Script Pipeline Pitch Contest
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About
The bi-annual 2023 Script Pipeline Pitch Contest is searching for original feature film and television series ideas—distinct stories a global, diverse audience can connect with. Any genre or budget, studio-level or indie, is accepted. Entrants are not required to have a screenplay or pilot, as we help develop the selected projects.
One Grand Prize Winner is chosen amongst all pitches, and that writer receives additional long-term assistance with our in-house creative execs to refine the pitch, the story, the vision, and help develop the script. When the work is ready for circulation, we send to specific producers and reps looking for fresh, higher-concept material.
All writers retain the rights to their material, and development assistance for the winner is entirely optional.
Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers as well as numerous scripts produced since 1999, such as studio releases Stuber by Tripper Clancy and Snow White and the Huntsman by Evan Daugherty. Pipeline Screenwriting finalist Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander sold to Legendary for seven figures—one of the biggest spec sales in years. And Helen Gaughran's winning script Visitation began production in 2023, starring Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Isla Johnston (The Queen’s Gambit). Several Pipeline writers have made The Black List, with Cauliflower by Daniel Jackson (2021) and Pure by Catherine Schetina (2022), both landing at the #1 spot. While winners Daniel Jackson (Screenwriting), Elad Ziv (First Look Project), and Brian T. Arnold (First Look Project) landed at Bellevue over the past couple seasons, many others have signed at UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, Alibi Management, and more after Script Pipeline introductions.
Benefits
Grand Prize Winner (1) - $2,000
The winner also receives:
- - Extensive development and assistance in completing a screenplay or pilot
- - Long-term circulation to producers and other companies
- - Review of additional pitches and completed film or TV material for industry consideration
- - Invitations to exclusive events through Pipeline's Symposium platform
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.
We're open to all types of narrative or scripted pitches. Note 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, 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.
Oftentimes the vision for the concept comes across best as a pitch deck, but that's entirely up you. Not a requirement.
Some guidelines:
- - Must submit a full story synopsis and logline at minimum. This can range from a page in length to a full treatment or pitch deck (any length). We don't necessarily judge on format, we judge on the idea itself. 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.
- - Only written submissions are accepted, we no longer accept video pitches.
General rules:
- - Must be for a scripted film or TV series. No reality, documentary, or game show ideas.
- - Script Pipeline will not share your pitch with anyone unless you’re chosen as a winner and give us explicit permission to do so.
- - Previous Screenwriting, TV Writing, First Look Project, and Pitch Contest winners and finalists (since 2013) are ineligible.
- - Obviously ... the idea needs to be ORIGINAL and not based on an existing franchise or property, unless it's in the public domain.