MovieBytes - Screenwriting Contests & Markets Online

Filmmatic TV Pilot Awards

Objective:

The Filmmatic TV Pilot Awards were created to locate and expose up-and-coming TV and web-series writers, as well as to empower and educate passionate and talented screenwriters still waiting for their invitation into the mainstream industry.

Competition is open to TV pilots, webisodes and inventive TV-series scripts of all genres.

Thanks to our sponsors: Script Reader Pro, Screenwriting Staffing, Filmmatic, Monday on Main Street, The Script Coverage Co., and Jungle Software!

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$59/$39

Roadmap Writers Screenwriters of Color Retreat Scholarship

Objective:
Roadmap Writers is committed to expanding career opportunities for writers from underrepresented communities. As part of our ongoing effort to champion industry advancement for creatives within the BIPOC* community, Roadmap Writers is proud to announce the Screenwriters of Color Retreat Scholarship for our International Spring 2027 Retreat in Barbados.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$35

Hollywood Genre Horror Screenplay Contest

Objective:

Our mission is to find undiscovered screenwriters and provide exposure in an industry that widely does not accept unsolicited submissions. Promoting writing talent over friends and family in the right places. This competition focuses on horror. Hollywood representation and production companies with credits will consider the winners and top placing scripts for reads.

Hollywood Genre's industry partners are actively seeking for the best undiscovered Horror writers. Horror genre material is always in demand. Widely considered the most commercial cross-cultural genre, a strong horror script is both a great calling card as well as a highly commercial project.

Ready to submit your most terrifying horror script?

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$79

Hollywood Genre Sci-Fi Screenplay Contest

Objective:

Our mission is to find undiscovered screenwriters and provide exposure in an industry that widely does not accept unsolicited submissions. Promoting writing talent over friends and family in the right places. This competition focuses on sci-fi movies, one of the top genres for international sales potential. Hollywood representation and production companies with credits will consider the winners and top placing scripts for reads.

Hollywood Genre's industry partners, each with years of experience in produced genre projects, are actively seeking for the best undiscovered Sci-Fi screenplays. Ready to submit your most polished sci-fi spec?

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$75

Kinolime Shorts Competition

Objective:
Submit your 5-20 page script to KinoLime’s inaugural Short-Film Competition for a chance to win a $7,500 production grant with an additional $500 for Film Festival submissions. KinoLime’s team will also provide hands-on support to help you make your Short-Film a reality. No entry fees. No gatekeepers. KinoLime members will vote to determine which screenplay is declared the winner!

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Free

Shore Scripts Feature Screenplay Contest

Objective:

We are seeking emerging feature screenwriting talent across all genres.

Over the past fifteen years, we’ve built an unparalleled network of industry relationships, resulting in millions of dollars in spec sales, hundreds of writers signed and introduced to representation, and multiple films produced, including The Assessment, starring Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Olsen, acquired by Amazon for mid-seven figures.

As the only contest with a dedicated Writer Development Manager, we provide ongoing, structured support while connecting our writers to a network of 300+ industry professionals.

Feature film production is a massive engine, made up of many moving parts and engaging the creative talents of a huge number of individuals, but as the well-known phrase goes, "It all starts with the script".

NEW in 2026 - Win a Mentorship Call with DEBBIE BERMAN (BLACK PANTHER, CAPTAIN MARVEL, SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING)

+ OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY MENTORSHIPS

Mentors will read and discuss your script with you, imparting expert advice on how to best position yourself to take the next step in your screenwriting career.

AND MORE!

This year, Shore Scripts will be awarding placings to three (3) Cash Prize Winners plus Top 10 Finalists, Semi-Finalists, and Quarter-Finalists.

Along with cash awards and development prizes, the Grand Prize Winner will have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in one-to-one calls with some of our Judges to get firsthand thoughts on how to polish their script and receive must-have career advice and industry guidance.

Get feedback in 2026 from:

Antony Johnston, Author & Screenwriter – ATOMIC BLONDE, RESIDENT EVIL, DEAD SPACE.
Tess McGuinness, Director of Development at Red Wagon – DIVERGENT, THE GREAT GATSBY, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA.
Mitchell Altieri, Screenwriter & Director – THE HAMILTONS, APRIL FOOL’S DAY.
Jack Donaldson, Atomic Monster – M3GAN, THE CONJURING.

FOR ALL THE INFO GO TO: https://www.shorescripts.com/feature/

SHORE SCRIPTS | DISCOVERING NEW SCREENWRITING TALENT FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$79.00

Your Script Produced! Drama

Objective:

The official debut of "Your Script Produced! Drama, a genre focused screenwriting and talent discovery event. Empowered and sponsored by "Your Script Produced! INDEPENDENT, exclusively repped by one of the top three most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood, Entertainment, and the world, the UNITED TALENT AGENCY!

...and STILL, focused on discovering, developing, promoting, and potentially producing the underrepresented, overlooked, and the talented writers, directors, actors, producers, filmmakers, and all artists in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, worldwide!

Sponsored by "Your Script Produced!" INDEPENDENT (Repped by UTA)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature: $90 / TV: $85 / Short: $75

Your Script Produced! Horror

Objective:

The official debut of "Your Script Produced! HORROR, a genre focused screenwriting and talent discovery event. Empowered and sponsored by "Your Script Produced! INDEPENDENT, exclusively repped by one of the top three most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood, Entertainment, and the world, the UNITED TALENT AGENCY!

Sponsored by "Your Script Produced!" INDEPENDENT (Repped by UTA)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature: $90 / TV: $85 / Short: $75

Your Script Produced! Comedy

Objective:

The official debut of "Your Script Produced! COMEDY, a genre focused screenwriting and talent discovery event. Empowered and sponsored by "Your Script Produced! INDEPENDENT, exclusively repped by one of the top three most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood, Entertainment, and the world, the UNITED TALENT AGENCY!

Sponsored by "Your Script Produced!" INDEPENDENT (Repped by UTA)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature: $90 / TV: $85 / Short: $75

Your Script Produced! Sci-Fi

Objective:

The official debut of "Your Script Produced! SCI-FI, a genre focused screenwriting and talent discovery event. Empowered and sponsored by "Your Script Produced! INDEPENDENT, exclusively repped by one of the top three most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood, Entertainment, and the world, the UNITED TALENT AGENCY!

Sponsored by "Your Script Produced!" INDEPENDENT (Repped by UTA)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature: $90 / TV: $85 / Short: $75

Your Script Produced! Action

Objective:

The official debut of "Your Script Produced! ACTION, a genre focused screenwriting and talent discovery event. Empowered and sponsored by "Your Script Produced! INDEPENDENT, exclusively repped by one of the top three most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood, Entertainment, and the world, the UNITED TALENT AGENCY!

Sponsored by "Your Script Produced!" INDEPENDENT (Repped by UTA)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature: $90 / TV: $85 / Short: $75

Roadmap Writers Dark Roads Horror & Thriller Feature Competition

Objective:

Longevity Pictures and Roadmap Writers have partnered to discover the next generation of horror and thriller feature writers.

We're looking for unforgettable concepts with strong commercial potential and distinctive voices. One winning screenplay will receive a $2,500 option agreement with Longevity Pictures, with the goal of further developing the project toward production. The winning writer will also build a direct relationship with the Longevity Pictures team throughout the development process.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$45

Scriptwriters Network's Short Story Film Program (SSFP)

Objective:

HELPING WRITERS BRING STORIES TO THE SCREEN

The Short Story Film Program (SSFP) is Scriptwriters Network’s screenplay-to-production program designed to help writers develop compelling short-form stories while providing a pathway toward possible production.

Built upon Scriptwriters Network’s Creative Writing Challenges and educational programs, SSFP encourages writers to strengthen their storytelling skills while creating short projects designed for production consideration.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$40

New York City Horror Film Festival Screenplay Competition

Objective:

New York City's longest running horror film festival. Established by MooDude Films CEO / Producer / Director / Michael J. Hein in 2001. The NYCHFF is a four-day event that takes place each December in New York City. The NYCHFF has grown to be a world recognized event, with industry, filmmakers, and press attention from around the globe. The Hein Family is committed to keeping the festival alive in memory of the truly missed and loved founder Michael J Hein. The festival is competitive, screening approximately 50-60 films each year.

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Seeking unproduced short and feature horror, horror-comedy, thriller, dark comedy or sci-fi screenplays. The goal is to find scripts that read well on the page and have the scares and sensibilities we often look for in the produced film submissions and official selections that screen. Horror continues to be on the rise and our judges are fans at heart.

Event date: December 4 - 7, 2025

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$74 (short); $77 (feature)

Breaking Walls Thriller Screenplay Contest

Objective:

Breaking Walls is a contest for thriller screenplays with contacts at established Hollywood literary representation and production companies who have agreed to consider the full winning script and the top finalists' loglines.

Well-written thrillers are always an excellent way for writers to show Hollywood pros a combination of commerciality, unique voice, and a clear understanding of effective feature film narrative. We're here to break down the walls between your talent and our industry contacts looking for the next great thriller writer!

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$85

Hollywood Genre Action Screenplay Contest

Objective:

Our mission is to find undiscovered screenwriters and provide exposure in an industry that widely does not accept unsolicited submissions. Promoting writing talent over friends and family in the right places. This competition focuses on action movies, one of the top genres for international sales potential. Hollywood representation and production companies with credits will consider the winners and top placing scripts for reads.

Have a great action script finished? Submit it to the Hollywood Genre Action Screenplay Contest before the next deadline!

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$75

American Zoetrope Screenplay Contest

Objective:

The mission of the American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition is to find and promote new and innovative voices in cinema. The competition considers feature-length film scripts, as well as pilot scripts for television/streaming services. Every script is read closely by a select handful of professional readers, and American Zoetrope staff and the guest judge choose a winner from among the ten finalists.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$50

Your Script Produced! Faith Based

Objective:

The official debut of "Your Script Produced! FAITH BASED, a genre focused screenwriting and talent discovery event. Empowered and sponsored by "Your Script Produced! INDEPENDENT, exclusively repped by one of the top three most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood, Entertainment, and the world, the UNITED TALENT AGENCY!

Sponsored by "Your Script Produced!" INDEPENDENT (Repped by UTA)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature: $90 / TV: $85 / Short: $75

Your Script Produced! 360

Objective:

Sponsored by "Your Script Produced!" INDEPENDENT (exclusively repped by United Talent Agency) INTRODUCING:

"Your Script Produced! 360, a subscription based, end-to-end platform, from development, all the way to distribution!

We are accepting polished scripts from emerging & veteran talented professionals in Hollywood and entertainment industry, worldwide!

Unmatched and unparalleled in the entertainment industry!

Your Script Produced! Brand POWERED BY United Talent Agency!

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature: $100 / TV: $90 / Short: $60

Film Independent Screenwriting Lab

Objective:

The Screenwriting Lab is a two-week workshop held in the first quarter of the year, designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.

Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. The Screenwriting Lab also helps to further the careers of its Fellows by introducing them to film industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of screenwriting. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films and offer career insights, and a final pitch event offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$45

Scriptwriters Network's Hollywood Outreach Program (HOP)

Objective:

HELPING DISCOVER AND DEVELOP FEATURE SCREENWRITERS

The Hollywood Outreach Program (HOP) is Scriptwriters Network’s premier feature screenplay competition and writer development program.

Created to support emerging and undiscovered screenwriters, HOP combines professional script evaluations, educational feedback, industry exposure, and career development opportunities designed to help writers strengthen their craft and advance their writing careers.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$85

Scriptwriters Network's Television Outreach Program (TOP)

Objective:

HELPING DISCOVER AND DEVELOP TELEVISION WRITERS

The Television Outreach Program (TOP) is Scriptwriters Network’s premier television writing competition and writer development program.

Created to support emerging and undiscovered television writers, TOP combines professional script evaluations, educational feedback, industry exposure, and career development opportunities designed to help writers strengthen their craft and advance their writing careers.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$85

Scriptwriters Network's High Concept Screenplay Program

Objective:

HELPING DISCOVER AND DEVELOP HIGH-CONCEPT SCREENWRITERS

The High Concept Screenplay Program (HCSP) is Scriptwriters Network’s screenplay competition and writer development program dedicated to recognizing outstanding high-concept feature screenplays.

HCSP was created to identify scripts with compelling premises, strong hooks, commercial appeal, and memorable storytelling concepts while helping writers strengthen their craft through professional feedback and educational support.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Please see website.

Hollywood Genre Comedy Screenplay Contest

Objective:

Our mission is to find undiscovered screenwriters and provide exposure in an industry that widely does not accept unsolicited submissions. Promoting writing talent over friends and family in the right places. This competition focuses on comedy. Hollywood representation and production companies with credits will consider the winners and top placing scripts for reads.

Hollywood Genre's industry partners are actively seeking for the best undiscovered Comedy writers. As one of the most challenging genres to write well, a strong comedy spec demonstrates another dimension of writing ability.

Ready to submit your funniest comedy script?

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$75

100 Voices Grants

Objective:

We support filmmakers who bet on themselves.

Receive up to $5,000 grant to use how you choose! Finishing funds, festival submission fees, cast and crew reimbursements, production, or anything else you may think of. We want you to do what you do best - tell stories.

100 Voices of Florida Grant = Submit your short film, script, or pitch, describe your connection to Florida, and tell us how you’ll be using the funds for your chance to win. ($25)

100 Voices Grant = For everyone else! Submit your short film, script, or pitch, and tell us how you’ll be using the funds for your chance to win. ($35)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$25-$35

Oxford Script Awards

Objective:

The Oxford Script Awards is dedicated to promoting and recognizing emerging screenwriting talent worldwide. Our festival unites writers, industry professionals, and audiences in a shared celebration of storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship.

Our mission is to create a direct pathway to production for winning screenwriters by fostering meaningful collaborations with partner directors and production companies.

Driven by a passion for film and storytelling, our team is committed to building a thriving community of screenwriters and providing them with opportunities to showcase their work. We are dedicated to discovering new voices and amplifying diverse and underrepresented perspectives in the film industry.

Our panel of experienced judges – renowned screenwriters, producers, and directors – carefully evaluates each submission with expert analysis, ensuring a fair and insightful review process.

We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and connect. The Oxford Script Awards is more than a competition – it is a platform for creativity, innovation, and cinematic excellence.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$55

International Moving Film Festival

Objective:
The International Moving Film Festival is an annual international event dedicated for independent filmmakers. Established by International Moving Film School (IMOFIS). In this global world, which we live in now it, is more important than ever for everybody to be able to share their story. The art of filmmaking is a powerful communication tool that has the ability to reach across borders and bring people together.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Please see website.

Filmmatic Sci-Fi/Fantasy Awards

Objective:

The Filmmatic Sci-Fi/Fantasy Awards were created to locate and expose up-and-coming science fiction and fantasy screenwriters, as well as to empower and educate those talented writers still waiting for their invitation to the mainstream industry.

If you have an edgy science-fiction drama, an epic fantasy adventure, or anything in-between, we want to see your feature script, TV pilot or short! (We're accepting all projects and genres that have a significant sci-fi and/or fantasy element)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$59, $29

Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition

Objective:

Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition seeks to discover and support the most original and innovative screenplays from emerging and established screenwriters from around the world.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$90 (feature), $85 (short)

Seattle International Screenwriting Honors

Objective:

Seattle's burgeoning independent film community is home to artists, actors, writers, directors, producers, singers, dancers, musicians, storytellers, filmmakers, and multi-hyphenates of all shapes and sizes. People from all walks of life, from all over the world, call our city home. They come hear to learn, hone, and practice their craft. Unlike other major hubs, that are only interested in established talent, artists know they can come to Seattle and grow into their greatness. It’s a city where people become artists. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, Every artist was first an amateur.

Long anchored by a vibrant music scene, one rich in art, education, and cultural diversity, the city has evolved into a community like no other. One that is constantly re-inventing itself and over the past fifty years Seattle has become one of the most vital and vibrant cultural centers in the world.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$65

World Series of Cinema

Objective:

Great films are born when artists come together with a shared vision, each bringing their own voice, craft, and passion to the story. Directors, writers, actors, cinematographers, editors, composers, and designers collaborate across disciplines, shaping ideas into images, sound, and emotion. It is in this creative exchange—where perspectives collide and inspire—that stories gain depth and authenticity. No single talent stands alone; every great film reflects the collective imagination of many minds working in harmony. When artists unite around a common purpose, filmmaking becomes more than a technical process—it becomes an act of trust and belief. Long hours, creative risks, and countless revisions are guided by the same goal: to create something that resonates beyond the screen. Through collaboration, individual artistry is elevated, and personal expression becomes a shared achievement. The greatest films endure because they capture this rare moment when collaboration transforms vision into lasting cinema. The World Series of Cinema was founded to support and showcase artists with this level of passion and integrity. Please note: This event is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Major League Baseball (MLB), any MLB team, or any MLB entity. 'World Series' is a registered trademark of MLB. The World Series of Cinema is a separate, skill-based competition.

Creating great art requires vision, dedication, and the courage to pursue ideas that matter. It is shaped through persistence, experimentation, and a deep respect for craft. Artists refine their work through countless choices—balancing instinct with discipline, risk with intention—while remaining true to the stories and emotions they want to express. Great art does not happen instantly; it evolves through time, patience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are committed to helping artists get there. By providing support, opportunity, exposure, and a space where creativity can thrive, we aim to remove barriers and amplify bold voices. We believe in the power of collaboration, guidance, and belief—because when artists are empowered to focus on their vision, their work can reach its fullest potential. Our mission is to stand alongside creators at every stage of the journey, championing the process that turns passion into enduring art.

Exposure has the power to transform an artist’s journey by bringing their work into conversation with the world. When art is seen, heard, and shared, it gains new meaning through the perspectives of others. Exposure opens doors to opportunity, connection, and growth, allowing an artist’s voice to reach beyond its point of origin. It validates the courage it takes to create and invites dialogue that can elevate both the work and the creator. For an artist, exposure can be the difference between potential and possibility realized. It builds momentum, attracting collaborators, supporters, and audiences who believe in the vision behind the work. More than recognition, exposure fosters confidence and momentum, encouraging artists to take greater creative risks. When art is given a platform, it gains the chance to inspire, challenge, and endure—extending its impact far beyond the moment of creation. The World Series of Cinema and Screenwriting is committed to creating this level of exposure for it’s winners.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$60