Contest recognition
Whether you've written a big blockbuster action film or a low-budget comedy, screenwriting competitions can be a great way to gain exposure and establish connections. Yes, you can win money, but more importantly, you could meet people who can guide you to the next step in your career. There are so many screenwriting contests out there right now, but we would try to stick with the ones that can gain you the most access to industry insiders.
Here are our top recommendations for screenplay contests:
Nicholls Fellowship - Located at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A very prestigious award, the Nicholls Fellowship winners (up to five every year) receive $30,000 dollars. The annual deadline is May 1st. Website is at oscars.org.
Chesterfield Scholarship – Located in Los Angeles. A great award, the Chesterfield competition gives up to five writers a stipend of $20,000 to participate in their workshop for a period of one year. During this time, each writer is expected to produce two original screenplays. Each screenwriter has the help of many top industry professionals. A great experience. The annual deadline is June 21st. Website is at chesterfield_co.com.
Sundance Institute – Obviously one of the premiere festivals in the United States for both independent and Classical Hollywood Cinema. If accepted, you will be invited to a workshop provided by the Institute (usually about 15-20 projects per year). A great experience. The annual deadline is May 1st. Website at sundance.org.
Telluride Film Festival – A great film festival for the independent minded. The actual festival takes place every year in September, and screenplay competition deadlines vary. Website is at telluridefilmfestival.com.
Philadelphia International Film Festival – Located in Philadelphia, PA. The grand prize is $10,000, but more importantly, past judges include many top industry professionals, including screenwriters such as M. Night Shyamalan and Stephen Rivele. Annual deadline is December 1st. Website at film.org.
If you have any suggestions for other screenplay competitions and festivals, feel free to contact us. Once again, there are many screenwriting contests out there. If you're going to send your hard-earned script to a competition, do it for the connections, not the money. Find out who the judges are for the competition and what the contest has done for past winners. Then decide if it's right for you. The costs for screenwriting competitions vary but most usually fall in the $40 to $50 range per screenplay.
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