Stage 32 TV Comedy Screenwriting Contest
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It’s no secret that we’re in a new Golden Age of Television. With audiences’ increasing desires for escapism and purely bingeable TV, there is perhaps no greater demand for new material than within Televised Comedies. Series like TED LASSO on Apple+, PEN15 and RAMY on Hulu, BARRY and INSECURE on HBO, ASTRONOMY CLUB on Netflix, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL on Amazon, critics and global audiences alike can’t get enough. Not only are these shows changing the way that we watch television but, in many cases, they’re actually changing the way that we view the world. Hilarious writers and ingenious creators have dramatically upped the game with televised comedic storytelling. The next batch of new TV comedies needs to be even better, even bolder and even more groundbreaking.
As always, Stage 32 is on the cutting edge of the industry and invites you to answer the call for gut-busting, thought provoking comedy pilots!
For the first time ever, Stage 32 is looking specifically for the most revolutionary voice in comedic television writing. Our mission is to give that writer a platform to launch their career. And true to form, we’re giving you exclusive access to professionals from across television. Your work could be read by the creative comedic minds behind “IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY”, “YOU’RE THE WORST,” “2 BROKE GIRLS”, “SCHITT’S CREEK”, “WILL SMITH’S BUCKET LIST,” “BLACK JESUS,” “SCRUBS” and more!
Our panel of judges are not only experts in the field of televised comedy, but they are actively on the hunt for both new writers and new material.
So go ahead and make ‘em laugh! (...No pressure.) Remember that Comedy is a deceptively nuanced genre: Dark Comedies, Multi-Cam Slapstick Sitcoms, grounded Single-Cam Comedies, Comedic Horror, Serio-Comedies, biting Satires, you name it, we want to see it. Because in this Golden Age of Television, Comedies are more fresh, more boundary-pushing and more sought after than ever, and your story should be out there continuing to change the game. Give us all you’ve got and dare big.
Benefits
The Grand Prize Winner will be flown to Hollywood to have private one-on-one meetings with some of the most prolific writers, producers, literary managers and executives from top television companies including Will Smith's Westbrook Studios, ViacomCBS, The Cartel Management Company and the creative minds behind "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY", "YOU'RE THE WORST", "2 BROKE GIRLS", "BLACK JESUS" and more!
ALL Finalists will not only receive exposure to our incredible panel of Television mentors, but they will also have their titles and loglines featured in the Stage 32's industry Look Book which will be sent to over 500 executives and professionals who work directly with Stage 32. If an executive requests your script or a meeting with you, we will facilitate!
As a bonus all participants who submit through Coverfly will automatically receive a FREE month membership to the Stage 32 Writers' Room (a $50 value!) After you submit email writersroom@stage32.com for your FREE gift!
Announcements
Rules
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.
Entrants must submit screenplays and payment online.
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. No exceptions.
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.