Objective

Deadline/Entry Fees

Notification: Quarterfinalists: Aug 15th; Semifinalists: Sep 6th; Finalists: Sep 29th; Winners: Nov 1st;

Rules

Awards

GRAND PRIZE: WeScreenplay Shorts Virtual Lab

Five winners will be invited to a day of exclusive virtual meetings with industry professionals to talk about the most effective ways to move forward with their short film scripts.

During this one-day Virtual Shorts Lab, we’ll explore topics such as securing financing, getting talent and producers attached to your project, tips and tricks for making the most of the festival circuit, and how to balance practical needs with getting your passion project off the ground. The small group setting will allow you to ask questions of creators who have been through it and execs who are looking for short form content. Learn how to get the most mileage out of your short script!

Our top scripts are read by our incredible industry jury and competition winners get access to ongoing mentorship from WeScreenplay including an initial phone call, guidance for drafting query letters, research methods for finding the right representation, prep before big meetings, and strategic planning for next steps in their careers — all based on the writer’s specific goals.

FINALISTS: The Top 25 Finalists will win 1:1 mentoring with Seed&Spark’s crowdfunding specialists!

We’re pleased to bring back our partnership with Seed&Spark, a crowdfunding platform with the lowest fees, the highest campaign success rate in the world (88%), and a track record of setting filmmakers on a path to success. Crowdfunding is not a stop-gap funding measure; it’s a tool in your professional arsenal to take control of your career.

ALL ENTRANTS: In addition to our FREE feedback, every entry comes with admission to a live webinar — CROWDFUNDING TO BUILD INDEPENDENCE with Seed&Spark, which will take place later in the year. Learn how to have a successful crowdfunding campaign…and career! You’ll learn how to find your audience, structure your crowdfunding campaign, pick the right goal and incentives, and more.