Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition
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About
Winner Receives:
$20,000 | industry circulation | long-term script development
The 23rd Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition connects talented writers with production companies and managers.
As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, we focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects closer to production.
The company’s unique process—consisting of long-term, 1-on-1 development, extensive promotion, mentorship, and circulation of material—gives our selected writers proper guidance to advance their careers.
Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers as well as numerous scripts produced since 1999, a notable list that includes studio films Stuber by Tripper Clancy (Fox) and Snow White and the Huntsman by Evan Daugherty (Universal). Pipeline Screenwriting finalist Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander sold to Legendary in 2020 for seven figures—one of the all-time biggest spec sales by an unproduced writer. Helen Gaughran's winning horror script Visitation was produced, starring Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Isla Johnston (The Queen’s Gambit), releasing soon. Several Pipeline writers have made The Black List in recent years, such as Court 17 by Elad Ziv, Cauliflower by Daniel Jackson, and Pure by Catherine Schetina, with the latter two securing the #1 spot. And over the past 25 years, writers have signed with multiple top managers and agents, landing with reps at Bellevue, UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, XYZ Management, IAG, Alibi Management, and more following Script Pipeline development and introductions.
Benefits
There are four rounds of selections: Quarterfinalists, Semifinalists, Finalists, and from the top 5 Finalists, one Grand Prize Winner.
- Monetary Awards -
Grand Prize Winner - $20,000
Finalists (remaining 4) - $1,000 each
General feedback is provided for Quarterfinalists and Semifinalists following the end of the season, plus consideration for industry circulation and longer-term assistance from Pipeline.
The Grand Prize Winner and four remaining Finalists also receive the following:
- - Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and other execs searching for screenplays
- - Development assistance and mentoring from Script Pipeline's team
- - Additional script reviews and consideration of other material
- - Long-term script circulation to industry and continual guidance connecting with companies
- - Invitations to private events and Symposium panels hosted by Pipeline
*finalists are also awarded a copy of Final Draft 13 software, from our partners at Final Draft
Writer Success
2024 Winner on Coverfly
Announcements
Rules
GUIDELINES
- - The cover page should include the title, but you can remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Your entry won't be disqualified if you submit a cover page that includes contact info. Logline and genre on the cover page is preferred, but not required.
- - Co-writers are allowed.
- - PDF only. All software should have a convert to PDF function, including Final Draft, Celtx, and others.
- - Script should be a feature-length screenplay (i.e. 80-120 pages, preferably). All genres are allowed.
- - Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2022 are not eligible.
- - No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.
- - All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.
- - The script entered must not have been produced in its full form.
- - Produced short films based on the script are okay.
- - Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
CRITERIA
Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the script, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and character). Concept marketability/producibility, originality, and writing style are also weighed to various degrees.
Our best piece of advice is to submit material that highlights your distinct voice—what separates your script from the norm? Although we're strict on judging and only work with a select group of writers annually, all types of genres and styles are fair game. In the past, finalist and winning scripts have ranged from microbudget indies, to true stories, big-budget sci-fi, straight genre pieces, low-concept, high-concept, and everything in-between.
Being selected as a Quarterfinalist or higher means that we feel the script has potential, the writing is above average, and it's a project we're confident in helping further develop and potentially promote to industry.
FAQs
HOW LONG SHOULD MY SCRIPT BE?
We strongly advise sticking to the industry standard of 90-120 pages as that tends to work the best for features. That being said, the minimum length accepted is 75 pages, and the maximum is 150.
ARE NOTES INCLUDED?
Written feedback is not included on entries, but entrants may add one-page general notes as an optional service during registration for a reduced rate. Feedback is kept separate from judging—meaning you'll have a different Pipeline development executive reviewing your contest entry, and the notes have no bearing on the judging process.
IF I MAKE UPDATES TO MY SCRIPT AFTER ENTERING, DO I HAVE TO RE-REGISTER AND PAY A NEW ENTRY FEE?
At no extra fee, writers may submit a new draft at any time up until the late deadline of May 31st, 2025.
Yes, this is uncommon for a contest. Yes, we're (probably) the only contest that does this. Yes, we think it should be standard.
Updated drafts may be emailed to us direct.
SHOULD I PUT CONTACT INFO ON THE COVER PAGE?
It's not required. Logline and genre on the title page is preferred, but also not required.
IF I PLACE, DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY SCRIPT?
Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer, regardless of whether or not they win or place.
CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?
Yes. All Pipeline competitions are open to writers worldwide. Proud to say, every year we discover great new scripts from writers in Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, South America ... all over.
CAN I SUBMIT TO OTHER CONTESTS OR COMPANIES AFTER ENTERING?
Yes. There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing competitions or fellowships, or sending your script elsewhere while entered in the contest.
If your script is optioned while in competition, you'd still be eligible as long as you submitted prior to the option or shopping agreement date. If the script is sold during competition, we can pull the entry.
ARE WRITING TEAMS ACCEPTED?
Yes. Only one writer needs to register. If the script is selected as a Quarterfinalist, all co-writer names will be added to the announcement at that time.
WILL YOU ACCEPT SHORT SCRIPTS OR PITCHES?
Only feature-length scripts are accepted.
Pitches may be submitted to our bi-annual Pitch Competition.
Short scripts may be submitted to Film Pipeline.
Contact our contest coordinator with any other questions.