Stage 32 + Pathfinder Film & TV Comedy Screenwriting Contest

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will go into a script development and packaging mentorship with Stage 32 & Pathfinder Media, in partnership with Todd Biermann (MYTHIC QUEST, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY, and more!)

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

PLUS -- All Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships with execs from
3Pas Studios, Elevate Entertainment and Epigram Entertainment.

Todd Biermann is a storied TV comedy director who recently served as Producing Director for SIDE QUEST on Apple TV+ and is well known for his work as a longtime collaborator of Rob McElhenney’s as a director on MYTHIC QUEST on Apple TV+ as well as ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA for FX. Todd directed the pilot for LIZA ON DEMAND, and is one of ABC’s go to directors across Kenya Barris’s series BLACK-ISH, MIXED-ISH, and GROWN-ISH. Todd recently directed episodes of HIGH POTENTIAL for ABC, GHOSTS for CBS, BIG DOOR PRIZE for Apple and has also directed episodes of DICE for Showtime and BROAD CITY for Comedy Central that featured Hillary Clinton. Todd also recently served as the Producing Director on THE OTHER BLACK GIRL for Hulu. This partnership represents a proactive approach to finding Todd's next marquee project.

And Todd, in partnership with his manager Mark Wheeler's management company Pathfinder Media, are partnering with Stage 32 to find the next undiscovered comedy writing talents to represent and package a project with Todd attached. At Pathfinder Media, Mark manages a diverse range of clients, and he will work directly with the winner to help develop the winning project of the Stage 32 + Pathfinder Film & TV Comedy Screenwriting Contest.

Pathfinder 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, possible representation and packaging alongside Director Todd Biermann with potential production pathways designed to fast-track emerging writers. Both Stage 32 and Pathfinder Media will jointly package developed projects for production.

"I'm not interested in being a judge who hands out a certificate," Biermann said. "I want to find writers with authentic comedic voices and develop projects that I'm genuinely excited to help develop, direct and produce. Stage 32 has the infrastructure to surface that talent at scale, and Pathfinder has the development muscle to get it ready for buyers. To me this isn't a contest — it's an opportunity to support talent and launch careers."

"Stage 32 has always been about giving power back to creatives and transforming the way they navigate the industry," said Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto. "What's exciting is that comedic talent can now receive guidance from Mark and be paired with Todd to go out to the market with a project that's already vetted and packaged. Our scouting mechanisms and global community of 1.3 million creators can surface the kind of distinct, market-ready voices that would otherwise never get past the velvet rope."

"Great projects can come from anywhere, and our track record proves that," said Geoffroy Faugerolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services. "When Mark reached out looking for an original project written outside of the traditional ecosystem, we knew we had the infrastructure and community to find it. That's what 300,000 scripts and 1.3 million creators give you—access to original IP the industry is missing."

Comedy is a staple of entertainment that brings us together through laughter. The funniest movies and shows take us on a rollercoaster ride where we get to escape, have fun, and maybe learn a useful lesson along the way. Through laughter we can all connect, and the need for connection is more present than ever. 

From the slapstick, goofball jokes of CHAD POWERS, to the totally fun and hilarious antics of ONE OF THEM DAYS and FRIENDSHIP, to the comedy of errors of THE STUDIO, audiences can’t get enough funny comedy storytelling. This year alone, classic franchises like THE OFFICE with THE PAPER, THE NAKED GUN and FREAKIER FRIDAY were rebooted, proving a great story can last for decades. The appetite for amazing comedy projects is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

AS SEEN ON DEADLINE

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• Pathfinder Media placement for representation, script development and packaging with Director Todd Biermann

• 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 Pathfrinder 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 last year's Comedy Winner Brian Pracht 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:

ONE OF THEM DAYS, FRIENDSHIP, VACATION FRIENDS, THE NAKED GUN, FREAKY FRIDAY, BEVERLY HILLS COP, HAPPY GILMORE, THE MATERIALISTS, OH HI!, SHIVA BABY, HEADS OF STATE, BACK IN ACTION, MY OLD ASS, SATURDAY NIGHT, THE ROSES, SPLITSVILLE, THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND, LET'S START A CULT, JACKPOT!, THELMA, ANYONE BUT YOU, ROLE PLAY, THE FAMILY SWITCH, OLD DADS, QUIZ LADY, DUMB MONEY, and more!

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

MYTHIC QUEST, THE STUDIO, TED LASSO, CHAD POWERS, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, PEN15, RAMY, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, BLACK-ISH, THE GOLDBERGS, TWO BROKE GIRLS, INSECURE, TWO AND A HALF MEN, FLEABAG, 30 ROCK, THE OFFICE, PARKS N REC, GIRLS, FRASIER, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, STICK, BROAD CITY, THE MICK, SUPERSTORE, SHIFTING GEARS and more!

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 comedic 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 Pathfinder Media?

Additional Judges

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

• Jack-Henry Kay, Manager, Levity Live (client credits incl. THE MACHINE, JACKASS FOREVER, THE MINDY PROJECT)
• Andrew Kersey, Literary Manager, Kersey Management (client credits incl. VACATION FRIENDS, MAC & DEVIN GO TO HIGH SCHOOL)
• Colleen Labella, VP of Development & Production, Shoot to Midnight (RUSSIAN DOLL, SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE)
• Brad Kessell, Producer, Gold Circle Films (CHAMPIONS, PITCH PERFECT, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING)
• Vicky Zamarripa, Creative Executive, Groundswell Productions (LOVE THE COOPERS, ALICE & JACK)
• Brandon Tamburri, Director & Producer, Joke Zero (PLAN B, THE NATIONAL LAMPOON RADIO HOUR)

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:

Jordan Rubio is the VP - Comedy/Kids & Family for Film & TV at 3Pas Studios, working in both English and Spanish language TV and film. Jordan has been a part of the development, sale, and production of features and TV series at places like Amazon, NewLine, HBOMax, Pantaya, Apple, Netflix, Pantelion, and Lionsgate.

Previously Jordan worked at the National Hispanic Media Coalition helping shepherd writers into their "Latino TV writers program", a prestigious TV writing incubator sponsored by NBC Universal and ABC/Disney. Jordan started his career as an intern at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and also once co-produced a Star Trek documentary.

Joe Wiggins is the Co-Head of Development & Production at Elevate Entertainment, where he specializes in TV and film development. Some of his recent development includes EINSTEIN at CBS, ESCAPE at NBC, CONNECT at FOX as well as feature adaptations of a popular tabletop game series, a Dark Horse graphic novel, a NYT bestseller, and a Newbery Award winning novel.

With his Chilean background, Joe has been successful at adapting popular Spanish-speaking series such as the CW pilot, PLAYING DEAD, which was a remake of the Colombian telenovela, Lynch, as well as the more recent NBC pilot, DANGEROUS MOMS, based on the Spanish series, Senõras del h(Ampa). When not working on projects based on IP, Wiggins spearheads the development of high-concept specs and pitches that have landed at numerous studios, while also identifying new and diverse voices to introduce to the marketplace.

Raised by a Jewish Chilean immigrant, Joe is bicultural, fluent in Spanish, and attends several sales markets per year including MIPCOM to scout for new content. He has strong relationships with domestic and international executives, filmmakers, and their representatives. During the coronavirus pandemic, Joe played a key role in the development of a new AVOD platform called Globi TV which features premium international films and series. If applicable, from a business standpoint, Wiggins is familiar with general BA terms as he negotiated most of Intrigue's intellectual property acquisitions. Joe continues to develop elevated commercial projects with social relevance.

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You! Elevate is actively looking for comedy features and television series. With features specifically rom/com or action/com. For television- workplace or family comedy. We are also open to high-concept action films and series.

Val McLeroy is a literary Manager at Epigram. At Epigram Val has been partnered with Doug Draizin, whose films have grossed over $100 Million at the box office, in managing writers working on some of the top film and television. Epigram currently has writers working with Amazon, Netflix and Freemantle on projects such as REACHER, FUBAR, SCORPION, NCIS, and AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER.

Prior to managing writers, she has been as a development executive at several companies including Atlantic and Green/Epstein Productions (Growing Pains: The Movie, Malpractice, Above & Beyond). While at Green/Epstein she produced several TV movies, two of which she wrote (as V. R. McDade) for Lifetime: Spirit (starring Elisabeth Moss, Greg Evigan, Austin O'Brien) which was nominated for a Humanitas award and Heart of the Storm (Starring Tom Cavanagh, Melissa Gilbert).

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You! I'm looking for rom coms, intelligent comedies, thrillers or mysteries and family dramas. All of these should feature a compelling protagonist and universal themes. I can offer advice on how to make their written pitches stronger and more intriguing to a potential buyer.

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:

• 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 Winner will:

• Get into a development and mentorship fast track with Pathfinder 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: October 20th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: November 13th, 2025

Regular Deadline: December 3rd, 2025

Final Deadline: December 24th, 2025

Quarterfinalist Announcement: February 13th, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: February 27th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: March 13th, 2026

Winner Announcement: March 27th, 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 Pathfinder 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 Comedy 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 9th Annual Comedy Feature Screenwriting winner, screenwriter Brian Pracht gained massive traction on her winning script EON, as she took a full slate of meetings with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Hartbeat, CEL Films, Shoot to Midnight, Organically Grown Productions, Mighty Engine, American High, Kersey Management and more -- all looking for comedy stories!

Previous winners, the mother-daughter writing team of Kelly & Megan Anelons won with their script BEST LAID PLANS and met with execs from Circle of Confusion, Suite 06, and two Emmy-nominated Producers!

Our 7th Annual Comedy Feature winners, Bobby & Rachel shares about their winning script JEW-ISH. Rachel and Bobby flew out to LA and met with industry professionals, where they met a producer with whom they're developing their script!

Our 5th Annual Comedy Contest winner, Jenny Rauch met with industry executives from Panay Films, Smart Entertainment, Whitewater Films, Verite Entertainment, and Zero Gravity Management, which boosted her career and helped get her in front of real decision makers.

In her own words: "Stage 32 have really continued to champion me and my writing, continuing to send my work around. A year ago, I was just a stay at home mom with dreams of writing, and now I feel like I'm barreling towards this career in the industry and I have Stage 32 to thank for it."

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!

Joe Wiggins (Judge) - Co-Head of Development, Elevate Entertainment

Joe Wiggins is the Co-Head of Development & Production at Elevate Entertainment, where he specializes in TV and film development. Some of his recent development includes EINSTEIN at CBS, ESCAPE at NBC, CONNECT at FOX as well as feature adaptations of a popular tabletop game series, a Dark Horse graphic novel, a NYT bestseller, and a Newbery Award winning novel.

With his Chilean background, Joe has been successful at adapting popular Spanish-speaking series such as the CW pilot, PLAYING DEAD, which was a remake of the Colombian telenovela, Lynch, as well as the more recent NBC pilot, DANGEROUS MOMS, based on the Spanish series, Senõras del h(Ampa). When not working on projects based on IP, Wiggins spearheads the development of high-concept specs and pitches that have landed at numerous studios, while also identifying new and diverse voices to introduce to the marketplace.

Raised by a Jewish Chilean immigrant, Joe is bicultural, fluent in Spanish, and attends several sales markets per year including MIPCOM to scout for new content. He has strong relationships with domestic and international executives, filmmakers, and their representatives. During the coronavirus pandemic, Joe played a key role in the development of a new AVOD platform called Globi TV which features premium international films and series. If applicable, from a business standpoint, Wiggins is familiar with general BA terms as he negotiated most of Intrigue's intellectual property acquisitions. Joe continues to develop elevated commercial projects with social relevance.

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You! Elevate is actively looking for comedy features and television series. With features specifically rom/com or action/com. For television- workplace or family comedy. We are also open to high-concept action films and series.

 

 

Val McLeroy (Judge) - Literary Manager & Producer, Epigram Entertainment

Val McLeroy is a literary Manager at Epigram. At Epigram Val has been partnered with Doug Draizin, whose films have grossed over $100 Million at the box office, in managing writers working on some of the top film and television. Epigram currently has writers working with Amazon, Netflix and Freemantle on projects such as REACHER, FUBAR, SCORPION, NCIS, and AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER.

Prior to managing writers, she has been as a development executive at several companies including Atlantic and Green/Epstein Productions (Growing Pains: The Movie, Malpractice, Above & Beyond). While at Green/Epstein she produced several TV movies, two of which she wrote (as V. R. McDade) for Lifetime: Spirit (starring Elisabeth Moss, Greg Evigan, Austin O'Brien) which was nominated for a Humanitas award and Heart of the Storm (Starring Tom Cavanagh, Melissa Gilbert).

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You! I'm looking for rom coms, intelligent comedies, thrillers or mysteries and family dramas. All of these should feature a compelling protagonist and universal themes. I can offer advice on how to make their written pitches stronger and more intriguing to a potential buyer.

 

Jordan Rubio (Judge) - VP - Comedy/Family/Animation, Film & TV, 3Pas Studios

Jordan Rubio is the VP - Comedy/Kids & Family for Film & TV at 3Pas Studios, working in both English and Spanish language TV and film. Jordan has been a part of the development, sale, and production of features and TV series at places like Amazon, NewLine, HBOMax, Pantaya, Apple, Netflix, Pantelion, and Lionsgate.

Previously Jordan worked at the National Hispanic Media Coalition helping shepherd writers into their "Latino TV writers program", a prestigious TV writing incubator sponsored by NBC Universal and ABC/Disney. Jordan started his career as an intern at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and also once co-produced a Star Trek documentary because why not?

 

Brad Kessell (Judge) - Producer & Development Executive, Gold Circle Films

Brad Kessell most recently developed and produced CHAMPIONS for Focus Features and Gold Circle, starring Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson in a feel-good comedy directed by Bobby Farrelly.

Brad began his movie career first as a story analyst then VP under the legendary Sherry Lansing at Paramount. At Paramount over nearly 20 years, Brad worked on scores of pictures including FATAL ATTRACTION, THE ACCUSED, INDECENT PROPOSAL, FIRST WIVES CLUB, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY, TIMELINE and many others. He was fortunate enough to work with directors as diverse and talented as Francis Coppola, Billy Friedkin, Adrian Lyne, Dick Donner, and Phillip Kaufman and such esteemed producers as Scott Rudin, Alan Ladd Jr., Mace Neufeld, David Picker, Gale Ann Hurd, Lauren Shuler Donner and Robert Evans.

After nearly 20 years at Paramount, Brad segued to work at Gold Circle, one of the most long-lived and successful independent film financiers in the business. There, he contributed his development skills to Gold Circle's slate which emphasized mainly comedies and supernatural horror films. Brad produced or had a significant hand in developing such pictures as the WHITE NOISE franchise, THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT, WEDDING DATE, BECAUSE I SAID SO, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, THE FOURTH KIND, PITCH PERFECT 1 and 2, GREEK WEDDING 2, THE NEW DAUGHTER, I STILL SEE YOU, and recently, Lionsgate’s Halloween release PREY FOR THE DEVIL.

Through the years, Brad has purchased and developed scripts by many unproduced writers and/or first time directors, often giving them their 'first break'. He has gained a reputation for working with and mentoring talented but inexperienced writers to bring out the best in their work.

Brad is particularly interested in stories (no matter the genre) which invest us in the emotional journey of the protagonist. Feel-good comedies, romantic comedies, dramedies and dramas that make us laugh AND cry. Stories that inspire. Horror that scares us in an elemental, existential, character-based way, not just with 'jump scares' or gore. Characters we CARE about. Characters succeeding against impossible odds.

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You! I’m looking for strong, concise, fresh, grounded and marketable pitches for scripts, stories or underlying material that display a firm grasp of structure, character, and dialogue with universal appeal. Comedies, Dramas, Romantic Comedies/Dramas, Feel-Good, Inspirational, and Supernatural/Horror Genres especially.

 

Vicky Zamarripa (Judge) - Creative Executive, Groundswell Productions

Vicky is a Creative Executive at Groundswell Productions, a film financing and production company with a first look deal at Lionsgate lead by industry legend producer Michael London. Michael has produced over two dozen films including THE KING'S DAUGHTER starring Pierce Brosnan, THE HOLLARS directed by John Krasinksi, LOVE THE COOPERS starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, as well as almost a dozen television shows including SNOWFALL for Hulu, THE MAGICIANS for SyFy and SMILF for Showtime.

 

Previously she was the Creative Executive at Escape Artists run by veteran producers Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch, they've produced films like EQUALIZER 3 (Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning). BEING THE RICARDOS (Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem), MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM (Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman) FENCES (Denzel Washington), PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (Will Smith), A KNIGHT'S TALE (Heath Ledger), HOPE SPRINGS (Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell), THE WEATHER MAN (Nicolas Cage), ALEX & EMMA (Kate Hudson, Luke Wilson), and FORREST GUMP (Tom Hanks).

 

Vicky formerly worked in development for Marc Platt Productions and I Can And I Will (Gina Rodriguez). Before working in development, she began her career working in representation at WME and CAA, two of the industry's leading talent agencies.

 

Vicky loves finding undiscovered writers and developing them for the screen.

Brandon Tamburri (Judge) - Founder, Director, Producer, Joke Zero

Brandon Tamburri is the director, producer, and co-writer of the comedy feature film Plan B starring Jamie Lee (HBO's Crashing), Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Tom Berenger (Platoon), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), and Kate Flannery (The Office). Tamburri produced the film under his comedy venture, Joke Zero. Prior to Joke Zero, Tamburri directed and produced several projects for National Lampoon including the National Lampoon Radio Hour which was distributed by Roku.

Though he specializes in comedy, he also served as an Associate Producer on A24's hit feature film HEREDITARY which premiered at Sundance in 2018 before going on to gross over $80M at the box office. 

Previously Brandon was a Creative Executive at PalmStar Media, where he worked under Producer Jeff Frakes on films like THE CATCHER WAS A SPY, starring Paul Rudd; GLASS and SPLIT, directed by M Night Shymalan; JOHN WICK CHAPTER 2, starring Keanu Reeves; COLLATERAL, starring Will Smith, and auteur Wim Wenders' film SUBMERGENCE. 

Andrew Kersey (Judge) - Literary Manager, Kersey Management

Andrew Kersey is a Literary Manager working in feature film and television who's clients have worked with all of Hollywood’s major film studios and streamers. His amazing clients have sold pilots to or been staffed on TV series for ABC, FOX, NBC, Disney Channel, CW, Nickelodeon, and WGN America, to name a few. Clients have also appeared on Hollywood’s buzzy Young & Hungry List.

Recently, Amazon Studios bought his client’s action comedy spec NEVER TOO OLD TO DIE with Sylvester Stallone attached to star which was featured in Deadline. Thunder Road Pictures (JOHN WICK franchise) is producing another client’s project, SUSPENSION, and is now currently out to talent.

His clients previously wrote VACATION FRIENDS starring John Cena and Lil Rel was Hulu's biggest 3-day weekend opener for an original in the streamers history. A sequel, VACATION FRIENDS 2, was immediately fast-tracked.

Andrew sold his client sci-fi spec script, VARIETAL, to Universal with Mike De Luca, the Oscar-nominated producer behind THE SOCIAL NETWORK and the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY movies, producing! You can read more in The Hollywood Reporter here.

His clients have been represented by all the major talent agencies, including WME, CAA, UTA, Gersh, APA, and Paradigm. His clients’ projects have been packaged — and many sold — with such names as Sandra Bullock, The Rock, Lil Rel Howery, Chris Pratt, Anna Faris, Ice Cube, Sylvester Stallone, Zach Galifianakis, Maggie Q, and Adam Scott.

Andrew worked his way up through the industry, starting as a production company intern before working for the management and production powerhouse 3Arts Entertainment. He left 3Arts to get experience in development at a Universal production company, before starting his own management company, Kersey Management, in 2004.

In the film space, clients of Andrew’s literary management company have had projects distributed by IFC, Saban Films, Well Go USA Entertainment and Anchor Bay Films.

Colleen Labella (Judge) - Vice President of Development & Production, Shoot to Midnight

Colleen Labella is the Vice Presiden of Development for Leslye Headland's company, Shoot to Midnight, which developed the Emmy award winning show, RUSSIAN DOLL for Netflix, and the recently released THE ACOLYTE (a STAR WARS series) for Disney+.

 

Colleen is also a producer on the Freeform show, SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE. Her projects currently in development include "MILK FED" (based on the book of the same name), an untitled comedy series for FX, Catya McMullen's feature film GEORGIA MERTCHING IS DEAD and a number of other series under Headland's overall deal with 20th Century Fox.

 

Colleen has read hundreds of scripts over her career and sold projects to FX, Hulu, Freeform and Lucasfilm. Colleen also has a background in directing theatre and is particularly interested in queer and female-centric storytelling.

Jack-Henry Kay (Judge) - Manager, Levity Talent

Jack-Henry Kay is a Los Angeles–based Manager and live entertainment specialist with extensive experience guiding artists, comedians, writers, and digital creators through the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Currently at Levity Talent, Jack-Henry manages a diverse roster of performers while producing and advancing large-scale domestic and international tours, developing scripted projects, and strategizing brand growth for clients across multiple platforms. One of the premiere management and production companies working in comedy, Levity Talent was founded in 2009. Around five years ago, the company acquired iconic Improv comedy clubs, including the flagship location in Hollywood, which just celebrated its 60th anniversary. Notable clients include Fortune Feimster, Taylor Tomlinson, and Bert Kreischer to name just a few.

Previously, he supported top executives at ICM Partners and Judi Marmel, Co-Founder and President of Levity Talent, where he honed his skills in deal-making, tour marketing, cross-industry collaboration, and navigating the business behind comedy, live events, and film/television. His career also spans hands-on production work at studios and production companies, giving him a 360° understanding of the creative process from script to stage.

He brings unique insight to artists looking to expand their careers, build sustainable touring models, and balance artistry with long-term brand strategy.

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You! Nothing excites me more than helping creators craft their stories. Romantic comedy is easily my favorite genre as, when done right, can bring about discourse on how we learn to love in different ways. Overall, I appreciate anything with an edge that takes a big swing.

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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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.

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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.