Film Pipeline Short Screenplay Competition
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About
The 8th Annual Film Pipeline Short Script Competition is for writers and writer-directors looking to get a project financed and produced, or seeking development on a proof of concept for a feature. Our executives collaborate 1-on-1 with the finalists and winner, supporting their efforts on their selected script as well as future material.
All genres accepted—from traditional genre scripts, to "experimental" stories, to live-action and animation. Writers worldwide may enter.
"Since my win, the Pipeline team has provided me with unwavering support. Their guidance, mentorship, and encouragement for my winning short script and subsequent screenplays have made Film Pipeline an essential part of my story and growth as a writer."
- Michael Bina, Short Script Winner (Bahar, Born at Night)
With over 25 years of experience discovering new screenwriters through Script Pipeline, we've cultivated a dynamic, hands-on process of development and industry facilitation for filmmakers. This allows both emerging and seasoned writers and directors to receive personalized assistance in all facets of their creative process from a knowledgeable team. And, most importantly for us, we look to spotlight and support selected talent with the intent of fostering their careers over the long-term.
Winner and finalists awarded:
- - $5,000 to winner
- - Extensive development from Script Pipeline's executive team, including feature script or pilot development
- - Industry circulation to specific management and producing partners
- - Additional long-term development of other film and TV scripts
- - Financing consideration for future short scripts
- - Access to exclusive writer events via Pipeline Artists' Symposium
- ABOUT FILM PIPELINE -
Launched in 2018, Film Pipeline searches for extraordinary directors, produced shorts, unproduced scripts, and other content from a growing field of talent worldwide. Filmmakers and writers discovered through Pipeline receive circulation assistance to managers and executives on the lookout for the next wave of artists, with a sharp emphasis on diverse storytelling and stylistic originality.
Unlike a traditional one-and-done festival, we champion individual writers and directors, playing a central role in getting projects developed, financed, and promoting creators over the long-term.
Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Pipeline writers as well as numerous scripts produced since 1999, a notable list that includes studio films Stuber by Tripper Clancy (Fox) and Snow White and the Huntsman by Evan Daugherty (Universal). Pipeline Screenwriting finalist Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander sold to Legendary in 2020 for seven figures—one of the all-time biggest spec sales by an unproduced writer. Helen Gaughran's winning horror script Visitation was produced, starring Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Isla Johnston (The Queen’s Gambit), releasing soon. Several Pipeline writers have made The Black List in recent years, such as Court 17 by Elad Ziv, Cauliflower by Daniel Jackson, and Pure by Catherine Schetina, with the latter two securing the #1 spot. And over the past 25 years, writers have signed with multiple top managers and agents, landing with reps at Bellevue, UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, XYZ Management, IAG, Alibi Management, and more following Script Pipeline development and introductions. View notable success stories.
In total, across Film, Book, and Script Pipeline, approximately 20,000 pieces of creative material are reviewed annually, with ~2,000 entries submitted to Film Pipeline in 2024.
Learn more about Script Pipeline and Pipeline Media Group, as well as Symposium and Pipeline Artists, a platform designed to educate and uplift creatives in the arts.
Prices & Deadlines
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Jan 30th
Opening
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Mar 25th
Special Entry
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Jun 5th
Early
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Sep 10th
Regular
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Sep 25th
Late
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Oct 24th
Final (Coverfly Only)
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Short Script Entry
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$25.00
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$30.00
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$40.00
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$50.00
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$55.00
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$65.00
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Benefits
Grand Prize Winner - announced December 10th, 2025
- - $5,000
- - Pre-production support to get the film produced (varies by project)
Finalists (up to 5) - announced December 5th, 2025
The Grand Prize Winner and Finalists all receive the following:
- - Extensive development from Script Pipeline's executive team, including feature script or pilot development
- - Industry circulation to specific management and producing partners
- - Additional long-term development of other film and TV scripts
- - Financing consideration for future short scripts
- - Access to exclusive writer events via Pipeline Artists' Symposium
Announcements
Rules
- All genres accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts, proofs-of-concept, and teasers.
- We don’t have length requirements, but the submission must be intended as a short film. Anything from one to (roughly) 30 pages. Feature-length scripts and TV pilots may be submitted to Script Pipeline.
- Script must be unproduced at the time of entry. Produced short films are allowed only in the Short Film Competition. If the film is produced any time after entry into the competition, it will still be eligible for awards.
- Only completed scripts are allowed. Pitches may be submitted to Script Pipeline.
- If submitting a proof-of-concept script, supplemental info on the project, such as the synopsis for a feature, is more than welcome. We'll review a full package, pitch deck, or other type of proposal in addition to the short script.
- - Must send as a PDF file (Final Draft and other screenwriting software all have an "export as PDF" function).
- - Logline and genre on the title page is preferred but not required.
- - 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.