10th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Screenwriting Contest

The LONGEST-RUNNING Sci-Fi/Fantasy Screenwriting Contest in the World is BACK!

Featuring Mentorships with Producers from projects such as IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE, SEVERANCE, SILO, WORLD WAR Z, and more!

Over $40,000 in Prizes!

PLUS -- The Grand Prize Winner and Top 10 Finalists will all be set up on general meetings!

Ever dreamt of seeing your Sci-Fi & Fantasy script come to life on the big screen or stream on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality! We're proud to announce the 10th Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Screenwriting Contest to help discover the next great Sci-Fi or Fantasy script!

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 be first in line for VIP MENTORSHIP meetings with Producers who have worked on iconic movies and shows like SEVERANCE, SILO, IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE, WORLD WAR Z, and more!

Science Fiction and Fantasy endure throughout entertainment for their rich ability to introduce audiences to new worlds. From the intensity and action of RINGS OF POWER, to the totally wild and original concept of SEVERANCE, to the dangerous power plays and high stakes of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, audiences can’t get enough exciting Science Fiction & Fantasy storytelling. This year alone, Sci-Fi films like PROJECT HAIL MARY and DISCLOSURE DAY proved the genre can still smash at the box office. The appetite for amazing Science Fiction and Fantasy projects is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive:

• Career Accelerator Prize Package ($4,000 value) including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and comprehensive education resources
• Personal Mentorship Track 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 Backing where Stage 32 and the winner will collaborate to prepare your project to take directly to market

Our Finalists will receive:

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 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!

Let our last two years Sci-Fi/Fantasy winners, Jenn Fonteyn & Glenn Acosta, tell you why you should enter!

Open to Feature Film & TV Pilot Scripts!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We’re on the lookout for all types of Sci-Fi and Fantasy scripts! Galaxy spanning space operas? Atmospheric new world explorations? Bold time jumping adventures? Genre-twisting experimental concepts? The next legendary dragon empire? We want to see it all!

We are looking for Feature scripts like:

PROJECT HAIL MARY, DUNE, DISCLOSURE DAY, SNOWPIERCER, ARRIVAL, 12 MONKEYS, STAR WARS, GRAVITY, FINCH, FOE, INTERSTELLAR, PRIMER, AD ASTRA, THE MIDNIGHT SKY, REBEL MOON, LOOPER, OBLIVION, DAMSEL, THE ELECTRIC STATE, CADDO LAKE, STARSHIP TROOPERS, TENET, INFINITY POOL, THEY CLONED TYRONE, THE ADAM PROJECT, and more!

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

SEVERANCE, DOCTOR WHO, FOR ALL MANKIND, FOUNDATION, GEN V, 3-BODY PROBLEM, BLACK MIRROR, SILO, COMMON SIDE EFFECTS, STAR TREK, THE MANDALORIAN, THE LAST OF US, THE EXPANSE, THE WITCHER, RINGS OF POWER, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, DEVS, SEE, MYTHIC QUEST, LOVE DEATH & ROBOTS, MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS, THE INSTITUTE, UMBRELLA ACADEMY, FALLOUT, THE BIG DOOR PRIZE, and more!

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 a Sci-Fi or Fantasy 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!

Who are the Judges?

These execs will read and judge the Top 10 finalist scripts and meet with any finalists whose writing they enjoy!

• Shelby White, Producer, Peculiar Pictures (SEVERANCE, SILO)
• David J. Harris, Producer, Harris Films (SECURITY, THE PROTECTOR)
• Loni Rodgers, Producer & Development Executive (THE LAKE, THREE PINES)
• Ewan Dunbar, Producer, Red Stag Entertainment (WORLD WAR Z)
• Sam J. Brown, Producer (THE WITCHER, THE RATS: A WITCHER TALE)

ADD-ON PRIZE OPPORTUNITIES

This optional add-on prize category will grant one eligible writer the opportunity to be mentored and have virtual development meetings with the following execs:

Stage 32 Contests Launch Careers

Recent Winners Making Waves:

Film & TV Comedy Winner Ted Sperling signed a shopping agreement with Pathfinder Media on his winning script TREASURE INC!

Diversity Talent Accelerator Winner Micheal S. Camp signed a shopping agreement with Color Farm Media on his winning script THE PERFECT KISSER!

TV Comedy Winners Maxwell Gay & Tucker Flodman - Signed with Literary Agent Joe Fronk of IAG (setup by Stage 32) who got them hired as Staff Writers on the 51st season of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE!

New Blood Winner 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.

New Blood Winners Tanya Klein & Jim Cirile - Script set up for production with $1.5M budget, Lucas Heyne attached to direct & Scoot McNairy set to star!

Diversity Springboard Winner Jeffrey Thompson - Staffed in the Writer's Room of THE GOLDBERGS

New Blood Winner Christina Pamies - Signed by "Billion Dollar" Literary Manager Jake Wagner, then hired by StudioCanal to adapt BAGHEAD (now streaming on Shudder/AMC+).

New Blood Winner Kevin Bachar - Winning script became THE INHABITANT (2022), produced by Lionsgate and released on Hulu.

Career-Changing Representation:

• TV Drama Winner Katie McClung - Signed with literary manager Chloe Morris of 42 MP
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy Winner Josh Miller - Signed with literary manager Tamer Ashan of Zero Gravity Management
• Rom Com Finalist Henry Sawyer-Foner - Signed with literary manager Nicholas Bogner of Affirmative Entertainment
• Female Driven Winner Jimmy Miller - Signed with literary manager Marc Manus
• New Blood Winner Richard Doyle (Australia) - Signed with literary manager Will Rosenfield
• Drama Winner Jonathan Jordan - Signed by major agency Verve, script currently in production
• New Blood Winner Glenn Forbes - Secured representation with Infinity Management International
• Comedy Winner Diana Wright - Signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency
• New Blood Winners Alyssa & Griffin Devine - Signed with HG5 Entertainment
• Comedy Winner Greg Mania - Signed with Cohn/Torgan Management, published NPR Best Book of 2020
• New Blood Finalist Frank Ponce - Signed with 3 Arts Entertainment, script picked up by Atlas Entertainment, sold Evel Knievel series to USA Network

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 Are the Prizes?

As always, our Grand Prize Winner will:

• Meet with top industry pros like who have worked on projects like SEVERANCE, SILO, WORLD WAR Z, IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE, and more!
• Work with Stage 32 to develop all the materials on your winning script!
• Have your script logline and bio sent to our exclusive roster of agents and managers actively seeking new talent.
• Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, gaining access to over 3,000 hours of educational content and networking with industry heavyweights.
• But that's not all!

Check below for ALL our new prize packages! Including packages for Finalists, Semifinalists, Quarterfinalists, and more!

Want Script Coverage & The Ability To Submit A New Draft?

Want professional feedback on your script? We offer discounted script coverage and the option to resubmit revised drafts. Our feedback options are designed to help you polish your work and give you the best chance at success.

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: July 23rd, 2026

Early Bird Deadline: August 12th, 2026

Regular Deadline: September 2nd, 2026

Final Deadline: September 23rd, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: November 20th, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: December 4th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: December 18th, 2026

Winner Announcement: January 8th, 2027

If you have any questions regarding this contest, check out frequently asked questions here.

THIS YEAR'S PRIZE PACKAGES INCLUDE:

WINNER: The Career Accelerator Package - $5,000 Value

• VIP MENTORSHIP meetings with top industry pros, who have worked on projects like SEVERANCE, SILO, WORLD WAR Z, IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE, and more!
• Script Development Package
  • Free detailed, comprehensive story notes on your script
  • Pitch deck development to help get your winning project market-ready for you to shop
  • Logline polish for your winning project

• 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 Package
• A punch-up of your professional bio
• Headshot selection advice
• Portfolio guidance
• Portfolio branding tips
• Social media branding tools

• Education Package
• Free 1-year Writer’s Room Membership
• Stage 32 Webinar Library All-Access prize code (3,000+ hours of educational content)
• 1 Free Stage 32 Class
• 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification

FINALISTS: The Career Momentum Package - $2,500 Value

• 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

SEMIFINALISTS: The Career Breakthrough Package - $1,000 Value

• Education Package
• Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
• 1 Free Stage 32 Class
• 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
• 1 Free Stage 32 Webinar

QUARTERFINALISTS: The Career Elevation Package - $500 Value

• Education Package
  • Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
  • 1 Free Stage 32 Individual Certification
  • 1 Free webinar code

ALL ENTRANTS - $100 value

• Education
  • Free 1-month Writer’s Room Membership
  • 1 Free webinar code

In addition to all that, all writers receive continued support from the Stage 32 team, who work tirelessly to get you in front of decision-makers.

Our Contest Winners See Results

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 15 years and 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, Jenn Fonteyn gained traction on her winning fantasy script DEATH IS MY SHADOW and she took a full slate of mentorship meetings with Producers and Showrunners on shows such as THE WITCHER, STARGATE SG-1, VAN HELSING, SEVERANCE, and more -  all actively working on and looking to meet new sci-fi/fantasy writers!

Our 8th annual winner Glenn Acosta took his winning sci-fi pilot script CRYOLIFE out on a full slate of meetings in LA with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Zero Gravity Management, Thruline Entertainment, Safehouse Pictures, Red Stag Entertainment, and more! 

Our 7th Annual winner, Josh Miller toured the town with his winning sci-fi comedy script TIME TOURISTS and two more of his scripts, one of which earned him an option agreement with Sandstone Artists! Josh then signed with Literary Manager Tamer Ahsan of Zero Gravity Management!
 

Like Josh shared: "Living in our imaginations is a valid career choice and we should never give up on our dreams!"

"Keep writing, keep submitting, keep improving your scripts and breakthroughs will happen!" -- Josh Miller

Previous winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency! Check out her video here:

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

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Winner John Dummer went on a whirlwind tour of meetings after his win, which lead toWonder 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 that specialize in sci-fi 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!

More Contest Winners would love to tell you why you should enter!

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!

VIEW THE BAGHEAD (2024) TRAILER HERE! AVAILABLE NOW ON SHUDDER!

Our 3rd Annual Feature Drama winner Kelly Nugent signed with a manager at Wonder Street Entertainment after winning with her script THE OTHER MOTHER CRIED!

Our 6th Annual Feature Screenwriting winner, Jeff Galante signed with a manager at Primary Wave, and he is currently working on a slate of feature films with producers. Jeff's gone on to create/produce TV pilots for NBC and A&E and has consulted on projects for Ron Howard, Chris Moore, and Warner Bros animation.

Our 5th Annual Feature Screenwriting winner, Eric Jeske signed with a manager at Heroes & Villans Entertainment.

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.

Our 4th Annual Comedy Contest winner, Greg Mania was signed by Cohn/Torgan Management, and has since published a memoir called Born To Be Public, which was named NPR’s Best Book of 2020.

Previous Contest Winner Layla O'Shea took meetings all over Los Angeles (and online) with Literary Managers, Producers, and Execs and is still going strong!

She shares her advice: "There is no one path or age limit when it comes to breaking in!"

Click the "Success Stories" link here for even more testimonials from our past winners!

William Rosenfeld (Mentor) - Producer, Such Content

William Rosenfeld is an independent producer and founding partner at Such Content, an independent film and content production company. He is known for his work on the Netflix horror thriller film IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE (2024), the critically acclaimed THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (2019), which starred Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson, the drama CRISIS (2021), starring Armie Hammer and Gary Oldman, and THE KILL ROOM (2023), starring Samuel L. Jackson & Uma Thurman.

Bill has produced projects across narrative features, documentaries, and podcasts, often focusing on innovative storytelling and market-savvy indie production. He began his career as an assistant director under director Sam Mendes before shifting to screenwriting, where he co-wrote the black comedy BIG NOTHING (2006), which starred David Schwimmer and Simon Pegg.

Bill served as a founding partner at Armory Films, where he helped bring The Peanut Butter Falcon to the screen. He is now a founding partner at Such Content, through which he has produced notable works such as the Emmy-nominated documentary TikTok, Boom (premiered at Sundance 2022) and secured a $17 million deal with Netflix. His approach emphasizes creating films that stand out as cultural events rather than transient content, often within controlled budgets and through strategic development.

Ewan Dunbar (Judge) - Producer, Red Stag Entertainment

With almost 2 decades of experience in the international entertainment industry, Ewan Dunbar has developed and acquired a wide range of titles that have made their way to Netflix Originals, Disney+, Amazon/MGM, broadcasting partners and independent distributors, working closely with creatives to refine their work.

Projects Ewan has been involved with recently include Pierce Brosnan-led thriller WOLFLAND which was announced at Cannes in Variety featuring VFX design by Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium, IN THE FOREST acquired by Vertical Entertainment announced in Deadline, NOWHERE MEN starring THE BOYS star Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid (which originated from a Stage 32 script consultation!) which was featured in Deadline, Stephen Fry led WILLEM & FRIEDA announced in The Hollywood Reporter and the Keira Knightly, Helen Mirren and Mickey Rourke led ensemble feature BERLIN, I LOVE YOU.

Ewan has developed relationships with literary agents/managers, I.P. rights holders, writers and creatives to source exciting, commercial and engaging original projects for top distributors and platforms. Ewan has also sold titles and assisted in sales of titles to international distributors including Scott Adkins/Dustin Nguyen action thriller ZERO TOLERANCE, LAUDA: THE UNTOLD STORY and series DEEP CUTS.

Before moving into development, sales and acquisitions, Ewan started out in production management, assistant directing and aerial location services working on titles such as WORLD WAR Z, 360, CHATROOM (directed by Hideo Nakata, announced in Variety) and RUSH.

Ewan loves finding new writers through Stage 32 and working to get their projects to the screen!

Loni Rodgers (Judge) - Producer and Development Executive, Worked with Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Amazon Studios, Paramount, Skydance

Loni Rodgers is a producer and international executive passionate about amplifying stories with commercial appeal and cultural impact. She is now committed to producing evergreen stories that reflect the evolving landscape of storytelling.

Previously, she served as Director of Development at Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance's Bassett Vance Productions, where her contributions led to the company's first-look deal with 20th Television.

Rodgers previously joined Amazon Studios' Local Originals team during its Canadian expansion, helping shape the studio's international slate with projects such as The Lake, the 2023 reboot of Kids in the Hall, and Three Pines, starring Alfred Molina. This expansion led to working with local talent across Asia, South America, and Europe to establish a program connecting emerging creatives with seasoned showrunners.

She began her career at what's now known as Paramount: A Skydance Corporation before joining Scott Rudin Productions, quickly growing through the ranks and contributing to critically acclaimed films including UNCUT GEMS, CAUSEWAY, PAST LIVES, and JOEL COEN'S THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH.

What They Are Looking For and How They Can Help You!

"I’ve always held a strong admiration for the development stage of a writer's work because that’s where the ideas take shape and the real magic begins. In my writer discussions, there's a strong focus on bringing clarity to character, world building and the root of what the writer is looking to say. I specialize in uncovering a story's emotional truth and guiding it towards something commercially appealing without losing its heart."

David Harris (Judge) - Producer, Harris Films

David Harris is a producer who has a deal with Millennium Films (THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD, ANGEL HAS FALLEN, EXPENDABLES franchise).

 

David recently set up THE PROTECTOR at Millennium Films based on the thriller novel from David Morrell, the New York Times bestselling author who penned First Blood, the book that launched Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo movie franchise.

 

David also produced the $15MM thriller film SECURITY with Nu Image / Millennium Films, which starred Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley.

Recently, David hired a writer he met through Stage 32 to write the thriller he produced, DESOLATION, distributed by Gravitas Ventures. David has optioned two Stage 32 scripts and helped get another Stage 32 member a writing assignment with producer Luke Edwards.

Shelby White (Judge) - Producer, Peculiar Pictures

Shelby White is a Producer at Peculiar Pictures, where she is independently developing and producing projects across Film and Television. Shelby has built strong relationships across the industry, with representation ties to WME, CAA, UTA, Paradigm, and Range Media Partners, as well as connections with key buyers and networks including HBO, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, UCP, A24, AMC, and Showtime.

Shelby spent nearly seven years at prolific production company Fifth Season (SEVERANCE, TED LASSO, SILO, MYTHIC QUEST) where she was the Director of Development & Production (TV). During her tenure, she developed projects with networks such as HBO, Netflix, Starz, BET+, and Hulu/Onyx.

She began her career at WME in TV Scripted working with Jonny Gutman who is now an agent at Paradigm.

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.

Using our new Feedback & Resubmission Option you will get 3-5 pages of coverage/notes back in 5-days with a guaranteed option to resubmit one (1) revised draft of your script up to 10 days after the Final Deadline! See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. You can position yourself for the best chance of success - all for an additional fee of only $99.

This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. Updated drafts will need to be sent to contests@stage32.com to be scored.