By James Rodriguez
The Appleton Times
LOS ANGELES — In a move aimed at discovering the next big voice in romantic comedies, the online entertainment community Stage 32 has announced a partnership with production company Evoke Entertainment to launch the Rom-Com Screenwriting Contest. The initiative, described as a first-of-its-kind talent incubator, seeks to propel emerging writers from obscurity to potential production deals, with submissions opening this month.
The contest represents a collaborative effort between Stage 32, which boasts 1.5 million members worldwide, and Evoke Entertainment, a rebranded entity formerly known as Cartel Entertainment. According to details released by the partners, the program will fast-track promising scripts through a structured judging process, culminating in development opportunities for the winner. Evoke, led by CEO Stan Spry, will play a key role in the final judging stages, reviewing loglines from semi-finalists and full scripts from the top 10 finalists.
Submissions for the contest opened in February, inviting writers to submit their romantic comedy screenplays. Organizers emphasized that selections will be based on creativity and commercial viability, qualities that could appeal to studios, streamers, and networks hungry for feel-good content. Semi-finalists are slated to be announced on June 19, followed by finalists on July 3, with the ultimate winner revealed on July 24.
For the winner, the prizes extend beyond recognition. Evoke Entertainment plans to package the winning script for potential buyers across various platforms, including studios, streaming services, and broadcast networks. Meanwhile, Stage 32 will offer comprehensive script development support, helping to refine the work and prepare it for the market. This dual approach underscores the partners' commitment to bridging the gap between aspiring talent and industry professionals.
"This partnership with Evoke creates a real on-ramp for writers to go from undiscovered to produced and is directly aligned with our mission to make the entertainment industry more accessible and meritocratic," said Geoffroy Faugerolas, head of development at Stage 32. His comments highlight the platform's broader goal of democratizing opportunities in Hollywood, where traditional barriers often sideline new voices.
Evoke Entertainment, co-founded by Spry over a decade ago, has built a robust portfolio in the rom-com space. The company, which rebranded from Cartel Entertainment in recent years, has produced nine romantic comedies and multiple series in the past year alone. Their credits include projects for well-known outlets such as Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, Tubi, and Great American Family, demonstrating a proven track record in delivering content that resonates with audiences seeking lighthearted escapism.
Spry, reflecting on the enduring appeal of the genre, noted, "We’ve been producing rom-coms for over a decade, and in that time, demand for feel-good content has only grown. Viewers throughout the world love what this genre has to offer, and we are excited to partner with Stage 32 to find fresh voices and elevate screenwriters who are as passionate about this space as we are." His enthusiasm points to a market where romantic comedies continue to thrive amid shifting viewer preferences.
Stage 32 itself has a history of nurturing talent, having facilitated thousands of emerging artists through representation signings, script options, and production deals. The platform, accessible to writers, filmmakers, and other creatives globally, serves as a virtual hub for networking and education. This contest builds on previous initiatives, such as a recent comedy contest in collaboration with director Todd Biermann of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia fame and Pathfinder Media.
The timing of the Rom-Com Screenwriting Contest aligns with a resurgent interest in the genre. In recent years, streaming services have ramped up investments in original rom-coms to attract subscribers looking for uplifting stories. Titles from Evoke's slate have contributed to this trend, filling airwaves with tales of love, mishaps, and happily-ever-afters that appeal to diverse demographics.
While the contest focuses on emerging writers, it also reflects broader industry shifts toward inclusivity. By partnering with a platform like Stage 32, which reaches creators far beyond Los Angeles, Evoke is tapping into a global pool of talent. This could introduce fresh perspectives to a genre often criticized for formulaic storytelling, potentially injecting new energy into rom-com narratives.
Details on entry requirements, such as script length or submission fees, were not immediately specified in the announcement, but interested writers are directed to the Stage 32 website for full guidelines. The contest's structure, with its phased announcements, allows for ongoing engagement, building anticipation as the field narrows.
Evoke's evolution from Cartel Entertainment to its current name signals a strategic pivot toward more evocative, audience-driven projects. Under Spry's leadership, the company has expanded its footprint, producing not just films but also series that explore romantic themes in modern contexts. This contest fits neatly into that strategy, scouting scripts that could become the next holiday hit or binge-worthy series.
Industry observers see the partnership as a positive step in an era where independent voices struggle for visibility. With major studios consolidating and streamers prioritizing data-driven content, initiatives like this provide essential pathways. Stage 32's track record suggests the contest could yield tangible results, much like its past successes in connecting talents to opportunities.
Looking ahead, the winner's journey will be closely watched. Fast-tracking a script into development could mean anything from a quick sale to a full production greenlight, depending on market reception. For now, the focus remains on the February submissions, offering a rare chance for undiscovered writers to shine.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, partnerships such as this one between Stage 32 and Evoke Entertainment underscore a commitment to innovation and accessibility. By championing rom-coms, they tap into a timeless genre while fostering the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that love stories continue to captivate audiences worldwide.