Stage 32 is excited to announce our 5th Annual New Voices in Animation Screenwriting Contest!
A great animated film or TV show combines adventurous storytelling, colorful character development, visually stunning animation, and a imaginative spirit to create an immersive and memorable experience. Classic animated shows like THE SIMPSONS or SOUTH PARK are some of the most watched series of all time, in the television and film spaces. Current animated franchises like DESPICABLE ME, INSIDE OUT, and MOANA have fans waiting on the edge of their seats for upcoming sequels. So far this year, KUNG FU PANDA 4 is the third highest grossing movie of any 2024 release. And just recently THE GARFIELD MOVIE beat FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA at the box office opening weekend. Audiences are always ready for that next animated hit -- and we want it be YOURS!
Open to Features and TV pilots!
We are on the hunt for ALL types of Animation scripts - all stories are welcome!
We are looking for feature animation scripts like: TOY STORY, MONSTERS INC, KUNG FU PANDA, THE INCREDIBLES, IF, SPIDER-VERSE, WISH, ELEMENTAL, RATATOUILLE, SUPER MARIO BROS, PUSS IN BOOTS, ENCANTO, WOLFWALKERS, MEGAMIND, 9, LUCA, YOUR NAME, SPIRITED AWAY
We are looking for TV animation scripts like: SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, BOB'S BURGERS, KING OF THE HILL, HEY ARNOLD, FUTURAMA, RECESS, DOUG, ARCHER, FAIRLY ODD PARENTS, THE FLINTSTONES, LOVE DEATH ROBOTS, INVINCIBLE, STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, PHINEAS & FERB, THE PROUD FAMILY, MARVEL'S WHAT IF, FAMILY GUY, THE BOONDOCKS
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 an animated 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!
Our Grand Prize winner will:
Be mentored by Paul Watling, longtime animation Writer/Storyboard Artist/Head of Story on hit animated films and series such as SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, ED EDD N EDDY, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2, and THE SNOOPY SHOW!
Be flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, KING OF THE HILL, SONIC PRIME, INVADER ZIM, KIPO & THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS, and more!
Judges include:
-- Jason Stiff, Producer, Bento Box Animation (SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS, FAIRLY ODD PARENTS, KING OF THE HILL, INVADER ZIM)
-- Siobhan Murphy, Literary Manager, The Gotham Group (Client credits include STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, SONIC PRIME, ROBOT CHICKEN)
-- Josh Mandel, Senior Development Executive, Amazon Kids+ (MINONS: THE RISE OF GRU, ANGRY BIRDS MYSTERY ISLAND)
-- Alfredo Marun, Creative Producer & Development Consultant, Disney and DreamWorks (KIPO & THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS, THE MIGHTY ONES)
-- CJ Jones, Creative Executive, Lion Forge Entertainment (IYANU: CHILD OF WONDER, BOSSY BEAR, THE TINY CHEF SHOW)
-- Michael Poisson, Emmy-Nominated Writer & Producer (ROBOT CHICKEN, CROSSING SWORDS)
-- Ariel Goldberg, Director of Talent Acquisition, Skydance Animation (LUCK, WONDLA, SPELLBOUND)
-- Monica Lago-Kaytis, Producer, Frogbot Films (ZOOTOPIA, WRECK IT RALPH)
-- Wes Ambrecht, Producer & Head of Studio Partnerships, TITAN 1 STUDIOS (THE TIME TRAVELER'S DAUGHTER, THE EVENTS AT UNITY FARM)
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
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 10 Finalists will:
Go into a Stage 32 Finalists Look Book, 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. Stage 32 will facilitate introductory meetings to any of the representatives who respond to your material and bio. This is the type of exposure that will change your career forever!
Get a free month 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!
Stage 32 will be a champion for your script - once you’re part of our community, we make sure you rise to the top!
Our Animation Screenwriting 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, Mark & Zeke Nelson gained massive traction on their winning script DETECTIVE GIZMO, as they took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Bento Box Animation, Amazon Kids+, UTA, and more! -- all actively working on and looking for animation content.
Here's what 2022 winner Russell Kroos had to say: "What sets Stage 32 apart as a contest is the exposure to people in the industry. Winning the 3rd Annual Animation Screenwriting Contest provided an amazing avenue for meeting with producers and managers that connected with my work. Contest accolades and money are great, but industry meetings are what an aspiring screenwriter really needs. Stage 32 delivered!"
Important Dates to Be Aware Of
Super Early Bird Deadline: June 13th, 2024
Early Bird Deadline: July 3rd, 2024
Regular Deadline: July 24th, 2024
Final Deadline: August 14th, 2024
Quarterfinalist Announcement: October 18th, 2024
Semifinalist Announcement: November 1st, 2024
Finalist Announcement: November 22nd, 2024
Winner Announcement: December 6th, 2024
- January 2024
- February 2021
