Screenwriting competitions are definitely NOT created equal. (No offense to the Eastern Pocatello Auxiliary Kiwanis Screenwriting competition.)
Some can gain you access to film-industry insiders and skyrocket your screenwriting career into the next stratosphere. Others offer little more than an opportunity to “donate” $75 to the coffers of the screenwriting contest.
But which screenplay competitions should you enter? Which screenwriting contests can ACTUALLY do something for your screenwriting career?
Here is a fast look at 10 screenwriting competitions you’d be an idiot NOT to enter: (Scores based out of 10.0)
7 Screenwriting Competitions Worth Checking Out
Screenwriting Competitions That Don’t Suck #1: Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowship
This is the BIG KAHUNA. The grand enchilada. The pre-eminent screenplay contest in the world sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. (Mostly because it’s not JUST a simple contest, but it’s a fellowship where winners are awarded a one-year stipend to work on a script.) And though it’s extremely competitive, simply being a semi-finalist for this competition have your phone ringing off the hook from producers and agents. (Which is why it’s helpful to have a few scripts in your drawer when entering.)
Deadline: May
Info: http://www.oscars.org/awards/nicholl/
Screenwriting Competitions That Don’t Suck #2: Warner Bros. TV Writer’s Workshop
Like the name implies, this one ain’t just a competition – it’s a fully-integrated workshop designed specifically for TV writers. And though you MAY not think your writing skills are wired for the small-screen, if you’ve got a romantic comedy or police procedural sample rolling around in your desk drawer, then this year-long workshop might just be the perfect vehicle for your dialogue-heavy screenwriting craft. (One of the best screenplay contests for playwrights too!)
Deadline: May
Info: http://writersworkshop.warnerbros.com/
Screenwriting Competitions That Don’t Suck #3: Austin Heart of Film Screenplay Competition
This competition does double-duty as a film festival – and networking event – that provides would-be pro screenwriters the chance to meet industry types in a relaxed, non-Hollywood setting. Not only does the list of past winners contain a bunch of screenwriters who’ve used the competition as a springboard for jumping into the movie business, but it’s one of the few script competitions where you actually get the chance to meet the organizers. (And possibly get to give an acceptance speech after your third gin and tonic.) Added bonus: With the conference panels you get to learn how to write a script, all while you schmooze and network.
Deadline: April
More Info: Austin Heart of Film
Screenwriting Competitions That Don’t Suck #4: Page International Screenwriting Awards
The prizes are impressive. (25K is the grand prize!) But it’s the success its winners have gone on to have in the screenwriting biz. Best of all, it’s an international contest. (So no worries if your story doesn’t contain robots that turn into Ford Trucks.)
Deadline: February
More Info: http://pageawards.com/
Screenwriting Competitions That Don’t Suck #5: Script-a-Palooza
Going strong for sixteen years now, the BIG draw of this screenwriting contest is the collection of judges: producers, literary agents, and managers. This competition tends to attract lots of young, emerging Hollywood development talent. (A perfect way to create your own entree into the film biz.) And besides. how cool is a name like “Script-a-Palooza?”
Deadline: April
More Info: http://www.scriptapalooza.com/home.php
Screenwriting Competitions That Don’t Suck #6: Slamdance Screenplay Competition
Forget Sundance. This showcase for raw and innovative filmmaking might just be the best script competition in Utah. Offering a great venue to get feedback from actual filmmakers – not just agency interns – this well-respected contest is a must-add to your submission list. (Well respected in the industry as well.)
Deadline: June
Info: http://www.slamdance.com/
Screenwriting Competitions That Don’t Suck #7: Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab
Okay, so maybe you shouldn’t forget Sundance entirely. This five-day intensive workshop is super-competitive – as you’d expect – and does (usually) prefer scripts with a “message.” But this respected script competition gives independent screenwriters time to work on their scripts with the assistance of development pros. (Not to mention provide some amazing scenery to look at while you procrastinate.)
Deadline: January and June
Info: Sundance Lab
What’s Your Screenwriter Take?
Any screenwriting competitions that you’ve entered and recommend? Or any that you strongly advise screenwriters avoid? Let us know in the comments below.
