“It’s the duty of every man and woman who has achieved some success in life to pass it on, because when we’re gone, what matters most isn’t what we were able to attain but who we were able to help.”
― Mateo Askaripour, Black Buck
TOP5 Screenwriting Competitions To Win In 2022
Written by: Christine B.
January 13, 2022
If you’re looking to amp up your writing in the new year, then look no further than a screenplay competition. Competitions are a great way to jumpstart your writing with a hard deadline, plus they come with the added bonus of making professional connections to kick-start your career, not to mention the occasional cash prize. Here are 5 screenplay competitions for 2022 to check out:
ROADMAP’S DIVERSITY INITIATIVE COMPETITION
Successful screenwriting is all about persistence. With this repeating competition, writers can re-apply monthly in the hopes of earning a win. This monthly competition is for diverse writers with at least one completed original Feature or TV Pilot who are ready to tackle the Marketing aspect of their career. Winners will earn free participation in the Pitch Prep Program the following month and a copy of Final Draft 12. Past winners of this competition have been signed to representation by Anonymous Content, APA, Untitled Entertainment, The Buchwald Agency, Rosa Entertainment, First Story Entertainment and more.
To apply, submit a one-page PDF statement highlighting your diverse background as well as a writing sample from a feature or pilot. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older. For full details on the rules and prizes, check out the website.
LET’S MAKE IT! SCREENWRITING CONTEST
If you’re ready to see your screenplay produced, then the LET’S MAKE IT! screenwriting contest is the one to check out. Grand winners will be offered to have the screenplay produced before the end of 2023. The contest is accepting Shorts, Features, Web Series, and TV Pilots screenplays in English or Romanian. From the first round of judging, 9 category winners will be selected to move on to the next round. The category winners will receive two pages of written analysis as well as a portion of $1500 (based on the number of submissions for every category from the previous edition). Grand prize winners will see their screenplay come to life by 2023 and receive two pages of written analysis from at least three readers. Finally, one participant will be randomly selected for virtual feedback, and 9 random participants will receive one feedback letter each.
To apply, upload a PDF copy of your screenplay along with the submission fee online. For screenplays submitted during the June 1-22 2022 Deadline, participants will be offered two letters of feedback, from two specialized script readers, so it pays to apply early. For full contest rules and eligibility, check out the website.
TSL FREE SCREENPLAY CONTEST
You have nothing to lose when the competition is free! The TSL free screenplay contest is accepting Features, TV Pilots, Shorts, and Web Series screenplays with the chance to win cash prizes and exposure to industry professionals. Three winners will be chosen to receive distribution to the TSL network, a career consultation session with Coverfly’s Writer Development team, a yearlong membership to TSL 360 screenwriting video library, and 20 tokens for free peer-to-peer notes through coverflyX. Plus, the top 3 winners will receive cash prizes.
Submissions are online-only. TSL recommends page lengths per format, but any screenplays over 120 pages will be eliminated. For the full posting of rules as well as prizes, check out their website.
SCREENCRAFT SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Small, but mighty- this contest is for short script screenplays only. The overall grand prize winner will be welcomed to the ScreenCraft Writer Development Program and receive individualized consulting regarding their portfolio and career goals and receive introductions with one or more top Hollywood literary managers, execs, or producers who are looking for talented emerging Film & TV screenwriters, and receive a $1,000 cash prize. Runner-ups will receive a $500 cash reward, and all finalists, runner-ups, and grand prize winners will be invited to a finalist exclusive networking and career mentoring event. Oscar-nominated Producer Sacha Ben Harroche and Couscous Film Production will also option one short script for $2,500 and work with the writer to develop the project into a feature.
Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only and accepted only with payment for the entry fee. While short scripts may be any length, the contest guidelines recommend between 2 – 30 pages. As a bonus, writers can also request feedback from a professional reader at the time of entry through Coverfly. For the full list of rules as well as details on prizes, check out their website.
FEMALE VOICES ROCK FILM FESTIVAL
Calling all femme fatales- this competition’s for you! The Female Voices Rock Screenplay Competition aims to support diverse female storytellers in the industry. All Features, TV Pilots, Web Series, and Shorts are accepted. Winners will receive an InkTip prize package. Companies who are InkTip members include ABC, Anonymous Content, APA, CBS Films, HBO Films, ICM, Paradigm, Paramount Pictures, Hallmark Channel, FX, Universal, WME, Echo Lake, Zero Gravity, Bad Robot, and 20th Century Fox. One script, regardless of category, will receive the Stage 32 Professional Development Package.
Submissions are accepted electronically only in standard screenplay format, font, spacing, and margin. While there is an entry fee to apply, there is no limit to the number of projects you may submit. For all the details, visit their website.
