Here you'll find the top screenwriting competitions to enter. This page features a curated list of the best opportunities for screenwriters across every genre. You'll find competitions for feature films, short scripts, TV pilots, and more. Listings may describe past submission cycles. Visit each organizer's website for current opportunities and deadlines.
These competitions offer chances to win cash prizes, gain exposure, connect with producers and agents, or even secure a development deal. Use the genre filter above to explore competitions that match your writing goals.
Why Enter Screenwriting Competitions?
Screenwriting competitions are more than just a chance to win; they're a structured way to grow as a writer. Deadlines push you to finish your script, polish your ideas, and commit to professional standards. The feedback and recognition that come from these contests can help you elevate your craft and stay motivated throughout the year.
Many of the most successful screenwriters working today started by entering competitions. These platforms give you credibility, exposure, and connections that can open doors to production companies and literary agencies. Even if you don't win, simply participating helps you develop submission skills, learn industry expectations, and build confidence in your work.
Some contests offer detailed feedback from professional readers or producers. Others provide mentorship programs or invitations to exclusive industry events. By entering, you're not just competing, you're joining a wider creative community dedicated to storytelling and filmmaking excellence.
Resources to Help You Win Screenwriting Competitions
Here are helpful resources to help you win your next screenwriting competition.
Blog Posts
- How to Write a Screenplay Outline
- How to Structure a Screenplay
- How to Write a Screenplay
- How to Format a Screenplay
- Screenplay vs Script: What's the Difference?
Extra Resources
- Best Screenplay Format Templates
- What is a Screenplay?
- How to Overcome Writer's Block
- What Does a Screenplay Writer Do?
Submission Guidelines and How to Qualify
Each screenwriting competition comes with its own submission rules, and missing even one detail could disqualify your entry. Always review the guidelines carefully before submitting.
Most competitions require standard screenplay formatting: 12-point Courier font, 1-inch margins, page numbers, and PDF submissions. Screenplays typically run between 90 and 120 pages for features, or around 30–60 pages for TV pilots. Double-check whether contests judge scripts anonymously; if so, your name and contact info should not appear on the document itself.
Eligibility rules vary; some competitions only accept unproduced writers or prohibit professional credits. Others have regional, age, or genre limitations. You'll also find varying entry fees, early-bird deadlines, and late submission windows. To stay organized, maintain a spreadsheet with each contest's details, deadlines, and status updates.
Submitting early is always safer, ensuring you don't miss cutoff times due to timezone differences or upload issues. Preparation and precision can make all the difference when competing among thousands of entries.
What to Do After Submitting Your Entry
After you've submitted, take a step back. Waiting for results can be nerve-wracking, but this is the perfect moment to refocus on your next project. Begin outlining a new screenplay, polish an older draft, or experiment with a short film concept.
If the competition offers feedback, use it constructively. Even if you don't advance, professional notes can highlight strengths and weaknesses you may not have noticed. Every submission builds experience and discipline, qualities that will serve you throughout your career.
Winning is rewarding, but persistence and growth are the true goals. Keep refining your voice, exploring genres, and writing scripts that move people.
