Top 10 Best Competitions for Screenwriters

One of the best things you can do as a screenwriter is to submit your scripts to competitions. Contests give you a chance not only to receive feedback on your work from professional screenwriters but also can connect with other creators and scope the rising talent in the field of film. And, if you are lucky, cash prizes may be involved as well. 

Although there are literally dozens of competitions, here are just a few that are definitely worth checking out:

BlueCat Screenplay Competition

Whether you have a screenplay or a pilot script, this competition offers something for you. When writers submit their work, BlueCat guarantees to provide a written analysis of scripts with no additional fee. It also presents an opportunity for writers to connect with professionals in the industry. Monetary prizes are available in categories like Feature Screenplay, Pilot Script, and Short Script. 

For more information, check them out here.

Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge

If you are looking for practical feedback from professionals on your script, this competition is perfect. It accepts feature film screenplays and 30-minute and 60-minute TV pilots. Each entrant will receive 50 points of analysis from judges familiar with Save the Cat! methodology. Participants will also receive feedback on their scripts’ marketability and structure. Winners have access to various opportunities, from live table readings to meeting with judges to a trip to Los Angeles. 

For more information, check them out here.

Sundance Screenwriters’ Lab

If you are in the process of writing your first feature film, then this five-day workshop provides a great opportunity for you to hone your skills under the guidance of established writers. The Screenwriters Lab is held in Utah, but the institution covers the cost of travel, food, and housing for up to two participants per project. This workshop is also quite competitive, with only twelve projects selected for the Screenwriters Lab. Not only does this lab give you a chance to get top-tier feedback, but it also presents you a chance to network with other filmmakers globally. 

For more information, check them out here.

Academy Nicholl Fellowship

This competition is one of the most prestigious screenwriting competitions currently running. It allows writers to submit an 80-120 page script to win one of five $35,000 fellowships. Works with up to two writers are acceptable; a piece with three or more collaborators will not be accepted. If you think you have what it takes to compete with screenwriters from around the world, you should consider entering this contest. 

For more information, check them out here.

North Fork TV Festival

If you are excited to craft high-quality television scripts, this competition is for you. Creators may submit any number of pilots ranging from thirteen minutes to one hour of any genre they wish. The festival will allow you to display your skills to leaders and executives in the television industry. This competition is worth checking for anyone looking to work as a TV writer. 

For more information, check them out here.

Scriptapalooza

Scriptapalooza has several competitions, including the International Screenplay Competition and the International Television Writing Competition. This screenplay competition has over ninety-five producers reading the entries, with Semifinalists and higher being promoted by Scriptapalooza for an entire year. In the TV writing competition, you can order feedback for your work. Winners’ work is shown to over fifty producers. The competition provides an amazing opportunity for writers to network and advance their work and career. 

For more information, check them out here.

SlamDance

Ready to turn your screenplay into a full-fledged production? The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is designed for writers who want to take their work to the next level. This competition consists of four categories: feature, horror, short, and teleplay. Participants will receive constructive feedback on their work and a subscription to the Slamdance Channel. Competitors that have scripts nominated to be turned into films have the chance to be selected for the Mentorship Award, and a chance to meet Slamdance’s alumni and screenwriting consultants. 

For more information, check them out here.

Austin Screenwriting Competition

One of the most prominent competitions in the screenwriting industry, this contest is the ideal opportunity for writers to connect with industry professionals and show off their talents. In addition to the competition, attendees will receive access to a wide variety of panels, roundtables, pitch sessions, and workshops. Second Rounders, Semifinalists, and Finalists can attend exclusive workshops and meet industry professionals. 

For more information, check them out here.

Screencraft

If you enjoy writing in a specific genre, Screencraft offers the ideal competitions for you. Screencraft presents a variety of writing contests, such as Horror, Family Film, and Short Film. Winners of these competitions receive mentorship opportunities with top writers in the film industry. 

For more information, check them out here.

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards

A global screenwriting contest, PAGE works to connect up-and-coming writers with industry professionals. It accepts original scripts for feature and short films and TV pilots. Additionally, it provides various services, such as script synopsis, in-depth analysis, and concept evaluation. If you are looking to break into the world of Hollywood, then you should consider participating in this competition. 

For more information, check them out here.

For anyone looking to make a career out of screenwriting, compeititions provides opportunities to network professionals and get your work noticed. They are also a fantastic way to test your limits, hone your skills, and meet some talented people along the way. 

Plus, it is fun!

Good luck on your writing journey, and may the Author of all stories be with you!