Screenwriting : Competition!?! by Gali Kroin

Page Awards has just closed its doors for the year as has Scriptapalooza. I have entered them myself. Only enter Nicholls if you have a really goo script. You're competing against thousands. I'm not sure about Bluecat, but i am going to consider it. I wouldn't bother with free comps because basically you get what you pay for. No premium contest is for free.

thanks guys, i really appreciate your help

Two years ago I entered contests that provided feedback, albeit for a cost. That was VALUABLE! The feedback I received was far better/more insightful than what I got from my peers. This spring, I've entered three competitions hoping that my rewriting and rewriting and rewriting has been good enough to place me high up in Page, Scriptapalooza and Nicholl. Humbly, I note that there are nearly 8000 entries to the Nicholl, alone. Placing well in a contest can, I'm told, help you to find an agent/producer. Good luck with your writing and submitting!

Austin Film Festival. Hurry tho- Late Deadline is May 31. https://www.austinfilmfestival.com/submit/screenplayandteleplay/

There are two contests I am going to enter soon. Final Draft Big Break Contest (their early bird entry has passed, regular deadline is on July 1st) Entry fee 50$ American Zoetrope contest managed by Francis Ford Coppola Company (it starts in June). Entry Fee 35$ (Early Bird)

If you have a genre script (such as horror or comedy) look for a comp that will recognize and promote excellence within that genre. For instance Stage 32 Happy Writers has a fantastic New Blood comp for horror, thriller and suspense. If you have a character/drama script go for a comp that offers something of value to you, whether it be in prizes or recognition. If you are looking for representation out of it , go for one of the big guns that mean something to industry execs, Nicholl or Austin. Some film commissions also host their own to promote filming in their state -- I know Nevada is big on this. In the end it does depend on your goal and script.

MovieBytes does a great review of the contests. Perhaps you can get some information there.

Only enter the ones you pay for if you'll get feedback… That being said, Bluecat used to give feedback from TWO readers. Breaks my heart to see this go away.

No more. It was an incredible gime, so to speak.

There are many competitions. In my experience the best are Page Awards, Nicholls, Scriptapalooza, Creative World Awards, Script Pipeline, Blue Cat. The value is really in the feedback. My suggestion would be to always get coverage from them even if you can only afford brief coverage. That way you get to see how your script was received and how to make it better. it's much more important than winning.

Adam, I think I would take winning over feedback ;-)

I would love both but prefer feedback because I will know where I stand and what I could do to improve it.

Also if you are a genre writer, you might consider the Stage 32's New Blood Contest.

Final Draft is a great place for competition.