Screenwriting contests are a great way to inject energy into your screenwriting journey. Regardless of how your submission fairs, screenwriting competitions ensure your work is read by a real person, or multiple people.
The could be a host of reasons why you might
There actually aren't many free contests out there, so we've put together a list of the best ones!
1) ReadThrough 48-Hour Screenplay Throwdown
The 48-Hour Screenplay Throwdown is one of the more unique screenwriting contests you'll find, and it just happens to be free! Pit your script against writers from around the world to see if you’ll be the last writer standing!
Once Screenplay Throwdown starts, you have 48 hours to write a short script based on guidelines released at the start of the contest.
Prizes include cash, free script coverage, screenwriting software, and more! The 48-Hour Screenplay Throwdown happens multiple times a year.
2) Roadmap Writers Diversity Initiative Competition
Each month, Roadmap Writers selects one diverse screenwriter to participate in the Pitch Prep Program. The winner and runner up also receive free screenwriting software.
The Diversity Initiative Competition is open for submissions on the 15th of every month with the deadline on the 3rd of the following month.
3) The Script Lab Free Screenplay Contest
A free competition to find the best writers, regardless of financial need.
The winner receives a cash prize, distribution to a network of nearly a thousand industry professionals, a career consultation session and more! The contest opens November 1st.
4) The Athena List
The Athena List is an annual script competition that selects exceptional scripts with women leaders at the heart of the story. As the central program in the Athena Film Festival’s Creative Development program, The Athena List aims to raise the profile of the scripts and the writers within the industry with the purpose of getting these movies made and elevating their careers to the next level. Submissions are open June 1 to September 15.
5) WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival Screenplay Competition
This festival's mission statement is "To inspire the creation and distribution of art, while ultimately enhancing the creative mind." They currently offer 3 separate categories of screenplays: feature, short, and song scripts. Submissions are open until August 31.
6) Screenwriters Utopia Monthly Logline Contest
This recurring contest lets you submit as many loglines as you want and each month a winner is chosen!
Prizes include screenwriting software, free entry into Scriptapalooza, SU screenplay marketing classes, and more! Entry is always open and winners are picked monthly.
