In our ongoing mission to democratize the entertainment industry for all creatives around the world, Stage 32 is thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual Diversity Springboard Screenwriting Contest!

This year's winner will be personally mentored by NAACP Award-Winner Doug Atchison, the filmmaker behind critically acclaimed films including AKEELAH AND THE BEE and BRIAN BANKS!

Now more than ever, the entertainment industry is making strides to ensure that voices from all backgrounds and points of view are heard and represented. Stage 32 has been at the forefront of democratizing the industry for 10 years and our commitment to ensuring new voices in both features and television are given a platform to create is stronger than ever.

We are excited to be a part of a change in the industry that sees more stories featuring diverse characters, from creators who are of diverse backgrounds themselves.

Stage 32 is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Diversity Springboard Screenwriting Contest

Click here to learn more about the contest!

Since its inception in 2011 when we launched with our "One Love" initiative, Stage 32 has been committed to providing opportunities and a platform for unrepresented and underrepresented creatives from all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and those who are passionate about storytelling no matter the background. (Check out our ONE LOVE initiative here)

Stage 32 continues its worldwide search for the best screenplays and teleplays from writers of diverse backgrounds or writers with diverse and unique stories.

If you have a diverse and unique story that needs to be told, or if you come from an underrepresented background, now is the time to bring show us what you've got, because our goal is to amplify your voice, give you the access Stage 32 is known for, and springboard your writing career to the next level!

The Grand Prize Winner will be flown to LA and meet with your Judge and Mentor Board:

• NAACP Award-winning Filmmaker, Doug Atchison (AKEELAH AND THE BEE, BRIAN BANKS)
• Janean Jeffries, ViacomCBS ("SCHITT’S CREEK")
• Becca Longrenn, Circle of Confusion (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON)
• Tara Joshi, Sutton St. Productions ("JANE THE VIRGIN"
• Jalessa Jones, Entertainment One ("CRUEL SUMMER")
• AE Jones, The Kaplan Stahler Agency (Client credits include "DEAR WHITE PEOPLE", "FRESH OFF THE BOAT")
• Rachel Paulson, Actress-Director (GAY VS. STRAIGHT B*TCHES)
• Chris Ceccotti, Gidden Media (BRIAN BANKS)

Every industry professional on the mentor board who is judging the contest comes from a diverse background or has worked on diverse stories. Each judge is looking to provide opportunity for writers who have traditionally not had a voice in the industry. No matter if your script is a feature or a television pilot, no matter the budget, no matter the genre, our judges simply want to find and amplify the most talented writers from diverse backgrounds and the most interesting projects from passionate storytellers.

ALL FINALISTS will be in a Stage 32 Look Book which includes their script title, logline & bio mailed to over 500 industry executives including, managers, agents, producers, development executives, and financiers! Stage 32 Look Books are respected throughout the industry and have helped secure dozens meetings and which have led to writer success with companies like Verve, Good Fear, 3 Arts, APA, Echo Lake, Amazon, UTA, CAA, WME, First Friday, Pathfinder, The Cartel, Art/Work and many, many more.

Stage 32 Gets Results!

Stage 32 screenwriting and television writing competitions have springboarded over TWO DOZEN screenwriting careers! All of these writers have either been signed, optioned, or are now working screenwriters in the industry.

Meet Jeffrey Thompson the Winner of the 1st Annual Diversity Springboard Screenwriting Contest

Some highlights from Stage 32 contest winners and finalists in the last 12 months alone include:

• The Eye of Owou, written by Martin Reese, received a $5,000 option and with a consideration for $100,000 in production financing!
• Eric Jeske - was signed by literary managers Krista Sipp and Devon Byers of First Friday Entertainment after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32!
• Greg Mania - was signed by Laina Cohn and Jon Taub of Cohn/Torgan Management after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32!
• Christina Pamies - was signed by prolific spec script selling manager Jake Wagner of Alibi Entertainment after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32! She was hired to write the horror Thriller BAGHEAD for StudioCanal (see the announcement on Deadline here)!
• Christine Torres - signed with prolific manager and producer Brooklyn Weaver of Energy Entertainment after being set up on a meeting by Stage 32!
• See dozens of success stories below under "Our Track Record"

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 Taylor at taylor@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .