Stage 32
Stage 32 is a privately held online platform connecting 1.3 million film, television, and digital content professionals across 185+ countries through networking, education, certification, and script services. The company also partners with film commissions and guilds globally to certify below-the-line production talent.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Stage 32 does
Stage 32 is a privately held online platform founded in 2011 by Richard "RB" Botto that connects and educates entertainment industry professionals worldwide, operating as a vertical professional network for film, television, and digital content creators. The company serves a community of over 1.3 million members across 185+ countries, including screenwriters, filmmakers, actors, composers, producers, and development executives, alongside institutional partners such as film commissions, guilds, and studios. The platform integrates multiple product modules including the core networking and marketplace platform, an education library of 3,000+ hours of webinars and classes taught by 2,000+ industry leaders, a credentialing program for below-the-line film and TV professionals endorsed by guilds and film commissions, script services (coverage, consulting, proofreading), pitch sessions with executives, screenwriting contests, and dedicated iOS and Android mobile applications.
The underlying technology is a cloud-based platform with native mobile applications, supported by a distributed engineering team covering AWS infrastructure (Duesseldorf), iOS/Android development (India), and full-stack development (London). The business model combines freemium membership with multiple monetization streams: subscription-based certification programs, transaction-based script services and pitch sessions, and entry fees for screenwriting contests. Distribution occurs primarily through self-serve digital channels (web and mobile) augmented by channel partnerships with 50+ film commissions globally that drive certified workforce adoption. The company has established flagship partnerships with Netflix, Cannes Film Festival Marché du Film, SXSW, American Film Market, AFCI, and major guilds (WGA, DGA, PGA, LMGI).
Strategic positioning centers on democratizing access to the entertainment industry by reducing information asymmetry for aspiring creatives, providing affordable alternatives to traditional film school via certification, and offering studios and producers an efficient talent discovery and project incubation pipeline. The company has been actively expanding into new geographies (South Africa, Caribbean, Latin America, Canadian provinces, U.S. states) and new verticals (microdramas via DramaBox, horror/thriller genre incubators) through a high-cadence partnership model. Stage 32 operates as a bootstrapped, founder-led LLC with no disclosed institutional investment beyond an early $250,000 round in 2011.
Stage 32 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Stage 32
- Legal name
- Stage 32, LLC
- Website
- https://stage32.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Stage 32 is a privately held online platform connecting 1.3 million film, television, and digital content professionals across 185+ countries through networking, education, certification, and script services. The company also partners with film commissions and guilds globally to certify below-the-line production talent.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Stage 32 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Entertainment Industry Professional Networking & Education Platform
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512), Software Publishers (5132), Software Publishers (513210)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Publishing (2741), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Online Learning Content & Course Publishing Platforms (BPAMAJAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Creator Course Marketplaces (Multi-Instructor Catalogs) (MPACALAA), Workshops, Webinars & Live Masterclasses (MPACALAD), Corporate Learning & Training Content Development (EDAGAKAC)
Keywords
Where Stage 32 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Stage 32 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Subscriptions: Free basic membership with premium paid tiers for enhanced access to education, script services, and networking features. Platform offers over 3,000 hours of exclusive classes and webinars.
- Education and Certification Programs: Revenue generated from certification courses and educational content. Certification endorsed by over a dozen film commissions and guilds around the world, offered at a fraction of traditional film school costs.
- Script Services: Paid services including script coverage, pitch sessions, logline review, proofreading, consulting, career development calls, and reel reviews. Users pay for specific services and consultations with industry professionals.
- Screenwriting Contests: Entry fees for various screenwriting competitions including comedy contests, horror competitions, and diversity-focused contests partnered with studios and production companies.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Free Basic Membership |
| Subscription | Others | Certification Programs |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Script Services (Individual) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Stage 32 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Stage 32 operates a cloud-based online platform connecting over 1.3 million film, television, and digital content professionals across 185+ countries. The platform combines a professional networking community, the world's largest entertainment education library (3,000+ hours of classes and webinars), a below-the-line certification program endorsed by film commissions and guilds, a script services marketplace with direct executive access, and screenwriting contests. Revenue is generated through freemium membership subscriptions, paid certification courses, transactional script services, and contest entry fees.
Product overview
Stage 32 is a unified social networking and education platform for the global entertainment industry, built around its core community platform connecting over 1.3 million film, television, and digital content professionals worldwide. The platform integrates multiple product modules including: the Stage 32 Platform (core networking and marketplace), Stage 32 Education (3,000+ hours of webinars and classes), the Stage 32 Certification Program (industry-recognized credentials), The Writers' Room (collaborative script development), Pitch Sessions (executive access), Script Services (coverage, consulting, proofreading), Screenwriting Contests including the Global Screenwriting Contest Hub, Stage 32 Lounges (community forums), Meetups, Jobs, and Mobile Apps for iOS and Android. These products work together as a comprehensive ecosystem democratizing access to the entertainment industry through education, networking, and career development services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Stage 32 Certification: Career certifications for below-the-line film and TV professionals, endorsed by film commissions and guilds worldwide
- Global Screenwriting Contest Hub
- The Writers' Room
- Pitch Sessions
Products and services
- Stage 32 Platform Primary social networking and marketplace platform connecting film, television, and digital content creators worldwide. Provides networking, education, and industry access services to over 1.3 million members across 185+ countries. Free basic membership with paid premium tiers available.
- Stage 32 Education Educational content library offering over 3,000 hours of webinars, classes, and intensive labs taught by industry executives, producers, and creators. Largest online entertainment industry education library in the world, with award-winning programming.
- Stage 32 Certification Program Industry credentialing program endorsed by over a dozen film commissions and guilds worldwide, training and certifying below-the-line professionals for the global film and television industry at a fraction of traditional film school costs.
- Script Services Suite of paid script development services including coverage, consulting, proofreading, logline review, reel review, and career development calls connecting content creators with executives and consultants.
- Pitch Sessions Direct access service connecting writers with development executives, producers, and managers for paid pitch meetings and career development opportunities, with full pricing transparency.
- Screenwriting Contests & Global Screenwriting Contest Hub Global screenwriting competitions including comedy contests, horror competitions, and diversity-focused contests connecting emerging writers with major producers, managers, and executives. Entry fees apply.
- The Writers' Room Collaborative workspace for screenwriters to develop and refine their projects with industry guidance and peer collaboration.
- Stage 32 Mobile App Mobile applications for iOS and Android enabling members to access the platform's networking, education, and community features on the go.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1.3 million+ members across 185+ countries
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Stage 32
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Stage 32 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Stage 32 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
42 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Todd BiermanncoreDirector Todd Biermann (It's Always Sunny) partnered with Stage 32 and Pathfinder Media for inaugural comedy screenwriting contest. Winner announced April 2026.
- DramaBox (StoryMatrix)coreSingapore-based microdramas platform owned by StoryMatrix is expanding into the U.S. market through partnership with Stage 32 to develop writing talent and launch a global writing competition. Initiative aims to foster new storytellers in the vertical format, projected to generate $3 billion outside China.
- Curaçao Film OfficecoreCuraçao Film Office partnering with Stage 32 to train local creatives through online courses from Hollywood experts.
- El Paso Film and Creative Industries CommissioncoreEl Paso Film Commission partnered with Stage 32 to offer online training for filmmakers and media workers in the region.
- Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA)coreLandmark partnership bringing Stage 32 Certification training to South African writers as part of efforts to professionalize the writing sector and prepare storytellers to compete globally.
- Florida Film and Creative Industries CommissioncorePartnership to create a statewide below-the-line certification program to help Florida build a ready-to-work crew base amid limited existing incentives and increasing competition from other regions.
- Pathfinder MediacorePathfinder Media teamed with Stage 32 and director Todd Biermann (It's Always Sunny) for a comedy writing contest searching for breakout comedy writing talent.
- Edmonton ScreencoreEdmonton Screen (Canada) teamed with Stage 32 for training and certification program aimed at upskilling Alberta's below-the-line workforce.
- Color Farm MediacoreErika Alexander's Color Farm Media partnered with Stage 32's Diversity Talent Accelerator Pipeline for expanded screenwriting opportunity targeting underrepresented voices.
- Breaking Through the LenscoreEducation initiative partnership for women and LGBTQ+ directors. 2026 Action Grant jury revealed. Addresses diversity in filmmaking leadership.
- Mammoth PicturescoreMammoth Pictures and Stage 32 partnered for horror development program to package and develop horror features. Submissions opened August 2025.
- DGCINE (Dominican Republic)coreDominican Republic's General Directorate of Film (DGCINE) signed collaboration agreement with Stage 32 for training and networking for Dominican cinema professionals.
- Zero GravitycoreStage 32 and Zero Gravity launched action and thriller-focused screenwriting incubator to develop talent working on action and thriller projects.
- Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI)flagshipAFCI and Stage 32 partnered on global workforce training initiative to address crew shortages. Launched 2026 to train and credential film/TV professionals internationally.
- Cecilian CreativescorePartnership established to provide globally recognized filmmaking training to Limpopo filmmakers. Initiative offers access to certification courses, webinars, and global database to enhance local talent visibility and career opportunities.
- NetflixflagshipNetflix partnered with Stage 32 for 'Creating Content for the Global Marketplace' program - educational virtual workshops aimed at emerging talent worldwide learning to turn ideas into compelling structured series. Netflix executives present workshops.
- Cannes Film Festival Marché du FilmflagshipLong-standing partnership with Cannes Film Festival Marché du Film. Stage 32 has collaborated on initiatives and used Cannes as launch-pad for programs. Jérôme Paillard, former Executive Director, serves as educator/mentor on platform.
- American Film Market (AFM)corePartner with American Film Market. Richard Botto honored as 2022 Entertainment Industry Innovator at AFM. Stage 32 involved in AFM sessions and educational programming.
- SXSWcoreStage 32 partnered with SXSW to offer online screenings for filmmakers impacted by 2020 festival cancellation due to COVID-19. Platform showcased films to industry executives.
- Raindance Film FestivalcoreOngoing collaboration including first-ever shorts competition launch at Raindance. Richard Botto joined Raindance Grand Jury and hosted expert panel on crowdsourcing.
- Austin Film FestivalcorePartnership with Austin Film Festival for screenwriting education and industry programming.
- Producers Guild of America (PGA)corePartnership with PGA for workforce development and educational initiatives. Also collaborated on PGA Women's Impact Network pitching events.
- Writers Guild of America (WGA)corePartnership for writer development and educational programming with the Writers Guild of America.
- Directors Guild of America (DGA)corePartnership with DGA for director development and industry education initiatives.
- Bondit Media CapitalcoreBondit Media Capital partnered with Stage 32 on a four-part masterclass series about film financing. Matthew Helderman and Robert Ogden Barnum served as expert speakers.
- Tito's Handmade VodkaminorTito's Handmade Vodka is the official vodka of Stage 32, indicating a sponsorship/marketing partnership.
- CoverflycoreStage 32 launched Global Screenwriting Contest Hub as replacement for Coverfly, allowing writers to carry over their accolades. CTO Mitch Lusas previously served as COO and Head of Product at Coverfly.
- Gidden MediacoreGidden Media (Amy Baer) is a production company partnered with Stage 32 for content incubation and production. Stage 32 has helped incubate projects including Chick Fight, 10-31, and others.
- Ramo Law PCcoreRamo Law (Elsa Ramo, Tiffany Boyle) partnered with Stage 32 for legal services, packaging, sales, and producer mentorship. Discovered Chick Fight and What Lies Ahead through Stage 32 platform.
- Three Point CapitalcoreThree Point Capital (Viviana Zarragoitia) partnered with Stage 32 for film financing mentorship and education. Viviana has been involved in financing over 100 independent films.
- Fortitude International / e2b CapitalcoreRobert Ogden Barnum's Fortitude International and e2b Capital partnered with Stage 32 for film financing education and project development.
- Screen Australia / WIFT AustraliacorePartnership with Screen Australia's Gender Matters Taskforce and WIFT Australia's ElevateUs program. Stage 32 provides mentors from Amazon Studios, Warner Bros., Verve Talent & Literary Agency.
- Women in Film and Television InternationalcoreUnveiled education partnership at Cannes addressing vital skill gaps for women as filmmaking expands globally driven by tax incentives.
- Catalyst StudioscoreCatalyst Studios partnered with Stage 32 for 'Empowering Women' screenwriting contest and joint script development program. Winner Jacqueline Elyse Rosenthal's 'Backlog' won 2024 contest.
- National LampooncoreNational Lampoon partnered with Stage 32 for comedy screenwriting competition. Winning script received $5,000 option and placement in mentoring program.
- The Blood ListcoreStage 32 and The Blood List partnered for 'Search for New Blood' contest to discover undiscovered dark genre screenwriters.
- Black Boy Writes / Black Girl WritescoreMike Gauyo (Insecure) and Stage 32 partnered for mentorship initiative supporting Black writers. Multiple years of programming with industry mentors.
- BRIC FoundationcoreStage 32 partnered with BRIC Foundation for diversity and inclusion summit. Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges delivered keynote at fourth annual summit.
- PGA Women's Impact NetworkcoreStage 32 and PGA Women's Impact Network launched pitching event for female-centric scripts and projects across film, television, reality, and new media.
- Variety Business IntelligenceminorPartnership to increase networking and educational opportunities, combining Variety Insight data analytics with Stage 32's community platform.
- StarzcoreStarz writers intensive program provides Stage 32 scholarships to underrepresented screenwriters with unlimited access to over 3,000 hours of training.
- Kurdistan Film CommissioncoreAmanda Toney discussed collaboration with Kurdistan Film Commission to help certify talent and support productions through new film commission.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Stage 32 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MasterClass: Premium online learning platform featuring celebrity-taught courses across creative and professional disciplines, including film, TV, and entertainment. Direct overlap with Stage 32's entertainment education library and executive-taught content model; the platform is explicitly referenced by Stage 32's own instructors (e.g., Chris Moore quote about choosing Stage 32 over MasterClass).
- The Black List: Online platform for screenwriters to upload scripts, receive peer evaluations, and gain exposure to industry professionals and representatives. Directly comparable to Stage 32's script services, screenwriting contests, and pitch session offerings, serving the same screenwriter persona with similar discovery and feedback mechanisms.
- Coverfly: Previously operated a screenwriting contest marketplace and script discovery platform; Stage 32 launched its Global Screenwriting Contest Hub as the replacement for Coverfly, absorbing key Coverfly operators (CTO Mitch Lusas was Coverfly COO/Head of Product). Closest historical peer before Stage 32's consolidation of the category.
- Script Pipeline: Screenwriting discovery platform running competitions and connecting writers with managers, agents, and producers. Directly comparable to Stage 32's Global Screenwriting Contest Hub, pitch sessions, and development services for emerging screenwriters.
- International Screenwriters' Association (ISA): Membership organization offering screenwriting development services, competitions, and industry connections to writers worldwide. Comparable to Stage 32's contest, mentorship, and script services offerings, with a similar horizontal focus on screenwriters and emerging talent seeking industry access.
Emerging players
- Mandy.com: Online platform connecting creative professionals (actors, crew, voice talent) with production opportunities worldwide. Comparable to Stage 32's jobs board and professional networking for actors, performers, and crew seeking entertainment industry opportunities.
- ProductionHUB: Production services marketplace and directory connecting film/video professionals with production jobs, crew, and equipment. Comparable to Stage 32's jobs board, networking, and crew-certification offerings for below-the-line production professionals.
- Skillshare: Online learning community with a creator-led, multi-instructor course catalog covering creative and business topics. Overlaps with Stage 32's creator-led education model and multi-instructor catalog, but does not focus specifically on the entertainment industry.
Broad incumbents
- LinkedIn (Learning): Global professional networking platform with LinkedIn Learning offering courses taught by industry practitioners. The "LinkedIn of entertainment" framing used by Stage 32 highlights direct comparison; LinkedIn operates at much larger scale but without the vertical entertainment specialization.
- Backstage: Long-standing platform serving performers and creatives with casting calls, industry news, and educational resources. Comparable to Stage 32's broader entertainment professional community, jobs board, and industry access offerings, particularly for actors and below-the-line professionals.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks3 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Stage 32 social profiles
Digital presenceStage 32 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Stage 32 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Stage 32 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Stage 32 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Stage 32
What does Stage 32 do?
Stage 32 operates a cloud-based online platform connecting over 1.3 million film, television, and digital content professionals across 185+ countries. The platform combines a professional networking community, the world's largest entertainment education library (3,000+ hours of classes and webinars), a below-the-line certification program endorsed by film commissions and guilds, a script services marketplace with direct executive access, and screenwriting contests. Revenue is generated through freemium membership subscriptions, paid certification courses, transactional script services, and contest entry fees.
Is Stage 32 a public or private company?
Stage 32 is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Stage 32 founded?
Stage 32 was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Stage 32 based?
Stage 32 is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Stage 32 make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are education and Certification Programs, script Services and screenwriting Contests.
Who are Stage 32's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MasterClass, The Black List, Coverfly, Script Pipeline and International Screenwriters' Association (ISA). Emerging players are Mandy.com, ProductionHUB and Skillshare. Broad incumbents are LinkedIn (Learning) and Backstage.
Does Stage 32 have an API?
No public API is recorded for Stage 32.
What industry is Stage 32 in?
Stage 32's product category is Entertainment Industry Professional Networking & Education Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMAJAL, Online Learning Content & Course Publishing Platforms, with a secondary code of MPACALAA, Creator Course Marketplaces (Multi-Instructor Catalogs). Its NAICS code is 512 and its SIC code is 2741.