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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

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

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