MovieBytes - Screenwriting Contests & Markets Online

Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival

Objective:
The Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival is an IMDb qualifying event that aims to increase exposure for high quality crime and horror screenplays, including the many subgenres of crime fiction, mystery, psychological horror, and more. Winners are invited to attend the film screenings and the awards presentation in Hollywood.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$95

The Crime List

Objective:

Submissions Open: October 6, 2025. The Crime List recognizes scripts, books, short stories & stage plays in any genre that feature a crime story (murder, gangsters, fraud, corruption, missing persons, kidnappings, revenge, heist, etc.)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$85

Filmmatic Short Screenplay Awards

Objective:

"Short-form films can be great calling cards. They help writers and directors flesh out their unique voices without great expense of time or money. They allow artists to venture out of their comfort zone, show off their wares, and speak to the world without first having to obtain studio or distributor permission...."

The Filmmatic Short Screenplay Awards were created to locate and expose up-and-coming screenwriters, as well as to empower and promote those talented writers still waiting for their invitation to the mainstream industry.

We are accepting short screenplays of all genres, including pilots and webisodes (limit 45 pages). Laurels will be awarded to 100 Finalists, 10 Winners and 1 Overall Winner.

“Hidden screenplays never get produced”…. Enter your work today (carpe diem!).

* ALL ENTRANTS are invited to Filmmatic's annual Sundance networking event "Monday on Main Street" (Jan. - Park City UT)

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$39

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

Scriptapalooza TV Writing Competition

Objective:
Our intention is to help open doors for the aspiring television writer. There are four categories you can submit to, which include 1 hour existing spec scripts, 1/2 hour existing sitcom spec scripts, original pilots, and reality programs. This competition is designed with the TV writer and crossover screenwriter in mind.

The participants we have chosen to read the winning scripts are individuals from established production companies. Whether you are already an aspiring television writer or a writer interested in exploring other avenues, Scriptapalooza TV is here to promote careers in television and provide exposure for the undiscovered writer.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$55

The Writers Lab US

Objective:

The Writers Lab, produced by IRIS and New York Women in Film & Television and supported by Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman, is open for submissions of screenplays by women over the age of 40

ABOUT THE LAB

The Writers Lab brings 12 women screenwriters over the age of 40 with promising scripts together with outstanding professional female filmmakers for an intensive four-day screenwriting development retreat of one-on-one meetings, panel discussions and other activities designed to inspire the artists; to prompt rigorous creative exploration; and, through revision, to cultivate first-rate cinematic stories.

We seek a broad selection of screenplays across all genres of fiction. Scripts by more than one writer will be considered, but all writers must be female, and only one writer can attend the Lab. We welcome submissions from professionals, amateurs, and everyone in between who has a story to tell and a cinematic vision. Selections are based on the script’s artistic merit and craftsmanship, not the applicant's level of professional experience. Now accepting international script submissions.

MISSION

The Writers Lab is dedicated to developing promising feature scripts of cinematic scope and imagination, in all genres, by women screenwriters over the age of 40, as part of the movement to amplify the female voice in narrative film. We are committed to female storytellers, yet do not limit our search to stories about women.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$85

StoryPros Awards Contest

Objective:

To find the best GENRE scripts.

Genre scripts are bought and produced more than 10 to 1 over the serious drama, tentpole or quirky scripts that usually win screenplay contests.

This contest pits genre scripts only against scripts within their genre, and seeks to identify and promote to the industry the very best in each genre -- in other words, the scripts with the very best chances in the marketplace.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$60

Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition

Objective:

An unparalleled jury of the world's top producers. CEOs of the most renowned production companies. The winner receives a $10,000 GUARANTEED option.

What is your end goal as a writer of a Spec Feature Screenplay? The end goal is to get your screenplay MADE INTO A FEATURE FILM right? Of course, there are interim goals of getting recognition, to get feedback, to get writing assignments, to sign with an agent or a manager,... and with our competition, you’ll get all these things. But the END goal should always be to get your screenplay PRODUCED.

Well, here is your chance. Most of our judges are CEOs of the world’s most renowned film production companies. Almost all of them are Academy Award Nominated producers! They ALL actually have the Power, Resources and access to Hollywood A-listers to get your script made into an Award-Winning Feature Film.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$89.00

Paramount Writers Mentoring Program

Objective:

For over two decades the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program has seen 135+ emerging diverse writers graduate. The program launched over 125+ careers, including those of 18 current showrunners and executive producers.

As part of its ongoing commitment to create additional access, exposure, and opportunity for talented and motivated writers of diverse backgrounds, Paramount's Writers Mentoring Program is an eight-month program with a three-fold focus: It opens doors by providing opportunities for mentees to build and foster relationships with showrunners and network and studio executives, supports emerging writers in their efforts to improve their craft by working with executive mentors, and it helps writers hone the essential interpersonal skills necessary to break in and succeed.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
None

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

Shore Scripts Short Film Fund

Objective:

The 2026 Spring Season of the Shore Scripts Short Film Fund will award a $15,000 cash production grant to one short script and $4,000 cash in finishing funds to one short film in post-production.

The Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to receive much-needed financial support to get their work produced and distributed. Our partnerships with ARRI Rental, Oscar-nominated producer Maria Gracia Turgeon, and Tribeca short film programmer Kimberley Browning elevate the films that come through our Fund with free camera equipment, mentorship, and film festival strategy.

Many of our 26 previously funded short films have screened at some of the top film festivals in the world, including Sundance, Tribeca, BFI London, Austin, Cannes, Encounters, and Palm Springs. One even won a BAFTA! Several of those writers and writer/directors have gone on to gain representation, sell screenplays, get staffed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, & BBC shows, and develop their shorts into features and TV shows.

Summary of Benefits:

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash production grant of $15,000, free camera equipment rental from ARRI Rental for the duration of production, and support from Shore Scripts from development to distribution.
The Finishing Funds Winner will receive a cash grant of $4,000 in finishing funds for a short film currently in post-production, and support from Shore Scripts through post-production and distribution.
Both Winners will connect with two-time Oscar-nominated producer MARIA GRACIA TURGEON for project and career guidance, receive a film festival strategy package from Tribeca programmer KIMBERLEY BROWNING, and have the opportunity to have their completed films circulated to select members of our Industry Roster.
Top 5 Finalists (unproduced scripts) will receive feedback on their script from one of our esteemed Judges.
Top 15 Finalists (unproduced scripts) will have the opportunity to have their scripts circulated to select members of our Industry Roster and Directors.
Finalists (finishing funds) will receive feedback on the rough cut of their film from one of our esteemed Judges.
The Short Film Fund accepts submissions from writers, directors, and producers from around the world for narrative short films (live-action & animation), including proof-of-concept shorts for TV series and features.

Projects submitting for the Production Grant must submit a screenplay written in English; however, the production can be filmed in any country and in any language (English subtitles in the finished film are required). We are open to working with writer/directors and directors already attached to the project, including first-time directors. If you are a standalone writer, we can assist in attaching a director and team to the project, if needed.

Projects submitting for Finishing Funds must submit a link to a rough cut, scene assembly, dailies, and/or trailer. For non-English language films, please provide English-language subtitles. You will also be asked to submit a screenplay of the project.

We do not seek to obtain any rights over your script or the finished film at any time. For those who take the funding, we ask for a production company credit and access to promotional material for the short film to promote the project and Fund in the future.

READ MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE SHORT FILM FUND: https://www.shorescripts.com/historyoftheshortfilmfund/

“Winning the Short Film Fund has brought so many gifts, the least of all being the financial support you provided. I can’t say how grateful I am for all of you and what you do for emerging filmmakers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” -Alexandra Qin (THIRSTYGIRL, Fall 2022 2nd Place Winner, Sundance 2024 Official Selection)

"I would just like to reiterate my gratitude to Shore Scripts. This isn't something that I would have believed possible and it was entirely enabled by the Short Film Fund. So thank you!" -Lindiwe Makgalemele, writer/director of THE TOWN, Spring 2021 Grand Prize Winner

"Getting to meet with Maria Gracia Turgeon was an amazing experience. The insight and expertise she was able to share with us about our upcoming short film was invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful to Shore Scripts for connecting us!" -Harvey John, writer/producer of TO CATCH A SIREN, Spring 2024 Grand Prize Winner

“We shot on an ARRI Alexa 35 and, man, it was such a bonus having ARRI as part of the prize package. Not just for the budget, but their team was great to work with.” -Eddie Mujica, writer/director of LOCO, Spring 2023 Grand Prize Winner

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$59

2026 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards

Objective:

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards competition was established in the fall of 2003 by an alliance of Hollywood producers, agents, and development execs. Our goal: to discover the most exciting new scripts by up-and-coming writers from across the country and around the world.

As a result of winning the contest, many dozens of PAGE Award winners have signed with top Hollywood agents and managers, optioned and sold their winning scripts, and seen their movies and television shows produced, and the PAGE Awards competition is now widely recognized as one of the industry's top sources for new screenwriting talent, both within the Hollywood community and internationally.

One of the most frustrating things about so many screenwriting contests - both for the writers and for the judges - is that scripts of different genres are in competition with each other. But how can you compare a comedy to an action script? How do you rank a family film against a thriller? Moreover, why is it that so many contests only reward the screenwriter who writes a powerful drama, while many of the most successful movies made in Hollywood are comedies, thrillers, action flicks and family films?

In order to address this problem, and to promote a wide variety of screenwriting talent, each year the PAGE judges present a total of 31 Awards in ten different genre categories:

Action/Adventure
Comedy
Drama
Family Film
Historical Film
Science Fiction
Thriller/Horror
Short Film Scripts
TV Drama Pilots
TV Comedy Pilots

This year's winning writers will receive a total of over $50,000 in cash and prizes, plus extensive industry exposure for their winning scripts! Most importantly, the PAGE Awards contest is judged entirely by working professionals in the film and television industry, so everyone who enters has the opportunity to get their scripts into the hands of Hollywood professionals currently in search of new talent.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$89

Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Competition

Objective:

Founded in 1969 as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration, Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) is one of the longest-running film festivals in the country and one of the most acclaimed festivals in the South. Hosted in Music City, NashFilm attracts enthusiastic film lovers from all across the country and has been praised by film-goers and filmmakers alike for its unique combination of big city festival atmosphere and laid back Southern hospitality. Showcasing hundreds of films from many countries, in addition to our screenplay competition, episodic competition, live music showcases, and a Creators Conference featuring networking opportunities with industry professionals including talent agents, producers, and other industry professionals. The live pitch competition has become an exciting event that allows writers to put their ideas in front of an industry panel and receive live feedback. Several of our previous participants received interest in their projects.

Screenwriting competition benefits include a full access festival pass for the finalists, a table read featuring a cutting from each attending finalist's screenplay performed by professional actors. There is a cash prize for each category. Scripts from the quarterfinalist level and up are hosted in our database for review by industry professionals who are invited or request access to fill open writing assignments or find material. Several of our writers have entered into shopping agreements, been awarded prestigious fellowships, and had their material produced.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$100

Emerging Screenwriters Horror Screenplay Competition

Objective:

Do you have a spine-chilling horror story that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats?

We’re seeking entries in the horror genre. Could your script be the next Halloween or Hereditary? Is it a fresh, terrifying take on the genre, like Get Out or The Babadook?

Whether you’ve crafted a supernatural nightmare, or a psychological slasher script with a unique twist, we want to read it.

Enter today—if you dare!

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$59

New York Metropolitan Screenwriting Competition & Film Awards

Objective:

We love New York and we love film! We especially love films shot, set, about, or written and produced and starring New Yorkers! And by New Yorker, we mean New Yorkers from the State, the City, and around the world. Even New Yorkers who haven’t made it here yet. We love you all. (And no, you don’t have to be from here to submit your scripts). You just have to have a great New York story to tell.

The object of our festival is to promote aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers in all genres.

See festival website for complete details.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$65

Emerging Screenwriters Family & Holiday Screenplay Competition

Objective:

Do you have a heart warming family story or an engaging holiday script that’s perfect for all ages?

The Emerging Screenwriting team is seeking entries in both the holiday and family genres. Could your story become a new family tradition alongside Elf or Groundhog Day? Is it a fresh, clever take on the holidays, like Gremlins or Bad Santa?

Whether you’ve crafted a faith-based tale fit for Disney or a narrative exploring underrepresented experiences, we want to read it.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$59

BlueCat TV Writing Competition

Objective:

BlueCat has a long and distinguished history of discovering unknown TV writers, introducing them to the industry and launching their careers.

We have two categories: Hour Pilot and Half-Hour Pilot. The two winners will win $2,000 each and be introduced to over four hundred literary managers and agents.

Every pilot submitted will receive script analysis at no additional cost. After receiving feedback, all writers will be eligible to revise their scripts and resubmit.

Send us your pilot—-we want to help you develop your script!

Deadlines: * Early: April 2nd * Regular: May 7th * Final: June 4th * Late: June 25th * Resubmission: July 23rd Founded in 1998 by award-winning writer Gordy Hoffman, BlueCat has supported thousands of screenwriters through written analysis provided to all entrants, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the film and television industry. BlueCat's Alumni include: Aaron Guzikowski (Verve/Madhouse) wrote PRISONERS, the remake of PAPILLON, and Ridley Scott's RAISED BY WOLVES. Fergal Rock wrote DEPARTURES starring Nina Dobrev and Maisie Williams. Ana Lily Amirpour (CAA), won Special Jury Prize at the 2016 Venice Film Festival for THE BAD BATCH, directed by Lyle Vincent (DREAMLAND) and starring Jason Momoa, Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves. She will direct CLIFFHANGERS produced by Neal Mortiz. Ashleigh Powell (Gersh/Good Fear Film), wrote THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS directed by Lasse Hallstrom and Joe Johnston. She’s currently writing THE ATHENA PROJECT for Warner Bros and THE PAPER MAGICIAN for Disney.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$70 (half-hour); $80 (one-hour)

True Story Showcase

Objective:

Submissions Open: November 3, 2025. The True Story Showcase recognizes scripts, books, short stories & stage plays in any genre that feature a story based on, or inspired by, true events.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$85

Creative Screenwriting Feature Competition

Objective:

Have you written the next Challengers, The Brutalist, Conclave, Heretic, The Six Triple Eight, or even an animation like Encanto? Or have you written something unlike anything we've seen before? We want to read it all!

We're seeking 10 incredible Features in all genres! Each Finalist will receive $250 and and go on to be considered for Grand Prize to win $2,500, an option consideration by Creative Screenwriter Productions, plus industry exposure through our other contacts. We're working hard to pair talented writers and their projects with our industry partners.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$69

Creative Screenwriting TV Pilot Competition

Objective:

Have you written the next Yellow Jackets, Baby Reindeer, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Shrinking, Only Murders in the Building or even an animation like Bojack Horseman? Or have you written something unlike anything we've seen before? We want to read it all!

We're seeking 10 incredible half-hour and one-hour pilots in all genres! Each Finalist will receive $250 and and go on to be considered for Grand Prize to win $2,500, an option consideration by Creative Screenwriter Productions, plus industry exposure through our other contacts. Pilots are in more demand than ever, and we're working hard to pair talented writers and their projects with our industry partners.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$65

Creative Screenwriting Animation Screenplay Competition

Objective:

Any story - great or small, western or futuristic, preschool or adult - can be told through the power of animation.

Animation is fast becoming one of Hollywood's favorite and most versatile mediums for storytelling, and there's no mystery as to why. It is an ever-evolving, perennial format that guarantees to become even more important as streamers fill their libraries. That's why Creative Screenwriting wants to champion the best and boldest animated features and tv pilots that you have to offer.

Do you have a live action script that could be produced in the world of animation? We want to read it. No genre nor intended age group is off limits.

Diverse voices are encouraged to apply; we strive to amplify underrepresented and marginalized voices.

Show us your most imaginative work!

Accepting Features & Pilots in 3 Categories

Kids: Ages 11 and Under

Comps like: Little Einsteins, Octonauts, Niko and the Sword of Light, Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts, The Dragon Prince, Owl House

Teen/YA: Ages 12 to 17

Comps like: Legend of Korra, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, Castlevania, most pure Anime

Adult: Ages 18+
Comps like: Bob's Burgers, The Great North, Venture Bros, Crossing Swords, Family Guy, Futurama

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$65

Creative Screenwriting Short Screenplay Competition

Objective:

Launch your career, one short at a time.

Creative Screenwriting’s Short Script Competition celebrates the power of short-form storytelling as a launchpad for emerging voices. Winning isn’t just about recognition—it’s about opportunity. The $2,500 Cash Prize money can fuel the next step in your journey as seed money for the production of your short, or creating a proof-of-concept that showcases your vision.

Shorts have long been a calling card for bigger things—think Whiplash, Bottle Rocket, and other shorts that ignited careers. Whether you submit a stand-alone short or a piece that hints at a larger project, this competition is your chance to present your voice as a unique artist ready to be discovered.

If you don't have an existing short script, we also encourage you to adapt a scene from one of your feature or pilot screenplays and submit. The careers of Wes Anderson, Damien Chazelle, Paul Thomas Anderson and more were all launched by shorts!

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$65

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

Inciting Incident Writing Contest

Objective:

The first 10 pages of any script are the most important. Every story needs a creative and unique inciting incident. What's yours?

"Yes, it’s true a writer might only get the opening pages of their script read -- and it will likely be put down right away if those pages don’t immediately engage the busy industry professional who has given it a chance by opening it." (Erik Bork, Band Of Brothers)

Inciting Incident Script Competition aims to help writers discover if their work is engaging enough to captivate the Hollywood gatekeeper to receive the elusive “Recommend.” Inciting Incident accepts up to 15 pages of your screenplay, short script or play. The Grand Prize Winner receives $300, a Winner’s Laurel, and written feedback from the festival directors with additional prizes for second and third place entries. Written feedback is also available for all submissions as an additional category entry.

Your opening pages will be read by select industry professionals. The team scores the scripts based on seven professional writing criteria. The readers assign scores of 1 to 10 for each of the following elements: Concept/Originality, Structure, Plot, Pacing, Characters, Dialogue & Inciting Incident.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$57.00

Austin Film Festival Playwriting Competition

Objective:

As Austin Film Festival continues to grow and expand, our vision also widens with the addition of new avenues for storytellers. In 2017 we introduced the inaugural Playwriting Competition. It is open to full-length stage plays and gives playwrights a chance to explore our film and television conference. It will also allow film professionals to discover storytellers who have mastered the art and craft of stage drama.

AFF has always promoted story as the most important element of film and TV. So giving playwrights their own story exposure and a chance of crossover into film and TV only advances our mission. There are many other playwriting competitions out there, but AFF offers playwrights a broader access to successful writers and professionals in all of the other related fields.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$35

Austin Film Festival Script Competition

Objective:

Why Submit

For over thirty years, Austin Film Festival’s annual Script Competitions serve as a launchpad, providing emerging talent with meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and real access. With one of the most noteworthy competitions among Hollywood tastemakers, AFF’s Competitions has a rich history of connecting creatives with industry leaders and fostering meaningful opportunities for writers at all stages of their career.

With an incredible alumni network, the industry consistently looks to AFF’s competitions to identify emerging talent and distinct voices.

Invest In Your Writing Career

The 2026 Screenplay Competition features 12 categories of competition, including feature (drama, comedy, horror, & sci-fi) and short screenplays, teleplays (both drama & comedy pilot & spec), playwriting, fiction podcast, and scripted digital series.

Each year AFF partners with Industry leading companies who share a passion for connecting vetted emerging talent to invaluable career opportunities. Through tailored fellowships and awards, writers recognized through the competition are met with professional guidance to open doors and move the career needle forward. Partners have included AMC Networks, Valhalla Entertainment, Big Indie Pictures, The Donners’ Company, Enderby Entertainment, YMH Studios, Starburns Industries, Sony Entertainment, The Wonder Project, Writers Guild of America, East, Warner Bros, and more.

A Handcrafted Competition

Though AFF is one of the largest and most respected screenplay competitions, every entrant receives personalized attention and multiple reads throughout the process. All entrants can opt in to receive FREE “Reader Comments” which are a brief, overall summary of their notes. AFF sends e-mailed notifications in September to ensure everyone knows their placement in the competition. Second Rounders may also find a personalized note in their notification letter from the Screenplay Competition Director!

You’ll Get Back Way More Than You Bargained For

Not only do all entrants receive registration discounts, but you get larger discounts when you place in the competition. Unlike other screenplay competitions, your experience with AFF doesn’t end after making the first cut. Second Rounders, Semifinalists, and Finalists attend exclusive panels, industry lunches, intimate roundtable discussions, script reading workshops, and are afforded special access to working writers, agents, managers, producers, and executives who are actively looking to open doors for new voices. Through AFF’s programing, conversations may include how to find representation, demystifying the development process, how to pitch yourself and your project, and how successful alumni from the competition made the most of their placement.

Additionally, Semifinalists and Finalists’ loglines and contact information are also included in the annual Producer’s Book, distributed to all AFF panelists as well as over 800 agents, managers, producers, and other industry professionals.

At the Semifinalist level and above industry judges are actively seeking scripts and new talent to sign. In past years, these judges have included representatives from Sony, Disney Entertainment, Range Media, AMC, NBC Universal, Paradigm Agency, Untitled Entertainment, Grandview Management, Lit Entertainment, Showtime, Mosaic Media, Big Indie Pictures, Donners’ Company, Nickelodeon, UTA, CAA, WME, DreamWorks, and Pixar among others.

Signing Deals and Launching Projects

AFF’s Screenplay Competition is one of the most acclaimed contests within the industry for establishing the careers of up-and-coming writers. Countless past competition entrants have signed with major agencies and have had their scripts optioned, acquired, and produced by signatory production companies.

In 2023, following a competitive bidding war, AFF winner Mac Smullen’s winning script Souvenir Alaska was optioned by Warner Brothers and is currently in production. At the 2023 Festival, Drama pilot winner Austin Elliott met 2008 AFF winner Oren Uziel, who was speaking at the Conference, and was later staffed on Uziel’s upcoming series Spider-Noir, starring Nicholas Cage, premiering May 2026. Winner of the Drama Feature and Enderby Entertainment Award, Becca Hurd, signed with Verve Agency immediately following her win, and 2025 Horror Feature Award Winner Danny Salemme signed with Untitled Entertainment. Wes Brown, 2014 winner of the AMC One-Hour Pilot Award, was hired as a staff writer for AMC, Amy Aniobi, 2011 Semifinalist, has been hired to write for HBO’s Silicon Valley. 2013 Finalist LaToya Morgan co-created and EP’d HBO’s Duster (2025) with J.J. Abrams.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
Feature Screenplay: $90 // Teleplay & Shorts: $75

Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing Competition

Objective:
The Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with feature screenplays across all genres.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$75

HollyShorts Screenplay Contest

Objective:

HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) is an annual Academy Qualifying short film festival showcasing the best and brightest short films and short screenplays from around the globe. The festival showcases the top short films produced 40 minutes or less and is looking for the best short screenplays 30 pages or less.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$75 (short); $80 (feature)

The Indie Gathering International Film Festival

Objective:
To recognize excellence in screenwriting of shorts and features in a wide variety of genres.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$60 (feature); $45 (short)

CineStory Foundation Feature Retreat and Fellowship

Objective:

CineStory is a national non-profit dedicated to nurturing emerging screenwriters through mentorship programs. Winners of our competition have gone on to pen films such as IRON MAN, CAKE, THE CHILDREN OF MEN, BALLAST, KING OF CALIFORNIA and 11:14.

One of the main goals of the CineStory Feature Retreat is to select up-and-coming screenwriters for our four-day intensive program held in the Fall.

THE CINESTORY FEATURE RETREAT

CineStory's Retreat is dedicated to the advancement of great new voices in screenwriting. Retreat attendees are chosen from the top writers of our annual competition, the CineStory Screenwriting Awards. For four days, writers enjoy direct access to working Hollywood professionals.

Past retreat mentors include: Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby (IRON MAN, CHILDREN OF MEN), writer/director Joe Forte (FIREWALL, OUT), producer Nana Greenwald (SEVEN), producer Michelle Sy (FINDING NEVERLAND), producer and former head of Jodie's Foster prod co MEG LEFAUVE (THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS), writer Philip Eisner (EVENT HORIZON, MUTANT CHRONICLES) and writer/director Keith Gordon (DEXTER, WAKING THE DEAD). And many, many others.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$95

Adapted Story Showcase

Objective:

Submissions Open: December 1, 2025. The Adapted Story Showcase recognizes scripts, books, short stories, & stage plays in any genre that feature an adapted story.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$85.00

Screamfest Horror Film Festival and Screenplay Competition

Objective:

Screamfest was formed in order to give filmmakers and writers in the horror/sci-fi genres a venue to have their work showcased to people in the industry. We are very proud that the majority of the films showcased now have distribution. Writers have garnered representation due to the festival.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$77.00

Outstanding Screenplays Shorts Competition

Objective:
Your Short Screenplay PRODUCED for a GUARANTEED budget of $10,000. Written feedback from our 8 Academy Award Winning/Nominated judges. Getting your Short Script written and produced is the quickest way into the industry.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$69

San Francisco International Screenwriting Competition & Film Awards

Objective:

We are San Francisco. We love film and we care so deeply about developing the next generation of filmmakers from the U.S. and abroad that we founded what we hope will be one of the most prestigious screenwriting competitions in the world for serious writers and serious subject matter.

San Francisco Int'l Screenwriting Competition & Film Awards is an online film festival and screenwriting competition.

We want to support serious writers who take on serious subject matter. That’s what we’re all about. We are located in the heart of California and are proud to be one of the only international screenwriting competition in the Bay Area. We are committed to finding the next generation of talent from around the world.

Deadline:

Entry Fee:
$65