Exclusively on Stage 32, one of the top independent production studios in Hollywood has opened their doors to our community and we're excited to announce we've partnered with Witchcraft Motion Picture Company who will sign a shopping agreement to develop and package the winning script of our new, one-of-a-kind "Contained Genre" screenwriting contest!

Hey Stage 32 Community!

We're proud to announce the Stage 32 + Witchcraft Motion Picture Company Contained Genre Screenwriting Contest to help discover the next great contained genre story. Witchcraft are partnering in a first-of-its-kind contest designed to fast-track a contained genre script from contest discovery to professional development and production!

Direct Producer Access

Witchcraft is leading the charge. They champion bold storytelling, built on the belief that great films and great writers come from anywhere and everywhere. Witchcraft has developed a reputation for producing prestigious and commercially viable projects that thrill audiences while resonating long after.

Witchcraft will work directly with Stage 32 through our brand new Contained Genre Screenwriting Contest because they're serious about finding their next great project. They'll even be personally reviewing all the semi-finalist loglines and all top 10 finalist scripts from our global community of 1.3 million creative professionals.

Think about that for a moment. A top independent production studio are committed to building new bridges exclusively for Stage 32 writers who are ready to excite audiences across the globe.

Witchcraft's Track Record

This isn't just any producer looking for content. Witchcraft Motion Picture Company's recent track record speaks volumes to their ability to source exciting projects, package talent, and find financing, while delivering projects that audiences actually watch.

Films such as: DOLLY (IFC Films), NIGHT SWIM (Blumhouse/Universal), BLOOD FOR DUST (Hulu), INFIRMARY, SWALLOWED (XYZ Films), AMANDA KNOX (Netflix), the Tribeca-winning HERE ALONE (Vertical), and series like JOHN WAYNE GACY: THE DEVIL IN DISGUISE (Peacock).

Witchcraft is a leading independent production studio, and they're not offering empty promises: they're providing access to their proven infrastructure.

A Truly First-Of-Its-Kind Opportunity

“Our goal has always been simple,” said Witchcraft's Rod Blackhurst and Noah Lang in a joint statement. “Make films that are undeniable, and build a system where the people creating them actually benefit.”

This philosophy is revolutionary in an industry increasingly closed to new voices. With our initiative, Stage 32 is giving writers the chance to shoot your shot, and Witchcraft is committed to finding their next break out hit!

Why This Partnership Is Different From Every Other "Opportunity"

Numerous contests, fellowships, and programs promise industry access. Here's what makes this fundamentally different:

• Direct Access Producer/Director Rod Blackhurt, who founded Witchcraft Motion Picture Company with his producing and creative partner Noah Lang, aren't just lending their names. They're personally reviewing submissions and selecting winners. Your logline won't disappear into a sea of readers; it goes directly to decision-makers no matter what.
• Commercial Viability Focus Winners are selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability. This isn't about artistic statements. It's about finding scripts that can actually get made and seen.
• Joint Packaging Commitment Stage 32 and Witchcraft Motion Picture Company will jointly package developed projects for production. This means you're not just getting notes: you're potentially getting a produced film or series.
• Proven Track Record Stage 32's recent successes with Neighborhood Watch (Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and The Vortex (Billy Gardell, Jamie McShane) demonstrate our ability to connect writers with real production outcomes.

The best part? The contest is now open for submissions. You can submit here

What "Development and Packaging" Actually Means

We're talking about Witchcraft Motion Picture Company's established development and packaging process. Here's what that looks like:

• Script Development: Professional-level notes and revisions with industry mentorship
• Industry Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Producer with active studio relationships
• Packaging Support: Connecting projects with appropriate talent, directors, and financing
• Production Pipeline: Integration into Witchcraft's active pipeline

Skip the theoretical development and prepare for actual production.

The Stage 32 Advantage: Why They Chose Us

Rod Blackhurst and Witchcraft Motion Picture Company didn't randomly select Stage 32 for this partnership. Stage 32 has the infrastructure to surface talent at scale, and Witchcraft has the development muscle to get it ready for buyers. This an opportunity to support talent and launch careers. Our track record of connecting emerging writers with real opportunities, combined with our global reach and curated community, made us the logical partner for this new initiative.

"This partnership with Witchcraft creates a real on-ramp for writers to go from undiscovered to produced and is directly aligned with our mission to make the entertainment industry more accessible and meritocratic,” added Geoffroy Faugerolas, Head of Development at Stage 32.

Contained, But Impactful Stories

The focus on contained genre stories isn't arbitrary. It reflects current market demands:

• Streaming platforms actively seek original audiences that can be made at a smaller scale because audiences can't get enough
• New genre films are wanted by every studio, sales company, and producer
• Franchise potential makes Contained Genre films and series attractive to financiers

You're positioned perfectly for current market opportunities combining several rare elements:

• Established Access: Direct pipeline to proven managers
• Exclusive Platform: Available only to the Stage 32 community
• Personal Review Process: Your work is seen by actual decision-makers
• Global Scale: Worldwide talent search through the largest creative community
• Proven Success Model: Based on Witchcraft's track record of discovery and pipeline of results

Stage 32 Contests Launch Careers

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, Contest Winner

What This Means for Your Career

If you're selected for this opportunity, you're not just winning a contest. You're joining a development pipeline with a proven track record of commercial success. You're getting the kind of attention that can move a career into overdrive.

But even if you're not selected, your participation in this process demonstrates the kind of strategic thinking that separates professional writers from hobbyists. You're positioning yourself within a community that attracts this level of industry attention.

And that's not all. These additional execs are all interested in finding contained scripts, too! They will read and judge the Top 10 finalist scripts and meet with any finalists whose writing they enjoy!

• Alexis Allen Winter, Executive Producer (QUICKSAND, THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH)
• Alex Aginian, Producer, The Plastic Factory (ABSOLUTION)
• Carver Diserens, Producer (THE LITTLE PRINCE(SS))
• Jonny Stewart, P.G.A. Producer, Pecan Creative (MOST EXPENSIVEIST, WHAT'S INSIDE?)

And if you select the optional add-on mentorship opportunity or you're a Top 10 finalist, you could win a mentorship with Producer Nick Oleksiw of Mischief Entertainment (WELCOME TO MERCY)

These are actionable opportunities to make meaningful connections in this industry!

The Bottom Line: Opportunity Meets Preparation

Neighborhood Watch's Sean Farley didn't know his Stage 32 connection would lead to a theatrical release starring Jack Quaid. James Papa didn't predict his Stage 32 relationship would result in No Address with Billy Baldwin. Richard Zelniker could never have thought that 3 years after his contest win, he'd be linking back up with an Executive Producer, who Stage 32 set him up on a general meeting with after winning a contest, to direct The Vortex.

Success in this industry often comes from positioning yourself in the right place when opportunity strikes. Stage 32 has created an ecosystem where fresh voices can thrive. Stage 32 will be a champion for your script - once you’re part of our community, we make sure you rise to the top!

Is your voice ready to be discovered? If so, click here to submit now!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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