This is by no means an exhaustive list of every screenplay competition and fellowship program out there. But these are just a few that are definitely worth checking out. I’ve already submitted my script to a few of them. Is your script ready to compete?
If your script isn’t quite ready yet, don’t worry! I’ll be back with another round-up in the fall. That gives you plenty of time to get inspired and get writing.
Stage 32 Annual TV Drama Screenwriting Contest
Accepts hour-long pilots (no spec scripts).
Grand Prize Includes: in-person meetings with seven top industry professionals, pitch deck development, free membership to Stage 32 Writer’s Room, and support from Stage 32’s team to get your career off the ground.
Regular Deadline: May 3
Final Deadline: May 24.
Raindance Script Competition
Accepts Features, TV Pilots, Web Series, and Shorts. (no spec scripts)
Grand Prize Includes: a one-year subscription to Celtex Writer Pro and a spot in Raindance’s 10-week online fellowship program.
Regular Deadline: May 8
Late Deadline: June 12
Extended Deadline: July 10
Stage 32 Annual TV Comedy Screenwriting Contest
Accepts hour or half hour Pilots. (no spec scripts)
Grand Prize Includes: in-person meetings with nine top industry professionals, pitch deck development, free membership to Stage 32 Writer’s Room, and support from Stage 32’s team to get your career off the ground.
Early Bird Deadline: May 10
Regular Deadline: June 7
Final Deadline: June 28
ISA Fast Track Fellowship
Accepts Features, TV, and Spec Scripts.
Program Benefits: Meetings with eight top-level agents and producers, acceptance to the ISA Development Slate for a minimum of one year, and mentorship from an ISA Development Executive.
Early Deadline: May 10
Final Deadline: August 10
Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition
Accepts only original Feature scripts.
Grand Prize Includes: $25,000 cash, development assistance from Script Pipeline’s executives, and long-term script circulation.
Final Deadline: May 15
PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
Accepts Features, Shorts, and Pilots. Features are subdivided into seven genre competitions. Pilots are subdivided into Drama and Comedy. And yes, you can enter your script into multiple genre categories! (no spec scripts)
Grand Prize Includes: $25,000 cash, InkTip Pro Membership, Filmarket Hub Promo, Roadmap Promo Package, and gift certificates to Amazon, Office Depot, Starbucks, and Netflix.
Final Deadline: May 15
Scriptapalooza Fellowship
Accepts Feature, TV, and Spec scripts.
Program Benefits: an online Robert McKee Story Seminar, a six-month mentorship with a producer (participating producers listed on website), and access to over 90 producers thru Scriptapalooza’s network.
Final Deadline: May 15
ISA Creative Screenwriting Pilot Screenplay Competition
Accepts original Pilot episodes of any genre (no spec scripts).
Grand Prize Includes: $3,000 cash, consideration for an option by Creative Screenwriter Productions, consideration for representation by Culture Creative Entertainment, and a featured article on Creative Screenwriting.
Regular Deadline: May 16
Final Deadline: June 15
ISA Creative Screenwriting Feature Screenplay Competition
Accepts original Feature scripts of any genre.
Grand Prize Includes: $3,000 cash, consideration for an option by Creative Screenwriter Productions, consideration for representation by Culture Creative Entertainment, and a featured article on Creative Screenwriting.
Regular Deadline: May 16
Final Deadline: June 15
Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Competition
Accepts original Features and Pilots of any genre (no Specs or Miniseries)
Grand Prize Includes: $10,000 cash, an Apple iPad, a Dell XPS 13 laptop, an online UCLAex screenwriting masterclass, and meetings with managers, producers, and executives.
Regular Deadline: May 22
Final Deadline: June 12
Extended Deadline: June 30
Austin Film Festival
AFF has a multitude of separate competitions including: Drama Feature Screenplay, Comedy Feature Screenplay, Short Screenplay, Drama Teleplay, Comedy Teleplay, and The AMC One-Hour Pilot Award.
Prizes: Cash (amount varies by individual competition), reimbursement of hotel and airfare, and an AFF Bronze Typewriter Award.
Late Deadline: May 25
Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards
Accepts original Features, Pilots, Shorts, and Webseries. (no spec scripts)
Grand Prize Includes: $1,000 cash, a Zoom consultation with Lit Manager Dan Seco, Inktip membership, and a featured story on Filmatic.com.
Final Deadline: May 31
Filmmatic Comedy Screenplay Awards
Accepts original Features, Pilots, Shorts, Webseries, and Podcasts. (no spec scripts)
Grand Prize Includes: $1,000 cash, a Zoom consultation with Lit Manager Kathy Muraviov, a Screenwriting Staffing Premium Membership, and organized press exposure.
Regular Deadline: May 31
Late Deadline: June 30
Final Deadline: July 31
Shore Scripts TV Pilot Contest
Accepts original hour and half-hour Pilots.
Grand Prize Includes: $2,500 cash, industry guidance from producer Sean Charles, one year Pro Raindance Membership, and a call with Shore Script’s Writer Development Team.
Regular Deadline: May 31
Final Deadline: June 30
Slamdance Screenplay Competition
Accepts Features, Pilots, and Shorts. (no spec scripts)
Grand Prize Includes: $10,000 cash, Festival Passes good for all screenings and parties at the next Slamdance Film Festival, and inclusion in the upcoming Slamdance Film Festival program.
Regular Deadline: June 6
Late Deadline: July 18
Final Deadline: July 24
Shore Scripts Feature Contest
Accepts original Features.
Grand Prize Includes: $5,000 cash, industry guidance from screenwriter Roberto Bentivena, one year Pro Raindance Membership, and a call with Shore Script’s Writer Development Team.
Early Deadline: June 23
Regular Deadline: July 31
Final Deadline: August 31
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