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Script Pipeline
Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
2022
Active Since 2008
The Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition discovers new original pilots for industry and helps writers develop their work long-term.
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This season has closed, but there's a new season open now!

About

The 2022 Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition heads into its 15th season, continuing the search for up-and-coming talent and connecting them with top producers, agencies, and managers. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, we focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, ambitious 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.

Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers, with numerous scripts produced since 1999. In 2020, Legendary picked up finalist screenplay Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander for seven figures, and in the last several years, Script Pipeline winners and finalists have optioned screenplays, sold shows, or were staffed on streaming and network series. Both 2021 winners—Erin Muroski for TV Writing and Daniel Jackson for Screenwriting—signed with reps at Bellevue, and Cauliflower garnered the #1 spot on the that year's Black List. Many others have signed with reps at UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, Alibi Management, Zero Gravity, and more after Script Pipeline introductions. 

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 30 Semifinalists will receive general feedback on their work from Script Pipeline's development execs, plus consideration for industry circulation.

Writer Success

2023 Winner on Coverfly

See Other Placements

Announcements

Jul 20th
Semifinalists
Aug 1st
Finalists
Aug 13th
Runners-up
Aug 13th
Winners

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.

All contest judges are comprised of our regular Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff. We don't use unpaid interns or volunteers.

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 required. All software should have a convert to PDF function, including Final Draft and other screenwriting software.
  • Script must be an original pilot. We will not be accepting spec scripts of existing shows. 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 screenwriting 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.


FAQS

CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?

Yes. Applicants outside the US are welcome to enter ANY Script Pipeline contest.

ARE NOTES INCLUDED?

Written feedback is not included on entries, but entrants may add general notes as an optional service during registration, for a reduced rate. Feedback is kept separate from judging—meaning you'll have a different executive reviewing your contest entry, and the notes have no bearing on the judging process.

View sample here

WILL YOU ACCEPT TV SERIES PITCHES?

Only scripts are accepted. This includes hourlong, half-hour, and digital or short-form series scripts. Pitches may be submitted to our Idea Competition.

ARE SPECS OF EXISTING SERIES ALLOWED?

We no longer accept specs of existing shows. All submissions must be an original pilot script.

SHOULD I PUT CONTACT INFO ON THE COVER PAGE?

Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.) from the script. Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred, but not required.

CAN I SUBMIT TO OTHER CONTESTS OR COMPANIES AFTER ENTERING?

Yes. There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing competitions, or sending your script elsewhere while entered in the contest.

IF I PLACE AS A FINALIST OR WINNER, DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY SCRIPT?

Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer, regardless of whether they place.

ARE WRITING TEAMS ACCEPTED?

Two or more writers are fine. Only one writer needs to register. If the script is selected as a Quarterfinalist, all co-writer names will be added to the announcement.

Contact our contest coordinator with any other questions.

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2022