Ready to break through?

With $25,000 in cash prizes, we’re seeking the next generation of emerging screenwriters.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro ready to take the next leap, this is your opportunity. We’re looking for bold, original features or pilots in any genre—that showcase your unique perspective and undeniable talent.

The Top 10 Screenwriters will receive $1,500 cash EACH and be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, where the Development Team will get your script in front of top industry pros from companies like Max, 20th Century, Disney+, Amazon MGM Studios, Harpo, Paramount+, Lucky Chap, Hello Sunshine, Gidden Media, ICM, CAA, plus ISA vetted literary agents and managers.

Of the 10 scripts selected, one of you will go on to win the Grand Prize and receive an additional $10,000. That’s $11,500 to the Grand Prize Winner!

Awards & Prizes

Grand Prize Winner
(Selected from Top 10 Finalists)

$10,000 Cash (in Addition to $1,500 from Top 10)
Consideration for the ISA Development Slate
Script Consultation with an ISA Executive (2 Meetings)
General Meeting with an Industry Executive
ISA Pitch Practice
12 Month ISAConnect Membership
Prizes in all other categories
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Top 10 Finalists

$1,500 Cash Each
ISA Development Slate Consideration
ISA Development Slate Evaluation (for a New Script)
3 Month ISAConnect Membership
ISA Logline Review
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Semi-Finalists

Digital Copy of "(Not Just) Another Book on the Craft of Screenwriting" by ISA's Director of Education Max Timm

Rules & Terms

https://www.emergingscreenwriters.com/emerging-screenwriters-competition/
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • J. Austin Gentry

    Thank you for awarding DIETER TULLY as a finalist and thank you to all the Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition team! I'm honored.

    April 2026
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  • Ernestina Juarez

    As a beginning screenwriter who sometimes feels lost in a crowded field, I especially appreciated the attention to personal communication, genuine encouragement and quality judging offered by this competition.

    March 2026
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  • K.T. Roth

    Thank you so much for selecting my screenplay Faltered State as a Quarterfinalist. Excellent competition with great communication.

    March 2026
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  • Richard Kjeldgaard

    First off, congrats to the recent winners. I was honored to be named a quarter-finalist on the first 2026 screenplay competition. When the list of quarter-finalists was announced, and I know this is going to sound funny but, the list was extensive, I thought a little too extensive, almost like getting a participation award in school. The other example I can use is like a creative pat on the back in he hopes of entering your next screenplay. Narrowing the quarter finalist down to a maybe few dozen would be more honest.

    March 2026
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  • John Ervin

    Achieving Quarter-Finalist status with Emerging Screenwriters was a wonderful opportunity to showcase my feature screenplay "Washington State of Mind." I will be sure to submit more work to future editions and will recommend to colleagues in the script and film community.

    March 2025
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