Winning screenplay competitions is a very positive boost to the ego, but in the end that takes second position to the primary purpose: the EXPOSURE you deserve for winning. If done right, the competition is judging you on your talent from a level playing field.
There’s a ton of competitions out there – the trick is finding the right ones or, to be blunt, finding competitions which aren’t a scam. With that in mind, here’s a cherry-picked list I’ve built up over the past few years. While there’s certainly hundreds more out there, this Baker’s Dozen represents legitimate competitions with definite endgame value:
Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition
The script competition at AFF is one of the top three most credible, honored and head-turning in the nation. While it is but one facet of the stellar AFF program … it also happens to consistently call out the best in the business, and deserves the respect it demands. For full-lengths.
Entry fee: $60
Deadline: June 1st
Info: https://austinfilmfestival.com/submit/screenplay-and-teleplay-submissions-2/
Slamdance Short/Long Screenplay Competition
The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to new writers. They accept screenplays in every genre, on any topic from every country around the world. Their mission is to bring attention to the most talented emerging screenwriters and introduce them to the industry. The WGA, west holds a reception each year for the winners.
Entry fee: Prices vary dependent submission date and additional services available (e.g. coverage)
Final Deadline: July 22nd
Info: http://www.slamdance.com
Final Draft Big Break Competition
Includes prizes and/or submission to show runners, agents and studios who are in search of new talent. Final Draft’s Big Break Screenwriting Contest is an annual, international feature film and television screenwriting contest designed to help launch the careers of aspiring writers. Writers who have entered Big Break have had their screenplays optioned, sold, and have secured high-profile representation.
Entry fee: $59 (by June 2nd), $79 (by August 2nd)
Deadline: Opens May 1st
Info: https://www.finaldraft.com/big-break-screenwriting-contest/
Scriptapalooza Competition
Top selectees will have their scripts read by producers and agents in the film industry. The program is run with WGA oversight and approval. This is a twice a year competition that has been around for almost a decade.
Entry fee: $75
Deadline: See website – dates vary.
Info: http://www.scriptapalooza.com/
Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program is an international competition open to screenwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 writing for film or television. Entry scripts must be the original work of a sole author or of exactly two collaborative authors. Entries must have been written originally in English. Adaptations and translated scripts are not eligible. Up to five $30,000 fellowships are awarded each year.
Entry fee: Varies
Deadline: May 1, annually
Info: https://www.oscars.org/nicholl
BlueCat Screenplay Competition
Includes cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1000. Every screenplay submitted to BlueCat receives written analysis from industry insiders.
Entry fee: $35 to $65 (dependent on entry date)
Deadline: April
Info: http://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/
Script Pipeline Competition
Connects talented writers with production companies, agencies, and managers. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, we focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
Entry fee: $35 to $65 (dependent on entry date)
Deadline: May 15th
Info: http://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/
And for current faculty and students….
National BEA Festival Student Screenplay Competition
Info: A national competition for the best shorts and full-length scripts written while attending college. Missouri State has done extremely well in this competition.
Entry fee: $30
Deadline: December 15th (on/about)
http://beaweb.org/festival/student-scriptwriting-competition/