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Competition Calendar

Confirm every date before you enter. These are the windows each competition normally falls in, but organisers move them every year — some are set by a rule like “the first Friday in May”. Treat this as a reminder of what's coming, then check the official site, which every entry links to.
Everything Features TV Pilots Shorts
Oct 15
Early deadline
in 34 days

BlueCat Screenplay Competition

BlueCat
Every entrant gets written analysis, which is unusual and worth the fee on its own.
Features Shorts $45–$65 Early Oct 15 · Regular Nov 15 · Final Jan 15
Official site
Jan 15
Early deadline
approx.

PAGE International Screenwriting Awards

PAGE Awards
Ten genre categories, so a niche script competes against its own kind.
Features TV Pilots Shorts $45–$80 Early Jan 15 · Regular Mar 15 · Late May 1
Official site
Jan 31
Varies deadline
approx.

ScreenCraft (rolling competitions)

ScreenCraft
Runs genre-specific contests all year — horror, comedy, drama, sci-fi. Check the site for the one that fits your script.
Features TV Pilots Shorts $39–$69 Varies Jan 31
Official site
Feb 1
Early deadline
approx.

Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition

Script Pipeline
Year-round circulation of finalists to their industry list.
Features TV Pilots $45–$65 Early Feb 1 · Regular Apr 1 · Final May 1
Official site
Mar 1
Varies deadline
approx.

WeScreenplay (Feature, TV, Shorts)

WeScreenplay
Several contests through the year; feedback is included on most tiers.
Features TV Pilots Shorts $40–$70 Varies Mar 1
Official site
Apr 1
Regular deadline
approx.

Academy Nicholl Fellowships

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The most prestigious feature competition. Screenplays must be original — no adaptations, no sequels.
Features $45–$85 Regular Apr 1 · Final May 1
Official site
Apr 1
Early deadline
approx.

Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition

Austin Film Festival
Strong industry access; the festival itself is one of the best for writers.
Features TV Pilots Shorts $40–$75 Early Apr 1 · Regular May 1 · Late May 15
Official site
Apr 15
Early deadline
approx.

Slamdance Screenplay Competition

Slamdance
Independent-minded; favours distinctive voices over conventional structure.
Features Shorts TV Pilots $45–$75 Early Apr 15 · Regular Jun 15 · Final Aug 1
Official site
May 1
Early deadline
approx.

Final Draft Big Break

Final Draft
Prizes lean practical — cash, software, and meetings.
Features TV Pilots $45–$70 Early May 1 · Regular Jun 15 · Final Jul 15
Official site
May 1
Typical deadline
approx.

Sundance Development Track

Sundance Institute
A lab rather than a contest — a fellowship with mentorship attached. Extremely competitive.
Features Free–$40 Typical May 1
Official site
Jul 15
Regular deadline
approx.

Launch Pad Feature Competition

Tracking Board
Explicitly aimed at getting writers signed rather than at prize money.
Features $50–$75 Regular Jul 15 · Final Aug 15
Official site
Dates last reviewed 2026-09. Stratword isn't affiliated with any of these competitions.
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