Screenwriting : Screenwriting Contests by Krassimira Belev

Personally, I'd look for one with a cash prize or potential development deal. Or, if I was entering as Writer / Producer...maybe use it to build pedigree when seeking financing done the line. Have you entered any in the past?

Stephen Folker thank you for the insight! No, not yet but it’s definitely something I’m interested in.

I have won screenwriting competitions and been a semi finalist... No script request from that. I have had script requests from pitching on this platform... I hope this helps. But keep going - I bet your stories are incredible and entertaining!

I've been wondering the same thing lately, I just finished writing a pilot and I am interested in what I should be looking for when choosing which contests to enter.

I have participated in three contests. And what I look for is what is said about each contest, and criteria. The cost is also a deciding factor.

Thank you so much Lauren Hackney! I agree - persistence is key.

Hi John Vazquez! Yes, it’s always helpful to get advice from people who have this experience. Congrats on your pilot! What is it about?

Hi Sylvia Melanson thank you for sharing your experience! Do you mind sharing which ones you recommend?

Thank you Krassimira Belev, my pilot is about two childhood friends dream of making it big as pro wrestlers. When one is chosen for superstardom and the other is cast aside, the one left behind fights to prove he still belongs.

Hi, Krassimira Belev. It's been a long time since I've entered a feature script contest, but I've been thinking about entering them again. I used to enter contests based on the prizes, how well known they were, and genre.

Hey Krassimira Belev

Great question about screenwriting contests! When evaluating contests to submit your script, here are key factors I recommend considering:

Industry Recognition: Look for contests with established reputations and a longer history. Winners from contests regularly gain industry attention, and the ones that have been around the longest typically have deeper roots with industry connections.

Judge Credentials: Research who's judging the scripts. The best contests have working industry professionals (managers, producers, development executives) reading finalist entries.

Tangible Prizes: While cash prizes are nice, the most valuable contests offer industry connections as rewards. This is where Stage 32's contests particularly shine - our winners receive direct meetings with executives, managers and producers who can actually move their careers forward. These relationships are often more valuable than any monetary prize in a business that runs on relationships.

Success Stories: Look for contests that can point to specific career outcomes from previous winners. Have past winners secured representation? Had projects optioned or produced? Landed writing assignments?

Feedback Component: Some contests provide professional script coverage regardless of placement, which can be invaluable for development.

Beyond just submitting, I recommend using contests strategically as part of your overall career development plan. A solid competition placement can serve as excellent leverage/marketing tool when reaching out to executives in queries, consultations, or in pitch sessions.

Have you been considering any specific contests? I'd be happy to provide thoughts on particular competitions you're looking at!

For me I want them to be free. So if you know any contests that cost no money I’m in

I totally get that! Free contests are awesome, but I’m learning that sometimes a paid entry can still be worth it — kind of like signing up for a 5K or a marathon. You know you’re probably not winning the whole thing, but the experience itself can be rewarding. I’m thinking of entering a comedy sitcom pilot contest soon. The fee felt a little steep at first, but when I think about it, I probably have better odds relying on my creativity and life experiences than trying to outrun a pack of elite athletes.

Krassimira Belev, I had submitted a drama feature to ScreenCraft Drama (2024), and a short animation to ScreenCraft Animation Family (2024). At the present, my drama feature is in ´waiting results’ with Script Pipeline Screenwriting. I Hope this can help.

Look at the details in the requirements. I remember seeing one I thought I might have a chance at but then, deep in the description, it read that to be eligible for an award you had to agree to actually go to the ceremony. No, couldn't pull that off.

I always look for the cheapest ones with big names.

The ones you dream to win are Big Break, Austin Film Fest Screenplay Comp, maybe Screencraft Fellowship, LA Int Screenplay Awards (I won that one!), Script Pipeline, Page International, Big Apple film Fest I was selected for and that one is awesome, I also got Burbank Film Fest selection, and they had Tim Burton for a dinner. I highly recommend that last one.

It's not the contest, though. It's the connection you make. Like I won LA Int. but the judges that year were still dealing with the strike mess, didn't want to option anything, and after six months the guy didn't even answer as a networking connection anymore.

So, I highly encourage you to check out those but remember the winning of the award isn't an invite to Hollywood. It's a "Ok, you might be legit. Come to our fest and see if you find the right connection."

I forgot Nicholl and The Orchard literally just told me no 20 minutes ago but that's a good one, too.

Sounds like a very relatable and engaging story! Good luck!

John Vazquez Sounds like a very relatable and engaging story! Good luck!

Thank you Maurice Vaughan!

Thank you Pat Alexander! No, not yet. But I would really appreciate it, if I could get in touch later on once I have more details!

Thank you Sylvia Melanson! Fingers crossed!

Great advice Bill Albert! Thank you!

Danny Range this is such a good point! In all areas it’s very much about the people you meet and connect with! Thank you for the detailed answer and congrats on your achievements!

You're welcome, Krassimira Belev.

Krassimira Belev thank you!