Screenwriting : Looking for a writing contest or writing program for new writers (spec script) by Rita Avellar

Rita Avellar

Looking for a writing contest or writing program for new writers (spec script)

I missed the deadline for the Warner Bros writing program for new writers https://televisionworkshop.warnerbros.com/writers-workshop/. It's a long story but stupidly I messed up the deadline hour. The thing is, I loved the spec script that I wrote hahaha, so I'm trying to find out another writing contest or writing program for new writers that is still open to apply with a spec script. Does anyone know?

Matthew Fasken

I can relate to missing a deadline. Feels like chance stepped in to make me miss an opportunity. Perhaps fate has other ideas for your work? I tell myself so. I've yet to enter any contests as I'm just beginning this journey but I have a few suggestions that were suggested to me. Coverfly for sure, when I can afford the entry. Great list of named judges. Scriplab https://thescriptlab.com/free-screenplay-contest/ for free submissions with good comments. You probably already know Screencrafts https://screencraft.org/screenwriting-contests/. I just missed the Sci-Fi contest because I blanked out but another one starts next month. I like the spec script format from Warner Bro's I will have to check it out.

Rita Avellar

Matthew Fasken Wow! Thank you so much! I will check them for sure!!

Monica Mansy

Hi, Rita Avellar, I feel your pain, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Let’s find you another... have you checked out the contests here on Stage 32? There are several going on right now. If you check under the “Script Services” tab and click on “Contests,” you can see the ones happening right now! If you have any questions about this or need career guidance in general, Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com), the Director of Script Services, is super helpful.

John Ellis

Here's what Jeff Howard (The Haunting of Hill House, Oculus, etc.) says about how he learned to write:

"When starting out, I broke down the structure of hundreds of movies, minute by minute. Put my favorite movies on and wrote out scenes in script format, to see what they looked like by me. I watched movies I disliked to learn structure, because it’s easier to see it." - via Twitter.

This is a much better way than any class, school, fellowship, etc. IMO

Rita Avellar

Monica Mansy Awww...thank you so much! I will check it out too! I was so disappointed but at the same, happy that I'm accumulating experience. Living and learning! :)

Rita Avellar

John Ellis LOVED it!

David C. Velasco

Just keep plugging away! Your day will come :)

Rita Avellar

David C. Velasco Thank you!!

AJ McNamara

Thanks for the share, Pillip.

Tasha Lewis

See Stage blog for some lists.

Rita Avellar

@Phillip "Le Raconteur" Hardy thank you so much!

Rita Avellar

@tasha lewis, I will check out! The list I got was from here, but all of them are closed, except one which is not spec. :)

Dan MaxXx

Disney fellowship deadline is tomorrow, June 7th, 12am pst. No application fee. Feature specs only. They pay a yearly salary and a free pass to Disneyland's Avengers park :)

Evelyne Gauthier

Coverfly has a page for that. It includes contests, competitions and writing programs. https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions

Rita Avellar

@dan maxXx it was on my list too. ;)

Rita Avellar

@evelyne gauthier thank you!! I will check it out!

Tyler VanHolsbeck

There is also the Nick Writing Program. The submission period is from July 1-August 1. All you need is an original pilot and a spec script of one of the approved shows that is listed on their site. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Rita Avellar

@tyler VanHolsbeck yep, just saw it yesterday but the spec I did is from a show that is not listed on Nick Writing Program. But thank you anyway! :)

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