FILM EXPO SOUTH, as well as hosting events over the years, also runs the Film Offices in the UK for Dorset and Hampshire. Not only do we support big budget productions, the Film Offices are very proactive supporting Indie filmmakers, Students and new filmmakers alike.

Following on from the success our previous Scriptwriting Competition, where in 2022, we took not 1 but 3 scriptwriters from Script2Screen, we are back for our next competition where the rules are slightly different.

The theme is Christmas with the following genres: Comedy; Drama; Family and Horror, and filming will be set in Wimborne, Dorset town with many local businesses on board, locations etc…

We will be sponsoring our overall winner and aim to help make ‘4 FILMS IN 4 DAYS’
COMPETITION CLOSES 31st JANUARY 2025

FILMING of SCRIPTS to take place in Wimborne between 25th April and 28th April 2025

You can find a list of our judges on our website: https://www.filmexposouth.com/script-competition-judges

The Grand Prize and more...

Now Worth over £15K and the winning project will be taken from
Script to Screen. See the list below for the GRAND PRIZE!
• Director / Writer A.D. Cooper of Hurcheon Films will provide a 1-2-1 Script
Development Session for the overall Winner.
• Director / Writer Jane Foster of 23 Films will provide a 1-2-1 session ‘How To Get The
Best Performance From Your Actors’.
• Hampshire and Dorset Film Offices can assist with Cast and Crew
• MOARTE Designs will design and supply the Film Poster
• Matt Black of Hangover Hill Records will provide the score
• Young's Creative Collective will assist promoting the film
• Over 10 Wimborne locations are offering their premises for filming

For the full list of all the prizes, please visit:

https://www.filmexposouth.com/sc2024scriptcompetitionprizes

1. Submitted scripts must be original screenplays, and the sole property of the applicant(s). Screenplays submitted must not have been previously sold or produced. Adapted or based on screenplays are also accepted. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to register their screenplay and secure clearance from the copyright holders of any copyrighted materials included within the submitted screenplay. All entrants retain complete and exclusive rights to their work. The winner/s will retain complete rights to their work once the film has been made and screened at the FILM EXPO SOUTH Preview.

2. All ages are eligible, and you can submit from any country.

3. Script Entries only via FilmFreeway https://filmfreeway.com/FilmExpoSouth

4. Scripts co-written are allowed.

5. Only Comedy, Drama, Horror/Thriller and Children/Family genres accepted. of a Christmas Theme, no animation or documentary is allowed and all entries must be in English. Pornographic, defamatory or racist scripts will NOT be accepted.

6. We accept screenplays between 5 and 12 pages in length, NOT including the title page. This will create a film that’s up to 15 minutes including credits. Any script that exceeds this length will be disqualified.

7. There is no limit to the number of screenplays you may submit. Each entry will require a separate entry form and a separate fee.

8. All entries must be uploaded in PDF format to FilmFreeway. Entries must be received on or before the deadline and submission fee payment must be made in full at the time of submission. Entry fees (including services fees) are non-refundable.

9. All screenplays must be written in industry standard format (Courier 12 pt font). (BBC Writers Room provide good examples https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/resources/medium-and-format ) Any script not in this format will automatically be disqualified. DO NOT include any imagery in the script as this will also disqualify your entry.

10. Winning Screenplay will be filmed in Wimborne, Dorset on location.

11. FILM EXPO SOUTH and the Film Offices can assist with Crew and Cast.

12. The winning Script will be filmed over a 3/4 day period therefore, please note this is a low budget production so please avoid a big cast, special effects and lots of locations.

13. Should you re-submit corrected pages or a new draft, please note that you would need to pay an additional fee.

14. Judges of our competition, are NOT eligible to enter.

15. By entering the FILMEXPOSOUTH Short Film Script Competition, you agree to all the rules listed. Regardless of your status (winner or nominee), please note that your script, logline and contact information may be shared with our partners and sponsors, and by submitting you agree with that. You also agree to release and hold harmless FILM EXPO SOUTH LTD and its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s entry, participation in the contest and/or acceptance or use or misuse of the prize.

16. All entries are charged at £45 per submitted script.

17. All entry fees will go towards the making of the films.

18. All entries will be provided with feedback. No correspondence will be entered into.

19. The winning writer will be named in the credits at the end of their film.

20. The winning film will be listed on imdb.com providing the writer with a listed credit.
21. NOTIFICATIONS
- Not Selected Announcement Date: 20th February 2025
- Quarter-Finalist Announcement Date: 20th February 2025
- Semi-Finalist Announcement Date: 12th March 2025
- Finalist Announcement Date: 26th March 2025
- Winners will be announced at Event on April 4th, 2025

The FILMEXPOSOUTH Short Film Script Competition 2024 Winner/s will be announced on 4th April 2025 at the Allendale Community Centre.

This is a NOT FOR PROFIT FESTIVAL and all submission fees will be put towards making the winning films.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Carol Younghusband

    I can't speak highly enough of this script competition. A first class competition from start to finish with a friendly approach, impeccable communications and top judges. And the Industry prizes are top quality, offering a unique script-to-screen production for the winners.

    January 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Carol, we really appreciate you taking the time to comment on the Short Film Script Competition and a lovely testimonial at that too. 'ANNIE PANNIE' was popular with the judges so great to see Tenerife Film Productions offer to produce your script.

  • Steve Langridge

    A fantastic competition with excellent communication at every stage, and with prizes that offer real value and opportunities to work with industry professionals

    January 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words Steve. The team and all our judges thoroughly enjoyed the competition and all the great script entries. And WELL DONE on the winning script!

  • What a great opportunity to show short script writing skills! Thank you Film Expo South. And to end up in the winning three - fabulous!

    January 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Congratulations Felicity, A great script and we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future. Good Luck from all at FILM EXPO SOUTH.