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Essay Competition

The ISA Essay Competition is an annual opportunity for pupils at ISA Members’ schools to showcase their writing skills. Young writers are invited to submit entries to a range of categories. Open to Years 5-13.

Open for entries: Thursday 13 February  Deadline: Thursday 24 April

ISA Essay Competition 2023-24

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the competition this year and to the winners. ISA Essay Competition 2024 - Results

Please see the winning entries below:

Click here for year 5-6 winners Click here for years 7-8 winners Click here for years 9-11 winners  Click here for years 12-13 winners

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40 Best Screenwriting Contests & Fellowships To Enter In 2024 [RANKED!]

The ultimate list of screenwriting contests and fellowships that'll kickstart your career..

40 best screenwriting contests and fellowships to enter in 2024.

Screenwriting contests and fellowships can be something of a confusing minefield for writers. Practically all of them claim to offer “industry access,” “life-changing careers,” etc. but do they really? Are they worth the money? Are they even legit?

But let’s say you want to enter one, how do you know which are the very best screenwriting competitions and fellowships to spend your cash on? Should you go for the big players like the Nicholl, or smaller less well-known fare?

Below you’ll find the ultimate, no b.s. list of the best screenplay contests and best screenwriting fellowships to enter in 2024—only those that deliver what they promise: real industry access.

Before we get to the list—why not download our Screenwriting Calendar to keep track of all of the best screenwriting contests and fellowships out there.

How to use this best screenwriting fellowships and contests list.

Rather than spending a small fortune on blasting your screenplay off to dozens of script competitions, do some research first and be super-selective on which ones you enter.

Let’s say you’ve written a slasher horror spec. Chances are, no matter how good the script, it’s unlikely to place highly in the Nicholl Fellowship, so entering would more than likely be a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, your first port of call should be competitions that have had a certain amount of horror screenplay winners, or have a specific horror category, such as ScreenCraft or Slamdance.

Find out how often your screenplay’s genre has actually done well in a particular screenplay competition and you’ll be giving yourself at a far higher chance of success.

So, without further ado, let’s get to the list. It’s ranked from #1 to #40 according to kudos and effectiveness at kickstarting writing careers, with #1 being the best.

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#1. academy nicholl fellowship..

Prizes/opportunities. Up to five $35,000 fellowships are awarded each year to promising new screenwriters.

Judges. They’re a mix of industry professionals who are and aren’t members of the Academy and the Academy Nicholl Committee, depending on which round you reach.

What can I submit? Feature script.

Will I get notes? No.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Sign up to their mailing list and/or follow on social media for the latest updates.

Academy Nicholl Fellowship is one of the best screenwriting contests for… kick-starting drama writers’ careers. Win this and prepare for your phone to melt from all the industry heat.

Check out the Academy Nicholl Fellowship >>

#2. ScreenCraft Writing Competitions.

Prizes/opportunities. Each ScreenCraft genre-specific script contest is unique, but all of them feature cash prizes and career-launching introductions to entertainment industry professionals including managers, agents, studio executives and award-winning filmmakers and TV showrunners.

Judges. First-rate film and television producers, writers, creative execs such as Meg LeFauve ( Captain Marvel ), Stephany Folsom ( Toy Story 4 ), and Damon Lindelof ( Watchmen ).

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot, short, animation, pitch, novel, short story, stage play.

Submission deadlines. Final – June 30, 2024

Rotates throughout the year, so sign up to their mailing list and/or follow on social media for the latest updates.

ScreenCraft Screenplay Competitions are some of the best for… launching careers of emerging screenwriters. Other contests further down this list may be “bigger” but you stand more chance of success with ScreenCraft and past winners have gone on to sign with agents at CAA, WME, UTA, etc. and write for Netflix, Blumhouse, CBS, etc.

Check out Screencraft’s Screenplay Contests >>

#3. Austin Film Festival Screenplay Contest.

Prizes/opportunities. Grand prize winner receives $5000 among various other awards and festival perks.

Judges. Judges are professional screenwriters, executive producers, show runners.

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot, short, scripted digital series, stage play, 90-second pitch, fiction podcast.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Early – March 22, 2024 Regular – April 19, 2024 Late – May 24, 2024

AFF is one of the best screenwriting contests for… gaining representation from an agent or manager.

Check out the Austin Film Festival contest >>

#4. Universal Writers Programs.

Overview. In 2017 Universal set up not one, but three programs for aspiring screenwriters: a Writers Lab for experienced and up-and-coming writers, Animation Program for animated film and TV writers, and Global Program for UK writers.

Prizes/opportunities. Each program is a one-year, full-time gig in which you’ll be paid $75,000 to develop your work with execs and producers and hopefully go on to work for Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG).

Judges. UFEG and Working Title execs, producers, and “professional evaluators.”

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot.

Universal Programs are some of the best screenwriting contests for… a high chance of getting hired by a major studio at the end of the lab.

Check out the Universal Programs >>

#5. Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest.

Prizes/opportunities. The Big Break script writing contest rewards winners with $10,000 in cash and other prizes, including a trip to Los Angeles and meetings with A-list managers, producers and execs.

Judges. Execs and producers such as Jeff Portnoy (Bellevue Productions), Gary King (Paramount), and Lauren Deitch (Netflix).

Submission deadlines. Final – June 10, 2024 Extended – June 28

Big Break is one of the best screenwriting contests for… getting screenplays optioned, produced and securing high-profile representation.

Check out the Big Break Screenwriting Contest >>

#6. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.

Prizes/opportunities. A whopping $25,000 goes to the Grand Prize winner, but it’s not about the money, right? It’s about the opportunities that come with being a finalist—securing representation, landing writing assignments, getting staffed on TV shows, etc.

Judges. Each year dozens of top producers, agents, and development execs judge the contest and read the winning screenplays.

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot, short.

Will I get notes? Yes, for an extra fee.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Regular – February 15, 2024 Late – March 15, 2024 Last minute – April 15, 2024

The PAGE Awards are one of the best screenwriting contests for… having co-sponsors like InkTip, TV Writers Vault, and Roadmap Writers actively promote your winning script, giving you a shot at the ultimate prize: the chance to get a screenplay produced.

Check out the PAGE International Screenplay Awards >>

#7. American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Winners receive a cash prize, plus outstanding Hollywood industry exposure. Indeed, the mission of the company is to “find and promote new and innovative voices in cinema.”

Judges. Professional readers review each entry, and Mr. Coppola himself helps select a winner from ten finalists.

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot, short story, one-act play.

Submission deadlines. TBA for 2024. Sign up to their mailing list and/or follow on social media for the latest updates.

American Zoetrope is one of the best screenplay competitions for… having your script read by top production companies and talent agencies, as all ten finalists have their scripts forwarded by Zoetrope.

Check out the American Zoetrope screenplay contest >>

#8. ISA Fast Track Fellowship.

Prizes/opportunities. Two winners meet with eight industry players and are receive a one-year placement onto the ISA Development Slate in which ISA execs champion their projects to their industry partners.

Judges. ISA mentors have included writers, directors, producers and execs from The Marksman, Ted Lasso, Whiplash, etc.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Final – February 15, 2024

The ISA Fellowship is one of the best screenwriting competitions for… networking with industry pros and getting the opportunity to pitch them projects.

Check out The ISA Fast Track Fellowship >>

#9. Trackingb Screenwriting Contest.

Prizes/opportunities. Three winners each receive promotion to the Trackingb community of industry insiders, as well as a read by their judging panel who will pick an overall winner.  Five honorable mentions will also be selected to receive exposure on Trackingb.

Judges. VPs, literary managers, creative execs galore.

Submission deadlines. Early – June 30, 2024 Late – August 19, 2024 Really late – October 1, 2024

Trackingb is one of the best screenwriting contests for… a no bs approach to getting repped. It simply does what it says it does—gives writers the inside track to a career in screenwriting.

Check out the Trackingb Screenplay Competition >>

#10. Scriptapalooza Script Writing Competition.

Judges. According to the site, “Every script that is entered into Scriptapalooza is read by either a producer, manager or agent. We do not use ‘readers’ or ‘regular people’ because they cannot do anything with your script. We go right to the source—a producer, manager or agent, they can make a difference, they can option your script, buy it, set-up a meeting or go straight to the studio with it.”

What can I submit? Feature script, short.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Late – February 5, 2024 Final – March 4, 2024 Last minute – April 8, 2024

Scriptapalooza is one of the best screenwriting contests for… promoting, pitching, and pushing semifinalists and higher for a full year.

Check out the Scriptapalooza Script Writing Competition >>

#11. Slamdance Screenplay Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Grand prize winner receives $10,000, festival passes for Slamdance Film Festival, Slamdance Screenplay Mentorship Award, and more.

Judges. Key figures from the world of independent film, such as filmmakers, producers, actors, directors, etc.

Will I get notes? Yes, but just a paragraph. More in-depth coverage is available for an additional fee.

Submission deadlines. Early – April 4, 2024 Regular – June 6, 2024 Late – July 18, 2024 Final – July 24, 2024

Slamdance is one of the best screenwriting contests for… horror/thriller writers as the contest prioritizes these genres for consideration.

Check out the Slamdance Screenplay Contest >>

#12. Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Grand prize winner receives $20,000, personal introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors searching for new projects and writers. Plus, long-term script circulation and consultations with Script Pipeline’s development team.

Judges. All judges are made up of Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff.

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot, pitch.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Early – March 1, 2024 Regular – May 1, 2024

Script Pipeline is one of the best screenwriting contests for… exposure to approximately 200 qualified industry contacts and long-term script development.

Check out the Script Pipeline Competition >>

#13. Launch Pad Screenwriting Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. At least one writer’s script will be selected for development, and at least one writer will be selected for representation and entry to the Launch Pad Mentorship Program. The top 10 writers are invited to meet with and pitch industry professionals from companies such as Lit Entertainment, MGM, Scott Free, etc.

Judges. Amanda Marshall (independent producer), Chris Tsui (development exec), Jasper Grey (manager and producer) and more.

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot, novel.

Submission deadlines. Regular – June 20, 2024 Late – July 20, 2024 Final – August 20, 2024

Launch Pad is one of the best screenplay competitions for… those looking for a real chance to have their work shared with industry pros. While many contests on this list advocate just their finalists, Launch Pad champions their top 100 writers—helping them connect with industry professionals.

Check out Launchpad Screenwriting Competition >>

#14. BlueCat Screenplay Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Cash prizes range from $2,000 to $7,500.

Judges. We couldn’t find any info on the site.

>Will I get notes? Yes, every script entered receives a one-page written analysis.

Submission deadlines. Final – June 25, 2024

BlueCat is one of the top screenwriting contests for… large cash prizes, plus winners and finalists signing with agencies like CAA and UTA.

Check out the BlueCat screenplay competition >>

#15. CineStory Fellowship Contest.

Prizes/opportunities. Just one feature writer and one TV writer will receive $7,000 – 10,000, an all-expenses paid spot at the Feature or TV Retreat, and a 12-month mentorship with two professional screenwriters.

Judges. We couldn’t find any info on the site other than “working Hollywood professionals. Each retreat brings a mix of executives, pro writers, directors, agents, managers and producers together.”

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Early – February 19, 2024 Regular – March 24, 2024 Late – April 21, 2024 Extended – May 19, 2024

CineStory is one of the best screenwriting contests for… getting scripts requests from the likes of Paradigm, The Lisa Callamaro Agency, Energy Entertainment etc.

Check out the CineStory Fellowship >>

#16. Creative World Awards Screenwriting Contest.

Prizes/opportunities. The Grand Prize winner receives $3,000 plus the opportunity to have their script produced as a short film.

Judges. We couldn’t find any info on the site other than “industry professionals.”

Will I get notes? Yes, for an additional fee.

Submission deadlines. Dates TBA.

CWA is one of the best screenwriting contests for… working with winning writers and championing their scripts by passing them along to production companies.

Check out the CWA screenwriting contest >>

#17. The Black List Annual Lab.

Prizes/opportunities. The Annual Lab gives twelve aspiring screenwriters the chance to join an intensive week-long workshop with professional writers to develop their scripts. Six are chosen for the Projects Lab (indie filmmaker focused) and six for the Writers Lab (studio spec focused).

Submission deadlines. Final – July 1, 2024

The Black List Lab is one of the best screenwriting contests for… developing a feature film script during an intensive period with the help of industry pros.

Check out the Black List Annual Lab >>

#18. Shore Scripts Screenplay Contests.

Prizes/opportunities. $5,000 – $500 in prize money, mentorships, general meetings, call with writer development team, etc.

Judges. The Shore Scripts roster of judges includes a best-selling author, independent producer, actress, executive producer and more.

Submission deadlines. Early – June 24, 2024 Regular – July 31, 2024 Final – August 30, 2024

Shore Scripts contests are some of the best for… helping aspiring writers become working writers. Many entrants go on to gain representation and write for Netflix, Paramount, Blumhouse, Hulu, etc.

Check out the Shore Scripts Screenplay Contests >>

#19. Table Read My Screenplay Screenplay Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Grand Prize winner receives $1,000 cash prize, table read with an experienced director and actors in front of a live audience online, consideration for development through ISA’s Development Team and more.

Judges. We couldn’t find any details on the site.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Regular – February 22, 2024 Final – March 28, 2024

Table Read My Screenplay is one of the best screenwriting contests for… having a professional table read of your script. The experience will be invaluable.

Check out the Table Read My Screenplay Competition >>

#20. The Script Lab Screenplay Contest.

Prizes/opportunities. Three winners receive $50 – $500, distribution to their network of nearly one thousand industry professionals, career consultation session with Coverfly, and other perks.

Will I get notes? Yes, for a fee.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Regular – January 31, 2024

Script Lab is one of the best screenplay competitions for… free entry! There aren’t many free screenwriting contests and this is the only one of any repute.

Check out the Script Lab Screenplay Contest >>

#21. Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge.

Prizes/opportunities. An all-expenses paid trip to LA, live table read, meetings with judges, one year Save the Cat! software subscription.

Judges. Film and television producers, writers, creative execs, managers.

Will I get notes? Yes, included with every submission.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Regular – February 4, 2024 Late – March 3, 2024 Extended – April 14, 2024

Save the Cat! is one of the best screenwriting competitions for… a low-risk entry fee, seeing as you get a set of structure-focused notes included from a Save the Cat! reader.

Check out Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge >>

#22. The Golden Script Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Get mentored by the producer of Black Swan and have your script read by 60+ Oscar and BAFTA nominated agencies and production companies.

Judges. Professional writers and producers, mainly from Europe.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Final – March 21, 2024

The Golden Script is one of the best screenwriting contests for… getting promoted on the “Golden List”— a list of the best unproduced scripts that they circulate to producers and directors.

Check out The Golden Script Competition >>

#23. Nantucket Film Festival.

Prizes/opportunities. Cash prizes, an all expenses paid month-­long stay at the exclusive Almanack Screenwriters’ colony on Nantucket, participation in a Mentor’s Brunch with screenwriters such as Noah Baumbach, Nancy Meyers and Robert Towne.

Judges. Past screenplay jurors include Bobby and Peter Farrelly, Lili Taylor, Tom McCarthy and Stanley Tucci.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Final – February 15, 2024 Extended – March 7, 2024

Nantucket Film Festival is one of the best scriptwriting contests for… furthering your screenwriting career while also having a break from the daily grind by escaping to a beautiful island.

Check out the Nantucket Film Festival >>

#24. Roadmap Writers Top Tier Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Winners receive general meetings with film and TV execs (virtual), career advice, pitch prep sessions, Roadmap endorsed personalized marketing queries and more.

Judges. Working industry professionals, including execs and reps.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Early – January 26, 2024 Regular – February 23, 2024 Late – March 29, 2024

Roadmap Writers Top Tier is one of the best screenwriting contests for… writers who want industry exposure without having to win! Roadmap markets high-scoring scripts no matter where they place.

Check out Roadmap Writers >>

#25. Raindance Film Festival Script Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. The contest winner from each category receives a place on the 10-week Raindance Script Fellowship Program, in which they’ll be able to develop their craft with a Raindance Film School tutor. All finalists are considered for a production proposal from Raindance Raw Talent.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Late – February 5, 2024 Extended – March 4, 2024

Raindance is one of the best screenplay contests for… British writers based in or near London looking to follow in the footsteps of Christopher Nolan, Guy Ritchie,  Andrea Arnold, Sacha Baron Cohen, etc. all of whom attended Raindance.

Check out Raindance Film Festival Screenwriting Competition >>

#26. Finish Line Script Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Grand prize winner receives $10,000 in cash and other prizes, including meetings with industry players and a filmed table read.

Judges. On the site it says, “40+ high-level, well-connected international mentors in film & television.”

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Early – January 31, 2024 Regular – March 4, 2024 Late – May 15, 2024

Finish Line is one of the best screenwriting contests for… being writer-friendly with their free resubmission process—increasing your chances of winning along the way.

Check out the Finish Line Script Competition >>

#27. Scriptation Showcase Script Competition.

Overview. Scriptation is an Emmy®-winning app used on film and TV productions, and their screenwriting contest directly connects emerging writers with industry talent.

Prizes/opportunities. Cash prize of $1,000, one-year Scriptation Showcase and Industry Pro Access, virtual meeting with professional film and TV writers, one-on-one meeting with exec.

Judges. All entries are read by script readers and all finalists are read by industry professionals, including managers, execs and writers.

Will I get notes? Yes.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Regular – February 11, 2024 Final – March 10, 2024

Scriptation is one of the best screenwriting contests for… making new writers’ work accessible to the industry, plus providing annotated feedback on each entry “so you can see what the reader was thinking when they were thinking it.”

Check out the Scriptation Showcase Script Competition >>

#28. ATX TV Festival Pitch Competition.

Prizes/opportunities. Receive mentoring from industry professionals on your pitch and how to navigate a writers’ room and take meetings.

Judges. TV writers, executives, and showrunners.

What can I submit? A pitch for an original TV show.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Late – January 19, 2024

ATX is one of the best screenwriting contests for… TV writers looking to develop an original show.

Check out the ATX TV Festival Pitch Competition >>

#29. Sundance Screenwriters Lab.

Prizes/opportunities. The Screenwriting Lab is accessible by invitation only. According to the site “application to the development track is the best way to put your project into the pipeline of eventual consideration for the Screenwriters Lab.”

Sundance is one of the best screenwriting contests for… writers who enjoy experimental screenwriting and avant-garde filmmaking. If you like to write scripts that stick rigidly to John Yorke’s 5-act structure or the Save the Cat! beat sheet, this probably isn’t the program for you.

Check out the Sundance Screenwriters Lab >>

#30. Stowe Story Labs.

Prizes/opportunities. The Labs are intensive workshops with focused table reads, pitching sessions, and mentoring.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Final – January 25, 2024

Stowe Story Labs is one of the best screenwriting contests for… writers looking for mentoring from industry professionals as well as feedback from peers in an intensive workshop environment.

Check out Stowe Story Labs >>

#31. Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship.

Prizes/opportunities. An all-expenses paid trip for up to two writers to the Sundance Film Festival with producer Cassian Elwes ( Dallas Buyer’s Club, Mudbound ). Judges. Cassian Elwes.

What can I submit? Feature script (with an “indie sensibility”).

Submission deadlines. November 22, 2024

Cassian Elwes Fellowship is one of the best screenplay contests for… low budget indie feature writers. (You need to have earned less than $5,000 in your career for consideration.)

Check out the Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship >>

#32. FOX Entertainment Writers Incubator.

Prizes/opportunities. The chosen few writers will attend a three-month writing workshop at FOX and receive priority in staffing meetings on their TV shows.

What can I submit? TV pilot.

Submission deadline. [ENDED]

FOX Incubator is one of the best screenwriting contests for… getting your foot in the door at a major studio.

Check out the FOX Entertainment Writers Incubator >>

#33. Filmmatic Screenplay Awards.

Prizes/opportunities. Grand prize winner receives $1,000, plus various other prizes.

What can I submit? Feature script, TV pilot, short, pitch.

Submission deadlines. Late – June 30, 2024 Extended – July 31, 2024

Filmmatic is one of the best screenwriting contests for… dedicated genre submissions and a higher chance of winning a lesser-known contest.

Check out the Filmmatic Screenplay Awards >>

#34. Paramount Writers Mentoring Program.

Prizes/opportunities. Successful candidates are accepted onto an eight-month mentorship with with showrunners, studio and network executives.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED]

The Paramount Program is one of the best screenwriting contests for… aspiring writers who are serious about a career in television.

Check out the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program >>

#35. Warner Bros. Access Programs.

Prizes/opportunities. Each program presents a unique opportunity but they all involve placement opportunities, mentorships, “artist-in-residence”-style programs and industry exposure.

Judges. Warner Bros. Discovery executives, creators, veteran showrunners and producers.

What can I submit? Feature film, TV pilot.

Sign up to their mailing list and/or follow on social media for the latest updates.

Warner Bros. Programs are some of the best screenwriting contests for… a higher chance of getting hired by Warners upon completion. Although they appear to be heavy on favoring writers from “underrepresented communities.”

Check out the Warner Bros. Programs >>

#36. The Writers Lab.

Prizes/opportunities. Successful applicants will engage in an intensive four-day development workshop that includes panel discussions, one-on-one meetings, mock writers rooms, and peer workshops.

What can I submit? It’s not clear from the site, but we presume a feature script or TV pilot.

The Writers Lab is one of the best script competitions for… Female screenwriters over 40.

Check out the Writers Lab >>

#37. Nickelodeon Writing Program.

Prizes/opportunities. Winners will be accepted onto a one-year, paid full-time development program for kids/family TV writers.

What can I submit? Live action or animation TV pilot.

Nickelodeon Writing Program is one of the best scriptwriting contests for… breaking into family and kids’ TV writing.

Check out the Nickelodeon Writing Program >>

#38. Disney Entertainment Television Writing Program.

Prizes/opportunities. Not only do you get paid for the year, but the program has a 100 percent staffing rate each year.

Follow on social media for updates.

DET Writing Program is one of the top screenwriting contests for… getting staffed on a TV show. Previous candidates have gone on to write for Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Killing , so this is one of the best screenwriting fellowships if you’re serious about getting noticed as a writer.

Check out the DET Writing Program >>

#39. WGA Writers Access Support Staff Training Program.

Prizes/opportunities. Successful veterans will be partnered with a WGA member and placed on a 9-month development program that includes a weekend retreat, weekly course, workshops and special events. The Writers Access Program consists of a 12-week course tailored to helping writers become an assistant or script coordinator.

Judges. Professional TV writers and producers.

Submission deadlines. [ENDED] Final – February 12, 2024.

The WGA Programs are some of the top screenplay competitions for… US military veterans and writers over the age of 50 as these are the only programs on the list that cater for veterans and address agism in Hollywood .

Check out the WGA Writers Access Program >>

#40. NBC Launch TV Writers Program.

Prizes/opportunities. Winners are invited to participate in an eight-month program in which they develop an original television pilot alongside a NBCUniversal programming executive.

Submission deadlines. Final – June 23, 2024

NBC Launch is one of the best scriptwriting contests for… the site makes it seem like you’ll stand more chance of being selected if you’re from a “diverse” background, but the Eligibility Requirements don’t mention this, so who knows?

Check out NBC Launch >>

The best screenwriting contests: conclusion.

Many screenwriters got their big breaks from winning one of the best screenwriting fellowships or competitions on this list. But your script has to be not just good, but exceptional.
However, one of the biggest mistakes we see writers make is submitting a sub-par script to a competition or fellowship.

Just like submitting to a manager, agent ,  or production company , you only get one shot at this, so you really need to make sure that your script is in the best shape it can be before entering.

Screenwriting contest calendar. 

And don’t forget to download our Screenwriting Calendar to help keep track of all the best screenwriting contests and fellowships.

  Once you’ve worked your way through those, download our Screenwriters’ Calendar so you can keep track of all the contests, festivals and fellowships during the year!  Get the calendar >>

The pros and cons of entering screenwriting contests and fellowships.

The biggest pro can be summed up in one word— exposure . It is a well known fact that the best screenplay contests provide a great way for aspiring writers to finally gain some recognition.

Winning a competition is, of course, the desired outcome of entering, but even placing in the top ten can gain a writer recognition, a manager, option, development deal, etc.

The biggest con is the money factor . It can get pretty pricey sending your script(s) to half a dozen or more competitions at $60 a throw.

If you’ve got a great script and you’ve got the cash, there is absolutely nothing wrong with entering as many script contests as you can. It can only increase your chances of success. Then again, we have to reiterate that your script had better be in the best shape possible, otherwise you’re just setting yourself up for a huge letdown.

Unfortunately, some screenplay contests demand high fees just to enter, promise the world without delivering, or are just plain scams. Thankfully , none of them are on this list.

Not sure if your script’s ready to enter a screenplay contest or fellowship?

We have a Script Audit service that will get you a 30-min call with the pro screenwriter of your choice. They will advise you on if it’s ready to submit or, if not, the exact steps you need to take to get it ready. All for just $95. Click below to get started.

Overall, in order to avoid wasting your money, we recommend not sending your script out to anyone, including script competitions/fellowships, until it has received at least a “Strong Consider” from a reputable script consultancy.

Make sure you’re completely happy with it before sending it in, even if it means spending a few bucks more in order to sneak it into the late entry category.

We hope you enjoyed this post. Let us know how you get on in the comments section below or if you have any questions or concerns. And good luck!

Liked this post? Read more on the best screenwriting contests and how to break into the industry…

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TGS Child Wows Judges in ISA Essay Competition 2022

The results are in! The 2022 ISA Essay Competition is a highly competitive showcase for written work from children in independent schools across the UK. After an internal essay writing competition, The Gower School submitted two creative essays to this year’s national ISA competition.  

We are delighted to announce that one of our Form 6 TGS children received a Highly Commended accolade for her creative essay responding to the following prompt:   

A knight in full armour approached the dark forest but didn’t expect such an adventure to unfold!   

This year the ISA Essay Competition was highly competitive, receiving over 400 entries from children throughout the UK. Each essay was then analysed for its mastery of sentence structure, punctuation, spelling, imagery, and narrative devices. The judges expressed that choosing the winning and highly commended prizes was more challenging than ever!   

The judges were particularly impressed by our student’s story for its ‘crafted and economical style’ which is full of ‘foreshadowing and dramatic events’. In particular, the judges commended the story’s ‘strong visual imagery’ which ‘illustrates an accomplished young writer at work!’ Indeed, the first lines of the Highly Commended essay are striking in their scene setting:   

‘The steel grey armour stood out against the blaring white snow of rural Siberia. The harsh wind moaned in the cloudy moonlight. A menacing treeline stood in front of Hazel…’   

We are so proud of TGS students achieving awards for their exemplary work. Be sure to read the rest of the Highly Commended essay written by our winning pupil here . It truly is a thrilling and emotional story! 

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Can’t make our Nursery Open Morning dates? Call 0207 700 2445 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an ad-hoc tour.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Gower School!

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Writer’s Showcase

Available projects, produced projects, video pitches, writers for hire, isa development slate, isa top 25 screenwriters, events / classes, upcoming events, the craft course - online only, 30-day challenge, virtual pitch practice, pitch deck office hours, custom pitch deck design, screenplay library, success stories, scheduled maintenance on september 8th, 2024, from 10:00 pm to september 9th, 2024, 2:00 am pdt. services may be temporarily unavailable during this time..

Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition

Feature, Television

Action, Action/Adventure, Adventure, Animation, Biography, Children, Comedy, Comedy/Rom-Com, Crime, Drama, Dramedy, Faith-based, Family, Family/Animated, Fantasy, Historical, Holiday, Horror, Mystery, Period/Historical/War, Rom-Com, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Science Fiction, Sports, Suspense, Thriller, Thriller/Horror, Western, Young Adult

This Program is Currently Accepting Submissions

Program description.

With $25,000 in cash prizes , we’re looking for this year’s emerging screenwriters! Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned writer ready to redefine your career, we can elevate you to the next level. We’re searching for the most authentic and unique features and pilots in all genre categories, the script that represents your genuine talent!

The Top 10 Screenwriters will receive $1,500 cash EACH and be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, where the Development Team will get your script in front of top industry pros from companies like  Max ,  20th Century ,  Disney+ ,  Amazon/MGM Studios ,  Harpo ,  Paramount+ ,  Lucky Chap ,  Hello Sunshine ,  Gidden Media ,  ICM ,  CAA , plus ISA vetted literary agents and managers. Of the 10 scripts selected, one of you will go on to win the Grand Prize and receive an additional $10,000. That’s $11,500 to the Grand Prize Winner!

__________________________________________________________________

View the International Screenwriters’ Association 2023 Annual Transparency Report in association with the Women of Color Unite Transparency Initiative .

Deadlines and Fees

Program benefits.

Grand Prize Winner  (Selected from Top 10 Finalists)

• $10,000 Cash  (in Addition to $1,500 from Top 10)
• Script Consultation with an ISA Executive ( 2 Meetings )
• Meeting with Top Industry Executive
• ISA Pitch Practice
• 12 Month ISAConnect Membership
• Prizes in all other categories

_________________________________

Top 10 Finalists

• $1,500   Cash Each
• ISA Development Slate Consideration 
• ISA Development Slate Evaluation (for a New Script)
• 3 Month ISAConnect Membership
• ISA Logline Review

_________________________________ Semi-Finalists 

• Digital Copy of "(Not Just) Another Book on the Craft of Screenwriting"

Exciting Success Stories

FEATURE PRODUCED Wendy Wilkins

WON BEST WRITING AWARD Peres Owino

SHORT PRODUCED WITH ROBIN WRIGHT Denise E Meyers

PRODUCED GLORIOUS ON SHUDDER Jason Scott Goldberg

REPPED Lucy Luna

Our Industry Partners Include

The Top 10 will be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, where the Development Team will get your script in front of top industry pros from companies like MGM, Gidden Media, ICM, plus ISA vetted literary agents and managers.

Get On The Development State

Over 80 scripts from Development Slate writers have been produced or optioned, and over 60 writers have been repped.

Highly-Rated Feedback Available

1st 20 pages notes - $39.

Snapshot of Your Script at a Glance

• A one-page examination focused exclusively on the 1st 20 pages.
• Perfect for writers looking to enrich their character intros, tighten their first act, and hook readers with a clear style.
• Provides a snapshot of how your work is received at a glance.
• Reflects the "1st 20 only" reading that occurs in the early rounds of certain contests and at development studios.

Full Script Notes - $69

Improve Your Characters & Dialogue

• Up to three pages of notes covering your entire screenplay.
• Receive actionable criticism to expand upon your narrative's existing strengths and identify any potential concerns.
• Refine your work's characters, dialogue, plot, structure, and formatting.
• Fine-tune your project before submitting to agents, managers, and development executives.

Deep Dive Notes (normally $99) - $79

Detailed Analysis of Your Script

• Four pages of extensive notes covering your entire screenplay.
• Longer, more specific breakdowns of specific elements allow for unique insights into your writing style related to your characters, dialogue, plot, structure and formatting.
• Elevate your script with a deeper analysis and guidance toward a production ready project.

ISA Development Evaluation (normally $199) - $99

Elevate to a Production-Ready Script

• Up to 5 pages of extensive notes covering your entire screenplay.
• Receive a breakdown of each of your script’s fundamental elements.
• Develop and expand upon early drafts or rewrites to dissect problem areas to elevate your script to its final draft.
• High-scoring screenplays are considered by the Development Team for acceptance onto the Slate.

ISA Executive - $599

Full Script Read by a High Level Executive

• Max Timm, ISA’s Director of Education and Co-VP of Development with Creative Screenwriter Productions, will read your screenplay.

Recorded Phone Consultation

• Max will meet with you via Zoom to discuss your project.

Consideration for the ISA Development Slate

• Your project will be considered for the ISA Development Slate. Over 80 projects from the Slate have been produced, and many writers have received representation. Please note that Development Slate consideration and selection is a highly competitive process.

ISA Marketability (normally $599) - $499

• Full script read by Felicity Wren, ISA’s VP of Development, Co-VP of Development with Creative Screenwriter Productions
• A thorough creative review of the screenplay to assess and sharpen your script’s marketability. Offering insights to develop your pitch for agents, managers and producers
• Felicity will meet with you via Zoom to discuss your project.

ISA Accelerator (normally $699) - $599

A New Way to Elevate Your Material to the Producer Level:

Four Full Script Reads by Two Story Executives

• A set of notes including a one-page synopsis, custom logline, and several pages of analysis uniquely tailored to your needs as a writer
• Four full script reads, two for each draft, by ISA Story Executives Jeffrey Ryan Morales and Felicity Wren

Two Recorded Video Consultations

• (45 to 60 minutes each) to discuss the analysis and give advice for revision

Announcement Dates

Quarter-finalists, semi-finalists, grand prize winner, sponsors and associations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the competition deadlines and announcements?

Deadlines Early: July 25th – $39 Regular: Sept. 19th – $59 Final: Oct. 24th – $79

Announcements Quarter-Finalists: Jan. 8th Semi-Finalists: Jan. 22nd Finalists: Feb. 5th Grand Prize Winner: Feb. 26th

Do you accept entries via snail mail?

No. In an attempt to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online entries and online payments via Paypal only. This includes all major credit cards.

Do I have to enter my script as a PDF?

Yes. We only accept scripts in PDF format.

Should I include my title page with my screenplay?

While you are welcome to include a title page with your title, author(s) name, telephone number and email address, the full title page is not required and will not have any effect on your placement.

Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?

Does my script have to be registered?

No, but we DO recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.

Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?

Yes, always!

When will I receive my feedback?

Feedback is completed in the order in which it is received and will be emailed to you within 90 days of your submission date.

What if I make a mistake and send the wrong script?

If you make a legitimate mistake entering and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here, and we’ll send you instructions on replacing your screenplay: [email protected]

What genres do you accept?

We accept all genres. We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. Please pick from the genres we provide on the submission form that best reflects your screenplay.

What if my script does not fall into one of the accepted genres?

We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. We offer what we think is a wide variety of “umbrella” genres which most scripts will fall under. Please pick from the genre that best reflects your screenplay.

If I place in the competition, may I submit an updated draft for consideration?

At this time, we do not accept new drafts once the competition has closed.

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?

Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO

Do you accept short screenplays?

No, not at this time.

Will my screenplay be accepted if it’s not in the traditional format?

Scripts should be written in standard spec screenplay or teleplay format, set in 12-point Courier font. Common programs for this format include: Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, or Celtx. Scripts should be standard length. While your entry will still be fully considered if it is either formatted differently or longer or shorter than these specified page counts, for your own benefit we recommend that you adhere to the page length and formatting guidelines.

What's the minimum/maximum required page length?

Features: 70 – 120 pages. TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.

My screenplay is longer than 120 pages. Will it be disqualified?

No, but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages.

If I'm over 120 pages and receiving feedback, will my full script be read?

If you order feedback, you will be charged $1 for each page over 120 pages. You will be emailed to discuss and billed separately, or you are welcome to just have your feedback done on the first 120 pages of your screenplay at the regular price. Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts, musicals or spec scripts for existing TV series?

No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL feature length screenplays and TV pilots only.

Can I submit an adaptation of a book or play?

Absolutely, as long as you have full rights to the material and either are the author or have a written agreement with the author allowing this script to be written and marketed.

Can I submit more than one screenplay?

You can submit up to 4 screenplays per submission form. When you do, you will receive a discount for your 2nd and 3rd script entries.

Will entering early increase or decrease my chance of winning?

Entering early will neither increase nor decrease your chance of winning, but it will save you money!

How will I know if you received my script?

You will receive an email confirming your entry immediately upon submitting. If you do not, please email us here: [email protected] . What if my script is optioned or sold after I enter the competition?

As long as your script was not optioned for a contract that is still in effect or sold prior to the date you submitted it to the competition, you are still eligible for an award. I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter the competition?

International entries are absolutely welcome, but all scripts must be in English. No other languages are accepted at this time. Does Paypal accept currencies other than the American Dollar?

Yes! Paypal is set up to exchange most currencies into the American Dollar. Please visit www.Paypal.com if you have any questions.

• All writers from all countries are welcome to enter the competition; however, all scripts must be submitted in English, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
• Emerging Screenwriters Grand Prize Winners and their screenplays are ineligible to enter into any future contest season.
• If the writer places as a Finalist 3 times with 3 different screenplays, they will no longer be eligible to submit.
• Scripts must be the original work of the author(s) and may not be encumbered by any third party.
• Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.
• Novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, and/or spec scripts for existing TV series are not eligible. The writer's script must be an original screenplay or teleplay.
• Screenplays adapted from the writer's own self-published books, plays, or other source material are eligible if they have retained all rights to their work.
• Adaptations from other works are permissible, provided all rights have been secured to adapt the work.
• Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
• Collaborative work is eligible; the writers are responsible for the distribution of the competition prize(s).
• Those that receive a free script feedback are not eligible to receive a free resubmission, which may come as an option with purchased script analyses or unless otherwise stated in a promotion.
• The writer understand that a script analysis can take up to 90-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the contest.
• Entries and payments are accepted online only. We’re GREEN!
• Promotions must be used at the time of submission and will not be added to previous submissions.
• Multiple entries are permissible and get a discount.
• Once a script has been entered into the competition, we will only accept substitutions of new drafts or corrected pages if the writer contact us within 24 hours. After that, under no circumstances will we accept changes. If you wish to submit a revised draft of your script, you must enter it as a new submission and pay the appropriate entry fee.
• Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
• Competition applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.
• The writer understand that it is their sole responsibility to register Material with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
• Payments to be accepted  via Paypal or through registrations on the ISA website. All major credit cards accepted .
• By entering this competition, and in the event the writer is declared a finalist and/or winner, they understand and accept that Emerging Screenwriters and the ISA will be free to use the writer's name, likeness and voice for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
• The writer under no obligation to participate therein.
• The writer may submit their screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
• If the writer submits to the Emerging Screenwriters Competition, they will retain all rights to their screenplay.
• No agreement for compensation, other than the prizes, has been implied.
• Prizes may be distributed in the rate of 1 package per person based on the highest placement and not per winning screenplay, depending on the request of the sponsor.
• The cash prizes will be distributed 3 months from the date of the final announcement.
• ISAConnect Membership prizes expire after 90 days and cannot be combined with a current free ISAConnect membership.
• Decisions of the Judges are final and may not be disputed. The Judges will adhere to our competition guidelines; however, the competition and its administrators may not be held responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of the Judges.
• Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 7 0-120  pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.
• If the writer orders a script analysis they may be charged separately $1 for each page over 120 pages , or the reader may only read the  first 120 pages.
• Please do not enclose synopses, casting suggestions, letters, resumes or photos with the submission. They will not be forwarded to the Judges. However, standard supplementary materials, such as lists of recurring characters and future episodes, may be included with a TV Pilot submission. Email them to: [email protected].
• The writer understand that their logline and screenplay will be reviewed by our staff and/or our panel of Industry Judges for evaluation. They also understand that any one of the staff or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to theirs, and they hereby waive any claim that the Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the submission logline or screenplay.
• The writer understands and accepts without reservation that they are an independent contractor and that Competition Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
• By entering the Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition, the writer agree to the rules.
• For more inquiries, please email us at  [email protected]

Contact Information

Emerging screenwriters.

[email protected]

+18004725351

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The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

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