BlockReel Script Lab

Objective

BlockReel Script Lab is a development lab for feature and TV writers, led by WGA screenwriter Jonathan Hirschbein (co-writer of A24's A Prayer Before Dawn, Cannes Official Selection; Bad Country; story editor on Marvel's Secret Invasion). Every writer who enters receives written coverage on their script, read in full and signed off by a professional reader, whether or not they advance. Jonathan selects two residents for a two-month online residency (March 21 – May 21, 2027) with six one-on-one sessions, his notes on a revised draft and a $1,000 award each. Writers keep 100% of the rights to their work.

Deadline/Entry Fees

Deadline	Date Days till:	Entry Fee
Early	December 15, 2026 45	$55
Regular	January 10, 2027 71	$65
Final	January 31, 2027 92	$75

All deadlines are 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Submissions open November 5, 2026. Fees are the same for features and TV pilots, and written coverage is included with every entry. Coverage is delivered by early March 2027.

Notification: Results announced by March 15, 2027

Eligibility

Writers 18+ worldwide (except where prohibited). Original feature screenplays (70–130 pages) and TV pilots (25–65 pages) in English, not produced, sold or optioned.

Rules

• Writers must be 18 or older. Open worldwide, except where prohibited by law.
• Original feature screenplays (70–130 pages) and TV pilots (25–65 pages), in English, PDF, standard screenplay format.
• Scripts must not have been produced, sold or optioned at the time of entry. You must own or control all rights.
• Multiple entries are allowed; each script is a separate entry.
• You may replace your draft until the deadline that applies to your entry.
• Writers keep 100% of the rights to their scripts. Entering gives BlockReel no ownership or option.
• Scripts are kept confidential and are never used to train AI models.
• Selection is made by people: professional readers, then Head of Script Lab Jonathan Hirschbein. Paid services never affect selection.
• Full Official Rules: blockreel.co/script-lab/rules

Awards

RESIDENTS (2): $1,000 cash award each, plus a two-month online residency (March 21 – May 21, 2027) with WGA screenwriter Jonathan Hirschbein: six one-on-one sessions, his notes on a revised draft, and guidance on a pitch package. After the residency, BlockReel Studios has a 90-day first opportunity to discuss developing residents' scripts; any deal is separate, paid and optional for the writer.

FINALISTS (5): A one-on-one call with Jonathan Hirschbein and an official finalist announcement.

SEMIFINALISTS (approx. 10): Official semifinalist announcement.

EVERY ENTRANT: Written coverage on their script (logline, synopsis, strengths, areas to develop, and scores), whether or not they advance.