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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

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

Feb 15

Regular deadline
approx.

Launch Pad Pilot Competition

Tracking Board

The TV counterpart to the feature contest.

TV Pilots $50–$75 Regular Feb 15 · Final Mar 15

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

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

Dates last reviewed 2026-09. Stratword isn't affiliated with any of these competitions.