The Cinematic Scribe Annual Short Screenplay Contest provides an opportunity for writers of any genre, to share their artistic voice. Originally founded by two award winning filmmakers, the two founders have branched off separately to better serve writers with the intent on growing a creative community by providing two launch pads for varied and distinctive storytellers.

The Cinematic Scribe Short Screenplay Contest is now solely owned, operated, and administered by Renata Green-Gaber, Writer, Director, Producer, a judge for the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Foundation Short Film Showcase, is a 2 time Best Director Nominee, and Founder & CEO of G-Force Films for over 20 years.

We are expanding to add a genre specific submission platform so more screenwriters can receive recognition for their work. By submitting to any genre, screenwriters now have the opportunity to become a "Finalist" for that genre. Finalists will receive a "Genre Finalist's" Laurel, script feedback, a One Hour Zoom Production Consultation with the Contest Director and will be eligible to win the Grand Prize.

Still Developing your script? Looking for Feedback before submitting to Contests? You can submit to have your screenplay reviewed and you will receive valuable feedback and personal notes.

Interested in producing or directing your own short film? Submit for a One Hour Zoom Production Consultation. Our industry professionals will breakdown and review your script and schedule a One Hour Zoom Production Consultation to get you started on producing your film.

All submissions to be accepted online through Film Freeway.

Write a Great Story!

Awards & Prizes

Contest Winner will receive the Grand Prize of $500.00, Script Feedback, a Winner's Laurel, a One Hour Zoom Production Consultation with the Contest Director, and will automatically be entered into consideration for the production slate of G-Force Films.

Genre Finalists will receive a "Genre Finalist's" Laurel, Script Feedback, and a One Hour Zoom Production Consultation with the Contest Director. Runner Ups or Honorable Mentions are at the discretion of the judges and if awarded, will receive the same awards as a Genre Finalist.

Rules & Terms

1. Screenplays must be 15 pages or less.
2. Please use standard screenwriting format.
3. Accepts Screenplays of Any Genre.
4. Must be written in English.
5. Open to ages 18 or older.
6. All entries must be by electronic submission between contest opening date and final submission deadline.
7. All entries are non-refundable.
8. All submitted material must be original work, and must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by any 3rd party, with all rights owned by the writer(s). If a script is optioned during the competition, then it is no longer eligible for consideration.
9. Substitutions or updated drafts are not accepted at any time.
10. Student entries require proof of enrollment / Please list school info in cover letter. Student status will be verified upon submission.
11. All submissions must be in PDF format.
12. Contest Winner will automatically be entered into consideration for Production by G-Force Films.
13. For screenplays with multiple writers Prize money will be distributed equally amongst all writers.
14. Not all Genres may have a Finalist. Genre Submissions must be judged a Finalist.
15. All decisions by judges are final.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: The undersigned warrants and agrees, on behalf of the undersigned and each of the Screenplay's owners that the Screenplay is being submitted voluntarily and without promise or inducement to the Cinematic Scribe Short Screenplay Contest, and that submission of the Screenplay neither imposes or creates any obligation or responsibility from the contest related parties, except as stated in the Contest Rules & Terms. By submitting a Screenplay, the undersigned, on behalf of the undersigned and each of the Screenplay's owners also agrees to hold harmless, any contest related parties free from all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, fees, and expenses at any time, in connection with submission of their Screenplay arising from any breach or alleged breach of any representation made by the undersigned to the contest parties, or any implied representation in these terms and conditions.

4 Reviews
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  • Barry Ward

    The Cinematic Scribe Screenplay was great! The contest provided me with valuable information to get my work in front of the right people. I'm glad they gave the finalists one-on-one free consultation.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi Barry - It was such a pleasure to meet with you. Thank you for the link you sent. Great work on your Screen Craft Pitch! We feel fortunate to have someone with your writing pedigree submit to our contest. Congratulations on being one of our FINALIST'S! Happy to hear the 1 Hour Consultation held value for you. You are building a strong foundation for your work. Keep rising in all you do. Cheers to great stories!

    Best always,

    Renata Green-Gaber
    Creative Director
    Cinematic Scribe Screenplay contest

  • april barnett

    I can not stress enough how grateful I am to the Cinematic Scribe Screenplay Contest! I was beyond thrilled to win and I received immediate communication on when to schedule my consultation. Best notes I've ever received and best advice on how to move forward. Do yourself a favor and enter for the next submission period! :)

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Wow April! Thank you so much for the glowing review and recommendation to our contest. Huge Congratulations on being our $500 Grand Prize Winner!!! Thank you so much for taking a chance and sharing your work with us. Your win was well deserved for the highest scoring script that has been received so far. Excellent work and we look forward to seeing more great work from you in the future!!!
    Very best regards,
    Creative Director
    Renata Green-Gaber

  • Erin Copen Howard

    Highly recommend! This was one of the most meaningful festival experiences I’ve had. What truly sets The Cinematic Scribe apart is the person behind it. From the moment I submitted, it felt like my work was going to a real human being who genuinely cares about writers and their careers, not into a black hole.

    Being able to speak with Renata personally was an honor. Her generosity, insight, and follow-up advice went far beyond anything I expected from a contest director. She clearly values storytelling and the people who create it. I’m incredibly grateful for the finalist recognition, but even more grateful for the care, encouragement, and community this festival fosters.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Wow, Erin thank you so much for the wonderful review! Coming from a veteran TV Development Exec that really means a lot! It was such a pleasure to meet with you for our 1 hour Zoom FINALIST consultation. It makes my heart so happy that it was of value to you. You're a very gifted writer and I for one am rooting for you. We'd love to hear about any future success so do keep in touch!
    Very best regards ~ Renata Green-Gaber

  • James Gregory

    I entered my screenplay on a whim when it popped up on my feed. I don't usually do it because I produce scripts for my own production company. What made me take the plunge was the script's are actually read by human beings and not AI. As a producer as well as a writer I find that AI misses too much when it is used for coverage.
    I am chuffed to bits to be a finalist in the Cinematic Scribe competition for The Hardest Man I Ever Knew.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi James - We were absolutely "chuffed" to have your submission and look forward to seeing you on your Zoom Consultation!
    Cheers to great stories!
    The Scribe Team