Just last week, I predicted that A-listers would start gravitating toward genre projects, taking smaller pay cuts for bigger backend deals, as Ethan Hawke did with SINISTER back in the day.

Today, Scarlett Johansson was announced to star in the new EXORCIST remake.

As studios become more risk-averse, it makes perfect sense: combine the most popular genres at the box office with household names and proven franchises to hedge your bets. A-list talent lending credibility to commercially smart genre storytelling. That's the formula.

I know many of you are lamenting this as Hollywood recycling content. But here's the good news: as 2026 approaches, dozens of producers in the Stage 32 ecosystem have told us their projects are getting greenlit. Reps and producers across the board seem to agree: 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for Hollywood.

More projects moving into production means more opportunities for all of us. If you're working on scripts that are genre-driven, high-concept, or packageable with talent, now is your moment.

And with Thanksgiving around the corner, I'm feeling especially grateful for the executives who champion emerging creators, for the advocacy they bring to Stage 32 members, and for all the wins our writers are racking up right now.

Recently In The Stage 32 Writer's Room

This week in the Writers’ Room, members will have the opportunity to pitch Stage 32's newest Executive, Literary manager Myra Model of Model Management. An Executive Producer on SUNNY NIGHTS, Myra has been a trailblazer in launching the television careers of Sundance and Humanitas prize winners and playwrights.

Last week in the Writers' Room, members participated in a Q&A with Allen Eckhouse, literary manager at Logical Talent Management. Allen discussed what working with a literary manager and taking out specs looks like in 2025. The moral of the story? It's all about matchmaking and finding the right fit for your project.

If you would like to join the Writers’ Room, access weekly events, submit to dozens of open writing assignments, and attend exclusive pitch tanks with industry executives- click HERE for a free trial!

This Week’s Exciting Announcements!

This week, we're thrilled to spotlight a Stage 32 member, screenwriter, and recent success story!

Cameron Tendaji - Screenwriter!

Big congrats to Stage 32 member Cameron Tendaji, who just shared that he’s taking out a new sci-fi crime procedural in 2026 with powerhouse exec Whitney Davis — whom he connected with right here on Stage 32. From securing his first TV shopping agreement to gaining major stars on his current feature, Cameron’s journey is proof that your next breakthrough could be one click away.

Announcing the Stage 32 Animation Screenwriting Contest Finalists!

Congratulations to our finalists who are one step closer to development opportunities with our industry partners! These scripts represent the best in animation storytelling from our global community.

Our judges are now reviewing the finalist scripts to determine our Grand Prize Winner!

The Final Week of November Write Club is LIVE, in partnership with Arc Studios!

In partnership with Arc Studio, we’ve spent this month bringing creatives together from all over the world for motivation, accountability, and real momentum. It’s our biggest community challenge of the year — and this is your last chance to jump in.

You can still participate in Week 4 before the end of the day on Friday. If you complete this week’s challenges, you’ll be automatically entered to win some incredible perks:

• 1 FREE Stage 32 Executive Pitch Session
• 1 FREE Arc Studio Pro Annual License
• 1 FREE Writer’s Room 6-Month Membership

These are exactly the tools that help you prepare the way Evan describes in his blog — with confidence, clarity, and a pitch-ready mindset.

And remember, we’ll be announcing our Grand Prize Winner at the end of the month, who will receive a Lifetime Arc Studio Pro License to support every draft, every rewrite, and every creative milestone ahead.

You can read this week’s blog and take part in the final challenges by clicking here!

Need help navigating the industry? Contact success@stage32.com

Stage 32 has hundreds of opportunities. Reach out to our success team at any time for personal guidance and career advice.

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 success@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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