QUARTERFINALISTS ANNOUNCED
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The ONLY Period Piece Screenwriting Contest is BACK!
Ever dreamt of seeing your period piece script come to life on the big screen or stream on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality!
We're proud to announce the 3rd Annual Stage 32 Period Piece Screenwriting Contest to help discover the next great period piece script!
Our Grand Prize Winner will win a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $4,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be set up on VIP MENTORSHIP meetings industry professionals who’ve worked on iconic movies and shows like THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, GLADIATOR II, ORPHAN BLACK and more!
Congrats Quarterfinalists!
NAME SCREENPLAY
LEONARDO WARNER 18
BOB CANNING 1 SPY 2 MANY
MICHAEL JOHN FEDUN 12:37 - THE KING DAVID HOTEL
BARBIE ROSS AGGIE
BOB SINGLETON ANATHEMA
MARIAH ANZALDO HALE ASTREA
BRENNA N. PENROD BÁTHORY
DAVID KANE BOAT PEOPLE
STEVEN WALDINGER BROOKLYN PEACE
PAUL SOKAL CAIN
JACK TEAGUE CHASING MARY
CRAIG BERGER COLDWATER
CRISS GIDAS DARK VEIL
SCOTT LIBBEY DAS VEDANYA
JIMMY PROSSER DEAD EYE DONG
RANDALL W HAHN DEAD MAN'S DUST
ROSEMARY ZIBART DIVIDED
CHRISTOPHER MANYDEEDS EX PARTE CROW DOG
JONATHAN FEAR FIRST SPEAR
DANIEL MILO FLORIDA GIRLS
JOE GRESSIS GALILEO IN CHAINS
ODIN OZDIL GUNS AND GRACE
DALE JANDA HATCHIE'S BRIDGE
MARLENE SHIGEKAWA HAWK DREAMER
BARRY SISKIND IRENA
JEFF REESE IT HAD TO BE HUGH
THOMAS J HUTH JESUS SHINES
SUZANNE BIRRELL JOHANNA
STEVEN STATHAROS KATERINI
ELIO B KING OF OCTAVES
JIM MACEDA LAST TO FALL
DAVID SHANNON LITTLE COWBOYS
AMIRA RICHLER MARY MARY
RANDALL REESE MARYSVILLE
JOHN ENRIGHT MASTERS AND SERVANTS
BOB GIORDANO ME & MR WOLF
ROBIN RUSSIN MENDOZA THE JEW
CHRISTINA MACAULAY MOTHERS
MARK BOWEN NEVER WHISTLE IN THE WOODS
R.B. RIPLEY OUR HEARTS WERE FORGED IN VENGEANCE
MICHAEL HAHN PISTOL ROSE
DANA CARRABON REEFER MADNESS
ANTONIO FOLI RISE OF THE TIGER
JOEL GREGOIRE RUIN
JONATHAN FEAR SELECTION
CHRISTIAN PULVER SIX DEGREES OF SOFONISBA
CRISS GIDAS SOLOIST
BILL WALKER STALAG
LIZ LACHMAN STRANGERS IN SHANGHAI
JOHN DOBLE THE AMEN SISTERHOOD
RAY KELLER THE BALLERINA OF DRESDEN
ADRIENNE RINARD THE BONAPARTES
NATASHA FERNANDO THE COLONIZER'S PLAYBOOK
MARCUS THOMAS THE FREE WORLD
RENN TAN THE GIFT OF RAIN
STATON RABIN THE GIRL FROM KRAKOW
PAULO HENRIQUE PESSOA THE HUB
CHELSEA ALEXANDER THE IN BETWEEN
MARIA ZAMPELI THE LADY OF THE SEA
KEVIN JOHNSON THE LEGEND OF JOHN CANOE
GIACOMO GIAMMATTEO THE LIONESS OF BRITTANY
ANGELA ANVIL THE MAIDEN KING
ROBIN WANG THE NORTH REMEMBERS
HARVEY YAZIJIAN THE PLAYERS LEAGUE
AVRIL RUSSELL THE QUIET SEASON
JOHN DOBLE THE ROMMEL GAMBIT
JESUS CISNEROS THE ROW
ALEX BURK THE SEER
LINDA WILEY THE SLEEPING PROPHET
KENNETH ACKERMAN THE VOTE: A STORY OF SUSAN B. ANTHONY
JOE WALTER THEM THAT DIE BE THE LUCKY ONES
SHAHIN K.TAHER TREEMONISHA
RYAN VALLO TRUMAN & ME
WILLIAM HOLLAND TWO ROADS TO RIVA
RENN TAN UNBOUND
RICHARD JELLERSON WARBIRDS
ALLEN GLOVER WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN
SEAN PLEMMONS WHISPER MOUNTAIN
PAUL SOKAL WHO WILL LIVE?
ROBBY SCHWARTZ YANKEE
ANDREW SEGO YELLOW
"This contest represents our commitment to discovering exceptional voices in period storytelling," said Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto. "For years, emerging writers have been told their period pieces are 'too niche' or 'hard to sell,' but we know these stories—when crafted with authenticity and compelling characters—resonate deeply with audiences. By spotlighting historical narratives, we're creating pathways for writers whose work might otherwise be overlooked. With Stage 32's global reach of 1.3 million members, we're ensuring that powerful historical storytelling finds the champions it deserves."
"It's a dedicated spotlight for period writers," added Geoffroy Faugérolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services. "Winners gain immediate industry credibility, professional validation that opens doors with producers seeking authentic historical voices, and direct access to executives actively developing period content. Our jury includes decision-makers who can champion these projects beyond the contest itself. That's unprecedented access for emerging voices."
Daring, thought-provoking period pieces are a staple of modern entertainment. From the gripping intensity of NUREMBERG, to the clever denouement of DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, and the vicious wild west drama of AMERICAN PRIMEVAL, audiences can’t get enough powerful, dramatic period storytelling. This year alone, period films like SINNERS and THE KING OF KINGS have proven period pieces can still rock the box office. The appetite for prolific period pieces is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!
We’re on the lookout for all types of period piece scripts! Pensive historical dramas? Witty 70s, 80s, or 90s comedies? Tearjerking period romances? The next legendary western or war film? We want to see it all!
We’re on the lookout for all types of period piece scripts! Pensive historical dramas? Witty 70s, 80s, or 90s comedies? Tearjerking period romances? Adventurous westerns? Gritty war films? The next legendary biopic? We want to see it all!
We’re looking for Period Piece film scripts like:
OPPENHEIMER, SINNERS, LITTLE WOMEN, 1917, THE SMASHING MACHINE, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, THE IRON CLAW, THE ZONE OF INTEREST, THE FAVOURITE, GREEN BOOK, FORD VS. FERRARI, NAPOLEON, AIR, SPENCER, MID 90s, SPOTLIGHT, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, THE KING'S SPEECH, SILENCE, KING RICHARD, FIRST MAN, SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, CHRISTY, and more!
We’re looking for Period Piece TV scripts like:
SHOGUN, MAD MEN, GAME OF THRONES, DOWNTON ABBEY, THE GREAT, OUTLANDER, THE CROWN, TABOO, PEAKY BLINDERS, THE WHITE QUEEN, MASTERS OF THE AIR, VIKINGS, THE GILDED AGE, BLACK SAILS, THOSE ABOUT TO DIE, DEADWOOD, BRIDGERTON, MARCO POLO, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and more!
But that's not all, we want to see new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven't seen before!
For over a decade, Stage 32 Contests have been a launchpad for success stories. We’ve helped writers land representation, secure options, and get produced. Now, it’s your turn. If you’ve got a one-of-a-kind period piece story burning inside you, this is your moment to shine. Let us help take your writing career to the next level!
The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:
-- 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 Backing where Stage 32 and the winner will 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!
Our Period Piece 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 2nd Annual Period Piece winner, Michael Bartel gained massive traction on his winning script THE SAINT OF VENGEANCE, a mythical medieval revenge true story. Michael took a full slate of meetings with a Literary Agent from CAA, the Head of Development from UK Production Company, and FIVE Oscar-nominated Producers on movies like THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, LADY MACBETH, OPHELIA, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY, and more! -- all actively working on and scouting for the next great period piece!
Our 1st Annual winner, Patrick Connelly took his winning script GORBY & RONNIE DO REYKJAVIK out on the town, meeting with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Ravenwood Films, Gilbert Films, Gold Circle, and two Producers of Oscar-nominated films!
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
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
Still don't believe us?
Previous Contest 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.
Our 4th Annual Comedy Contest 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.
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.
Our 5th Annual Feature Screenwriting winner, Eric Jeske signed with a manager at Heroes & Villains Entertainment.
Our 1st TV Drama Winner Layla O'Shea took meetings all over Los Angeles (and online) with Literary Managers, Producers, and Execs and is still going strong!
Layla's advice: "There is no one path or age limit when it comes to breaking in!"
At Stage 32, we will set you up on more meetings and put you in front of more Hollywood executives who are actively working in the industry than anyone else!
What Are You Waiting For? Submit Now!
Stage 32 has launched the careers of countless writers, helping them secure representation, land paid gigs, and see their scripts come to life. Could this be the year your career takes off? Our previous winners have gone on to work with major studios, sign with top managers, and see their films produced.
Period pieces bigger and better than ever, and we’re here to make sure your script rises to the top. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be discovered—enter now and let us champion your story!
