The 7th Annual Film Pipeline Competitions seek remarkable writers and directors with diverse, engaging work—defined by forward-thinking perspectives, fresh voices, and unconventional yet universally appealing stories.

$10,000 in total awarded: $5,000 in financing to the winner of Short Script, and an additional $5,000 to the winner of Short Film.

For short films, it's a platform significantly different from a festival: selected entrants are given 1-on-1 collaboration with Pipeline execs over the long-term in developing additional scripts, consideration for industry circulation, and extended promotion of their film.

For short scripts, Film Pipeline provides an opportunity for writers to get their project financed and produced. Our executives collaborate with the finalists from development to production, supporting their efforts on both their selected script as well as future material. All genres accepted, and scripts may be intended as proof-of-concept or standalone shorts.

With over 25 years of experience in discovering new screenwriters, we've cultivated a dynamic, long-term and hands-on process of development and industry introductions for filmmakers. This allows both emerging and seasoned writers and directors to receive personalized assistance in all facets of their creative process. And, most importantly, Pipeline spotlights and supports selected talent with the intent of fostering their careers.

ABOUT FILM PIPELINE

Launched in 2018, Film Pipeline searches for extraordinary directors, produced shorts, unproduced scripts, and other content from a growing field of talent worldwide. Filmmakers and writers discovered through Pipeline receive circulation assistance to agencies, managers, and executives on the lookout for the next wave of artists, with a sharp emphasis on diverse storytelling and stylistic originality. Unlike a traditional one-and-done festival, we champion individual writers and directors, playing a central role in getting projects developed, produced, and promoted over the long-term.

Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers as well as numerous scripts produced since 1999, a notable list that includes studio films Stuber by Tripper Clancy and Snow White and the Huntsman by Evan Daugherty. Pipeline Screenwriting finalist Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander sold to Legendary in 2020 for seven figures—one of the all-time biggest spec sales by an unproduced writer. Helen Gaughran's winning script Visitation was produced in 2023, starring Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Isla Johnston (The Queen’s Gambit). Several Pipeline writers have made The Black List recently, such as Elad Ziv's Court 17, Cauliflower by Daniel Jackson, and Pure by Catherine Schetina, the latter two securing the #1 spot. And writers have signed with multiple top managers and agents over the years, landing with reps at Bellevue, UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, Alibi Management, and more following Script Pipeline development and introductions. View notable success stories.

In total, across Film, Book, and Script Pipeline, approximately 25,000 pieces of creative material are reviewed annually, with ~2,000 entries submitted to Film Pipeline in 2023.

Learn more about Script Pipeline and Pipeline Media Group, as well as Pipeline Artists, a platform designed to educate and uplift creatives in the arts.

scriptpipeline.com

pipelinemediagroup.com

pipelineartists.com

SHORT FILM

- $5,000 to winner

- Development assistance on other scripts

- Promotion of the short and the filmmakers’ future work

- Additional long-term development of other projects

- Financing consideration for additional shorts

- Access to exclusive writer events via Pipeline Artists' Symposium (pipelineartists.com)

SHORT SCRIPT

- $5,000 to winner

- Extensive development from Script Pipeline's executive team, including feature script or pilot development

- Industry circulation to specific management and producing partners

- Additional long-term development of other film and TV scripts

- Financing consideration for future short scripts

- Access to exclusive writer events via Pipeline Artists' Symposium (pipelineartists.com)

SHORT FILM: CRITERIA

- Submission must be a standalone scripted short film or proof-of-concept. No limit on runtime, but the entry should be considered a "short."

- Any genre accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts. But must be for a scripted film. No documentaries, reality shows, trailers, or director's reels.

- If submitting a proof-of-concept intended to be a feature, entrants may also send supplemental info, such as a pitch, series outline, or full treatment of the story. Full screenplays are not accepted but may be submitted to Script Pipeline.

- Films co-written or co-directed are allowed. Only one person on the filmmaking team needs to register, be it the writer, director, or producer.

- Non-exclusive: it's fine if the film has been screened or entered into festivals prior to or after entry. There are no restrictions if there was prior distribution. In other words, dusting off an "old" film that already made a fest run is encouraged, as our process is more centered on development of other material and circulation to industry.

- No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.

SHORT SCRIPT: CRITERIA

- Any genre accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts, proofs-of-concept, and teasers.

- We don’t have any length requirements, but the submission must be intended as a short film or digital series pilot. Anything from one to (roughly) 30 pages for short films and 30 pages max for pilots. Feature-length scripts and longer "traditional" TV pilots may be submitted to Script Pipeline (scriptpipeline.com).

- Script must be unproduced at the time of entry. Produced films are allowed only in the Short Film Competition. If the film is produced any time after entry into the competition, it will still be eligible for awards.

- Only completed scripts are allowed. No pitches.

- If submitting a proof-of-concept script, supplemental info on the project, such as the synopsis for a feature, is more than welcome. We'll review a full package or proposal in addition to the short script.

- Co-writers allowed. Only one writer needs to register.

- Must send as a PDF file (Final Draft and other screenwriting software all have an "export as PDF" function).

- No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.

- All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.

COMPLETE TERMS: https://filmpipeline.com/film-pipeline-competition-terms-2024

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • What a thrill to have our short EVIE selected as a 2022 finalist. Fantastic communication and looking forward to a long relationship with Pipeline!

    December 2022
  • Great platform that genuinely helps independent writers and filmmakers with a focus on long-term relationships.

    March 2021
  • Rachel Thomas-Medwid

    I was thrilled to have one of my screenplays make the top five in this competition, given the great reputation it has. The team at Film Pipeline has been communicative and extremely helpful...thank you for recognition and continued support! Highly recommend entering this one!

    December 2020
  • Emily Vere Nicoll

    Excellent film festival to participate in with your film. The Film Pipeline team is dedicated to new filmmakers and truly want to see them succeed.

    December 2019