The 5th 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.

For short films, Film Pipeline has created a platform significantly different from the typical festival: Selected entrants are given introductions to managers and agents for potential representation, one-on-one collaboration to develop or produce other scripts, and extended promotion of their film to our broader Pipeline audience.

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.

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

With over two decades of experience discovering new screenwriters, Pipeline has cultivated a dynamic, hands-on process of development and industry introductions for filmmakers. This allows both emerging and seasoned writers/directors to receive one-on-one assistance in all facets, from concept to circulation. And most importantly, spotlights and supports selected talent long-term 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, the company champions individual writers and directors, playing a central role in getting projects developed, produced, and promoted.

For 23 years, Script Pipeline has bridged the gap between up-and-coming writers and the industry through a unique, long-term, hands-on facilitation process. The result thus far has been $8 million in scripts sold to studios and networks since 1999, most recently the seven-figure sale of Script Pipeline finalist Bring Me Back to Legendary Entertainment. 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 2021.

For more on Script Pipeline, including recent success stories: scriptpipeline.com

For info on Pipeline Media Group: pipelinemediagroup.com

Also check out Pipeline Artists, a platform designed to educate and uplift creatives in the arts: pipelineartists.com

Awards & Prizes

SHORT FILM

- $5,000 to winner; $1,000 to runner-up

- Industry circulation to select partners, including agents and managers

- Promotion of the short and the filmmakers’ future work

- Additional review of other shorts or scripts, with circulation consideration

- Financing opportunities for additional shorts

SHORT SCRIPT

- $5,000 to winner; $1,000 to runner-up

- Script development and notes from Film Pipeline's executive team

- Industry exposure to specific partners for potential production support

- Additional development of other film and TV scripts

- Consideration of financing for future short scripts

Rules & Terms

CRITERIA - SHORT FILM

- 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.

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

CRITERIA - SHORT SCRIPTS

- 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.

- 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.

- Cover page should include the title only. Remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.) on the script. Logline and genre on the title page is preferred but not required. If contact info is left on the script, we'll adjust the file accordingly (errors on the cover page will not result in disqualification).

- 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.
3 Reviews
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  • Grace Swee

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

    March 2021
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful