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2026 Screenwriting Contest

Pre-register Deadline: December 30, 2025

The 24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with feature screenplays across all genres.

FAQ

What are the submission deadlines and fees?
  • Special Entry: September 25, 2025 - $40
  • Pre-register: December 30, 2025 - $50
  • Early: March 5, 2026 - $60
  • Regular: May 1, 2026 - $65
  • Late: May 15, 2026 - $70
  • Extended: May 31, 2026 - $75

How long should my script be?

We strongly advise sticking to the industry standard of 90-120 pages as that tends to work the best for features. That being said, no real minimum or maximum, as long as it's intended to be a feature screenplay.

Are notes included?

Written feedback is not included on entries, but entrants may add one-page general notes as an optional service during registration for a reduced rate. Feedback is kept separate from judging—meaning you'll have a different Pipeline development executive reviewing your contest entry, and the notes have no bearing on the judging process.

If I make updates to my script after entering, do I have to re-register and pay a new entry fee?

At no extra fee, writers may submit a new draft at any time up until the late deadline of May 31st, 2026. Yes, this is uncommon for a contest. Yes, we're (probably) the only contest that does this. Yes, we think it should be standard.

Updated drafts may be emailed to us direct.

Should I put contact info on the cover page?

It's not required. For us, we prefer the logline on the title page too, but also not required.

If I place, do I retain the rights to my script?

Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer, regardless of whether or not they win or place.

Can international writers enter?

Yes. All Pipeline contests are open to writers worldwide. Proud to say, every year we discover great new scripts from writers in Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, South America ... all over.

Can I submit to other contests or companies after entering?

There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing contests or fellowships, or sending your script elsewhere while entered in the contest. If your script is optioned while in competition, you'd still be eligible as long as you submitted prior to the option or shopping agreement date. If the script is sold during competition, we can pull the entry.

Are writing teams accepted?

Yes. Only one writer needs to register. If the script is selected as a Quarterfinalist, all co-writer names will be added to the announcement at that time.

Will you accept short scripts or pitches?

Only feature-length scripts are accepted.

Pitches may be submitted to our bi-annual Pitch Contest.

Short scripts may be submitted to Film Pipeline.

Contact our contest coordinator with any other questions.

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Upcoming Deadlines

2025 Pitch Contest (Fall/Winter)

Regular Deadline: December 15, 2025

The bi-annual 2025 Script Pipeline Pitch Contest is searching for original feature film and TV series ideas to be developed into screenplays and pilots.

2026 Screenwriting Contest

Pre-register Deadline: December 30, 2025

The 24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with feature screenplays across all genres.

2026 TV Writing Contest

Pre-register Deadline: December 30, 2025

The 19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with original television pilots or unproduced indie series scripts.

Latest Success Stories

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Just a few months after the contest announcement, 2025 Screenwriting semifinalist Nick Porisch signed with manager Jake Wagner (Alibi Management). Pipeline execs helped Nick develop his Semi-placing script Beautiful Morning prior to pitching direct to Jake. From Nick: “Working with Script Pipeline has been an incredible and super rewarding process. They’ve been helpful and supportive […]

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A top 10 finalist in the 2023 Screenwriting Competition, Buzzkill by Colin McLaughlin is set to be produced! Joe Lynch will direct, with Billy Magnussen (Game Night) and Lulu Wilson (Becky) to star. Read more on Deadline. Colin's horror/comedy was lauded by Pipeline execs as "one of the freshest spins on a horror concept we've […]

Screenwriting / TV Writing Finalist Signs with Management

October 13, 2025

Script Pipeline finalist Nick Grant has signed with Zack Zucker (Bellevue) after introductions by Pipeline. The Pipeline team helped develop Nick's top-5 script POV before circulation to Bellevue and other managers. He signed with Zack only a few weeks after. Nick was also a finalist this year with a pilot (Cul-De-Sac), marking only the second […]

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