Jun 18, 2021
Jun 25, 2021
Jul 01, 2021
Jul 25, 2021
The 2021 Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing Competitions head into their 19th and 14th seasons, continuing the search for up-and-coming talent and connecting them with top producers, agencies, and managers.
The company’s unique process, consisting of long-term writer development and widespread circulation of material, gives finalists access to top execs worldwide as well as the proper guidance to advance their careers.
Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers, with numerous scripts produced since 1999. In September 2020, Legendary picked up finalist screenplay Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander for seven figures, and over the last few years alone, Script Pipeline winners and finalists have optioned screenplays, sold shows, or were staffed on streaming and network series, including Writers Guild Award-winner Howard Jordan Jr. (Family Reunion, The Unicorn), Tripper Clancy (Die Hart, I Am Not Okay With This), and Laura Bensick (Everyday Insanity). Many others connected with representation, such as Screenwriting winner Helen Gaughran signing with UTA and 2020 writers signing with managers at Kaplan/Perrone, Writ Large, and Zero Gravity.
--Grand Prize Winner: $50,000 - $25,000 each for Screenwriting and TV Writing
--Runners-up: $2,500 each for Screenwriting and TV Writing
--Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and others searching for screenplays
--Long-term script circulation to industry and continual guidance connecting with companies
--Development assistance from Script Pipeline's senior execs
--Additional script reviews and consideration of other material for industry exposure
--Exclusive invitations to annual writer and industry events hosted by Pipeline Media Group
Basic guidelines:
-Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.) from the script. Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred, but not required. If contact info is left on the script, we'll adjust the file accordingly—the writer will not be disqualified.
-PDF preferred, but will accept Final Draft and other file formats.
-Co-writers are allowed. Just list each writer's name when registering your script.
-For the Screenwriting Contest: Script should be a feature-length screenplay. All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements. If it's a multi-part series, please send only the first part.
-For the TV Writing Contest: Script should be for a half-hour or hour-long series, original pilot or spec of a currently running show. All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements. If it's a multi-part series, please send only the first part.
-No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.
-Simultaneous submissions are allowed (i.e., you can enter other screenwriting contests with the same script).
-Previous Script Pipeline competition entrants welcome to enter again and are guaranteed fresh reads from a new judge. Former finalists are not allowed to enter the same script again.
-All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.
-Electronic submissions only.
Some general rules:
-The script entered must not have been produced in its full form. (Shorts based on the script are fine.)
-Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
-No restrictions on money earned as a writer, as long as the script entered has not been sold and is not under option at the time of entry.
WHAT ARE THE DEADLINE DATES?
Special Entry: August 31st - $25
Pre-register: December 31st - $40
Early: March 1st - $50
Regular: May 1st - $60
Late: May 15th - $65
WHAT ARE THE ANNOUNCEMENT DATES?
2021 quarterfinalists and semifinalists are selected in June. The top 10 finalists are posted to the site on July 1st, and one Grand Prize Winner and Runner-up is announced on July 25th.
IF I MAKE UPDATES TO MY SCRIPT AFTER ENTERING, DO I HAVE TO RE-REGISTER AND PAY A NEW ENTRY FEE?
No. You may submit an updated draft any time between now and May 1st, 2021 at no additional cost. Scripts may be emailed to our coordinator.
CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?
Yes. Applicants outside the US are welcome to enter ANY Script Pipeline contest.
DO I GET FEEDBACK ON MY ENTRY?
For all contest entrants, we offer an exclusive discounted rate on our General Notes. Please contact our contest administrator via email for more information.
WILL YOU ACCEPT SHORT SCRIPTS OR TV SERIES PITCHES?
Only scripts are accepted. This includes feature-length, hourlong, and half-hour series scripts. Short scripts are not accepted. Pitches may be submitted to our Great Movie and TV Show Idea Competitions.
SHOULD I PUT CONTACT INFO ON THE COVER PAGE?
Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.) from the script. Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred, but not required.
If your contact info is left on the script, we'll adjust the file accordingly—the writer will not be disqualified. However, we can replace any previous version with one you have updated.
IS THE FIELD LIMITED TO BEGINNING WRITERS AND AMATEURS?
No. Writers may have sold or optioned material in the past. However, the script you're entering must not currently be under option and must not have been previously produced.
CAN I SUBMIT TO OTHER CONTESTS OR COMPANIES AFTER ENTERING?
Yes. There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing competitions, or sending your script elsewhere while entered in the contest.
IF I PLACE AS A FINALIST OR WINNER, DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY SCRIPT?
Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer.
ARE WRITING TEAMS ACCEPTED?
Two or more writers are fine. Only one writer needs to register. If the script is selected as a quarterfinalist, all co-writer names will be added to the announcement.
Basic guidelines:
-Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.) from the script. Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred, but not required. If contact info is left on the script, we'll adjust the file accordingly—the writer will not be disqualified.
-PDF preferred, but will accept Final Draft and other file formats.
-Co-writers are allowed. Just list each writer's name when registering your script.
-For the Screenwriting Contest: Script should be a feature-length screenplay. All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements. If it's a multi-part series, please send only the first part.
-For the TV Writing Contest: Script should be for a half-hour or hour-long series, original pilot or spec of a currently running show. All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements. If it's a multi-part series, please send only the first part.
-No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.
-Simultaneous submissions are allowed (i.e., you can enter other screenwriting contests with the same script).
-Previous Script Pipeline competition entrants welcome to enter again and are guaranteed fresh reads from a new judge. Former finalists are not allowed to enter the same script again.
-All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.
-Electronic submissions only.
Some general rules:
-The script entered must not have been produced in its full form. (Shorts based on the script are fine.)
-Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
-No restrictions on money earned as a writer, as long as the script entered has not been sold and is not under option at the time of entry.
WHAT ARE THE DEADLINE DATES?
Special Entry: August 31st - $25
Pre-register: December 31st - $40
Early: March 1st - $50
Regular: May 1st - $60
Late: May 15th - $65
WHAT ARE THE ANNOUNCEMENT DATES?
2021 quarterfinalists and semifinalists are selected in June. The top 10 finalists are posted to the site on July 1st, and one Grand Prize Winner and Runner-up is announced on July 25th.
IF I MAKE UPDATES TO MY SCRIPT AFTER ENTERING, DO I HAVE TO RE-REGISTER AND PAY A NEW ENTRY FEE?
No. You may submit an updated draft any time between now and May 1st, 2021 at no additional cost. Scripts may be emailed to our coordinator.
CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?
Yes. Applicants outside the US are welcome to enter ANY Script Pipeline contest.
DO I GET FEEDBACK ON MY ENTRY?
For all contest entrants, we offer an exclusive discounted rate on our General Notes. Please contact our contest administrator via email for more information.
WILL YOU ACCEPT SHORT SCRIPTS OR TV SERIES PITCHES?
Only scripts are accepted. This includes feature-length, hourlong, and half-hour series scripts. Short scripts are not accepted. Pitches may be submitted to our Great Movie and TV Show Idea Competitions.
SHOULD I PUT CONTACT INFO ON THE COVER PAGE?
Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.) from the script. Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred, but not required.
If your contact info is left on the script, we'll adjust the file accordingly—the writer will not be disqualified. However, we can replace any previous version with one you have updated.
IS THE FIELD LIMITED TO BEGINNING WRITERS AND AMATEURS?
No. Writers may have sold or optioned material in the past. However, the script you're entering must not currently be under option and must not have been previously produced.
CAN I SUBMIT TO OTHER CONTESTS OR COMPANIES AFTER ENTERING?
Yes. There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing competitions, or sending your script elsewhere while entered in the contest.
IF I PLACE AS A FINALIST OR WINNER, DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY SCRIPT?
Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer.
ARE WRITING TEAMS ACCEPTED?
Two or more writers are fine. Only one writer needs to register. If the script is selected as a quarterfinalist, all co-writer names will be added to the announcement.
(If you have posted a Writing Gig, please click the red GIG REQUESTS button to view your submissions. If you are a writer and want to be considered for the TOP 25, you must be an ISAConnect Member)
