The 3rd Annual Film Pipeline Competitions seek remarkable writers and directors with diverse, engaging work--the type defined by forward-thinking perspectives and unconventional yet universally appealing stories.

For produced shorts, Film Pipeline's platform is significantly different from the typical festival: selected entrants are given introductions to managers and agents for potential representation and extended promotion of their short or series pilot.

For unproduced scripts, Film Pipeline creates an opportunity to get your material financed and produced and collaborates with selected entrants from development to production. $5,000 in financing awarded to the winner.

After two decades of discovering new projects through screenwriting, TV writing, and pitch competitions, Pipeline Media Group (PMG) brings a dynamic, hands-on process of industry facilitation to Film Pipeline. This allows both emerging and seasoned filmmakers a shot at financing and producing their work, as well as spotlighting their talents to garner interest from execs capable of advancing careers.

Awards & Prizes

SHORT FILM

- $5,000 to winner; $1,000 split between 2 runners-up

- Industry circulation to select partners, including agents and managers

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

- Extensive promotion of the short and the filmmakers’ other work

- Invitations to annual writer and industry events hosted by Pipeline Media Group

SHORT SCRIPT

- $5,000 to winner for production financing; $1,000 split between 2 runners-up

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

- Industry exposure to specific partners for production support

- Additional reviews of other film and TV scripts, with circulation consideration

- Potential financing for future short scripts

- Invitations to annual writer and industry events hosted by Pipeline Media Group

Rules & Terms

CRITERIA - SHORT FILM

- Submission must be a standalone short film, series pilot episode, or proof-of-concept. No limit on runtime.

- Any genre accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts. Must be scripted.

- Link to the film preferred, but we'll also accept larger files via Dropbox or other file-sharing sites.

- If submitting a proof-of-concept intended to be expanded into 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 entered into any open Script Pipeline competition.

- 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: the film may have 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, proof-of concepts, and teasers.

- We don’t have any requirements, and all script lengths are accepted, but the submission must be intended as a short film or digital series pilot. Anything from one to (roughly) 50 pages for short films, and 30 pages max for pilots. Feature-length scripts and longer "traditional" TV pilots may be entered in any open Script Pipeline competition.

- 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.

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

- Simultaneous submissions are of course allowed (i.e. you can enter other contests with the same script).

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

For the complete official rules: https://filmpipeline.com/film-pipeline-competition-terms/
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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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