Screenwriting contests — are they a good idea?
Agents and managers I’ve talked to have emphasized that there are handful of top competitions that can be a feather in a writer’s cap, if one place REALLY highly in them. And these can be mentioned at the bottom of an e-mail query (after pitching whatever script you’re trying to get read).
Here is the list I’ve compiled from those conversations. Please add comments if you have supporting or differing opinions on this.
They are in no particular order, other than the Nicholl Fellowship being universally acknowledged as the top contest, and Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab being its own special case…
Nicholl Fellowship
Austin Film Festival
Final Draft “Big Break”
Trackingb.com
Tracking Board Launch Pad
Page Awards
Scriptapalooza
Cinestory
Blue Cat
Zoetrope
ScreenCraft
Shore Scripts
Script Pipeline
Sundance Screenwriters Lab and Episodic Lab
In television, some of the major studios and networks also offer fellowships that can be a serious launching pad for aspiring TV writers. The big five are:
CBS Writers Mentoring Program
The Disney/ABC Writing Program
Fox Writers Lab
NBCU TV Writers Program
The Warner Bros Television Writers’ Workshop
I checked into the TV fellowships listed above – Warner Bros states on their website it’s discontinued. Fox Writer Lab looks like it hasn’t been open since 2018 on its website. And Viacom/CBS doesn’t have anything posted for this year. However, the website says to check in March 2023, which we’re almost at the end of the month. But perhaps there will be an update still.
Thanks for this Tracy! These programs are always evolving and I check to update them from time to time. Sad to hear about WB but I will keep the link live for now since at least they still have a web page for it, in case it comes back at some point. Same with Fox. Perhaps the industry is evolving away from these in general, possibly due to the rise in streaming and decline of scripted broadcast TV…
Yes, I wondered why they might be phasing their programs out since there seems to be more programming to watch everywhere.
All contests are subjective. Prone to the injury of opinion. While they hone in on what they believe is marketable, truly great scripts are overlooked and sidestepped for those that bring the highest dollar. Those that can perhaps outdo their counterparts in great subject matter, or messages that many can benefit from. Scripts that have the promise of changing lives and adding change to those who can benefit the most…
I just finished reading “The Idea”. It is truly educational and an easy read, with an abundance of helpful info for aspiring screenwriters and playwrights. Its easily understood advice will be incorporated in a screenplay I’m working on.
That’s great to hear, thanks Stafford!
Thanks,Erik. These are highly helpful info.