Script Pipeline Pitch Contest
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About
The Script Pipeline Pitch Contest is 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.
One Grand Prize Winner is selected amongst all pitches, as well as a minimum of one runner-up.
For selected writers, Script Pipeline provides additional long-term assistance to refine the pitch and help develop the script. Our in-house creative execs review and offer feedback at all stages. When the work is ready for circulation, we send to specific producers and reps looking for relevant, higher-concept material.
All writers retain the rights to their pitch and their script, and development assistance for the winner is entirely optional.
Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers, with numerous scripts produced since 1999. In 2020, Legendary picked up finalist screenplay Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander for seven figures, and in the last several years, Script Pipeline winners and finalists have optioned screenplays, sold shows, or were staffed on streaming and network series. Both 2021 winners—Erin Muroski for TV Writing and Daniel Jackson for Screenwriting—signed with reps at Bellevue, and Cauliflower garnered the #1 spot on the that year's Black List. Many others have signed with reps at UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, Alibi Management, Zero Gravity, and more after Script Pipeline introductions. View notable success stories.
Benefits
One Grand Prize Winner receives $2,000. The Winner and Runner(s)-up also receive:
- 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 for industry consideration
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, documentary, or game show ideas). Note too that movie and TV entries compete against one another, so if you aren't sure what medium your idea fits best, that's okay.
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.
Only written submissions are accepted, we no longer accept video or other media.
- Must submit a full story synopsis and 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 necessarily judge on format, we judge on the idea itself. That said, sometimes how you pitch your idea can make all the difference, so take that into consdieration. 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:
- Must be for a scripted film or TV series. No reality, documentary, or game show ideas. Reason being: we don't have industry relationships in those areas, and it's ... just not our wheelhouse.
- 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 2013) 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.