Film Pipeline Short Screenplay Competition
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The 5th Annual Film Pipeline Short Script Competition provides an opportunity for writers to get their project financed and produced. Our executives collaborate with the finalists from development to production, supporting their efforts on both their selected script as well as future material.
With over two decades of experience discovering new screenwriters, Pipeline has cultivated a dynamic, hands-on process of development and industry introductions for filmmakers. This allows both emerging and seasoned writers/directors to receive one-on-one assistance in all facets, from concept to circulation. And most importantly, Pipeline spotlights and supports selected talent long-term with the intent of fostering their careers.
Benefits
Winner and runner-up awarded:
- $5,000 to winner; $500 to runner-up
- Industry circulation to select partners, including agents and managers
- Promotion of the short and the filmmakers’ future work
- Additional review of other shorts or scripts, with circulation consideration
- Financing opportunities for additional shorts
Announcements
Rules
- Any genre accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts, proofs-of-concept, and teasers.
- We don’t have any length requirements, but the submission must be intended as a short film or digital series pilot. Anything from one to (roughly) 30 pages for short films and 30 pages max for pilots. Feature-length scripts and longer "traditional" TV pilots may be submitted to Script Pipeline.
- Script must be unproduced at the time of entry. Produced 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. No pitches.
- 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 or proposal in addition to the short script.
- Cover page should include the title only. Remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.) on the script. Logline and genre on the title page is preferred but not required. If contact info is left on the script, we'll adjust the file accordingly (errors on the cover page will not result in disqualification).
- Co-writers allowed. Only one writer needs to register.
- Must send as a PDF file (Final Draft and other screenwriting software all have an "export as PDF" function).
- 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.
FAQS
DO YOU ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES?
Absolutely. Writers worldwide are welcome to participate in this and any Film Pipeline, Script Pipeline, or Book Pipeline competition.
IF MY SHORT SCRIPT IS ALREADY PRODUCED, CAN I SUBMIT?
The contest only accepts short scripts that have not been produced at the time of entry. Anything that has already been produced in any capacity would not qualify. However, scripts produced after the date of entry are still eligible for awards and may remain in competition.
CAN I UPDATE THE SCRIPT AFTER ENTERING?
Yes, we’ll accept updated drafts any time, at no extra fee. We would need to receive the script by the contest’s extended deadline.
WHAT KINDS OF SHORT SCRIPTS ARE ALLOWED?
Any genre is accepted, including stories based on true events and experimental work. We’re looking primarily for great storytelling and diverse, fresh concepts.
CAN I SUBMIT ADDITIONAL MATERIALS WITH THE SCRIPT?
Yes, we would encourage writers to include supplemental materials (such as a synopsis, an outline for a feature version, etc.) along with their short script. You can email those materials direct to our coordinator. There’s no formatting requirement for supplemental materials, but we’d prefer they be sent as a PDF.
DO I GET FEEDBACK?
Feedback for the Film Pipeline competitions is kept internal. However, for script notes, writers may request a notes service via Script Pipeline.
DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY SCRIPT?
All rights remain with the entrant, regardless of the final contest results. For circulation, scripts aren’t sent to anyone outside of Film Pipeline without the writer’s consent.
Contact our contest coordinator with any other questions.
