Stage 32 is proud to present the 5th Annual Action/Thriller Screenwriting Contest!

We're on the hunt for the next great action movie with a big hook and exciting characters! And this year we've partnered with Zero Gravity Management who will develop the winning script and take the project out to market!

The best Action/Thrillers combine intense action sequences with a gripping, suspenseful plot, strong character development, exciting action set pieces, and unexpected twists to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. From the intensity and action of THE ACCOUNTANT 2, to the totally wild and original concept of NOVOCAINE, to the dangerous power plays and high stakes of THE AMATEUR, audiences can’t get enough exciting action/thriller storytelling. This year alone, classic franchises like SUPERMAN and KARATE KID were rebooted, proving a great story can last for decades. The appetite for amazing action projects is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

Open to Feature Film and TV Pilot Scripts!

We are looking for Feature scripts like:

THE ACCOUNTANT, ROAD HOUSE, THE FALL GUY, THE EQUALIZER TRILOGY, MONKEY MAN, THE BEEKEEPER, BALLERINA, THE AMATEUR, THE COVENANT, EXTRACTION 1 & 2, A WORKING MAN, FLIGHT RISK, HIT MAN, ATOMIC BLONDE, THE WOMAN KING, ARGYLLE, WARFARE, NOVOCAINE, G20, LOVE HURTS, THE CLEANER

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

THE BOYS, JACK RYAN, THE DAY OF THE JACKAL, REACHER, FBI, S.W.A.T., FALLOUT, SHOGUN, MR. & MRS. SMITH, THE LAST OF US, TWISTED METAL, THE PEACEMAKER, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, RINGS OF POWER, GANGS OF LONDON, THE GENTLEMEN, MASTERS OF THE AIR, AMERICAN PRIMEVAL, SQUID GAME

But that's not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven't seen before!

We’re on the lookout for all types of action scripts! Bang bang gun-blazing shoot em ups? Buddy action comedy adventures? Bold war stories? Genre-bending thrill rides? The next legendary hitman or hero? We want to see it all!

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 action/thriller 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!

Awards & Prizes

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 get the chance to have their winning script developed by Zero Gravity Management, who will work with our winner and take the project to market!

Who are Zero Gravity Management?

Zero Gravity Management is a premier management and production company founded by producer Mark Williams, recognized for its compelling storytelling and roster of exceptional talent. With acclaimed projects such as the Emmy-nominated Netflix series OZARK, the Ben Affleck-led thrillers THE ACCOUNTANT and its sequel, and indie standouts like COPSHOP and HONEST THIEF, the company has earned a reputation for delivering dynamic, high-impact content. Zero Gravity is defined by its hands-on development approach and consistent success in guiding bold, original scripts from page to screen across a wide range of genres.

● Zero Gravity will judge the Top 10 finalist scripts in the contest.
● The winner will be selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability assessment.
● Immediate transition from contest recognition to professional development. 

If you reach the Finals, you still get massive exposure to decision makers!

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 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!

ALL Finalists will receive:

The Career Momentum Package - $1,500 Value, which includes:

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

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 Action/Thriller 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 winner, Tim Kontje gained massive traction on his winning script KITBASH, after he took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Sandstone Artists, NiteLite Pictures, Alta Global Media, Semiformal Productions, Mojo Global Arts, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Scott Schulman Management, Mind's Eye Entertainment and more! -- all actively working on and looking for action/thriller content.

2023 winner, Kate Jay, won with her script SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, as she took a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Citizen Skull, Art/Work Entertainment, MAKE GOOD Content, and more!

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 a 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!"

Our first annual Winner, Gregg Guest, booked his first big screenwriting gig through Stage 32 after winning the contest!

Previous winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency!

Past winners, like Bill Poore went on to sign with a manager! In his own words, "This contest feels like a game changer."

Previous Winner John Dummer went on a whirlwind tour of meetings after his win, which lead to Wonder Woman Producer Stephen Jones sending John's script to Atlas Entertainment (Justice League, Suicide Squad), as well as Talent Agent Shawn Burns sending out his script to managers looking for writers!
Per John: "I don't imagine there is a contest that can do more for you than this one!"

Our Grand Prize Winner Ben Gross, writer of THE LADIES' GUIDE TO HACKING met and worked with manager Daniel Vang from Good Fear Film + Management, was commissioned to write a script for Daniel Herther, VP of Development from Baker Entertainment Group, met with Spencer Malof from the Illusinarium, and was mentored by Marc Zicree (Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica).

Our 2nd Place Winner, Ryan Lee, writer of TOWER 9 was optioned by studio producer Mitchell Peck!

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!

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.

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: July 17th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: August 6th, 2025

Regular Deadline: August 27th, 2025

Final Deadline: September 17th, 2025

Quarterfinalist Announcement: November 7th, 2025

Semifinalist Announcement: November 21st, 2025

Finalist Announcement: December 5th, 2025

Winner Announcement: December 19th, 2025

Rules & Terms

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.

Entrant must not be an immediate family member or friend of any of the judges or their respective companies.

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.

Entrant acknowledges that they will not be entitled to any compensation because of the use by judges or mentors of any such similar material.

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.

Entrant’s screenplay must not have been produced.

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

After a screenplay is entered, no new drafts or corrected pages can be made by the Entrant unless it is confirmed in our records that the Entrant has paid for the "Resubmission" option.

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.