The Big Break Screenwriting Contest only accepts online entry of feature film, television (original pilots scripts only), and short film screenplays. Spec TV screenplays of pre-existing shows (for example, a spec script of an episode of The Office) are not eligible. Application period: Spring More info
Each year some of Hollywood’s most influential producers, agents, managers, and development executives judge the contest and read the winning scripts. As a result, hundreds of past winners have secured representation, landed script assignments, signed option agreements on their work, and many now have movies and television shows in production, on the air, and in theaters. Application period: Spring More info
AFF’s Script Competitions identify emerging, new writers of unparalleled talent each year. With a reputation as the premiere script competition in the world, AFF is trusted by studios, agents, and executives all across the industry to identify the storytellers of tomorrow. With all script submissions evaluated blindly and carefully by our panel of industry judges, AFF winners annually reflect a vast diversity of talent and tend to combat the industry’s trends of exclusivity. The competition has several categories including Feature, Short, Podcast and Playwriting. Application period: Spring
Each year, the Academy Nicholl screenwriting competition awards up to five $35,000 fellowships to amateur screenwriters. The fellowship is open for screenwriters who have not earned more than $25,000 writing fictional work for film or television. Entry scripts must be the original work of one writer, or of two writers who collaborated equally, and must be written originally in English. Adaptations and translated scripts are not eligible. Application period: Typically January - April More info