CALL FOR SCRIPTS – A Script & Screenplay Contest

Now offering One‑Page Feedback and Pitch‑to‑Execs add‑ons.

Are you a storyteller pushing creative boundaries?
A Script & Screenplay Contest invites writers of all formats and genres to submit their work—screenplays, pilots, plays, books, web series, reality TV, microdramas, and more.

CONGRATULATIONS TO 2026 WINNER BRIAN SETH HURST FOR THANKSGIVING, AN EXTENDED FAMILY IN THREE ACTS.

Why Submit

Writers from our festival have been requested for meetings by HBO, have been optioned and produced.

Judged by industry leaders from Marvel, HBO, BBC, ABC, Simon & Schuster, Rolling Stone, and others.

$45,000 in awards, including meetings, studio time, and production services.

No page limits—all script lengths and types accepted.

Public recognition: nominees featured on‑screen, in Q&As, and in press releases.

Optional One‑Page Feedback and Pitch Sessions with top executives (BBC, Warner, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and more).

Awards & Perks

Grand Prize: $45,000 in awards

Top 3 Scripts & Best Script: Read by HBO + ScriptReaderPro coverage ($169 value)

VIP red carpet interviews & industry exposure

Social media promotion (20M reach)

Newsletter feature reaching 80,000+ industry professionals

Past Best Script Winners

2024 – The Isthmus by Jeff Osborne
2023 – The Path of Least Regret by Brian Gene White
2022 – Forgotten Christmas by Ash Gilpin
2021 – Peach Blossom by Cheng Yang
2020 – The Real Thing by Matthew Papadopoulos
2019 – Poughkeepsie by Joe Kelly
2018 – Rust by Justin Moran
2017 – Render by Kirill Kiselev
What We Accept

All written story formats, including:
Features, TV Pilots, Shorts, Web Series, Treatments, Feature Docs, Short Docs, Short Stories, Books/Manuscripts, Stage Plays, Series Bibles, Pitches, Graphic Novels, In‑Production Films, Articles, and Podcasts.

Optional add‑ons: One‑Page Feedback and Pitch‑to‑Execs to help move your project forward.

A division of New Media Film Festival®

Awards & Prizes

All nominees are considered for: Grand Prize Award, Priceless. Including but not limited to: Meeting with HBO and Marvel, Studio time in Los Angeles, Mongo Media Solutions Post Production services, a Filmustage package, among other perks.
We create a sizzle reel for all script nominees and screen. Each nominee will be afforded the same perks as all other category nominees.

Best Script winner receives a custom hand-painted wood film slate and a Filmustage package, value $1000.00 as well as what the Top 3 Scripts receive below.

Top 3 Scripts are awarded a certificate for a Filmustage package, value $1000.00, Script Reader Pro & Scriptwriters Network packages.

Awards valid for 1 year from festival date, non-transferable.

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines – A Fair & Inclusive Opportunity
By submitting, you agree to our core values: fairness for all creators—of all ages, cultures, and media formats. If an opportunity outside the festival comes your way (which happens for 95% of creators), it’s great news! However, take time to consider if it’s right for you—ask questions, reflect, and know that you always have the right to decline. This will never impact your participation in the festival.
Code of Conduct & Terms & Conditions
Our festival thrives on mutual respect and professionalism. Every submission is held to the same standards to ensure fairness for all participants—including nominees, guests, judges, and industry professionals.
Friendly Reminder: There are NO refunds—this policy ensures equity for all creators. If you’re submitting through FilmFreeway, they offer insurance options should you need flexibility.
How We Select & Judge Submissions
A Competitive Yet Inclusive Festival – We welcome a diverse range of media formats, focusing on story, production value, and new media innovation.
Fair Review Process – Submissions are evaluated by a panel of industry experts. If the majority approves, the content is accepted into the festival.
Judging & Awards – The top three in each category are selected for final consideration. If accepted, withdrawals are NOT permitted after notification. Entrants agree to the festival’s decisions and release New Media Film Festival® from liability.
Accepted Content: We welcome distributed, online, and in-post content. However, if we host the Los Angeles Premiere, your content must not screen within 50 miles of LA within one month of our festival date.