Mar 12th
Open
Mar 31st
Coverfly Exclusive
Apr 30th
Cold Open
May 31st
Limited Release
Jun 20th
Call for Entries
Jul 11th
Discounted Earlybird
Aug 1st
Earlybird
Aug 22nd
Discounted Official
Sep 12th
Official
Oct 31st
Extended
Nov 28th
Last Minute
Barnstorm
Barnstorm Fest
2025
Active Since 2014
The Grand Jury Prize winner chooses between $5,000 cash or a $5,000 screenplay option!
Every script receives actionable and constructive feedback!
Accepting Features, Treatments, Pitches, TV Pilots, Web Series, Series Bibles, Podcasts, and Shorts
Enter Now
Enter on or before April 30th to save $10
About
Barnstorm is not just a screenplay competition, its goal is to help you develop your script for production. Every script receives actionable and constructive feedback from an industry professional and Finalists receive a one-on-one consultation with a feature film producer, as well as heaps of other rewards designed to help you get your film produced. The GRAND JURY PRIZE chooses between $5,000 USD or a $5,000 screenplay option from Barnstorm Media.
At Barnstorm, we pride ourselves on helping our finalists and participants long after the festival is complete. We continue to work with and advise our participants on how to get their script made for as long as it takes. Barnstorm's ultimate goal is the preservation of independent film through the nurturing of independent voices.
Prices & Deadlines
Apr 30th
Cold Open
|
May 31st
Limited Release
|
Jun 20th
Call for Entries
|
Jul 11th
Discounted Earlybird
|
Aug 1st
Earlybird
|
Aug 22nd
Discounted Official
|
Sep 12th
Official
|
Oct 31st
Extended
|
Nov 28th
Last Minute
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURE
|
$35.00
|
$45.00
|
$55.00
|
$60.00
|
$65.00
|
$70.00
|
$75.00
|
$85.00
|
$90.00
|
TELEVISION
|
$30.00
|
$40.00
|
$50.00
|
$55.00
|
$60.00
|
$65.00
|
$70.00
|
$80.00
|
$85.00
|
SHORT
|
$30.00
|
$40.00
|
$50.00
|
$55.00
|
$60.00
|
$65.00
|
$70.00
|
$80.00
|
$85.00
|
Benefits
Every submission receives feedback from an industry professional.
Every submission receives a free subscription to Videomaker.
FINALIST PACKAGE
Three finalists will be awarded from each category.
All finalists receive a prize package from Script Mailer, who will email your script to over 400 of the industry's top agents, including agents at ICM, CAA and WME.
Every finalist receives a one-on-one consultation with a producer from Barnstorm Media who can advise you on how to get your film or pilot made, or, better yet, how to make it yourself.
One finalist from each category will be invited to participate in Coverfly's Writer Development Project.
One finalist from each category will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for independent film. Companies who are InkTip members include: ABC, Anonymous Content, APA, CBS Films, HBO Films, ICM, Paradigm, Paramount Pictures, Hallmark Channel, FX, Universal, WME, Bad Robot, and 20th Century.
One finalist will have have their screenplay considered for grant offers and production by Unsolicited Scripts.
GRAND JURY PRIZE
One script, regardless of category, will receive the Grand Jury Prize package. The package includes all prizes offered to finalists, plus the choice of either $5,000 USD or a $5,000 screenplay option from Barnstorm Media.
During the option period, Barnstorm Media will strive to package your script for production!
You can learn more about screenplay options here:
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-does-it-mean-to-option-a-script/
Coverfly Program Insights
Coverfly vets all programs on its platform, but not every program is right for every writer.
Program Insights help you decide where to submit your work.
2024 Finalists on Coverfly
Top 7%
Feature
· Drama
· 117 Pages
An affection-starved young man on a diet of one-night stands doesn't quite know what to do when romance comes his way.
GB
Bournemouth Film School graduate, specialised in Producing, Directing, and Screenwriting.
Top 2%
Short
· Sci-fi
· 12 Pages
In Victorian London, a woman's quest to prove her worth through the use of cybernetic upgrades unleashes her deadly alter ego.
Vancouver, BC, CA
TOBY MARKS is a neurodivergent award-winning writer who has worked in London, LA, and Vancouver and pitched to media companies across the world, including Netflix, Shudder, and Neon. She likes the 3 M’s (magic, mystery and murder) telling stories with math/science motifs about smart dynamic women in dark, ominous settings. In 2022, her horror-comedy...
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Top 1%
Feature
· Historical
· 115 Pages
During WWII, a bookish archaeologist embarks on a perilous quest behind enemy lines to hunt for a long lost treasure that the church has zealously kept hidden for centuries.
Ottawa, Ontario, CA
Dan worked in TV for over thirty years and he has always gravitated toward creative outlets. An award-winning songwriter, Dan is also a twice published novelist (“The Judas Apocalypse” & “Can’t Buy Me Love”).
A natural storyteller, Dan will regale anyone who will listen to his tales of his days in broadcasting, his script ideas and how lousy th...
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Show 1 more writers
Announcements
Dec 14th
The Short Lists
Dec 28th
Grand Jury Prizes
Dec 28th
Finalists
Rules
Rules
1. Screenplays must be in English, formatted to industry standards and submitted as PDFs.
2. Scripts submitted to the competition must NOT have been previously optioned, purchased or produced at the time of entry.
3. Barnstorm's competition decisions are final.
4. In the event of multiple writers, list all additional co-writers on title page. Please NOTE: Barnstorm divides awards equally among co-writers.
5. Submissions that are 120 pages or longer may see a delay in the return of their feedback.
Terms & Conditions
I have read all of Barnstorm Fest’s rules and regulations. I understand and have complied with these rules.
I understand that if awarded, I have seven days to claim my prize, after which the prize is voided.
I understand that failure to adhere to Barnstorm Fest’s rules will result in disqualification.
I am the sole owner and author of the submitted material.
Furthermore, I indemnify Barnstorm Fest, its affiliates, sponsors and judges of and from any and all claims, loss or liability that may be asserted against you or incurred by you or any associates, at any time in connection with said material.
If chosen as an AWARD winner, I give Barnstorm Fest a Non-exclusive, Worldwide, Royalty Free license to use excerpts of my media and biographical information for advertising or promotional purposes, including, without limitation, the right of display, reproduction, and distribution on barnstormfest.com or its social media outlets.
Also, please refer to our FAQ at barnstormfest.com/faq
