Screenwriting Contest Advice

Subscribe to the MovieBytes Screenwriting Contest Newsletter for weekly deadline alerts and other screenplay contest news!

Launching Careers:
The Screenplay Contests That Make a Difference

By Jerry Traynor, Associate Editor, Moviebytes.com

For aspiring screenwriters, entering screenplay contests is not just about winning cash prizes or gaining recognition. It's about getting a foot in the door of an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into. While numerous screenplay contests exist, a select few are renowned for their ability to launch careers, providing winners and finalists with invaluable industry exposure, networking opportunities, and sometimes even direct paths to representation and production deals. Here are some of the top screenplay contests that have a track record of catapulting screenwriters into successful careers.

1. The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

   Administered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Nicholl Fellowships is one of the most prestigious and career-launching screenplay competitions. Winners receive $35,000 fellowships and, perhaps more importantly, unparalleled industry exposure. Many past winners and finalists have secured agents, managers, and deals with major studios. The competition’s affiliation with the Academy adds significant credibility, making it a standout on any screenwriter’s resume.



2. Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition

   Known as the "Writers Festival," the Austin Film Festival (AFF) places a strong emphasis on screenwriting. The AFF Screenplay Competition is renowned for its ability to connect writers with industry professionals through its highly respected conference. Finalists and winners often find themselves in meetings with agents, managers, and producers. The festival’s supportive community and focus on writer development make it a fertile ground for launching careers.



3. Sundance Screenwriters Lab

   The Sundance Screenwriters Lab is part of the Sundance Institute and is highly competitive. It offers selected writers an immersive experience, working closely with established screenwriters and filmmakers in a creative environment. The lab focuses on developing and refining scripts, providing writers with the tools and insights needed to bring their stories to life. Participants often leave with not only a polished screenplay but also significant industry connections and mentorship that can lead to career advancement.



4. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards

   The PAGE Awards are known for discovering new talent and providing winners with a path to professional success. Offering substantial cash prizes and extensive promotion of the winning scripts, the PAGE Awards help writers gain industry attention. Many past winners have secured representation and deals with major production companies and studios, making it a valuable stepping stone for aspiring screenwriters.



5. Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest

   Script Pipeline is renowned for connecting writers with agents, managers, and production companies. The competition’s focus on industry placement and script circulation ensures that winning and finalist scripts get in front of the right people. Many Script Pipeline alumni have gone on to have their work produced and have secured representation and writing assignments from major studios and networks.



6. Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest

   The Final Draft Big Break Contest offers winners not just cash prizes but also meetings with industry professionals. Final Draft, a leading screenwriting software company, uses its extensive industry connections to help winners and finalists get noticed. The contest’s alignment with one of the most recognized names in screenwriting software adds a layer of prestige and credibility that can open doors for emerging writers.



7. BlueCat Screenplay Competition

   Founded by screenwriter Gordy Hoffman, the BlueCat Screenplay Competition emphasizes feedback and writer development. Each entry receives written analysis, which is invaluable for improving the craft. Winners and finalists benefit from the competition’s reputation for discovering new talent and facilitating introductions to industry professionals. BlueCat’s commitment to nurturing writers has helped many past participants advance their careers.



8. Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition

   Scriptapalooza is known for actively promoting its winners and finalists to over 90 producers, managers, and agents. The contest's focus on getting scripts read by industry professionals has helped many writers secure representation and production deals.

Why These Contests Matter

The screenplay contests mentioned above stand out for several reasons:

• Industry Connections: These contests have established networks within the industry, offering winners and finalists direct access to agents, managers, producers, and studio executives.
• Credibility and Prestige: Winning or placing in these contests adds a significant credential to a screenwriter’s portfolio, making them more attractive to industry professionals.
• Career Development: Many of these contests provide not just prizes but also mentorship, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth, helping writers refine their craft and navigate the industry.
• Track Record: These competitions have a proven history of launching careers, with numerous success stories of past winners and finalists who have gone on to achieve significant professional milestones.

While there are a lot of great contests out there, these competitions are particularly notable for their ability to launch careers. They provide not only recognition and financial rewards but also invaluable industry exposure and connections. For screenwriters looking to break into the industry, these competitions represent some of the best opportunities to turn their scripts into successful careers.