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May 31st
Cold Open
Jun 21st
Limited Release
Jul 12th
Call for Entries
Aug 2nd
Discounted Earlybird
Aug 23rd
Earlybird
Sep 13th
Discounted Official
Oct 4th
Official
Oct 25th
Discounted Extended
Nov 15th
Extended
Dec 6th
Last Minute
Barnstorm
Barnstorm Fest
2024
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!
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Currently Closed. Subscribe to receive a notification when the next season opens on April 29th.

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.

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 option of $5,000 cash or a $5,000 screenplay option from Barnstorm Media. 

You can learn more about screenplay options here: 
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-does-it-mean-to-option-a-script/

2023 Finalists on Coverfly

See Other Placements

Announcements

Jan 10th
Grand Jury Prize Winners
Jan 10th
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