3rd Annual Period Piece Screenwriting Contest

The ONLY Period Piece Screenwriting Contest is BACK!

The Grand Prize Winner Will Receive Mentorships with the Executive Producer of the Oscar-nominated film THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 and the Director of Development on GLADIATOR II.

Over $40,000 in Prizes!

PLUS -- All Top 10 Finalists will be eligible for mentorships with execs from
Branded Pictures Entertainment and Red Wagon Entertainment!

Ever dreamt of seeing your period piece 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 3rd Annual Stage 32 Period Piece Screenwriting Contest to help discover the next great period piece 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 set up on VIP MENTORSHIP meetings industry professionals who’ve worked on iconic movies and shows like THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, GLADIATOR II, ORPHAN BLACK and more!

Daring, thought-provoking period pieces are a staple of modern entertainment. From the gripping intensity of NUREMBERG, to the clever denouement of DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, and the vicious wild west drama of AMERICAN PRIMEVAL, audiences can’t get enough powerful, dramatic period storytelling. This year alone, period films like SINNERS and THE KING OF KINGS have proven period pieces can still rock the box office. The appetite for prolific period pieces 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 2nd Annual Period Piece Winner Michael Bartel 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 period piece scripts! Pensive historical dramas? Witty 70s, 80s, or 90s comedies? Tearjerking period romances? Adventurous westerns? Gritty war films? The next legendary biopic? We want to see it all!

We’re looking for Period Piece film scripts like:

OPPENHEIMER, SINNERS, LITTLE WOMEN, 1917, THE SMASHING MACHINE, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, THE IRON CLAW, THE ZONE OF INTEREST, THE FAVOURITE, GREEN BOOK, FORD VS. FERRARI, NAPOLEON, AIR, SPENCER, MID 90s, SPOTLIGHT, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, THE KING'S SPEECH, SILENCE, KING RICHARD, FIRST MAN, SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, CHRISTY, and more!

We’re looking for Period Piece TV scripts like:

SHOGUN, MAD MEN, GAME OF THRONES, DOWNTON ABBEY, THE GREAT, OUTLANDER, THE CROWN, TABOO, PEAKY BLINDERS, THE WHITE QUEEN, MASTERS OF THE AIR, VIKINGS, THE GILDED AGE, BLACK SAILS, THOSE ABOUT TO DIE, DEADWOOD, BRIDGERTON, MARCO POLO, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and more!

But that's not all, we want to see 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 period piece 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 also read and judge the Top 10 finalist scripts and meet with any finalists whose writing they enjoy!

• Producer Laura Notarianni (ORPHAN BLACK, KILLJOYS)
• And more to come!

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:

J. Todd Harris is a film producer, founder and president of the production studio Branded Pictures Entertainment. Harris has been a member of the Motion Picture Academy since 1999 and has produced over 50 films in his 4-decade spanning career.

Todd moved to Los Angeles in 1986 and worked at TriStar Television before starting his own development fund called Skyline Entertainment Partners. He soon joined Davis Entertainment as an independent producer, where he stayed for 13 years, founding Davis Entertainment Filmworks, the company's independent film division. Partnered with John Davis, the company was based at 20th Century Fox. While there, he produced the first of many independent films, DENISE CALLS UP, which played the Cannes Film Festival's Critics Week and won a Special Mention for the Camera D'Or.

For three years, he was partnered with the actor Tim Daly in Daly-Harris Productions based at Paramount Pictures. He went on to produce five Sundance Film Festival entries, including BOTTLE SHOCK and THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, which was nominated for four Oscars including Best Picture, won two Golden Globe Awards, and received a 93% positive review rating from Rotten Tomatoes. In 2003, he joined Intellectual Properties Worldwide, where he executive produced PIRHANA 3D, which earned $83 million worldwide, in addition to a remake of IT'S ALIVE. Harris' most recent releases include SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG, 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS, starring Luke Wilson and Martin Sheen, and the Aaron Sorkin film THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, which earned six nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Baron Cohen.

Additional producing credits include the 2017 Frank Grillo led neo-noir action film WHEELMAN, which premiered on Netflix, the 2018 supernatural horror film FOLLOWED, and the action racing film SUPERCROSS, starring Steve Howey, Channing Tatum, Aaron Carter and Sophia Bush.

Harris is also a founding board member of the Napa Valley Film Festival, which later inspired his interest in producing the 2008 dramedy film BOTTLE SHOCK, which starred Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, and Bill Pullman.

Tess McGuinness is the Director of Development at Red Wagon Entertainment, most known for GLADIATOR II, JOE PICKETT, the DIVERGENT franchise, THE GREAT GATSBY, LAWLESS, JARHEAD, and MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA.

Tess runs point on both film and television projects under Doug Wick (GIRL, INTERRUPTED, THE CRAFT, Paul Verhoeven’s HOLLOW MAN, and SPY GAME) and Lucy Fisher (MEN IN BLACK, MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING, AIR FORCE ONE, JERRY MACGUIRE.

She served as an executive on GLADIATOR II, and has also worked on productions for Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros, Fifth Season, A+E, Sony TV, and Paramount+.

Tess was also instrumental in the selling of an ongoing television series to Hulu based on Peter Swanson’s bestselling book, THE KIND WORTH KILLING, which she’ll Co-Executive Produce.

She also worked as an Associate Producer at Mirmade Productions, prior to her role at Mirmade she also worked under Janet Yang (current President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) at Inspire Entertainment.

Tess has a love for all movie/TV genres -- but is especially obsessed with socially incisive horror, erotic thrillers, and coming-of-age films.

This unique add-on benefit is separate from the Stage 32 Contest prizes and placements. Only projects submitted to the Stage 32 Contest AND that select this add-on are eligible for consideration in this category. Additionally, all projects that place in the Top 10 round of the competition will automatically be considered.

Stage 32 Contests Launch Careers

Recent Winners Making Waves:

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.

Tanya Klein & Jim Cirile - Script set up for production with $1.5M budget, Lucas Heyne attached to direct.

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

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

Jeffrey Wright - Staffed in the Writer's Room of THE GOLDBERGS

Career-Changing Representation:

• Josh Miller - Signed with literary manager Tamer Ashan of Zero Gravity Management
• Henry Sawyer-Foner - Signed with literary manager Nicholas Bogner through our 2025 Romantic Comedy contest!
• Jimmy Miller - Signed with literary manager Marc Manus
• Richard Doyle (Australia) - Signed with literary manager Will Rosenfield
• Glenn Forbes - Secured representation with Infinity Management International
• Alyssa & Griffin Devine - Signed with HG5 Entertainment, writing 2 scripts with 1 going into production
• Frank Ponce - Signed with 3 Arts Entertainment, script picked up by Atlas Entertainment, sold Evel Knievel series to USA Network
• Diana Wright - Signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency
• Jonathan Jordan - Signed by major agency Verve, script currently in production
• Greg Mania - Signed with Cohn/Torgan Management, published NPR Best Book of 2020

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

What Are the Prizes?

Our Grand Prize Winners will:

• Work with Stage 32 to develop your winning script and additional materials to prepare your project for the market.
• 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: December 11th, 2025

Early Bird Deadline: January 7th, 2026

Regular Deadline: January 28th, 2026

Final Deadline: February 18th, 2026

Quarterfinalist Announcement: April 10th, 2026

Semifinalist Announcement: April 24th, 2026

Finalist Announcement: May 8th, 2026

Winner Announcement: May 22nd, 2026

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 - $4,000 Value

• 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 - $1,500 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 Period Piece Screenwriting Contest Winners See Results

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 12 years. Stage 32 has quickly emerged as the leading source for industry executives to uncover new talent! Is this your year to move the needle on your career?

Our 2nd Annual Period Piece winner, Michael Bartel gained massive traction on his winning script THE SAINT OF VENGEANCE, a mythical medieval revenge true story. Michael took a full slate of meetings with a Literary Agent from CAA, the Head of Development from UK Production Company, and FIVE Oscar-nominated Producers on movies like THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, LADY MACBETH, OPHELIA, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY, and more! -- all actively working on and scouting for the next great period piece!

Our 1st Annual winner, Patrick Connelly took his winning script GORBY & RONNIE DO REYKJAVIK out on the town, meeting with Literary Managers, Development Execs, and Producers from Ravenwood Films, Gilbert Films, Gold Circle, and two Producers of Oscar-nominated films!

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.

Previous contest winner Chris Torres signed with manager Brooklyn Weaver of Energy Entertainment after Stage 32 set them up on a general meeting!

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

Still don't believe us? Previous contest winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency! Check out her video here:

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!

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.

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!

J. Todd Harris (Mentor) - Producer, Branded Pictures Entertainment

J. Todd Harris is a film producer, founder and president of the production studio Branded Pictures Entertainment. Harris has been a member of the Motion Picture Academy since 1999 and has produced over 50 films in his 4-decade spanning career. 

Todd moved to Los Angeles in 1986 and worked at TriStar Television before starting his own development fund called Skyline Entertainment Partners. He soon joined Davis Entertainment as an independent producer, where he stayed for 13 years, founding Davis Entertainment Filmworks, the company's independent film division. Partnered with John Davis, the company was based at 20th Century Fox. While there, he produced the first of many independent films, DENISE CALLS UP, which played the Cannes Film Festival's Critics Week and won a Special Mention for the Camera D'Or.

For three years, he was partnered with the actor Tim Daly in Daly-Harris Productions based at Paramount Pictures. He went on to produce five Sundance Film Festival entries, including BOTTLE SHOCK and THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, which was nominated for four Oscars including Best Picture, won two Golden Globe Awards, and received a 93% positive review rating from Rotten Tomatoes. In 2003, he joined Intellectual Properties Worldwide, where he executive produced PIRHANA 3D, which earned $83 million worldwide, in addition to a remake of IT'S ALIVE. Harris' most recent releases include SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG, 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS, starring Luke Wilson and Martin Sheen, and the Aaron Sorkin film THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, which earned six nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Baron Cohen.

Additional producing credits include the 2017 Frank Grillo led neo-noir action film WHEELMAN, which premiered on Netflix, the 2018 supernatural horror film FOLLOWED, and the action racing film SUPERCROSS, starring Steve Howey, Channing Tatum, Aaron Carter and Sophia Bush.

Harris is also a founding board member of the Napa Valley Film Festival, which later inspired his interest in the 2008 dramedy film BOTTLE SHOCK, which starred Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, and Bill Pullman. 

Tess McGuinness (Mentor) - Director of Development, Red Wagon Entertainment

Tess McGuinness is the Director of Development at Red Wagon Entertainment, most known for GLADIATOR II, JOE PICKETT, the DIVERGENT franchise, THE GREAT GATSBY, LAWLESS, JARHEAD, and MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA.

Tess runs point on both film and television projects under Doug Wick (GIRL, INTERRUPTED, THE CRAFT, Paul Verhoeven’s HOLLOW MAN, and SPY GAME) and Lucy Fisher (MEN IN BLACK, MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING, AIR FORCE ONE, JERRY MACGUIRE.

She served as an executive on GLADIATOR II, and has also worked on productions for Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros, Fifth Season, A+E, Sony TV, and Paramount+.

Tess was also instrumental in the selling of an ongoing television series to Hulu based on Peter Swanson’s bestselling book, THE KIND WORTH KILLING, which she’ll Co-Executive Produce.

She also worked as an Associate Producer at Mirmade Productions, prior to her role at Mirmade she also worked under Janet Yang (current President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) at Inspire Entertainment.

Tess has a love for all movie/TV genres -- but is especially obsessed with socially incisive horror, erotic thrillers, and coming-of-age films.

Laura Notarianni (Judge) - Producer, Worked with Untitled Entertainment, BBC America, SyFy, Lifetime, Hallmark

Laura Notarianni is a multifaceted development executive, producer, and creative strategist with over 15 years of experience shaping scripted and unscripted content across the U.S. and Canadian markets. She is currently serving as an Executive Producer on the in-development projects THE MICHELLE HADLEY STORY for Lifetime and ROME FOR THE HOLIDAYS for Hallmark.

Most recently, she served as Vice President of Production at Untitled Entertainment, where she established and led the company’s production division—sourcing, developing, and shepherding projects from concept to screen for major global partners. Her work spans collaborations with such platforms as Netflix, Amazon, Cbs, Lifetime, Hallmark, and The CW, blending creative instinct with strategic execution and a sharp sense of audience appeal.

Previously, at Boat Rocker Media, Laura served as Senior Director of Scripted Programming, guiding development across acclaimed international hits including ORPHAN BLACK (BBC America), KILLJOYS (SyFy), and THE NEXT STEP (CBBC). Her past executive producing credits include CRIMES OF FASHION (Hallmark) and BURIED IN BARSTOW (Lifetime), and she previously served as Supervising Producer on Seasons 4 & 5 of KILLJOYS (SyFy/Space).

An avid entertainment enthusiast, Laura is passionate about collaborating with writers and talent—known for her unique ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, and creative precision. Recognized by THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER as one of Canada’s “15 Rising Stars in Film & TV,” she continues to champion bold, emotionally resonant storytelling that bridges artistry and impact while inspiring authentic connection.

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.