Resources
Jury includes literary reps from Bellevue, Buchwald, and others. This year's Grand Prize Mentors include Oscar-winner David Rabinowitz (BLACKKKLANSMAN), Hugh Welchman (LOVING VINCENT), Rose Gilroy (PROJECT ARTEMIS) and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (MULAN).

Early Deadline in 13 days

Deadlines

Mar 31

Early

Apr 30

Regular

May 31

Late

Announcements

Jul 10

Quarterfinalist

Aug 7

Semifinalist

Sep 11

Finalist

Oct 9

Winner

Every great film begins with a single script. Production companies, agents and managers are all looking for the next great voices in feature film screenwriting. This is your chance to showcase your talent, passion, and vision to our network of industry professionals who are eager to discover the next big thing in film. Your script is ready.

This year, we’re excited to welcome a slate of award-winning screenwriters ready to share their expertise. We are also thrilled to offer an exclusive Development Partnership with Prince Baggett of Confluential Films.

ScreenCraft has helped feature film screenwriters of all different genres and voices find representation, earn paid writing assignments, land high profile options, and even sell their work. From blockbusters to indie films, and every genre in between, our jury is excited to connect with your voice as a writer!

Grand Prize Mentors

Each Grand Prize winner will receive from their respective mentor: a virtual meeting, and project development insight.

David Rabinowitz
Rose Gilroy
Elizabeth Martin
Lauren Hynek
Hugh Welchman

4 Grand Prize Winners will be selected for this year's competition. One by writer David Rabinowitz (BLACKKLANSMAN) one by writer Rose Gilroy (PROJECT ARTEMIS), one by writer Hugh Welchman (LOVING VINCENT) and the other by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (MULAN).

Meeting

Virtual meeting to discuss feedback and ask questions

Insight

Learn and gain perspective on next steps to take with your project
A Note To Entrants And Those Considering Entry During The WGA Strike:
At ScreenCraft, we stand in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America and its efforts to ensure fair compensation for writers.

ScreenCraft has publicly committed to pausing the sharing of writers’ work with struck companies and, if needed, coordinating with finalists and winners to see what alternate outreach they are comfortable with.

We’re all hoping the strike will be over soon, but if it isn’t, ScreenCraft will offer alternatives, postpone announcements, or otherwise work with writers to ensure they’re staying within the rules of the WGA strike.

Jury

KRISTEN KIASALEH

Coordinator, Big Beach
From the fast-paced environment of an agency to the creative hub of a streamer, Kristen’s varied experience in film and TV has fueled her passion for excellent storytelling. She most recently worked at Netflix on the Original Series, Drama Development team. Prior to Netflix, Kristen worked for producing partners at Charlize Theron’s Denver & Delilah. She also worked for the head of casting at Amblin Entertainment, where they oversaw casting for both film and TV projects.

Kate Sharp

Manager and Producer, Bellevue Productions
Kate Sharp is an Emmy nominated producer and manager with Bellevue Productions. Kate was an EP on Hulu's Emmy-nominated TV series BEHIND THE MASK. Kate is currently producing FLEEING starring André Holland and Nicole Beharie which recently wrapped production. On the feature side, her client's projects have premiered at Sundance, TIFF and Cannes. On the TV side, her clients have written on such series as STAR TREK: PICARD, GENIUS: ARETHA FRANKLIN and NEVER HAVE I EVER.

Daniel Perry

Literary Agent, Buchwald
Daniel is a Film & TV Literary Agent at Buchwald, representing prolific, iconic, and award-winning writers, directors, producers, and multi-hyphenates. Buchwald was launched in 1977, and is an industry leader in representation.

Nik Mavinkurve

Head of Film, State Street Pictures
Nik Mavinkurve started his career at Marc Platt Productions and continued at Warner Bros. Pictures as a Creative Executive where he worked on various movies including, SUICIDE SQUAD, IT, and GET HARD. He had a small stint working as a VP, Drama Development at WARNER HORIZON/WARNER BROS TELEVISION where he also helped develop various projects for cable and streaming. Most recently, he served as the Head of Film at State Street Pictures (BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE, ON THE COME UP, THE HATE U GIVE).

Brandon Purdie

EVP / Global Head of Theatrical Distribution at Angel Studios
Brandon Purdie, with a lifelong career in film and cinema since the age of 14, is now a distinguished leader with a 24-year tenure in the theatrical film distribution industry. He founded Purdie Distribution in 2008, overseeing the successful release of nearly 100 indie films. Following the triumphant sale of Purdie Distribution in February 2023, Angel Studios appointed him as the trailblazing EVP of Global Theatrical Distribution. His pivotal role extends beyond distribution, contributing significantly to Angel’s enduring commitment to weaving narratives that amplify light and resonate with audiences on a global scale, solidifying his status as a preeminent leader in the global theatrical film and cinema industry.

Prizes

Grand Prize

4 Grand Prize Winners will be selected for this year's competition. One by writer David Rabinowitz (Blackklansman) one by writer Rose Gilroy (Project Artemis), one by Hugh Welchman (Loving Vincent) and the other by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan). Each Grand Prize winner will receive from their respective mentor: a virtual meeting, and project development insight.

Winners will be welcomed to the Writer Development Program and receive personal introductions and calls with one or more top Hollywood professionals who are looking for talented emerging screenwriters.

ScreenCraft has a proven track record for getting writers signed with managers, agents, and staffed in writing rooms.
Personal Introduction to industry professionals
Accepted into the Writer Development Program
$750 Cash
An exclusive invitation to a Finalist+ workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry

Runner-Up Prizes

FINALISTS

Guaranteed Meeting with an Industry Professional

An exclusive invitation to a Finalist+ workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry

Early Deadline in 13 days

Previous Success Stories

See More Successes

John Trefry and RJ Collins

Signed with a literary manager

"We were drawn to ScreenCraft because of its reputation as a thriving community that has helped many of our admired peers. As avid fans of SC's high-quality educational resources for screenwriters, we knew it was an excellent tool for our writing process. Winning the ScreenCraft competition was a turning point in our writing careers. It not only brought us exposure but also opened the doors to incredible opportunities, such as signing with Jeff Portnoy at Bellevue. ScreenCraft has played a crucial role in connecting us with our judge, Diana Ossana. With her immense experience and knowledge, Diana has provided us with invaluable guidance and inspiration, helping us navigate the complexities of the film industry and develop our writing careers."

Jessica Wei

Signed with a Literary Manager

"ScreenCraft somehow found my unique needle in the haystack and for that I am so grateful. Traction in their competitions helped me believe in my voice and story, and gave me confidence to keep writing. After becoming a Finalist and winning Honorable Mention in their Feature Competition, I was introduced to a wonderful community of like-minded writers, and given full support on thinking through next steps to further my career as a writer. The placements I received in ScreenCraft's competitions gave my script visibility and credibility, which led to several meetings and inquiries from managers and production companies. Moreover, [they] are there to guide me, vouch for me, and continue to encourage me as a creative, well past the competition wins. That is invaluable."

Kristin Erickson

Signed with a literary manager at Stride Management

"It’s especially hard to keep going when you’re not getting a lot of outside validation, it can feel like blind trust or that you’re straight up delusional. Because, sure, you may not be good right now, but if you keep writing you will get good. It’s inevitable. I wasn’t a good writer when I started over ten years ago, I never went to film school or took a writing course, but I kept writing and that has made me a better writer. I found ScreenCraft when I googled best screenplay competitions. It made the top 5! ScreenCraft has been such an answered prayer. I’ve said this before and I’m going to say it again, ScreenCraft feels like a parental kind of love because they take such good care of their writers. My goal before going into ScreenCraft was to get funding for Adult Section so I could make it on my own. NOW, I don't have to make it on my own, I have producers attached."

Sam Juergens

Signed with a literary manager

"What first drew me to ScreenCraft was the high-caliber level of industry execs they continually get to judge the competitions. I like how genre-specific their competitions are to provide you with the best feedback and opportunity to advance in your specific genre. After placing as a Finalist in the Feature Competition, they worked with every Finalist to help drill down to a curated list of people to query. They greatly helped craft a strong, attention-grabbing query that led to script requests. After placing as a Finalist or higher in other comps, I can say that ScreenCraft walks the walk, while the other competitions could not back up their “talk” regarding placement benefits."

Amelia Phillips

Signed with a literary manager at Epicenter

"I chose Screencraft specifically for their Career Development Program - I knew it would be more useful than even a cash prize. But to be honest, I had no idea just how hard ScreenCraft works for their writers. Throughout the process, I felt cared for and respected. It was exciting, but also realistic and actionable. Whether it was giving me quick feedback on a one-sheet, or pumping me up before I spoke with an exec, [the ScreenCraft Team] was a lifesaver. Screencraft sent my script out to a targeted network, and as a result I’ve had meetings with managers and production companies, and we’re currently working to set up another meeting with an agency."

Denis Theriault

Attached talent to his feature script

"ScreenCraft has helped me hone my personal pitch, how I sell myself as a writer. What are my strengths and what unique qualities and voice do I offer as a screenwriter. I've developed strategies and a query email to approach industry people and how exactly to seek out like minded content creators who might be looking for exactly the type of work I create."

As Featured In

DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

This optional add-on prize category will identify one winner to learn, workshop, and strengthen their project with guidance from an industry mentor. This year's mentor Prince Baggett will select one writer/writer team that includes this unique add-on benefit with their entry.

PRINCE BAGGETT

Head of Film, Confluential Films
Prince Baggett blends a discerning financial acumen with a dedication to inclusive storytelling, championing studio projects that amplify and support underrepresented voices. His project “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project,” is generating Oscar buzz and is set to captivate HBO audiences post its theatrical run. Additionally, Confluential’s production, “The Perfect Find,” premiered on Netflix in 2023. A fervent advocate for mentorship, Prince previously was a mentor in the Universal Pictures Writers and Director Programs and played a key role in co-founding the Diverse Representation Black Entertainment Executives Pipeline Program.
Only projects submitted to the ScreenCraft Feature Competition AND that select this add-on are eligible for consideration in this category. Additionally, all projects that place in the Top 10 of the competition will automatically be considered.

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Rules
Eligibility
Selection Criteria
Additional Legal
  1. Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only.
  2. Entry fees are as listed on the site and checkout form. No coupon or discount is applicable on a previous entry.
  3. Optional feedback from a professional reader may be requested at the time of entry. Requests for feedback can be done through Coverfly.
  4. Entries may be any length --  the standard feature is between 85 - 120 pages. Any script submission longer than 120 pages will incur a $.50 per page overage fee for each page over 120 if it does not include feedback and $1 per page if the entry does include feedback.
  5. There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit.
  6. Entries must be received on or before the deadline dates by 11:59PM Pacific Time, and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.
  7. All submitted material must be owned by the writer(s), however the material may be based on other works not owned by the writers.
  8. Material must be submitted by the writer. Material written by writing teams must be submitted by one of the writers, with consent of the other(s).
  9. If a writing team is chosen as a winner, prizes will be given to the person who submits the project. Each team is responsible for dividing or sharing any prizes awarded as they deem fair (whether there is a cash value or not).
  10. Substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entered material will be allowed for a limited time with a $6 reentry fee through Coverfly. Please proofread your script carefully before submitting.
  11. It is recommended that original material be registered with the WGA or The Library of Congress before submitting to any competition, however we do not require registration.
  12. Contact info may be included on the cover page of the screenplay, however it is not required. ScreenCraft uses Coverfly to manage submissions and automatically removes cover pages before scripts are read by the judges.
  13. ScreenCraft claims no ownership nor option on your work. All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted to this contest remains with the original rights holders. 
  14. The decision of the judges will be final and cannot be contested in any manner. There is no score on a scorecard that guarantees advancement to the next level as advancement will be based on all scores in the competition.
  15. In the event a juror, partner organization, or prize partner is no longer able to serve in their specified capacity, ScreenCraft will make its best effort to secure a replacement. ScreenCraft is not responsible for the failed delivery of any prize package by a juror, sponsor, or partner organization.
  16. ScreenCraft reserves the right to change deadline and announcement dates at any time.
  17. ScreenCraft reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.
  1. All writers at least 18 years of age are eligible. However, a writer who has earned more than $50,000 (or equivalent currency) from professional writing services for film or TV in the preceding 12 months or $500,000 (or equivalent currency) from professional film or TV in the proceeding 10 years is not eligible. (Contest winnings not included.)
  2. All persons from anywhere in the world are eligible; however the material submitted must be in English (occasional dialogue in other languages is acceptable, if subtitle translation is provided).
  3. All material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible for this contest.
  4. The material may have been written at any time.
  5. Material should be submitted in standard screenplay format, font, spacing and margin.
  6. We have no preferences regarding title page content. Title and name of writer would suffice.
  7. All material must be submitted electronically as a PDF. Broken files or non-PDF files may be accepted, but if the file cannot be read ScreenCraft will not judge the submission.
  8. Prize winners may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility and proper tax documentation before prizes are released.
  9. By entering the competition, user acknowledges their eligibility for the competition. ScreenCraft may verify all eligibility requirements at the finalist stage of the competition and before distributing any prizes.
  10. Scripts or projects based on underlying material not owned by the writer are accepted as samples, so long as the script itself is indisputably written by the writer and that the script does not contain any plagiarism.

The winners will be chosen based on the following criteria: 

  • Voice
  • Concept
  • Story
  • Structure
  • Characters
  • Dialogues
  • Genre Conventions

In addition to the scoring criteria for the script, ScreenCraft may conduct interviews and send questionnaires to learn more about the entrant, their voice, perspective, and goals to help identify the winning projects. Top scripts are read by the industry jury who votes for their favorite scripts at their sole discretion.

 

ScreenCraft Add-on Prize Selection:

  1. Only writers who submit to the competition and include this add-on at the time of entry or who make it to the Top 10 of the competition, are eligible to be considered for this prize opportunity.
  2. The winner of this prize will be selected at the discretion of the specified industry professional(s). The selected winner of this prize will engage with the specified industry professional(s) in an educational development capacity.
  3. Being selected as the winner of this prize does not constitute or guarantee representation by the industry professional or involvement of any kind by the company they work for.
  4. The approach and manner in which the industry professional(s) and winner interact is at their discretion. ScreenCraft will have no involvement in the process beyond facilitating an introduction.

 

Criteria for Winners and Finalists:

  1. The winners and top finalists may be contacted by interested industry representatives, such as managers, agents or producers. 
  2. Entrants may be required to submit further information to assist in the judges’ verification of eligibility. 
  3. Any entrant may be deemed ineligible as a Finalist or Winner at the sole discretion of ScreenCraft. 
  4. All recognition, placements, and winners are chosen at the sole discretion of ScreenCraft.
  5. Finalists may be required to sign and return within seven (7) business days of receipt a notarized Affidavit of Eligibility and a Release and Indemnification and proof of valid passport and any other documents that ScreenCraft or any other partner may require before receiving prize payment. Failure to respond to the initial notification within ten (10) days or return of notification may result in disqualification. 
  6. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
  1. COPYRIGHT AND OWNERSHIP: ScreenCraft or any other partner, employee or agent associated with this contest claims no ownership nor first right of option to any original screenplay submitted to this contest. All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted to this contest remains with the original rights holders until and unless other agreements are made.
  2. PUBLICITY: Except where prohibited by law, participation in the contest constitutes each entrant’s consent to ScreenCraft and its agents’ and contest sponsor’s use of entrants’ names, likenesses, photographs, and/or personal information for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. All uses of entrants' information are in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
  3. REFUND POLICY: All entries are non-refundable.
  4. SITE TERMS OF SERVICE. All ScreenCraft Terms of Service apply in addition to these rules and eligibility criteria.
  5. DATA MANAGEMENT AND PRIVACY. Entries for this competition are managed on the submission platform Coverfly, and ScreenCraft (a d/b/a of Red Ampersand, Inc) uses other data management tools, including but not limited to, Google Services and Amazon Web Services, to securely manage your data. ScreenCraft is not accountable for any data hacks (internal or external) or user errors that may release scripts or writer data unintentionally.
  6. ENTRY CONDITIONS AND RELEASE: BY ENTERING THE CONTEST YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS. You agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless ScreenCraft, ScreenCraft.org, its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies, Prize contributors, judges, screenplay readers, Sponsors, and any other organizations responsible for administering, advertising or promoting the Contest, and every one of their respective members, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) past and present from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s Entry, participation in the Contest and/or acceptance or use or misuse of Prize; provided however, that such release will not apply to any commercial exploitation of the script by a Released Party in violation of your rights under applicable copyright law; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the ScreenCraft.org and its Sponsor, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees) relating to an entrant’s participation in the Contest and/or entrant’s use or misuse of Prize. Employees of ScreenCraft and their immediate families are ineligible to participate in this contest. Any such submission will be immediately disqualified. ENTRY TO THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED or restricted by any Federal, State or Local law. Voided entries will be refunded. Recipients’ eligibility will be verified before the grant is awarded and the winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility. By entering the contest, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing and/or transmitting your submission file(s). The governing law is California.
  7.  
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WRITER RECOMMENDED FEEDBACK

Kelley Yakey Berberich

ScreenCraft judges are able to give constructive feedback that is beyond the quality of feedback we have had before. They definitely know your script before giving guidance. We really appreciate the written review!
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