative executive with credits such as VIKINGS, SCREAMERS, THE DEAD ZONE, WILDFIRE, HAVEN, GREEK, and indie feature BICKFORD SHMECKLER’S COOL IDEAS. Along with partners David Eagleman and Matthew Tauber, Adam has just launched Cognito Entertainment, a private equity-backed production company focused on film, TV, scripted and unscripted projects, with an eye on international appeal.

Adam ran the scripted programming division for US-based HISTORY, the flagship channel for A+E Networks. In addition to developing new ongoing series and miniseries, he oversaw creative on current series, including PROJECT BLUE BOOK, which launched as the #1 new drama on cable, and the global phenomenon VIKINGS. Prior to that, Adam set up a series division for international distribution and production studio Reel One Entertainment. There, he rapidly built a presence in the drama space, hiring experienced executives and assembling a buzzy slate of projects, including an anthology series based on the catalog of the late great thriller writer Mary Higgins Clark, a multi-platform adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s SCREAMERS and a UK series based on the award winning Belgian format TEAM CHOCOLATE (Channel 4). Before that, he was SVP of Drama for Pukeko Pictures, an affiliate of New Zealand's Weta (LORD OF THE RINGS, AVATAR, DISTRICT 9). The first of these, the award-winning CLEVERMAN, aired on Netflix, SundanceTV, BBC3, and Australia's ABC.

After starting his executive career at Michael Douglas's Furthur Films (WONDER BOYS, SWIMFAN), Adam joined Piller/Segan as V.P., working on hit series THE DEAD ZONE, WILDFIRE, GREEK, and indie feature BICKFORD SHMECKLER’S COOL IDEAS. Adam helped launch Atticus Entertainment, managing sports icon Jim Lampley’s HBO-based operation.

Along with partners David Eagleman and Matthew Tauber, Adam has just launched Cognito Entertainment, a private equity-backed production company focused on film, TV, scripted and unscripted projects. With proven track records in development & programming, production, and strategy, and a specialty in drama series, he is experienced in crafting international business models and launching creative initiatives.

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:

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 attached to direct.

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.

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

Career-Changing Representation:

• Josh Miller - Signed with literary manager Tamer Ashan of Zero Gravity Management
• Henry Sawyer-Foner - Signed with literary manager Nicholas Bogner through our 2025 Romantic Comedy contest!
• 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 Winners will:

• Get into a development and mentorship fast track with Literary Managers from Mark Creative Management and 831 Entertainment, 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: November 20th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: December 10th, 2025

Regular Deadline: December 31st, 2025

Final Deadline: January 21st, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: March 20th, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: April 3rd, 2026

Finalist Announcement: April 17th, 2026

Winner Announcement: May 1st, 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 Mark Creative Management, 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 Drama 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 TV Drama winner, John Norton gained massive traction on his winning TV pilot script SIGNATURE, a throwback procedural reminiscent of LIE TO ME. John took a full slate of meetings with THREE Literary Managers, in addition to a bevy of TV Development Execs and Producers -- all actively working on and scouting for TV Drama Pilots.

Our 5th Annual Feature Drama winner, Tunisian-French-American writer Vincent Essid, who won with his feature script MALADH, also met with THREE Literary Managers, in addition to Producers on films such as BEAU IS AFRAID, NYAD, TRIPLE NINE, CITY OF Z, YOUNG ADULT, and SPACEMAN.

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.

Previous contest winner Chris Torres signed with manager Brooklyn Weaver of Energy Entertainment after Stage 32 set them up on a general meeting!

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.

Stage 32 Feature Fellowship winner Ian Milne spent 6 months developing his winning script SHERMAN OF SHERWOOD with his mentor, Oscar-nominated Producer Henry Hereford (TO LESLIE), and experienced incredible improvement on the story and his writing craft!

Previous Contest Winner Trish Persen took meetings in LA and over Zoom with Literary Managers, Producers, and Execs and continues working on her craft and pushing forward!

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!

Nick Batzias (Judge) - Producer, Good Thing Production Company

Nick Batzias is a Producer and Managing Parter at Good Thing Productions, based in Melbourne Australia. Nick is a long-standing member of the Australian film industry and he has produced both narrative and documentary films and television series. 

Nick most recently produced THE MAN IN MY BASEMENT, starring Corey Hawkins and Willem Defoe which was distributed by HULU. He also produced the Palme d'Or nominated, Justin Kurzel drama film NITRAM, which stars Caleb Landry Jones and Anthony LaPaglia, that was distributed by IFC Films. 

Other prominent producing credits for Nick include the films: FIRST LIGHT, SPREADSHEET CHAMPIONS, ONE MORE SHOT, ELLIS PARK, AUSTRALIA'S OPEN, NUDE TUESDAY, GREENHOUSE BY JOOST, YOU CAN GO NOW, VOLCANO MAN, CLEAN, WARM BLOOD, BELOW, and THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM, which won the AACTA Award for Best Documentary  - all through his Good Thing Productions banner.

With a background in Acquisitions, Business Affairs and Production, Nick Batzias brings a wide array of experience to any project he's a part of. He spent 15 years at Madman Entertainment and as Head of Madman Production Company. 

Ewan Dunbar (Judge) - Producer, Red Stag Entertainment

With almost 2 decades of experience in the international entertainment industry, Ewan Dunbar has developed and acquired a wide range of titles that have made their way to Netflix Originals, Disney+, Amazon/MGM, broadcasting partners and independent distributors, working closely with creatives to refine their work.

Projects Ewan has been involved with recently include Pierce Brosnan-led thriller WOLFLAND which was announced at Cannes in Variety featuring VFX design by Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium, IN THE FOREST acquired by Vertical Entertainment announced in Deadline, NOWHERE MEN starring THE BOYS star Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid (which originated from a Stage 32 script consultation!) which was featured in Deadline, Stephen Fry led WILLEM & FRIEDA announced in The Hollywood Reporter and the Keira Knightly, Helen Mirren and Mickey Rourke led ensemble feature BERLIN, I LOVE YOU.

Ewan has developed relationships with literary agents/managers, I.P. rights holders, writers and creatives to source exciting, commercial and engaging original projects for top distributors and platforms. Ewan has also sold titles and assisted in sales of titles to international distributors including Scott Adkins/Dustin Nguyen action thriller ZERO TOLERANCE, LAUDA: THE UNTOLD STORY and series DEEP CUTS.

Before moving into development, sales and acquisitions, Ewan started out in production management, assistant directing and aerial location services working on titles such as WORLD WAR Z, 360, CHATROOM (directed by Hideo Nakata, announced in Variety) and RUSH.

Ewan loves finding new writers through Stage 32 and working to get their projects to the screen!

Lisa Zambri (Judge) - Producer,

Lisa Zambri is a film and television producer with over twenty years of experience in Hollywood. Zambri worked as the Head of Film for start-up studio Stampede Ventures, where she produced PINK SKIES AHEAD (starring Jessica Barden, Marcia Gay Harden), then launched an entertainment division at commercial production company, Hungryman, as the President of Film and Television. Working with story, and bringing a writer’s vision to screen, alongside filmmakers as a problem solver and creative partner, is her passion.

Zambri served at New Line-based production company Contra Film making blockbuster-size features, before becoming the Co-Head of the Creative Department at award-winning independent financier, Bold Films. She shepherded dozens of projects, including: SHOTCALLER, COLETTE, and VOX LUX.

After earning her BFA in creative writing from Emerson College, she moved to Los Angeles and began her career in physical production.

Sean M. Butler (Mentor) - Senior Literary Manager, Citizenskull Management

Sean M. Butler is the President and Co-Founder of Cultivate Entertainment Partners and Stoked Sports, where he develops and manages a diverse slate of talent and projects across film, television, audio, and sports. Known for his ability to champion underrepresented voices and hybrid talent, Butler bridges the gap between entertainment and culture with a global lens. Butler serves as a Senior Literary and Talent Manager/Producer at Citizenskull, where he represents upper-level showrunners and writers along with top hybrid clients and actors.

His upcoming projects include KILLER BEE with Dewanda Wise (CONFLUENTIAL FILMS), the LAWRENCE TAYLOR BIOPIC (STOKED BROS MEDIA), ROCKY TOP COLLEGE with MEGAN GOOD (STOKED BROS MEDIA), THE WILL OF MANY (LIONFORGE / K PERIOD), and HARRIET TUBMAN DEMON SLAYER (TITMOUSE / MACRO). Butler co-created and executive-produced Showtime’s hit basketball docuseries ALL THE SMOKE and the acclaimed Audible Original MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy, co-produced with Oscar-nominated MACRO Television Studios. In scripted television, he has produced series including Dead Places (AMC+), SNAP (AMC ALLBLK), and Nowhere Man (Amazon Prime). His film credits include The Available Wife, A Holiday Chance, and Wayward on BET.

Earlier in his career, Butler worked at esteemed production companies such as Scott Rudin Productions, The Weinstein Company, and Mess Media, and at networks like MTV and Nickelodeon. His agency experience includes tenures at ICM Partners, Innovative Artists, and Paradigm, where he collaborated with elite filmmakers such as Boaz Yakin, Sofia Coppola, Tomas Alfredson, and Thomas Vinterberg.

He has sold content to nearly every major buyer, including HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime, AMC, Sony Pictures Television, Lionsgate, and more.

Mac Hendrickson (Mentor) - Producer, Footprint Features

Mac Hendrickson is a producer, writer, and director at Footprint Pictures. He most recently served as a Producer for the comedy feature RE-ELECTION (directed by Adam Saunders), released theatrically by Picturehouse.

Mac served as the Associate Producer for DOTTY & SOUL (directed by ADAM SAUNDERS), which sold to SHOWTIME, and the Executive Producer for DARBY AND THE DEAD (directed by SILAS HOWARD) for HULU/20TH CENTURY. He wrote, directed, produced, and scored the horror short film THE KNOCK KNOCK GAME, which won the VORTEX FIRST PRIZE AWARD at the OSCAR-QUALIFYING FLICKERS’ RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

Previously, Mac co-founded the live comedy group GARDEN BOYS, which performed sold-out revues at THE SECOND CITY and IO THEATRE, and later toured with THE SECOND CITY aboard the NCL DAWN.

Matthew Ozuna (Mentor) - Sales & Acquisition Executive, Arclight Films

Matthew Ozuna is an international sales, distribution and acquisition executive at Arclight Films. Arclight Films has sold over 300 motion pictures including the Best Picture Oscar® winner Crash; Golden Globe® Best Picture Nominee Bobby, Lord of War starring Nicolas Cage, Jared Leto and Ethan Hawke, and the company’s own production First Reformed, written and directed by Paul Schrader, starring Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried. First Reformed received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Screenplay and was released in the US by A24. 


 

Previously the International Distribution Coordinator at Cohen Media Group, formed in 2008 by Charles S. Cohen, Matthew worked on FROZEN RIVER, which was released by Sony Pictures Classics and garnered two Academy Award nominations. The Cohen Media Group (CMG) is a Academy Award-winning independent theatrical distribution and production company, releasing the world's best in contemporary and classic cinema.

 

CMG has released multiple Academy Award-nominated films, including TIMBUKTU, MUSTANG, and 2017’s Academy Award-winner, THE SALESMAN. Cohen Media Group distributes select films throughout North America, allowing the CMG team to devote their best efforts towards each film’s fullest potential.

 

Matthew has experience in international Sales and an extensive amount of experience with development while working alongside producers, executives, and screenwriters. He is passionate about developing original content with strong storytelling, while analyzing how well it will do critically and financially.

Adam Fratto (Mentor) - Producer & Executive, Cognito Entertainment

Adam Fratto is a seasoned executive producer and creative executive with credits such as VIKINGS, SCREAMERS, THE DEAD ZONE, WILDFIRE, HAVEN, GREEK, and indie feature BICKFORD SHMECKLER’S COOL IDEAS. Along with partners David Eagleman and Matthew Tauber, Adam has just launched Cognito Entertainment, a private equity-backed production company focused on film, TV, scripted and unscripted projects, with an eye on international appeal.

Adam ran the scripted programming division for US-based HISTORY, the flagship channel for A+E Networks. In addition to developing new ongoing series and miniseries, he oversaw creative on current series, including PROJECT BLUE BOOK, which launched as the #1 new drama on cable, and the global phenomenon VIKINGS. Prior to that, Adam set up a series division for international distribution and production studio Reel One Entertainment. There, he rapidly built a presence in the drama space, hiring experienced executives and assembling a buzzy slate of projects, including an anthology series based on the catalog of the late great thriller writer Mary Higgins Clark, a multi-platform adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s SCREAMERS and a UK series based on the award winning Belgian format TEAM CHOCOLATE (Channel 4). Before that, he was SVP of Drama for Pukeko Pictures, an affiliate of New Zealand's Weta (LORD OF THE RINGS, AVATAR, DISTRICT 9). The first of these, the award-winning CLEVERMAN, aired on Netflix, SundanceTV, BBC3, and Australia's ABC.

After starting his executive career at Michael Douglas's Furthur Films (WONDER BOYS, SWIMFAN), Adam joined Piller/Segan as V.P., working on hit series THE DEAD ZONE, WILDFIRE, GREEK, and indie feature BICKFORD SHMECKLER’S COOL IDEAS. Adam helped launch Atticus Entertainment, managing sports icon Jim Lampley’s HBO-based operation.

Along with partners David Eagleman and Matthew Tauber, Adam has just launched Cognito Entertainment, a private equity-backed production company focused on film, TV, scripted and unscripted projects.

Adam Fratto is a seasoned creative executive and executive producer with proven track records in development & programming, production, and strategy. With a specialty in drama series, he is experienced in crafting international business models and launching creative initiatives.

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 recent BUMBLE biopic SWIPED (Hulu) 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.

Eileen Cope (Judge) - Literary Manager, Mark Creative Management

Eileen Cope is a Literary Manager and Producer with Mark Creative Management for nearly 2 decades representing screenwriters and authors/creators with book and IP adaptations for the screen.

Eileen has recently signed shopping agreements with five writers that she connected with on Stage 32!

She is the Co-Producer of the period love drama film QUEEN OF THE AIR for Warner Bros. which stars Margot Robbie, which she is producing with Andrew Lazar from Mad Chance and was announced in the Hollywood Reporter; She is the Co-Producer of TARGETED with Maven Pictures which stars Ruth Wilson (THE AFFAIR). She is the Co-Producer or OPERATION UNDERWORLD, with LBI/Martin Scorsese with Terence Winter (BOARDWALK EMPIRE, THE SOPRANOS) writing the pilot episode and she is a Producer on the acclaimed documentary, WAITING FOR HOCKNEY, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival.

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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The screenplay can be submitted with or without a title page and/or contact information.

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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.