Menu
Book
Script
Film
Book
Script
Film

Alisa Stern

Yulecide

2026 Screenwriting Contest - Quarterfinalist

Alisa is an NYC-based animator, puppet builder, filmmaker, and screenwriter whose work often explores the limitations and subversion of medium and genre, especially horror.

After graduating from Pratt Institute with a BFA in film and animation, her first job was making stop motion puppets for two Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-inspired commercials. Since then, Alisa has contributed animation, art, and props to music videos, digital media companies, YouTube channels, TV shows on Nick Jr. and Cartoon Network, and even the Macy’s Christmas windows. Clearly, she has always gravitated towards holiday-related media.

Alisa has independently directed/co-directed four short films: Sum of its Parts (2019), Posted No Hunting (2021), Spiral to the Center (2023), and VHX (2024) that have screened at dozens of film festivals around the world. VHX, made with frequent collaborator Scott Ampleford, is a stop motion animated horror pastiche about VHS tapes facing the terror of being taped over. It premiered at FrightFest and went on to play at FilmQuest, Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, Nightmares Film Festival, Cinequest, Indy Shorts, Tallgrass Film Festival, and many more. It also won a jury prize at the Chattanooga Film Festival and Best Lo-Budget Short Film at the London Short Film Festival.

Instagram | Bluesky | Website

Newsletter

Join the Script Pipeline community and
receive $5 off a contest entry.
Subscribe

Upcoming Deadlines

2026 First Look Project

Regular Deadline: September 30, 2026

The 14th Annual First Look Project searches for higher-concept material across MULTIPLE categories for film and TV, introducing select writers to reps and producers.

Latest Success Stories

"First Look Project" Winner Signs w/Adventure Media

August 3, 2026

Scott Wagner, winner of the First Look Project (Drama) with his screenplay Intern of the Year signed with manager Aubrey Morgan at Adventure Media in 2026. Pipeline execs called Intern of the Year, loosely based on Scott's own experiences working in a hospital, as "one of the "most riveting dramas we've ever reviewed." The Pipeline […]

Screenwriting Winner "Untitled Home Invasion Romance" Released in 2026

August 2, 2026

Screenwriting Competition winner Untitled Home Invasion Romance (formerly Getaway) was produced in the summer of 2024 released in 2026 and is now on streaming. Jason Biggs (American Pie, Orange is the New Black) makes his directorial debut with the crime/comedy. Stars Anna Conkle (Pen15), Arturo Castro (Broad City), Meaghan Rath (Hawaii Five-o), and Justin H. […]

Finalist Script "Buzzkill" to Star Billy Magnussen, Lulu Wilson

October 23, 2025

A top 10 finalist in the 2023 Screenwriting Competition, Buzzkill by Colin McLaughlin is set to be produced! Joe Lynch will direct, with Billy Magnussen (Game Night) and Lulu Wilson (Becky) to star. Read more on Deadline. Colin's horror/comedy was lauded by Pipeline execs as "one of the freshest spins on a horror concept we've […]

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.
© 2026 Pipeline Media Group
Contact