Objective

We are looking for innovative and compelling storytelling, for characters that surprise and challenge you, for words that pop off the page, and for narratives that twist and turn like a country back road. This year we’re accepting both feature scripts and pilot scripts; you’re more than welcome to submit in both categories.

Deadline/Entry Fees

Notification: February 7, 2019

Rules

The Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition is open to any writer from anywhere in the world.

Feature scripts and television scripts must be the original work of the writer(s). If the script is based on another person’s life, writer(s) must also attach a signed statement acknowledging and approving of adaptation.

No revisions or updated copies will be accepted once entry has been received.

Awards

Pilot and Short Film Screenplays

The winners of the pilot and short film competitions will receive a one-on-one consultation with an industry professional in their genre. For pilots, we provide consultation with an Atlanta writer working in either the television or web series industry. For short films, we provide consultation with a short film writer/director in the Atlanta area who has extensive experience with production and the festival circuit. These opportunities are designed to give our winners the chance to sit down and talk about the next steps for their script, discuss paths for jump starting or furthering their career, and develop a connection with someone who can serve as a mentor on future projects.

Feature Screenplays

The winners of the feature screenplay competition will be given the opportunity to participate in our annual Atlanta Film Festival Screenwriter’s Retreat. This exclusive, all expenses paid program, offers our winners the chance to sit down with industry members and workshop their screenplay one-on-one during a two day retreat. Our mentors are all screenwriters who have worked in the industry, had festival success with their work, and earned major academic qualifications. This workshop is one of our most lauded successes and gives our winners invaluable experience that will help bolster not only their current screenplay but their future work as well. (Travel is only guaranteed for winners in the US and Canada).

All Winners

All winners will receive an invitation and complimentary badge to attend the first ever three-day Writers Summit at the Atlanta Film Festival (presented by The Atlanta Film Society and ScreenCraft). This event will feature panels, workshops, private mentoring and parties with top Oscar and EMMY-winning and blockbuster screenwriters, as well as agents, managers, producers and studio executives. It will be an exclusive and unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best in Hollywood, in a personal environment where unguarded conversations and long-term partnerships can be forged. All attendees will have access to the opening night and evening parties of the Atlanta Film Festival as well as private networking with industry giants at daily writers Happy Hours.

All winners also receive an All-Access Badge to the Atlanta Film Festival where they can network with directors and industry members from all over the world. At the festival, they will also have the opportunity to take part in a staged reading of their screenplay for the festival attendees. This reading will be conducted by Atlanta SAG actors, which provides the invaluable experience of hearing your words brought to life in front of an audience of filmmakers, industry members, and general movie lovers.