2024 Screenplay Competitions Worth Your Time (and Money)
To apply for screenwriting competitions or not to apply? That is the question.
There is a lot of controversy over whether or not screenwriting competitions are an effective way to break into the industry, and with good reason: Most of them have high entry fees, you’re usually competing against thousands of other writers, and you really only see a ‘return on investment’ if you place first (or maybe second at a reputable competition).
For me, ‘to apply or not to apply’ comes down to your current career goals. If you’re looking for the chance to pitch projects or sign with representation, applying to a high-quality screenwriting competition can be a smart move. I know writers who’ve won competitions and sold their screenplays, landed great managers and agents, and sometimes even received a fancy check (though money should never be the goal for entering).
That being said, there are a lot of mediocre competitions out there. So, to save you a lot of time (and money), I’ve compiled a list of 2024 screenwriting competitions (including entry fees and deadlines) I think are worth investing in:
1. Academy Nicholl Fellowship
As the official screenwriting competition for the Academy Awards, the Academy Nicholl Fellowship is hands down the most prestigious on this list. Every year it receives thousands of entries (in 2023 the fellowship received 5,599 submissions from writers spanning 83 countries). But, if you’re a feature film writer who’s going to invest your time and money in only one script submission, the potential rewards for this one are hard to beat.
Awards: Up to five $35,000 fellowships are awarded each year (but the real reward is instant recognition from a lot of heavy hitters in the industry).
Cost: Ranging from $50 to $90 depending on time of submission.
Deadline: The official deadline has not been posted yet, but typically the application becomes available late January, with entries accepted between March and May 1st. Check here for updates on when their 2024 competition will open.
2. Austin Film Festival Screenplay and Pilot Competitions
For over twenty years, the Austin Film Festival screenplay competitions have been a great way for “undiscovered writers” to finally get their work noticed. There’s a screenplay category for almost any genre you can think of and many competition winners have gone on to land representation, sell their scripts to companies like NBC and AMC, and have been staffed on shows like Goliath, Empire, and Community. (Also, if you’re able, attending the Austin Film Festival in person can be a great networking opportunity.) Competition is stiff, only 15% of applicants make it to the second round, but this is definitely one script contest Hollywood takes notice of.
Awards: Various awards based on various factors. Learn more here.
Cost: Ranging from $50 to $90 depending on time of submission and type of submission (short screenplay vs. feature screenplay).
Deadline: Submissions are currently open for 2024.
Teleplay & Short Screenplay Deadlines:
Early Bird Deadline: March 24
Regular Deadline: April 19
Late Deadline: May 24
Feature Screenplay Deadlines:
Early Bird Deadline: March 22
Regular Deadline: April 19
Late Deadline: May 2
3. Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest
If you’re a screenwriter I don’t have to tell you who the host of this competition is (chances are you use Final Draft’s screenwriting software everyday). Winners of the Final Draft Big Break Contest have gone on to land staff writing gigs, sell their pilots to companies like ABC, HBO Max and Fox, sign with top level agents and managers, and even gone on to Showrun their own series at Netflix.
Awards: 11 winners share up to $80,000 in cash and prizes; 2 grand prize winners are flown to Los Angeles and are introduced to producers and executives.
Cost: Usually ranging from $45 to $85 depending on time of submission.
Deadline: Typically mid-July. You can check their website for deadline and entry fee updates or CLICK HERE to sign up for their newsletter to get competition info emailed to you as soon as it’s available.
4. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
If you’re wondering whether this competition will get you tangible results, just take a quick visit to their webpage: they boast 303 writers signed, 271 scripts optioned, 218 writers hired and 197 projects produced. Also, we’re not talking about ‘no name’ projects. We’re talking about award-winning TV series like Ozark, Pose, The Walking Dead, among countless others.
Awards: $25,000 to one screenwriter with the best screenplay over any genre; Also Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards in each of the ten genre categories. Learn more here.
Cost: Ranging from $47 to $77 depending on time of submission.
Deadline: Submissions are open NOW through April 15th, 2024 (but the earlier you submit the less you’ll have to pay in submission fees).
5. SlamDance
Last year alone, SlamDance received 4,000 applicants from around the globe, and for very good reason. The SlamDance screenplay competitions have an amazing track record for connecting screenwriters to Hollywood managers, agents, and producers who go on to rep, produce, and option some of the winning screenplays (they have categories for TV Pilots, Features, Shorts and Horror/Thrillers).
Awards: Various awards based on various factors. Learn more here.
Cost: Usually ranging from $30 - $115 depending on time of submission and type of submission.
Deadline: Submissions typically open in mid-February, and are accepted until mid-July Check here for updates on 2024 deadlines and entry fees!
6. Sundance Labs
Sundance Labs are not traditional screenwriting competitions - they are more like professional development courses. But if we’re talking about submissions that are worth your time and money, Sundance has more than earned its place on this list. Throughout the year The Sundance Lab has a few different “tracks” you can submit to which all have different application requirements. The applications can be lengthy, but trust me, it’s worth it. The mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities these labs provide is second to none.
If you’re a TV writer, the Episodic Lab is a great one to keep an eye out for (the 2024 application will open in February 2024, check here for more details). It’s a six-day program that offers writers the opportunity to workshop their pilot script. Working with accomplished showrunners, participants will get to participate in one-on-one story meetings, various workshops, and simulated writers’ rooms.
Currently three Sundance Labs are accepting submissions: The 2024 Sandbox Fund - Winter Cycle Episodic Lab (more info HERE), the 2024 Ignite x Adobe Fellowshow (more info HERE) and the Graton Collab Artist Opportunity (more info HERE).
Cost: There are different submission fees for different types of submissions.
Deadlines: Applications for the 2024 Sandbox Fund is open until Feb. 5, 2024.
Applications for the 2024 Ignite x Adobe Fellowship is open until Feb 7, 2024.
Applications for the Graton Collab Artist Opportunity is open until Aug. 31, 2025.
Happy submitting!
Which screenwriting competitions do you think are worth it? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!
For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:
For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch
To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.
For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.