As recently announced in Variety, the producers behind The Night and Parallel - have opened their doors exclusively to our community and we're excited to announce we've partnered with Mammoth Pictures - who will develop and package the winning script of our 12th Annual Search for New Blood horror screenwriting contest!

The Rarity of Direct Producer Access

With a mission to produce genre projects for a global audience, Mammoth Pictures have been making a name for themselves as horror/thriller producers in the genre space with THE NIGHT (IFC Films) and PARALLEL (Vertical Entertainment). Led by producers Alex Bretow and Kourosh Ahari, Mammoth Pictures could easily create their next project in-house. Instead, they're flipping the script because in Kourosh's own words: "Great storytelling knows no borders." And they're putting their money where their mouth is by personally reviewing all the semi-finalist loglines and all top 10 finalist scripts from our global community of 1.3 million writers.

Think about that for a moment. These producers are committed to building new bridges exclusively for Stage 32 writers who are ready to bring fresh, daring visions to the screen.

Why Mammoth Pictures' Track Record Matters

This isn't just any production company looking for content. Mammoth Pictures' recent track record speak to their ability to package, finance, and deliver projects that audiences actually watch:

• The Night: An award-winning horror knockout, praised by film critics and horror heads alike
• Parallel: Instantly picked up for streaming by Paramount+
• Consistent development pipeline: Active projects across multiple studios and streamers

When Mammoth Pictures develops a project, they're not offering empty promises: they're providing access to their proven packaging and financing infrastructure.

A Truly Worldwide Opportunity

Alex Bretow made a statement that should give every emerging writer across the globe hope: “With Stage 32’s global reach combined with our international production expertise, we’re creating an unprecedented opportunity for writers from all backgrounds to see their stories brought to life across multiple markets."

This philosophy is revolutionary in an industry increasingly closed to new voices. While other producers rely exclusively on agency packaging and established relationships unless they are reading and meeting writers through Stage 32, Mammoth Pictures actively seeks undiscovered talent from everywhere. International success is their business model.

Why This Partnership Is Different From Every Other "Opportunity"

Numerous contests, fellowships, and programs promise industry access. Here's what makes this fundamentally different:

• Direct Producer Involvement Alex and Kourosh aren't just lending their names. They're personally reviewing submissions and selecting winners. Your logline won't disappear into a sea of readers; it goes directly to decision-makers no matter what.
• Commercial Viability Focus Winners are selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability. This isn't about artistic statements. It's about finding scripts that can actually get made and seen.
• Joint Packaging Commitment Stage 32 and Mammoth Pictures will jointly package developed projects for production. This means you're not just getting notes: you're potentially getting a produced film.
• Proven Track Record Stage 32's recent successes with Neighborhood Watch (Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and No Address (Billy Baldwin, Patricia Velasquez) demonstrate our ability to connect writers with real production outcomes.

The best part? The contest is now open for submissions. You can submit here.

What "Development and Packaging" Actually Means

We're talking about Mammoth Pictures established development and packaging process. Here's what that looks like:

• Script Development: Professional-level notes and revisions with industry mentorship
• Industry Mentorship: Direct guidance from producers with active studio relationships
• Packaging Support: Connecting projects with appropriate talent, directors, and financing
• Production Pipeline: Integration into Mammoth Pictures active development slate

This isn't theoretical development. It's preparation for actual production.

The Stage 32 Advantage: Why They Chose Us

Mammoth didn't randomly select Stage 32 for this partnership. As Alex Bretow noted, "We’ve witnessed incredible writers emerge from the platform."

Our track record of connecting emerging writers with real opportunities, combined with our global reach and curated community, made us the logical partner for their talent discovery initiative.

The Horror Genre Sweet Spot

The focus on the horror genre isn't arbitrary. It reflects current market demands:

• Streaming platforms actively seek elevated genre content
• International sales favor horror properties
• Franchise potential drives studio interest in these genres
• Production efficiency makes low and mid-budget horror attractive to financiers

If you write in this genre, you're positioned perfectly for current market opportunities.

Why "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Isn't Hyperbole

This opportunity combines several rare elements:

• Established Producer Access: Direct pipeline to proven filmmakers
• Exclusive Platform: Available only to the Stage 32 community
• Personal Review Process: Your work is seen by actual decision-makers
• Production Commitment: Development aimed at actual filming
• Global Scale: Worldwide talent search through the largest creative community
• Proven Success Model: Based on Mammoth Pictures' track record of discovery

These elements rarely align. When they do, careers are made.

The Path Forward: What This Means for Your Career

If you're selected for this incubator, you're not just winning a contest. You're joining a development pipeline with a proven track record of commercial success. You're getting the kind of attention that can move a career into overdrive.

But even if you're not selected, your participation in this process demonstrates the kind of strategic thinking that separates professional writers from hobbyists. You're positioning yourself within a community that attracts this level of industry attention.

And that's not all. Four additional judges will be reading all top 10 loglines and meeting with finalists. Those jurors include:

• Jeremy Elliott, Producer, Broken Time Entertainment (THE FACELESS LADY, THE GIRL IN THE WOODS) - Who optioned last year's winning script!
• Nick Phillips, Producer, PBR Streetgang (PET, FEAST, HAUNT, DRACULA II & III, HELLRAISER 6 & 7, MIMIC 3)
• Jake Wagner, Literary Manager, Alibi Entertainment (BAGHEAD, POLAROID, KILLING SEASON) - Who signed our 5th Annual New Blood Winner as a client!
• Lucas Ford, Producer, Ford Films (PORTAL TO HELL, STRANGER THINGS)

And if you select the optional add-on mentorship opportunity, you could win a mentorship with Executive Producer Jonathan Barkan (SKINAMARINK), Producer Ethan Erwin (ORPHAN: FIRST KILL), or Michael Schulman of Amazon Studios.

These are actionable opportunities to make meaninful connections in this industry!

The Bottom Line: Opportunity Meets Preparation

Neighborhood Watch's Sean Farley didn't know his Stage 32 connection would lead to a theatrical release starring Jack Quaid. James Papa didn't predict his Stage 32 relationship would result in No Address with Billy Baldwin.

Success in this industry often comes from positioning yourself in the right place when opportunity strikes. With Mammoth Pictures' exclusive partnership, Stage 32 has become that right place.

The producers behind horror thriller hits are personally reviewing Stage 32 submissions. They're looking for voices that could "redefine the genre."

Is your voice ready to be discovered? If so, click here to submit now!

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

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