Script Pipeline Pitch Contest
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About
The Great Movie and TV Show Idea contests are searching for original feature film and television series pitches. Ideally, distinct stories a global, diverse audience can connect with. Any genre, studio-level or indie, is accepted. Completed scripts are not reviewed, nor are entrants required to have a screenplay or pilot, as we help develop the selected projects.
Each of the two divisions, Movie and TV, select one Grand Prize Winner and one Runner-up.
For the winner, Script Pipeline provides additional assistance to refine the pitch, or help the writer draft a polished screenplay or pilot. Our execs review and offer feedback at all stages of development. When the work is ready for circulation, we send the material to specific producers looking for relevant, high-concept, marketable films and series. All writers retain the rights to their script, and development assistance for the winner is entirely optional.
The company’s unique process, consisting of long-term writer development and widespread circulation of material, gives selected writers access to top execs worldwide as well as the proper guidance to advance their careers.
Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers, with numerous scripts produced since 1999. In September 2020, Legendary picked up finalist screenplay Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander for seven figures, and over the last few years alone, Script Pipeline winners and finalists have optioned screenplays, sold shows, or were staffed on streaming and network series, including Writers Guild Award-winner Howard Jordan Jr. (Family Reunion, The Unicorn), Tripper Clancy (Die Hart, I Am Not Okay With This), and Laura Bensick (Everyday Insanity). Many others connected with representation, such as Screenwriting winner Helen Gaughran signing with UTA and 2020 writers signing with managers at Kaplan/Perrone, Writ Large, and Zero Gravity.
*Is this the same as paying to pitch to industry?
Not to be confused with a "pay-to-pitch" type of ... thing, we develop the script with our winners and runners-up before sending to industry. This could take a few weeks, or a few months, or a year. Depends on the writer and the project. But once the script is up-to-speed, we send to select production companies and managers for review. If the script doesn't land somewhere right away, we keep on hand for industry over the long-term. Additionally, we help in the development of other pitches and scripts for future circulation.
Benefits
MOVIE IDEA
Grand Prize Winner (1) - $1,000: July 31st, 2021
Runner-up (1): July 31st, 2021
TV IDEA
Grand Prize Winner (1) - $1,000: July 31st, 2021
Runner-up (1): July 31st, 2021
Winners and Runners-up in both divisions receive the following:
- Extensive development and assistance in completing a screenplay or pilot (optional)
- Long-term circulation to producers and other companies
- Review of additional pitches and completed film or TV material
Announcements
Rules
Script Pipeline's criteria is based primarily on the overall marketability of the concept, preferably hitting a "Goldilocks zone" between commercial/mainstream and something wholly new, relevant, and creative. Although we're strict on judging, we're open to all types of narrative or scripted pitches (no reality or game show ideas).
In the past, selected ideas have ranged from lower-budget indies, to big-budget studio films, animation, true stories, and high-concept genre material. Anything unique and universally appealing is fair game. We highly recommend writers submit more detailed summaries spotlighting the elements that make your project distinct: why this story, why these themes, and in many cases, why you, the writer, are most apt to develop this type of project. Sell yourself in addition to your script concept.
Only written submissions are accepted, we no longer accept video or other media.
For pitches:
- Must submit a full story synopsis in addition to a logline. This can range from a page in length to a full treatment--entirely up to you on how to best present your idea. We do not judge on format, we judge on the idea itself. Supplemental materials (illustrations, etc.) are allowed. The best format is usually comprised of a logline, a page-long summary, and any other comments on the originality of the premise.
- Do not send full-length screenplays--summaries ONLY. Pitches may be emailed direct or uploaded.
- Remove your name and contact information from the documents prior to submitting.
- Longer submissions are judged on the same criteria as short ones, so whatever length you think is best.
General rules:
- Concept must be for a feature-length film or scripted TV series.
- Script Pipeline will not share your idea with anyone unless you’re chosen as a winner or runner-up and give us explicit permission to do so.
- Previous Idea Contest winners and runners-up (since 2012) are ineligible.
- Should go without saying, but the idea needs to be ORIGINAL and not based on an existing franchise or property, unless it's in the public domain. If the idea is in the public domain, it should have some sort of defining factor that takes a distinctive approach and clearly demonstrate how you plan to adapt.