Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition
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About
The 19th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition connects talented writers with production companies, agencies, and managers. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, we focus specifically on finding emerging writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, bold storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
The company’s unique process, consisting of long-term writer development and widespread circulation of material, gives finalists access to top execs worldwide as well as the proper guidance to advance their careers.
$7 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by competition finalists and "Recommend" writers, with numerous scripts produced since 1999. In the last few years alone, Script Pipeline writers have optioned screenplays, sold shows, or were staffed on major streaming and network series, including Writers Guild Award-winner Howard Jordan Jr. (Family Reunion, The Unicorn), Tripper Clancy (Die Hart, I Am Not Okay With This), and Laura Bensick (Everyday Insanity). Many others were connected with representation, such as Screenwriting winner Helen Gaughran signing with agents at UTA.
Benefits
Script Pipeline selects 10 finalists, with one winner and one runner-up, who receive the following:
- $25,000 to winner, $2,500 to runner-up
- Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and others searching for screenplays
- Long-term script circulation to industry and continual guidance connecting with companies
- Development assistance from Script Pipeline's senior execs
- Additional script reviews and consideration of other material for industry exposure
- Invitations to private events hosted by Pipeline Media Group
Up to 75 Quarterfinalists and 35 Semifinalists will receive general feedback on their work from Script Pipeline's development execs, plus consideration for industry circulation.
Announcements
Rules
Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the script, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and characterization). Concept marketability, originality, and writing style are also taken into consideration.
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 screenplays have ranged from microbudget indies, to true stories, big-budget sci-fi, straight genre pieces, 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 promote to industry.
Entrants will receive a Report evaluating their script on select criteria:
Premise
Plot & Structure
Character
Dialogue
Fundamentals (i.e. formatting, writing style)
The Report will be sent via email by the end of judging to all writers who do not place in the Quarterfinals or higher.
Basic guidelines:
- Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred.
- Co-writers are allowed. List each writer's name when registering your script.
- PDF highly preferred. All software should have a convert to PDF function.
- Script should be a feature-length screenplay. All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements. If it's a multi-part series, please send only the first part.
- Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2011 are not eligible.
- No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed (i.e., you can enter other contests with the same script).
- 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. Shorts based on the script are fine.
- Electronic submissions only.
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
