• Special Entry: February 25, 2026 - $35
• Early: April 20, 2026 - $40
• Regular: June 15, 2026 - $45
• Late: June 30, 2026 - $50
• Extended: July 15, 2026 - $55

How does this work?

The Pitch Contest is development-centric. Meaning: Script Pipeline develops the script one-on-one with our winner and runner-up before considering for industry. This could take a few weeks, or a few months, or a year. Really depends on the writer and the script.

But once the material is up-to-speed, we strategize with the writer and send to select production companies and managers (or other execs) for review. If the script doesn't land somewhere right away, we keep on hand for industry over the long-term.

Additionally—and perhaps most importantly—our team may review and help develop other pitches and scripts for future circulation. That approach is our hallmark across all Pipeline divisions and has been massively successful over the years, having connected writers with top management and production companies based off their other projects.

In short, as some of you know already, we're very collaborative with our writers, and support their careers as much as we're able ...

I can submit a pitch for a finished script, right?

If you'd like to submit a pitch based on one of your existing scripts, that's fine! And if you're selected as winner or runner-up, we would use that draft as a starting point (if it needs further polishing) for development. But only send the pitch itself as your entry.

FULL, completed scripts may be submitted to Screenwriting, TV Writing, or the First Look Project.

Is my idea protected? Will I retain the rights to the idea?

All rights remain with the writer, regardless of the final contest results.

No one outside of Script Pipeline's team of judges will review your entry without the writer's permission. For the winner, we don't send out their completed script until we have their consent and mutually deem the project "circulation ready."

Are notes included?

Written feedback is not included on entries, but entrants may add general one-page notes as an optional service during registration for a reduced rate. For written feedback, keep in mind the development executive reviewing the script for notes is different than the exec reviewing the script for the contest, and the notes have no bearing on judging. Notes are emailed to the writer ASAP, but please allow for 6-8 weeks depending on volume.

How should I format my entry?

A logline and full synopsis is required, detailing the story's beginning, middle, and end. This can be brief, anywhere from 1-3 pages is typical. Pitch decks (any length) are also more than welcome. If you're unclear on the details of what goes into a pitch deck, you're in luck—we have a Pipeline Artists Symposium event available for streaming here.

Can international writers enter?

Yes. As with all Pipeline contests, anyone worldwide can enter.

If I win, do I need the completed screenplay or pilot?

Not at all ... If you do, great (head start on development!), but it won't affect the outcome of the contest. We're just looking for original concepts, primed for the current marketplace. Our development team will assist in refining the pitch and getting you started on the script itself. While that might indicate the contest is open only to screenwriters, it's not: we'll help you develop a first-ever draft of a screenplay or pilot, as we've done with authors, playwrights, and other storytellers in the past.

If I’m a published author, can I submit a pitch for my book?

You can. But we'd recommend instead submitting to the Book Pipeline Adaptation Contest, which is open exclusively to published novels, nonfiction, and short stories.

Do you accept AI-written screenplays?

No. Ethical considerations aside, this is a writing competition and development platform, so we expect screenplays to be written by good ol' fashioned humans.

Contact our contest coordinator with any other questions.