Calling All Screenwriters: 5 Upcoming Screenplay Competitions You Can Enter Now

Why Enter Screenwriting Competitions?

Entering screenplay competitions might seem daunting, but the rewards are substantial. Here's why it's worth your time and effort:

• Get Feedback from Industry Professionals: Many competitions offer valuable feedback from experienced screenwriters, directors, and producers. This insider perspective can significantly elevate your script. https://www.scriptmag.com/
• Boost Your Credibility: Winning or placing in a competition showcases your talent to potential collaborators, agents, and producers. It's a stamp of approval in a highly competitive industry. https://www.blcklst.com/
• Networking Opportunities: Competitions often feature industry events and workshops, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. https://www.austinfilmfestival.com/
• Financial Support: Some competitions offer cash prizes, scholarships, or development deals, which can help fund your future projects. https://www.nicholsfilmfestival.com/
• Exposure and Recognition: Winning or placing in a high-profile competition can bring your screenplay to a wider audience, attracting attention from industry professionals. https://www.sundance.org/festivals/film-festival/

Think of entering competitions as a strategic investment in your screenwriting career. It's a chance to sharpen your skills, gain recognition, and build valuable connections.

Winning a screenplay competition can be a game-changer for aspiring screenwriters. Here's why it's worth your time and effort:

• Instant Credibility: A win instantly validates your talent and sets you apart from the crowd. It's a powerful signal to industry professionals that you have what it takes to write a winning script.
• Exposure and Networking: Screenplay competitions often feature awards ceremonies and industry panels, providing valuable networking opportunities with producers, agents, and other professionals. This can lead to crucial connections and potential collaborations.
• Financial Rewards: Many competitions offer cash prizes, which can help you fund your next project or provide financial stability while pursuing your writing career.
• Mentorship and Feedback: Some competitions offer mentorship programs or feedback from industry experts, giving you invaluable guidance and insights to improve your craft.
• Production Opportunities: Winning a competition can sometimes lead to production deals, giving your script a chance to see the light of day. For example, the Nicholl Fellowship is known for producing successful screenwriters and launching their careers.
• Confidence Boost: Winning a competition is a major accomplishment that can boost your confidence and motivation to keep writing.

Don't underestimate the power of participating in screenplay competitions. They are a fantastic platform to showcase your talent, gain recognition, and connect with the industry. Start exploring the options today and take that crucial step towards your screenwriting dreams!

Calling all screenwriters! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, entering a screenplay competition is a great way to get your work in front of industry professionals and gain valuable feedback. It's also a chance to win some serious cash and prizes. Here are 5 upcoming screenplay competitions you can enter in 2023:

1. The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

The Nicholl Fellowships are considered one of the most prestigious screenplay competitions in the world. Winners receive a $35,000 cash prize, mentorship from industry professionals, and the opportunity to have their script read by Hollywood executives. The deadline to submit your script is August 1, 2023. https://www.nicholfellowships.com/

2. The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

The Academy Nicholl Fellowships are another highly respected competition, administered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Winners receive a $35,000 cash prize, mentorship from industry professionals, and the opportunity to have their script read by Hollywood executives. The deadline to submit your script is August 1, 2023. https://www.oscars.org/nicholl-fellowships

3. The Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition

The Austin Film Festival is a major film festival that also hosts a screenplay competition. Winners receive cash prizes, industry mentorship, and the opportunity to have their script read by Hollywood executives. The deadline to submit your script is July 1, 2023. https://austinfilmfestival.com/

4. The ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship

The ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship is a highly selective program that provides mentorship and guidance to aspiring screenwriters. Winners receive a cash prize, industry mentorship, and the opportunity to have their script read by Hollywood executives. The deadline to submit your script is July 1, 2023. https://screencraft.org/

5. The Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Competition

The Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Competition is a great opportunity for aspiring screenwriters to get their work in front of industry professionals. Winners receive cash prizes, industry mentorship, and the opportunity to have their script read by Hollywood executives. The deadline to submit your script is July 1, 2023. https://www.finaldraft.com/big-break-competition/

These are just a few of the many screenplay competitions out there. Be sure to do your research and find the ones that are right for you. And most importantly, don't give up on your dreams! It's always a great time to push yourself and chase your passion. Good luck!

The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is one of the most prestigious and competitive screenplay competitions in the world. Established in 1986 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Nicholl Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for aspiring screenwriters to gain recognition, mentorship, and financial support.

Each year, the Nicholl Fellowships receive thousands of entries from writers around the globe. Only a handful are selected as finalists and ultimately awarded fellowships. Winners receive a $35,000 cash prize and the opportunity to work with experienced industry professionals.

What Makes the Nicholl Fellowships Unique?

• Prestige and Recognition: Winning a Nicholl Fellowship is a significant achievement that can open doors to a successful screenwriting career. It demonstrates your talent and potential to industry professionals and can help you stand out in a competitive field.
• Mentorship and Networking: The Nicholl Fellowships provide finalists and winners with valuable mentorship opportunities, connecting them with experienced screenwriters, agents, and producers. You’ll have the chance to network with some of the best in the business.
• Financial Support: The $35,000 cash prize can help you focus on your writing career without the financial burden.
• Exposure and Visibility: Nicholl Fellows have a high chance of getting their work read by industry professionals. The competition also attracts significant media attention, providing winners with increased visibility.

Key Dates and Eligibility

• Submission Period: Typically opens in late April or early May and closes in late August or early September.
• Eligibility: You must be a screenwriter who has not yet been commercially produced for a theatrical feature film.

How to Enter

1. Visit the official Nicholl Fellowships website: https://www.oscars.org/nicholl-fellowships
2. Carefully review the eligibility requirements and submission guidelines.
3. Submit your screenplay electronically through the online submission portal.

Tips for Success

• Write a compelling and polished screenplay: The Nicholl Fellowships are highly selective, so your screenplay needs to be exceptional.
• Follow the submission guidelines carefully: Ensure your screenplay meets all format and length requirements.
• Be patient and persistent: The competition process can be lengthy, so be prepared to wait and stay focused on your writing.

The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting are a highly sought-after award, and winning can significantly boost your screenwriting career. If you’re a serious screenwriter, consider entering the competition and giving yourself a shot at achieving your dreams.

Calling all screenwriters! If you're looking to get your screenplay in front of industry professionals and potentially win some cash prizes, the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition is a great option. Here's what you need to know:

• Deadline: The deadline for submitting your screenplay is typically in June. Make sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
• Categories: The Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition offers several categories for your screenplay, including feature, short, television, and even stage play.
• Prizes: The competition offers a variety of cash prizes, including a grand prize of $10,000. Winners also receive industry recognition, which can be a huge boost to their career.

What makes the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition unique?

• Focus on Story: The Austin Film Festival is renowned for its commitment to celebrating the art of storytelling. This makes it an excellent place to showcase your screenplay and connect with other storytellers.
• Industry Access: The festival attracts renowned industry professionals, including producers, directors, and agents, making it a valuable opportunity for networking.
• Workshops and Events: The festival offers a variety of workshops and events designed to help screenwriters hone their craft and connect with industry peers.

Ready to enter? Visit the official Austin Film Festival website to learn more and submit your screenplay: https://www.austinfilmfestival.com/.

The PAGE Awards, hosted by the Producers Guild of America, is a prestigious award ceremony recognizing excellence in writing for film, television, and new media. While they don't have a dedicated screenwriting competition, their annual awards include categories for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay for theatrical motion pictures. It's worth noting that nominations for these categories come from a large pool of eligible movies, making it a significant honor for any screenwriter to be considered. While the awards are not a competition, they are a valuable benchmark for screenwriters seeking recognition for their work. To learn more about the PAGE Awards and their eligibility criteria, visit the Producers Guild of America website.

The ScreenCraft Screenwriting Competition is a highly respected competition that awards winners in a variety of categories, including features, pilots, short scripts, and even screenplays for video games. The competition has a strong reputation for discovering new talent and helping writers break into the industry.

Why you should enter:

• Industry recognition: Winning ScreenCraft can be a major boost to your career. Past winners have gone on to sign with agencies, get their scripts optioned, and even sell their work to studios.
• Valuable feedback: ScreenCraft offers detailed feedback from industry professionals, even if you don't win. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you refine your work and improve your craft.
• Networking opportunities: The competition offers networking opportunities with industry professionals, including agents, producers, and directors. This can help you build relationships and get your foot in the door.

Entry fees: The entry fees for the ScreenCraft Screenwriting Competition vary by category. You can find the latest information on the ScreenCraft website.

Deadlines: The deadlines for the ScreenCraft Screenwriting Competition vary by category. You can find the latest information on the ScreenCraft website.

Calling all aspiring screenwriters! The Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Competition is a fantastic opportunity to get your screenplay in front of industry professionals. This annual competition is open to writers of all experience levels, and offers a chance to win some amazing prizes, including a script development deal with Final Draft. Here's what you need to know:

• Eligibility: Open to writers of all experience levels, with submissions accepted in the following categories: Feature Film, Short Film, TV Pilot, and Web Series.
• Deadlines: The deadline for submissions is typically in the fall, so check the official website for exact dates.
• Prizes: The Grand Prize winner receives a script development deal with Final Draft, including a year of Final Draft software, a consultation with a script consultant, and a chance to have their script read by industry professionals. There are also prizes for runners-up, including software licenses, consultations, and more.

Why you should enter:

• Exposure: This competition gives you the chance to get your screenplay in front of industry professionals, which can lead to valuable feedback, connections, and potential opportunities.
• Prizes: The prizes offered are valuable and can help you further your screenwriting career.
• Community: Joining the Final Draft community provides access to resources, networking opportunities, and a supportive environment for screenwriters.

How to enter:

1. Visit the Final Draft website.
2. Read the competition rules carefully.
3. Submit your screenplay online.
4. Good luck!

Official Website: https://www.finaldraft.com/

Tips for Success:

• Polish your screenplay: Make sure your screenplay is polished, professional, and ready to impress.
• Follow the rules: Carefully read and follow all the competition rules.
• Network: Connect with other screenwriters and industry professionals.
• Get feedback: Get your screenplay read and reviewed by trusted readers.

Entering the Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Competition can be a valuable step in your screenwriting journey. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!