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The 2022 Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing Competitions head into their 20th and 15th seasons, continuing the search for up-and-coming talent and connecting them with top producers, agencies, and managers. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, we focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
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 recent writers signing with managers at Kaplan/Perrone, Bellevue, Writ Large, and Zero Gravity.
--Grand Prize Winner: $25,000 each for Screenwriting and TV Writing ($50,000 total)
--Runners-up: $2,500 each for Screenwriting and TV Writing ($5,000 total)
--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
Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the script, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and characterization). Concept marketability, originality, and writing style are also taken into consideration.
Best piece of advice is to submit material that highlights your distinct voice---what separates your script from the norm. Although we're strict on judging and only work with a select group of writers annually, all types of genres and styles are fair game. In the past, finalist and winning screenplays have ranged from microbudget indies, to true stories, big-budget sci-fi, straight genre pieces, and everything in-between.
Being selected as a Quarterfinalist or higher means that we feel the script has potential, the writing is above average, and it's a project we're confident in helping further develop and promote to industry.
All contest judges are comprised of our regular Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff. We don't use unpaid interns or volunteers.
Basic guidelines:
- Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred.
- Co-writers are allowed. List each writer's name when registering your script.
- PDF required. All software should have a convert to PDF function, including Final Draft and other screenwriting software.
- For the Screenwriting Contest: Script should be a feature-length screenplay.
- For the TV Writing Contest: Script should be an original pilot. We will not be accepting spec scripts of existing shows.
- All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements for either contest. If it's a multi-part series, please send only the first part.
- Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2011 are not eligible.
- 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).
- All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.
- The script entered must not have been produced in its full form. Shorts based on the script are fine.
- Electronic submissions only.
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
WHAT ARE THE DEADLINE DATES?
Special Entry: September 15th, 2021 - $25
Pre-register: December 31st, 2021 - $45
Early: March 1st, 2022 - $55
Regular: May 1st, 2022 - $60
Late: May 15th, 2022 - $65
Extended: May 31st, 2022 - $70
WHAT ARE THE ANNOUNCEMENT DATES?
2022 quarterfinalists and semifinalists are selected in Jul. 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?
At no extra fee, writers may submit a new draft at any time up until the late deadline of May 15th, 2022. Please contact our contest administrator via email for more information.
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.
ARE SPECS OF EXISTING SERIES ALLOWED?
We no longer accept specs of existing shows. All submissions must be an original pilot script.
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.
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.
Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the script, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and characterization). Concept marketability, originality, and writing style are also taken into consideration.
Best piece of advice is to submit material that highlights your distinct voice---what separates your script from the norm. Although we're strict on judging and only work with a select group of writers annually, all types of genres and styles are fair game. In the past, finalist and winning screenplays have ranged from microbudget indies, to true stories, big-budget sci-fi, straight genre pieces, and everything in-between.
Being selected as a Quarterfinalist or higher means that we feel the script has potential, the writing is above average, and it's a project we're confident in helping further develop and promote to industry.
All contest judges are comprised of our regular Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff. We don't use unpaid interns or volunteers.
Basic guidelines:
- Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred.
- Co-writers are allowed. List each writer's name when registering your script.
- PDF required. All software should have a convert to PDF function, including Final Draft and other screenwriting software.
- For the Screenwriting Contest: Script should be a feature-length screenplay.
- For the TV Writing Contest: Script should be an original pilot. We will not be accepting spec scripts of existing shows.
- All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements for either contest. If it's a multi-part series, please send only the first part.
- Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2011 are not eligible.
- 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).
- All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.
- The script entered must not have been produced in its full form. Shorts based on the script are fine.
- Electronic submissions only.
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
WHAT ARE THE DEADLINE DATES?
Special Entry: September 15th, 2021 - $25
Pre-register: December 31st, 2021 - $45
Early: March 1st, 2022 - $55
Regular: May 1st, 2022 - $60
Late: May 15th, 2022 - $65
Extended: May 31st, 2022 - $70
WHAT ARE THE ANNOUNCEMENT DATES?
2022 quarterfinalists and semifinalists are selected in Jul. 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?
At no extra fee, writers may submit a new draft at any time up until the late deadline of May 15th, 2022. Please contact our contest administrator via email for more information.
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.
ARE SPECS OF EXISTING SERIES ALLOWED?
We no longer accept specs of existing shows. All submissions must be an original pilot script.
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.
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)
