QUARTERINALISTS ANNOUNCED

↓ SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW THE QUARTERFINALISTS ↓

Congrats Quarterfinalists!

NAME SCREENPLAY
SUDDEN MOVES A CASE OF THE...
DAN TAKACS AN INSTITUTION
TIFFANY ALZATTI AURA
ARTHUR BLUM BACKLASH
MARIA YERMOLENKO BEAUTIFUL CRIMINALS
SHARI HAMRICK GREWAL BITE ME
ADAM MICHAEL MEYER BLOOD TYPES
JEANETTE KAUFFMAN BROTHER OF THE BRIDE
DAN WILLIAMS COCO CHANEL
MB STEVENS CORRUPTING MY ENEMY'S BROTHER (VD SAMPLE) & 40 GO BOOM (HOUR-LONG PILOT: KISS THE CAT)
ABIGAIL MASON CRAP. I MARRIED A HITMAN.
ALVERNE BALL CROSSROADS
SEEGE VEGA DAUGHTER OF FIRE
BRENDAN GORE DEVIL'S BREATH
SHANE COPELAND ECHOES OF CONSEQUENCE
RUSSELL A MARTOCCI ELIXIR
SANDRA TURKIEWICZ FALLING FOR THE WRONG PRINCE
REBECCA ASHBY FILM FESTIVAL
LAURA J HARRIS FLAME OF THE ICENI - THE PRICE OF PEACE - TV PILOT
DANIEL MILO FLORIDA BOYS
DANIEL MILO FLORIDA GIRLS
CAROLE RYAVEC GREENERS
HANNAH DEWIES HACKING THE BILLIONAIRE
MARC PREY HARD EVIDENCE
ELISSA KLIE HARDWOOD
TASHA STAPLES HEART OF GOLD
DEANNA CARLYLE HELP! I'M STUCK CRUSHING ON MY ENEMY (MICRO DRAMA FOR TWEENS)
NICHOLAS PRICE HOOP HEAVEN (ANIMATED SERIES)
ERIKA ARLEE HOST COUNTRY
MIKE TALPLACIDO IN THIS MOMENT
SZABINA KINGA GYÖREI IT PROBLEM FIXED WITH LOVE
SANDRA JONES IT'S ALL A BLUR
ERIN CUELLAR JOURNEY THROUGH THE DARK
ELI BLACK KIDNAPPED BY MY VIXEN CEO
JEFF MOLDOVANOV KNOCKOUT QUEEN
MORGAN LEO SHNELL KOMMANDO EPISODE 1
PAVAN GROVER LAZARUS RISING
ADAM MEYER LEAVE HER ALONE
JUDAH RAY LIFESTYLES OF THE FILTHY RICH
JACKIE LETKOWSKI LOVE NEVER DIES
ABIGAIL MASON LUCY GONE WILD
TONIA WILLIS MASH-UP
GUILLERMO ESCALONA MATCH POINT
ELIZABETH MINIET MIDLIFE MOMMIES
STEVEN DEMMLER NO MATTER WHAT
RON CHEPESIUK NO WITNESS
ERIKA ARLEE NOCTURNA
JONNY MCGREGOR NOT MY ALPHA: THE FORBIDDEN MATE
TASHA STAPLES ON ICE
ANDY YANG OUTLAW
MICHAEL MOUYAL POKER FACE
STACY WOODSON POPPINS
KOREY HAGANS RIDING THE RAIL
IMOLE LADIPO ROOM 12B
V. TAYLOR SMALL SIPHON EPISODE TWO (OLD MONEY)
EMERSON OLIN SOUL KITCHEN
LUDIVINE ALLEGUE SPINZONE
TASHA STAPLES THE COWBOY ALCHEMIST
BRENDA MOHAMMED THE GIFT OF LOVE
JORES PHILIPPE JR THE HANDS THAT BEAT THE DRUM
JESSICA HAMILTON THE LAW OF THE WEST
STEPHANIE BOURBON (OLIVIERI) THE NEW HOUSEWIFE OF THE NORTH POLE
JONATHAN TURNER SMITH THE PRINCESS & THE POET
ERICA PITZI THE SPACE BETWEEN
KRISTY LEIGH LUSSIER THE WRECKERS
ASIA SCHMIDT THREE DATES TO LOVE
REBECCA ASHBY THREE MAN AND A WRITER
TIFFANY ALZATTI TUMBLEWEEDS
OLENA KOSHIL UNBREAKABLE: ELITE ESCORT UNDERCOVER
TERRY PITTMAN UNDER THE BRIDGE
ERIN DUGARD UNDERCOVER VOWS
JANINE PECENKOVA VOICES
JAKE PLUMERI WHERE THE WOLVES WALK
JEFF MOLDOVANOV WHERE THE WOODS HIDE US
MATTHEW RAFFERTY WINNIE & CLYDE

Grand Prize-Winning screenwriter will receive a $5,000 contract to write an original or adapt an IP into a vertical micro-drama film for DramaBox!

Additionally, the winning writer will enter into a vertical drama development incubator with Stage 32 and DramaBox to learn everything you need to write verticals.

The DramaBox team will review all Semi-Finalist loglines - eligible for script requests!

This is your chance to get paid to write a real project that will get PRODUCED!

Stage 32, the world's largest online platform connecting and educating the global entertainment industry, and DramaBox, a leading vertical series platform, have partnered to launch an unprecedented dual-track program designed to discover and develop writers for the exploding vertical series market.

The partnership includes two concurrent initiatives: The Stage 32 + DramaBox Global Vertical Series Competition, offering a $5,000 grand prize contract and potential adaptation opportunities, and The Stage 32 + DramaBox Writer Incubator, a free, invite-only development experience providing priority access to Stage 32's top-tier writers.

"DramaBox is where the next generation of storytellers are cutting their teeth," said Christianne Cruz, Head of Development at DramaBox. “We’re looking for writers who can move fast, be bold, and understand what hooks an audience within seconds. Our partnership with Stage 32 unlocks a worldwide network of emerging and seasoned writers, creating new opportunities for discovery on a global scale.”

Open to Feature Film Scripts, TV Pilot Scripts, and Short Scripts -- Enter with your Best Writing Sample!

"Vertical series aren't just a trend. They're a legitimate career pathway," said Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto. "DramaBox is at the forefront of this movement, and this partnership gives writers direct access to a thriving market that's actively seeking fresh voices. Whether through our competition or our invite-only incubator, we're creating real opportunities for writers to work with digital studios and see their stories produced."

Running concurrently with the competition, the Stage 32/DramaBox Writer Incubator offers a curated, free development experience exclusively for Stage 32's most accomplished writers. This invite-only program provides participants with direct collaboration opportunities with DramaBox's development team, insight into the vertical series format and market, priority consideration for future writing assignments and mentorship and feedback from industry professionals actively producing content. Selected writers will work directly with DramaBox's creative team to develop content for their rapidly expanding platform.

"This dual approach ensures we're discovering talent at every level," added Geoffroy Faugérolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services. "The competition is open to everyone—we want the best story to win, regardless of experience. The incubator gives our proven writers a fast track to working directly with DramaBox. It's about creating multiple pathways into a market that's hungry for writers."

As vertical series continue their explosive growth—reaching millions of viewers globally and attracting major talent and production companies—this partnership represents a critical new avenue for writers to break into a format that's redefining how stories are told and consumed in the digital age. Vertical series represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the entertainment industry. Optimized for mobile viewing and designed for binge-watching, these short-form narratives have proven their ability to attract massive audiences while providing writers with a platform to hone their craft, build credits, and develop material that can scale to traditional film and television.

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We’re on the lookout for all types of scripts - features, pilots, shorts, etc! This contest is wide open when it comes to script format. The DramaBox team is willing to consider all types and genres of stories, because they are serious about finding amazing writing talent on Stage 32. Not just for one project, but for a lifetime of collaboration. So we want to see it all!

Submit your best samples-- we want to see 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 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!

AS SEEN IN THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Awards & Prizes

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

-- $5,000 writer contract with the opportunity to adapt existing IP matched to the winner's unique voice and strengths
-- Career Accelerator Prize Package ($4,000 value) including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and comprehensive education resources
-- Personal Mentorship 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 DramaBox executives collaborate to prepare your project to take directly to market

Our Finalists will receive:

Our Finalists will receive an invite to The Stage 32 + DramaBox Writer Incubator, a free, invite-only development experience providing priority access to Stage 32's top-tier writers.

Additionally 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!

Who Is Drama Box?

Drama Box is a world-leading short drama platform launched in April 2023. Covering over 200 countries and regions, it adopts a dual-track strategy of adapted dramas and local originals to deepen market presence, catering to the cultural preferences of various regions with diverse genres, including romance and suspense. Boasting blockbuster titles like Revenge Marriage Sweet Love, From Contract Lover to the Billionaire's Bride and I Wish It Were You — each amassing 100+ million views — Drama Box leads the global micro-short drama market in both revenue and cumulative downloads. Backed by high-quality content and effective market tactics, it leverages a pay-to-unlock + ad monetization model, earned Google Play's 2024 Best Entertainment App Award, and secured a spot in the 2025 Disney Accelerator Program.

● DramaBox will both judge the Top 10 finalist scripts in the contest.
● Winners will be selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability assessment.
● Immediate transition from contest recognition to professional development with the world's largest Vertical Drama platform!

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
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

Important Dates to be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: December 5th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: December 17th, 2025

Regular Deadline: January 14th, 2026

Final Deadline: February 4th, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: April 3rd, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: April 17th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: May 1st, 2026

Winner Announcement: May 15th, 2026

Rules & Terms

ENTRANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Void where prohibited by law.

This Stage 32 Contest is an international contest.

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.