Want to know what the industry is actually looking for? We have the data. Stage 32 connects over 3,000 industry professionals with writers submitting thousands of scripts every month. By tracking what gets requested, what leads to representation, and what projects move into development, we can see exactly what's working (and what's not). Here's what fellow executives are telling us through their script requests heading into 2026:

Producers and representatives are sparking to high-concept genre work with clear commercial hooks and fresh perspectives. Thrillers and horror with psychological depth consistently land requests. Projects in the style of MEMENTO, SHUTTER ISLAND or 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE. Executives want contained, mind-bending narratives that deliver scares or suspense with strong character work.
Character-driven animation is surging, particularly projects that blend family appeal with adult sophistication (like FLOW or SECRET LIFE OF PETS) which makes sense considering animation has excelled at the box office recently.

On the indie side, true-story dramas and/or period pieces with social relevance continue to attract requests when they have clear modern resonance: think PRISONERS, MYSTIC RIVER, or LITTLE WOMEN. Executives want historical or real-world stories that speak to today's audiences. Interestingly, comedies aren't dominating script requests yet, despite industry buzz, suggesting executives are prioritizing stories that can appeal to a global audience. The common thread across successful requests: clear comps, strong loglines, and concepts that immediately communicate target audience and marketability. Executives are seeking material they can package and pitch tomorrow, not projects requiring extensive explanation.

Genres on the rise: rom-coms and inspiring projects are poised to capture significant market share, spec scripts are experiencing a legitimate resurgence after years of IP dominance, and buyers are actively seeking character-driven material that can cut through the noise. Vertical series continue to expand opportunities for writers, while traditional genres like thriller, horror, and action remain evergreen if executed with fresh perspectives. The common thread? Executives want material with meaty roles to attract talent.

This Week in the Writers' Room

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15 @ 4 PM PT:

The Pitch Tank Webcast with Zach Levine (Gilbert Films). Writers will have the opportunity to deliver 5-minute pitches to our special guest: Zach Levine, Head of Development and Production at Gilbert Films—the Academy Award-winning production and finance company behind Oscar-winning LA LA LAND, Oscar-nominated THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, GARDEN STATE, and many more. Zach works across all genres and formats and is passionate about developing new writers.

If you would like to join the Writers’ Room, access weekly events, submit to dozens of open writing assignments, and attend exclusive pitch tanks with industry executives- click HERE for a free trial!

This Week’s Exciting Announcements!

This week, we're thrilled to spotlight a Stage 32 Member, Writer, and Animator who just signed a shopping agreement after booking a Stage 32 Consultation!

Mathew Tretola - Screenwriter & Animator!

Congratulations to Mathew, who signed a shopping agreement with Partner & Literary Manager Tammy Hunt of Sandstone Artists after booking a consultation through Stage 32.

A Writer's Room member, Mathew, has worked in Video Production and Animation since April of 2023, creating videos for many clients, including American Financial, Fight Circus, and Silver Media, where they have produced content for FOX, ABC, Kraft Nissan, Florida State University, Florida State Representatives and Senators, and many more. As a writer and animator, his work has received more than 70 awards.

Final Call: Stage 32 + DramaBox Screenwriting Opportunity Closes Tonight

Just a quick but important reminder as we head into the final hours: the deadline for our Screenwriting Contest with DramaBox is tonight, Wednesday, January 14th at midnight PT.

This partnership with DramaBox is built around two powerful, concurrent initiatives, designed to open multiple doors for writers at different stages of their careers.

The Stage 32 + DramaBox Global Vertical Series Competition is open to all writers and awards a $5,000 Grand Prize contract, with the potential for adaptation and development on DramaBox’s rapidly growing platform. This is a rare opportunity to have your work evaluated by executives actively producing vertical series content for a global audience.

Running alongside the competition is The Stage 32 + DramaBox Writer Incubator, a free, invite-only development program created exclusively for Stage 32’s most accomplished writers. Incubator participants receive direct collaboration opportunities with DramaBox’s development team, hands-on insight into the vertical series format and marketplace, priority consideration for future writing assignments, and mentorship and feedback from professionals who are actively producing content right now. Selected writers will work directly with DramaBox’s creative team to develop material tailored for their expanding slate.

As I’ve shared before, this dual-track approach is intentional. The competition is open to everyone—we want the strongest story to rise to the top, regardless of experience level. At the same time, the incubator gives proven Stage 32 writers a fast track into real-world collaboration with DramaBox. It’s about creating multiple, meaningful pathways into a market that is actively hiring writers.

Vertical series continue to experience explosive global growth, reaching millions of viewers and attracting major talent and production companies. Optimized for mobile viewing and designed for binge consumption, this format has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the entertainment industry. For writers, it represents a powerful way to build credits, sharpen storytelling skills, and develop material that can scale into traditional film and television.

If you’ve been considering submitting, now is the time. The deadline is tonight at midnight PT.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT NOW!

Need help navigating the industry? Contact success@stage32.com

Stage 32 has hundreds of opportunities. Reach out to our success team at any time for personal guidance and career advice.

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