The 9th Annual Film Pipeline Competitions seek remarkable directors and diverse, engaging content, the type of work defined by forward-thinking storytellers and wildly innovative creators.

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

For short films ... this isn't a traditional film festival. Selected entrants are given 1-on-1 collaboration with Pipeline execs to develop additional material, consideration of unproduced scripts for industry, and extended promotion of their film. While we do include private screenings of the shorts here in Los Angeles on a project-by-project basis, the main "award" with Film Pipeline is the same across all our divisions: long-term development, circulation, and mentorship, no matter where the filmmaker's career journey takes them.

For short scripts, our execs work with the finalists and winner, supporting their selected script as well as future features or pilots.

Think of this less as a contest and more as an opportunity for mentorship and development no matter what path you're on in film and TV.

Accepting all genres—from traditional stories, to "experimental," to animation. Go big (just short).

ABOUT FILM PIPELINE

Launched in 2018, Film Pipeline has its sights set on discovering groundbreaking directors, produced shorts, and unproduced scripts with the potential for development, financing, and industry circulation. Unlike traditional festivals, Film Pipeline offers a long-term, hands-on approach to support filmmakers beyond a single contest cycle, guiding them toward sustainable careers in film and television.

Through its Short Script and Short Film contests, Film Pipeline provides filmmakers with direct industry access, development support, and financing opportunities. Winners and finalists receive:

All genres are accepted, from experimental narratives to genre-defining storytelling. Whether a filmmaker has a proof-of-concept for a feature, a short film seeking wider distribution, or a script in need of development, Film Pipeline serves as an essential platform to elevate filmmakers and their potential within the industry.

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Awards & Prizes

SHORT FILM

Grand Prize Winner (1):

- $5,000

Finalists (up to 3) and Winner all receive:

- Promotion of the short and the filmmakers’ future work
- Financing consideration for additional shorts
- Development assistance on other scripts and material
- Potential screening/s in Los Angeles (depending on project and filmmaker)
- Access to exclusive writer events via Pipeline Artists' Symposium (symposium.pipelineartists.com)

SHORT SCRIPT

Grand Prize Winner (1):

- $5,000
- Pre-production support to get the film produced (varies by project)

Finalists (up to 3) and Winner all receive:

- Extensive development from Script Pipeline's executive team, including feature script or pilot development
- Industry circulation of potential features or pilots to management and production companies
- Additional long-term mentorship support for those pursuing careers as writers and filmmakers
- Financing consideration for future short scripts
- Access to exclusive writer events via Pipeline Artists' Symposium (symposium.pipelineartists.com)

Rules & Terms

SHORT FILM: CRITERIA

All genres accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts, animation, hybrids ... anything scripted is eligible.

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.

Other criteria:

- 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 development-centric instead of a screening of new films.

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

- Any runtime is okay, but the film should be considered a "short" (i.e. no features allowed).

- If your film is password protected, please include the link in the appropriate field on the registration form, or you can email us the password after registering online.

SHORT SCRIPT: CRITERIA

All genres accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts and proofs-of-concept.

Script must be unproduced at the time of entry. Produced short films are allowed in the Short Film division.

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

Other criteria:

- We prefer the logline and genre on the title page, but it's not required.

- No length requirements, but the submission must be intended as a short film. Anything from one to (roughly) 30 pages. Feature-length scripts and TV pilots, or pitches, should be submitted to Script Pipeline.

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

COMPLETE TERMS on the Film Pipeline site. filmpipeline.com
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  • Kyle Chu

    Thank you a million for selecting "After What Happened at the Library" the Film Pipeline Shorts Competition 2025 winner! We're beyond stoked! It's been an awesome and encouraging experience so far, and we're excited to team up in the new year <3

    December 2025
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  • Kate Separovich

    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
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  • Grace Swee

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

    March 2021
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  • 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
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  • 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
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