I didn’t know it at the time, but as I submitted my script Desperate Times into the 6th annual Search For New Blood Contest, my life was about to change. Having entered a previous Stage 32 contest for romantic comedies and not even making it into the quarterfinals, I was wary about trying again, but I had a horror script I was passionate about and figured it was worth a shot.

After entering, I tried to put the contest out of my mind and got to work on a new script as a distraction. It worked so well, in fact, that I completely forgot I had entered. The quarterfinal results were posted. I had no idea. The semifinalists were posted. Again, no clue. It wasn’t until I received an email from Stage 32 asking if I was eligible to accept the grand prize should I win that I even realized I was a finalist. However, I misread the email and thought that I had already won. Once I admitted to myself that I wasn’t able to do a cartwheel, I did the next best thing and reread the email only to realize I hadn’t actually won, at least not officially. One email later and I was overjoyed to learn that I was, for real this time, the grand prize winner!

Kim Britt - Winner of the Stage 32 6th Annual Search for New Blood CompetitionI was put in contact with Jason Mirch who I would soon come to realize is the equivalent of a fairy godmother to hopeful screenwriters. Not only did Jason hook me up with a week’s worth of meetings with managers and producers, he managed to connect me with the most amazing group of people that were not only super easy to talk to (which is a major plus when you’re a card-carrying introvert with no experience pitching your work) but were also looking for the type of material that I write. Every single person I met with was as equally passionate, if not exceedingly so, about the horror genre as I am.

As the week progressed, not only was I discussing my scripts with people that had the potential to open the same doors I’ve been banging on for over 20 years, I also gained a confidence in myself and my writing ability that I didn't think was possible. And through that whole exhilarating process, Jason made himself available to me by phone, text and email to offer all the support and encouragement that I needed (and I needed a lot!).

It’s been almost a week since I’ve gotten back home and we still communicate on a daily basis. I’ve never experienced this type of support from any other person or screenwriting contest out there. I can’t imagine having a better cheerleader in my corner.

Thank you Jason and Stage 32!!

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 @stage32online , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .