There\u2019s a ton of competitions out there \u2013 the trick is finding the right ones or, to be blunt, finding competitions which aren\u2019t a scam.\u00a0 With that in mind, here\u2019s a cherry-picked list I\u2019ve built up over the past few years.\u00a0Entry dates are estimates, based off past offerings. While some of these contests are closed for the year, keep checking back for updates for 2025. While there\u2019s certainly hundreds more out there, the following represent legitimate competitions with definite endgame value:<\/p>\n
Austin Film Festival Screenplay\/Teleplay Competition<\/strong> Slamdance Short\/Long Screenplay Competition<\/strong> Final Draft Big Break Competition<\/strong> Entry fee:<\/strong>\u00a0$65 Info:<\/strong>\u00a0https:\/\/www.finaldraft.com\/big-break-screenwriting-contest\/<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Scriptapalooza Competition<\/strong> Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting<\/strong> <\/p>\n BlueCat Screenplay Competition<\/strong> Script Pipeline Competition<\/strong> Screencraft Competitions<\/strong> Page International Screenwriting Awards <\/strong>
\n<\/strong>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 \u2026 it also happens to consistently call out the best in the business, and deserves the respect it demands.\u00a0 For full-lengths, teleplays, and even short films (scroll down to find all the different categories).
\nEntry fee<\/strong>: $75
\nDeadline<\/strong>: May 24th
\nInfo:<\/strong>\u00a0https:\/\/austinfilmfestival.com\/submit\/screenplay-and-teleplay-submissions-2\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to new writers. They accept screenplays in every genre and every medium 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.
\nEntry fee:<\/strong>\u00a0$35 to $55<\/strong>
\nDeadline:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>July 2th<\/strong>
\nInfo:<\/strong>\u00a0https:\/\/slamdance.com\/screenplay-submit\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Includes prizes and\/or submission to show runners, agents and studios who are in search of new talent. Final Draft\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\nDeadline:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>June 28th<\/p>\n
\nTop selectees will have their scripts read by producers and agents in the film industry.\u00a0 The program is run with WGA oversight and approval.\u00a0 This is a twice a year competition that has been around for almost a decade.
\nEntry fee<\/strong>: $75
\nDeadline:\u00a0<\/strong>See website \u2013 dates vary.
\nInfo<\/strong>:\u00a0http:\/\/www.scriptapalooza.com\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program is an international competition open to feature film 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.
\nEntry fee:<\/strong>\u00a0Varies
\nDeadline:<\/strong>\u00a0May 1, annually
\n<\/strong>Info<\/strong>: https:\/\/www.oscars.org\/nicholl\/about<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\nIncludes cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1000.\u00a0 Every screenplay submitted to BlueCat receives written analysis from industry insiders.
\nEntry fee<\/strong>: $35 to $65 (dependent on entry date)
\nDeadline:\u00a0<\/strong>July
\nInfo<\/strong>:\u00a0https:\/\/bluecatscreenplay.com\/submit\/<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nConnects talented writers with production companies, agencies, and managers. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, they focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
\nEntry fee<\/strong>: $35 to $65 (dependent on entry date)
\nDeadline:\u00a0<\/strong>May 1st
\nInfo<\/strong>:\u00a0https:\/\/scriptpipeline.com\/shop\/screenwriting-contest<\/p>\n
\nMultiple competitions here comedy, feature, sci-fi\/fantasy, and action-adventure. Past winners and finalists signing at 3 Arts, Zero Gravity, CAA, Management 360, and Verve. All finalists will be invited to an exclusive Finalist+ workshop on how you can best position yourself and your writing to the industry.
\nEntry fee<\/strong>: $69.50 to $139.00 (dependent on entry date and if you want feedback)
\nDeadline:\u00a0<\/strong>May 31st (Last Call)
\nInfo<\/strong>:\u00a0https:\/\/screencraft.org\/screenwriting-contests\/<\/p>\n
\nAn internationally recognized screenwriting competition with script submissions from all over the world. Judges have extensive experience in the industry as creative consultants. Winners receive feedback in addition to promotion and the possibility of management\/production.
\n<\/strong>Entry fee<\/strong>: $47 to $87 (dependent on entry date)
\nDeadline:\u00a0<\/strong>April 15, 2025<\/strong>
\nInfo<\/strong>:\u00a0https:\/\/pageawards.com<\/a><\/p>\n