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Script Pipeline
Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition
The 20th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with fe...
DeadlineDec 30, 2026 PST
Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition
Accepting SubmissionsScript Pipeline
Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition
The 25th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition is searching for extraordinary writers with feature screenplays across all genres.
Deadline
Dec 30, 2026
76 days remaining
Packages
1 option
Season
2027
Overview
About
The 25th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with feature screenplays across all genres.
We focus foremost on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
We're currently the only competition offering an intensive, personalized process to our Quarterfinalists and higher: 1-on-1 development, long-term mentorship, career guidance, and circulation to leading industry execs. This has resulted in over $8 million in spec sales to studios, multiple films produced, and hundreds of emerging writers introduced to reps.
Circulation
Script Pipeline has cultivated relationships with numerous production companies, managers, agents, directors, independent producers, networks, financiers, and other executives, leading to multiple writers signed, specs sold, and films produced.
A small selection of industry reviewing Pipeline selections:
Prizes
Script Pipeline selects five (5) finalists and, from that group, one winner to receive
$20,000 to winner; $1,000 to each finalist
Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and other execs searching for screenplays
Development assistance and mentoring from Script Pipeline's team
Additional script reviews and consideration of other material
Long-term script circulation to industry and continual guidance connecting with companies
Supplemental mentorship from partners, including the team at Cinestory
For Quarterfinalists (selecting up to 50, OR appx. 1% of entries) and Semifinalists (selecting up to 25)
Additional feedback on their screenplay from Script Pipeline's development execs
Re-review of a final draft
Consideration for industry circulation
Rules & Guidelines
01
Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the writing, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and character). Concept marketability/producibility, originality, and writing style are also weighed to various degrees.
Our 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 scripts have ranged from microbudget indies, to true stories, big-budget sci-fi, straight genre pieces, low-concept, high-concept, 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 potentially promote to industry.
All contest judges are comprised of our in-house Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff. We do NOT use unpaid interns, volunteers, or "seasonal" readers, because that doesn't make sense and no one should do it ...
Basic guidelines:
The cover page should include the title, but you can remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Your entry won't be disqualified if you submit a cover page that includes contact info. Logline and genre on the cover page is preferred, but not required.
Co-writers are allowed.
PDF only. All software should have a convert to PDF function.
Script should be a feature-length screenplay (i.e. 80-120 pages, preferably). Any genre. Pilots can be submitted to the TV Writing Contest.
Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2025 are not eligible.
No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.
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. Produced short films based on the script are okay.
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
Our official rules can be found on our site here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should my script be?
We strongly advise sticking to the industry standard of 90-120 pages as that tends to work the best for features. That being said, the minimum length accepted is 75 pages, and the maximum is 150.
- Are notes included?
Written feedback is not included on entries, but entrants may add one-page general notes as an optional service during registration for a reduced rate. Feedback is kept separate from judging—meaning you'll have a different Pipeline development executive reviewing your contest entry, and the notes have no bearing on the judging process.
If you'd like to add feedback to your entry, please reach out to us at [email protected].
- 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 31st, 2027. Yes, this is uncommon for a contest. Yes, we're (probably) the only contest that does this. Yes, we think it should be standard for every contest.
Updated drafts may be emailed to us direct.
- Should I put contact info on the cover page?
It's not required. For us, we prefer the logline on the title page too, but also not required.
- If I place, do I retain the rights to my script?
Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer, regardless of whether or not they win or place.
- Can international writers enter?
Yes. All Pipeline contests are open to writers worldwide. Proud to say, every year we discover great new scripts from writers in Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, South America ... all over.
- Can I submit to other contests or companies after entering?
There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing contests or fellowships, or sending your script elsewhere while entered in the contest. If your script is optioned while in competition, you'd still be eligible as long as you submitted prior to the option or shopping agreement date. If the script is sold during competition, we can pull the entry.
- Are writing teams accepted?
Yes. Only one writer needs to register. If the script is selected as a Quarterfinalist, all co-writer names will be included in the announcement.
- Will you accept short scripts or pitches?
Only feature-length scripts are accepted.
Pitches may be submitted to our bi-annual Pitch Contest.
Short scripts may be submitted to Film Pipeline.
- Do you accept AI-written screenplays?
No. Ethical considerations aside, this is a writing competition and development platform, so we expect screenplays to be written by good ol' fashioned humans.
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