ScreenCraft Feature Competition
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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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Announcements
Rules
At the program's request, Coverfly will automatically remove your title page for you if you include one when submitting to this program.
Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only.
Entry fees are as listed on the site and checkout form. No coupon or discount is applicable on a previous entry.
Optional feedback from a professional reader may be requested at the time of entry. Requests for feedback can be done through Coverfly.
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.
There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit.
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.
All submitted material must be owned by the writer(s), however the material may be based on other works not owned by the writers.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ScreenCraft reserves the right to change deadline and announcement dates at any time.
ScreenCraft reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.
For a full list of rules and eligibility please visit ScreenCraft.