List of Screenwriting Contests (Updated for 2021)

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Writing is a true art form, but it’s not just for the page—behind each of your favorite movies is an outstanding screenplay, penned by talented writers who know which words will translate to magical moments on the big (or small) screen.

Whether you’re new to the game or looking for more opportunities, entering a contest is a great way to hone your skills, test your talent, and get exposure for your work. That’s why we’ve put together a list of screenwriting contests you can enter today.

2021 Screenwriting Contests

Below is a list of screenwriting contests you can enter in 2021 for a chance to win cash prizes, meetings with film industry leaders, and more.

Contest Name Contest Guidelines Entry Fee First Prize Deadline
Sundance Screenwriters’ Lab sundance.org/programs/feature-film#/ $40 one-on-one story sessions with creative advisors; chance to screen at Sundance FF March 10, 2021
Scriptation Showcase showcase.scriptation.com/ $39–$59 $1,000 March 14, 2021
Nantucket Film Festival nantucketfilmfestival.org/submit $25–$45 cash prize (TBA) + Mentors Brunch with a prominent screenwriter March 19, 2021
Cinestory Foundation Fellowship www.cinestory.org/ $69–$88 $10,000 + 12-month fellowship with two industry mentors March 21, 2021
New Media Film Festival newmediafilmfestival.com/submit/ $70–$80 up to $45,000 in awards; HBO, Marvel & Arpix Media April 3, 2021
Page Screenplay Contest www.pageawards.com/the-contest/ $45–$75 $25,000 April 15, 2021
Nicholl Fellowship www.oscars.org/nicholl/about $48–$88 $35,000 May 1, 2021
Austin Screenwriting Competition austinfilmfestival.com/submit/ $45–$70 $2,500 + tickets to Austin Film Festival May 21, 2021
ScreenCraft Screenplay Contest www.screencraft.org/screenwriting-contests/ varies by contest varies by contest Ongoing, different genres each month
Final Draft Big Break Contest store.finaldraft.com/big-break-contest.html $45–$75 NYFA fellowship; tickets to Los Angeles to meet with producers and executives July 2021 (TBA)
Finish Line Script Competition www.finishlinescriptcomp.com/ $35–$40 $1,500 + flight to L.A. + meeting with industry professionals June 29, 2021
Slamdance Screenplay Competition slamdance.com/screenplay/#about $50–$75 $8,000 July 2021 (TBA)
Tracking Board Launch Pad tblaunchpad.com/competitions/feature/ TBA meet with agents, managers, execs, producers at winners’ party July 23, 2021
BlueCat Screenplay Competition www.bluecatscreenplay.com/ $50–$80 $5,000 December 2021 (TBA)

Are Screenwriting Contests Worth It?

As with any investment of your time and money, you’ll want to make sure that the contest you’re entering is legit before sending off your hard work and money.

However, if you’ve done your due diligence and found that the contest is being judged by industry professionals and hosted by a real, respected organization, entering a screenwriting contest can absolutely be worth it.

Even if you don’t take home a big prize, you’ll have gotten your name and work out there—and who knows which producers or other big writers might stumble across it? Connections are extremely valuable in the writing and entertainment industries.

Plus, if the contest provides feedback on your entry (as many of them do), you’ll get a chance to improve your craft using the expert advice of the pros.

How Much Money Can You Make As a Screenwriter?

The amount of money a screenwriter makes depends on several factors, including the kind of screenplay being written, and whether or not the writer is a member of the WGA (Writers Guild of America).

According to the WGA, in the 2017–2018 period, the average script sale price was $110,000. Payments for screenplays are made through installments, so writers rarely get that amount all at once.

It’s also important to note that there are different WGA minimums for everything, from a 15-minute TV episode to full-length, big budget film scripts.

Polishing Your Screenplay

If you’ve got dreams of seeing your work played out on the big screen, why wait to get started? Check out our guide (written by a screenwriter and producer) to learn how you can write your screenplay in 24 hours.

Then, when you’re ready to submit your work, be sure to review these tips for entering a writing contest to maximize your chances of success!

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

The post List of Screenwriting Contests (Updated for 2021) appeared first on TCK Publishing.

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