The 11th Annual Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest!
Open to Features and Television Pilots!
The best horror movies masterfully build tension and fear through atmosphere, pacing, and psychological depth, while delivering memorable scares that linger with the audience long after the credits roll. Classic horror shows like STRANGER THINGS or THE WALKING DEAD are some of the most watched series of all time and keep spawning new seasons year after year. Current horror franchises like SCREAM, A QUIET PLACE, and THE EXORCIST won’t stop delivering amazing sequels to fans. So far this year, films such as LONGLEGS, NIGHT SWIM, and ABIGAIL have performed very well at the box office. Audiences are always ready for that next horror smash hit — and we want it be YOURS!
We are on the hunt for ALL types of Horror scripts – all stories are welcome! We are looking for:
> Feature film scripts like: MAXXXINE, THE BLACK PHONE, IMMACULATE, THE WATCHERS, TERRIFIER, TAROT, TALK TO ME, THE STRANGERS, LISA FRANKENSTEIN, THE OMEN, HALLOWEEN, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, THE NUN, A KNOCK AT THE CABIN, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, FINAL DESTINATION, FRIDAY THE 13TH
> Television scripts like: AMERICAN HORROR STORY, BATES MOTEL, HANNIBAL, FROM, THE OUTSIDER, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, THEM, YELLOWJACKETS, THE LAST OF US, SUPERNATURAL, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, PENNY DREADFUL, CASTLE ROCK, RATCHED
But that’s not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven’t seen before!
For the last 12 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 Horror 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!
Important Dates to Be Aware Of:
Super Early Bird Deadline: August 15th, 2024
Early Bird Deadline: September 4th, 2024
Regular Deadline: September 25th, 2024
Final Deadline: October 16th, 2024
Quarterfinalist Announcement: December 13th, 2024
Semifinalist Announcement: December 27th, 2024
Finalist Announcement: January 10th, 2025
Winner Announcement: January 24th, 2025
Our Grand Prize winner will:
Be mentored by Nathan Samdahl, longtime Studio Executive behind hit movies such as SMILE, SMILE 2, ORPHAN FIRST KILL, PET SEMATARY, and A QUIET PLACE.
Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with:
— Jake Wagner, Literary Manager & Producer, Alibi Management (client credits incl. POLAROID, CRAWL, BAGHEAD, CHILD’S PLAY)
— John Dunne, Literary Manager & Producer, Independent Artists Media (MY FRIEND DAHMER, SATANIC PANIC)
— Laurie Cook, Producer & Head of Development, Newscope Films (LORDS OF MISRULE, CONSECRATION, THE HAUNTING OF THE QUEEN MARY)
— Nikki Bohm, Producer & Director, Crystal Pantera Productions (HAMMURABI, THE PAINTING)
— Michael Peterson, Director of Development, Phoenix Pictures (THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, SHUTTER ISLAND)
— Rudy Scalese, Independent Producer (GREENLIGHT, RITUAL, 6 SOULS, GOING TO PIECES: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SLASHER FILM)
— Matt Black, Independent Producer (UMMA, PORNO)
–Jonathan Barkan, Executive Producer (SKINAMARINK, ETHERIA, DREAD: THE UNSOLVED)
— Jeremy Elliott, Head of Production, Crypt TV (THE GIRL IN THE WOODS, THE FACELESS LADY)
Work with Stage 32 to develop your winning script’s pitch deck for the market
Have your professional biography sent to an exclusive roster of over 30 agents and managers who have a First Look deal with Stage 32 and are actively looking for new clients and material after the strike is over.
Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, a private, virtual community of writers from around the world the meet and learn from industry professionals like Meg LeFauve (INSIDE OUT, CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Aimee Riviera, VP of Motion Picture Production at Skydance Media (TOP GUN: MAVERICK), Tripper Clancy (STUBER) and managers & agents from WME, CAA, Gersh, Circle of Confusion, Zero Gravity & more!
Free access to Stage 32’s educational webinar library, which includes over 3,000 hours of content featuring top industry professionals
Continued support from the Stage 32 team to help move your career forward and get you in front of decision makers!
If you reach the Finals, you still get massive exposure to decision makers!
ALL FINALISTS will receive a FREE MONTH OF THE MEMBER’S ONLY STAGE 32 WRITERS’ ROOM, an exclusive community of writers who gather online for inspiring and educational webcasts from top industry pros, and will be in a Stage 32 Finalists Lookbook which includes your script title, logline & bio mailed to over 500 industry executives including, managers, agents, producers, development executives, and financiers! Stage 32 Lookbooks are some of the most sought after talent resources for the industry and have helped secure meetings with places like Sony, Hulu, Showtime, ABC, Amazon, Netflix, Verve, Good Fear, 3 Arts, Zero Gravity, Circle of Confusion, Echo Lake, Gotham Group, Gersh, UTA, CAA, WME, IAG, The Cartel, Art/Work and many, many more!
Our Horror 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?
Last year’s winners, Tanya Klein & Jim Cirile gained massive traction on their winning script PSYCHOPATHY, which found itself setup for production with Lucas Heyne (MOPE) directing and Kelly Hayes (OLD DOGS, SITE) producing on currently a $1.5 million budget! All this after Tanya & Jim took a full slate of meetings with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Verve, Independent Artists Group, Wonderstreet, Toluca Pictures, and more!
Stage 32 will be a champion for your script – once you’re part of our community, we make sure you rise to the top!
