ScreenCraft
ScreenCraft Feature Competition
2024
Reads in Coverfly
Active Since 2021
This year's Grand Prize Mentors include Oscar-winner David Rabinowitz (BLACKKKLANSMAN), Rose Gilroy (PROJECT ARTEMIS), Hugh Welchman (LOVING VINCENT) and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (MULAN).
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About

ScreenCraft has helped feature script writers of all different genres and voices find representation, earn paid writing assignments, land high profile options, and even sell their work. 


This year, we're excited to welcome Oscar-winning writer David Rabinowitz (BLACKKLANSMAN), writer Rose Gilroy (PROJECT ARTEMIS), writer Hugh Welchman (LOVING VINCENT) and writers Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (MULAN) as our Grand Prize mentors.  We are also thrilled to offer an exclusive Add-On Development Partnership with Prince Baggett of Confluential Films. 


Past Feature competition Winners and Finalists have signed with managers at Epicenter, Stride Management, Schulman Management Group, and more.


So whether it's a blockbuster that thrills, an indie that inspires, or a feature of any genre in between, our jury is excited to connect with your voice as a writer!

Benefits

GRAND PRIZE MENTORS

4 Grand Prize Winners will be selected for this year's competition. Each Grand Prize Winner will receive a virtual meeting and project development insight from their mentor.


DAVID RABINOWITZ

Oscar-winning writer, BLACKKLANSMAN

David has been working as a full-time professional screenwriter since 2017. Along with Spike Lee and Kevin Willmott, he and his writing partner Charlie Wachtel co-wrote the 2018 film BlacKkKlansman. They currently have multiple feature projects in development as both writers and producers.

LAUREN HYNEK AND ELIZABETH MARTIN

Writers, MULAN

Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin are writing partners who have been friends since high school. They love stories about fierce women, no matter the genre. They co-wrote Disney’s live-action Mulan. Recent assignments include: a biopic about genius computer pioneer Grace Hopper; a high-octane heist movie for Alcon Entertainment; and the upcoming 2024 Spellbound (with an all-star cast of Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem) for Skydance Animation, directed by Shrek co-director Vicky Jenson, music and lyrics by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. They are repped by IAG, Anvil Entertainment, and Kleinberg, Lange, Cuddy & Carlo.

HUGH WELCHMAN

Writer, LOVING VINCENT

Hugh Welchman is a producer and writer, known for Loving Vincent (2017), The Peasants (2023) and La Vie En Rose (2007). Hugh graduated from Oxford University, then attended The National Film & Television School. His graduation film, Crowstone, won the Cinefoundation Prize at Cannes. He produced shorts for Monty Python before starting BreakThru Films, winning an Oscar as well as many other awards for its first major production, Peter and the Wolf.

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ROSE GILROY

Writer, PROJECT ARTEMIS

Rose Gilroy penned Project Artemis, which sold to Apple Studios. Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum star in the Greg Berlanti directed feature. Johansson and her production company These Pictures produced the film set to premiere in Summer 2024. Additionally, Rose wrote THE PACK, which was featured on The Black List. Jennifer Fox will produce with 30 West financing and executive producing. Alexander Skarsgård is set to direct and co-star with Florence Pugh.

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ADD-ON DEVELOPMENT PRIZE

This optional add-on prize category will grant one eligible writer the opportunity to learn, develop, and strengthen their project with guidance from an industry professional. Only projects submitted to the ScreenCraft Feature Competition AND that select this add-on are eligible for consideration in this category. Additionally, all projects that place in the Top 10 of the competition will automatically be considered.

PRINCE BAGGETT

Prince Baggett recently led the charge at Confluential Films & Black Love, steering a diverse film slate from development to production. In his role as Head of Film, he blends a discerning financial acumen with a dedication to inclusive storytelling, championing studio projects that amplify and support underrepresented voices. In January, his strategic efforts were instrumental in presenting three standout Sundance features, including Young. Wild. Free with Sanaa Lathan, and an acclaimed documentary, cementing the company's status as a powerhouse for diverse talent. Particularly noteworthy is "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," generating Oscar buzz and set to captivate HBO audiences post its theatrical run. Additionally, Confluential's production, "The Perfect Find," premiered on Netflix in 2023. Before joining Confluential, Prince held the reins at Genius Productions, overseeing Marsai Martin's first-look deal with Universal Pictures and playing a pivotal role in development on projects like "Little" “Saturdays” and "Amari and the Night Brothers." A fervent advocate for mentorship, Prince previously was a mentor in the Universal Pictures Writers and Director Programs and played a key role in co-founding the Diverse Representation Black Entertainment Executives Pipeline Program. Baggett grew up in Inglewood, California, just south of LA — his father worked in the aircraft industry. Prince entry into Hollywood started with an executive internship at Paramount Pictures.


PRIZES


Grand Prize

4 Grand Prize Winners will be selected for this year's competition. One by writer David Rabinowitz (Blackklansman) one by writer Rose Gilroy (Project Artemis), one by Hugh Welchman (Loving Vincent) and the other by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan). Each Grand Prize winner will receive from their respective mentor: a virtual meeting, and project development insight.


Winners will be welcomed to the Writer Development Program and receive personal introductions and calls with one or more top Hollywood professionals who are looking for talented emerging screenwriters.


Winner will also receive:

-  Personal Introduction to top industry professionals

-  Accepted into the Writer Development Program

 - $750 Cash

 - An exclusive invitation to a Finalist only workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry


Finalists

- An exclusive invitation to a Finalist only workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry

- Guaranteed meeting with an industry professional

Judges

Bellevue Productions

Kate Sharp

Manager and Producer

Bellevue Productions

Kate Sharp is an Emmy nominated producer and manager with Bellevue Productions. Kate was an EP on Hulu's Emmy-nominated TV series BEHIND THE MASK. Kate is currently producing FLEEING starring André Holland and Nicole Beharie which recently wrapped production. On the feature side, her client's projects have premiered at Sundance, TIFF and Cannes. On the TV side, her clients have written on such series as STAR TREK: PICARD, GENIUS: ARETHA FRANKLIN and NEVER HAVE I EVER.

Buchwald

Daniel Perry

Literary Agent

Buchwald

Daniel is a Film & TV Literary Agent at Buchwald, representing prolific, iconic, and award-winning writers, directors, producers, and multi-hyphenates. Buchwald was launched in 1977, and is an industry leader in representation.

Nik Mavinkurve

Head of Film

State Street Pictures

Nik Mavinkurve started his career at Marc Platt Productions and continued at Warner Bros. Pictures as a Creative Executive where he worked on various movies including, SUICIDE SQUAD, IT, and GET HARD. He had a small stint working as a VP, Drama Development at WARNER HORIZON/WARNER BROS TELEVISION where he also helped develop various projects for cable and streaming. Most recently, he served as the Head of Film at State Street Pictures (BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE, ON THE COME UP, THE HATE U GIVE).

Brandon Purdie

EVP, Global Head of Theatrical Distribution

Angel Studios

Brandon Purdie, with a lifelong career in film and cinema since the age of 14, is now a distinguished leader with a 24-year tenure in the theatrical film distribution industry. He founded Purdie Distribution in 2008, overseeing the successful release of nearly 100 indie films. Following the triumphant sale of Purdie Distribution in February 2023, Angel Studios appointed him as the trailblazing EVP of Global Theatrical Distribution. His pivotal role extends beyond distribution, contributing significantly to Angel’s enduring commitment to weaving narratives that amplify light and resonate with audiences on a global scale, solidifying his status as a preeminent leader in the global theatrical film and cinema industry.

831 Entertainment

Alex Pelham

Literary Manager

831 Entertainment

Alex is a literary and talent manager at 831 Entertainment who represents a diverse group of writers, directors and actors based in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Canada. His clients have staffed on Stephen Colbert's TOONING OUT THE NEWS on Paramount+ and SOFT FOCUS WITH JENNA FRIEDMAN on Adult Swim, while his talent clients have appeared in Amazon Prime's WITH LOVE, NBC's YOUNG ROCK and CW's WALKER. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Radio/Television/Film.

Writer Success

Joining the ScreenCraft family has been one of the best experiences. I told them that it feels like a parental type of love (Did this get weird?) cause you feel so taken care of as a writer. They helped connect me to Brittney (my manager). Even before winning the Grand Prize Award for the feature competition, they were championing me and sending my materials to agents and managers. I will be forever grateful for this competition.
Kristin Erickson
2021 Winner
Screencraft was instrumental in my getting repped! I'd had several meetings over the years, but really didn't know how to present myself and my work in an interesting, concise, appealing way. But after WHEN HORROR MET SALLY... made the Finals in the Screencraft Feature Competition, it really boosted my confidence and made me work that much harder to try and get repped. Screencraft worked with me and helped me finally understand how to present myself and my work in meetings and pitches. Being able to say, "I write genre-bending romantic comedies, usually with a dark twist, and a dash of hopefulness," lets people know what I'm all about, and Screencraft helped me get there. They also helped me frame my personal story of who I am and what led me to write the kinds of dark, yet hopeful stories I create. Writing is easy compared to the process of trying to sell myself to an agent or manager. I used to think that if I wrote great scripts, the rest would just fall into place, but...um, no...that's not the case! My phone wasn't exactly ringing off the hook. Writing great scripts is a huge part of it, to be sure, but so is being able to sell yourself and your work in meetings and pitches. Screencraft helped me hone my pitch through personal guidance with Cameron and Donnita, who are both terrific, by the way. Being a Finalist also tremendously elevated my Coverfly ranking, and my rep might not have found my script had I not gotten that boost! But it also let the industry know that my horror/comedy, WHEN HORROR MET SALLY..., could do extremely well in all sorts of contests, not just horror-specific ones. My script was a Finalist in the Screencraft Feature Competition next to serious dramas, great sci-fi, hilarious comedies, and even some undefinable, weird and wonderful work. It was such a terrific mix of stories and writers, and I was honored to be there. All in all, a tremendous experience.
Ervin Anderson
2021 Finalist
I placed as an honourable mention in this competition, and the ongoing feedback and advice from them has been helpful, encouraging and highly valuable. I now have a network of other writers to go to for support, as well as access to the Screencraft team when I have questions or need advice moving forward. Very happy I entered this competition!
Sarah Deakins
2021 Finalist
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Coverfly Program Insights
Coverfly vets all programs on its platform, but not every program is right for every writer. Program Insights help you decide where to submit your work.

2024 Winners on Coverfly

Top 1%
Feature  · Comedy  · 107 Pages
When her long time unrequited love Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to London society with his new bride Lizzie Bennett, wealthy socialite Prudence Priestley decides it's up to her to prove his new wife is not worthy of him. (This is set in Jane Austen universe).
New York, NY
Fran Ervin is an award-winning writer, director and producer whose most notable accolades include winning the 2024 Screencraft Feature Competition's Grand Prize, alumni of the 2024 Stowe September Writer's Retreat, and recipient of a first look deal with Universal Pictures Fran's debut feature film has garnered nearly 2 million views on YouTube ...
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COUNTERPOINT
Private
Feature  · Drama  · 93 Pages
In New York City, the friendship between two violinists at an elite high school conservatory turns vicious when a life-changing competition is announced.
Los Angeles, CA
Arden Earnest is the recipient of the Slamdance Screenplay Award, a ScreenCraft Grand Prize Winner, and was recently awarded AFI's Writers Room Ready distinction. An alum of the AFI Conservatory and USC School of Cinematic Arts, she is currently in post-production on a short film she wrote and directed, inspired by her award-winning feature script C...
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Top 1%
Feature  · Drama  · 118 Pages
A broke single mother hauls cocaine cross-country with her toddler under a ruthless drug kingpin’s threat, seeking freedom but risking her daughter’s life if the deal fails.
New York, NY
Mira is an Asian & Arab American writer-director from Cleveland, Ohio with a BFA in Film & TV from NYU Tisch. Most recently, her script “Equinox” earned the Grand Prize in ScreenCraft’s 2024 Feature Competition, allowing her to become an endorsed writer on Coverfly. Additionally, when “Equinox” was featured on Deadline Hollywood as a script develo...
Show more
See Other Placements

Announcements

Aug 7th
Semifinalists
Sep 11th
Finalists
Oct 9th
Development Prize Winners
Oct 9th
Winners

Rules

At the program's request, Coverfly will automatically remove your title page for you if you include one when submitting to this program.

  1. Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only.

  2. Entry fees are as listed on the site and checkout form. No coupon or discount is applicable on a previous entry.

  3. Optional feedback from a professional reader may be requested at the time of entry. Requests for feedback can be done through Coverfly.

  4. Entries may be any length -- the standard feature is between 85 - 120 pages. Any script submission longer than 120 pages will incur a $.50 per page overage fee for each page over 120 if it does not include feedback and $1 per page if the entry does include feedback.

  5. There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit.

  6. Entries must be received on or before the deadline dates by 11:59PM Pacific Time, and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.

  7. All submitted material must be owned by the writer(s), however the material may be based on other works not owned by the writers.

  8. Material must be submitted by the writer. Material written by writing teams must be submitted by one of the writers, with consent of the other(s).

  9. If a writing team is chosen as a winner, prizes will be given to the person who submits the project. Each team is responsible for dividing or sharing any prizes awarded as they deem fair (whether there is a cash value or not).

  10. Substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entered material will be allowed for a limited time with a $6 reentry fee through Coverfly. Please proofread your script carefully before submitting.

  11. It is recommended that original material be registered with the WGA or The Library of Congress before submitting to any competition, however we do not require registration.

  12. Contact info may be included on the cover page of the screenplay, however it is not required. ScreenCraft uses Coverfly to manage submissions and automatically removes cover pages before scripts are read by the judges.

  13. ScreenCraft claims no ownership nor option on your work. All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted to this contest remains with the original rights holders. 

  14. The decision of the judges will be final and cannot be contested in any manner. There is no score on a scorecard that guarantees advancement to the next level as advancement will be based on all scores in the competition.

  15. In the event a juror, partner organization, or prize partner is no longer able to serve in their specified capacity, ScreenCraft will make its best effort to secure a replacement. ScreenCraft is not responsible for the failed delivery of any prize package by a juror, sponsor, or partner organization.

  16. ScreenCraft reserves the right to change deadline and announcement dates at any time.

  17. ScreenCraft reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.

    For a full list of rules and eligibility please visit ScreenCraft.