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

We focus foremost on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.

We're currently the only competition offering an intensive, personalized process to our Quarterfinalists and higher: 1-on-1 development, long-term mentorship, career guidance, and circulation to only the leading industry execs. This has resulted in over $8 million in spec sales to studios, multiple films produced, and hundreds of emerging writers introduced to reps.

Script Pipeline selects five (5) finalists and, from that group, one winner to receive:

• $20,000 to winner; $1,000 to each finalist
• Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and other execs searching for screenplays
• Development assistance and mentoring from Script Pipeline's team
• Additional script reviews and consideration of other material
• Long-term script circulation to industry and continual guidance connecting with companies
• Supplemental mentorship from partners, including the team at Cinestory

For Quarterfinalists (selecting up to 50, OR appx. 1% of entries) and Semifinalists (selecting up to 25):

• Additional feedback on their screenplay from Script Pipeline's development execs
• Re-review of a final draft
• Consideration for industry circulation

All finalists also receive exclusive invitations to private events hosted by Symposium.

Script Pipeline has cultivated relationships with numerous production companies, managers, agents, directors, independent producers, networks, financiers, and other executives, leading to multiple writers signed, specs sold, and films produced.

A small selection of industry reviewing Pipeline selections:

• Bellevue Productions
• Divide/Conquer
• Destro Films
• STX Entertainment
• Hungry Man
• Alibi Management
• LBI Entertainment
• V42 
• Epicenter Management

Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the writing, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and character). Concept marketability/producibility, originality, and writing style are also weighed to various degrees.

Our best piece of advice is to submit material that highlights your distinct voice—what separates your script from the norm? Although we're strict on judging and only work with a select group of writers annually, all types of genres and styles are fair game. In the past, finalist and winning scripts have ranged from microbudget indies, to true stories, big-budget sci-fi, straight genre pieces, low-concept, high-concept, and everything in-between.

Being selected as a Quarterfinalist or higher means that we feel the script has potential, the writing is above average, and it's a project we're confident in helping further develop and potentially promote to industry.

All contest judges are comprised of our in-house Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff. We do NOT use unpaid interns, volunteers, or "seasonal" readers, because that doesn't make sense and no one should do it ...

Basic guidelines:

• The cover page should include the title, but you can remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Your entry won't be disqualified if you submit a cover page that includes contact info. Logline and genre on the cover page is preferred, but not required.
• Co-writers are allowed.
• PDF only. All software should have a convert to PDF function.
• Script should be a feature-length screenplay (i.e. 80-120 pages, preferably). Any genre. Pilots can be submitted to the TV Writing Contest.
• Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2024 are not eligible.
• No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.
• All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.
• The script entered must not have been produced in its full form. Produced short films based on the script are okay.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.