The 15th Annual First Look Project searches for higher-concept material across six categories.

Screenplay - Action & Sci-fi, Comedy, Drama, and Horror & Thriller
TV Pilot - Hour and Half-hour original pilots

Unlike Script Pipeline's Screenwriting and TV writing contests, entries for First Look are judged on both writing ability and market potential, in addition to the originality of the concept.

For this particular contest, your script might need a bit of refining and still have a great chance to win if we feel the story itself could stand out in the current landscape. Ideally, we want first look at the next buzzworthy specs before hitting the market.

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 (Fox), Snow White and the Huntsman by Evan Daugherty (Universal), and the indie film Untitled Home Invasion Romance, released in 2026. 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 horror script Visitation was produced, starring Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Isla Johnston (The Queen’s Gambit), releasing soon. And over the past 25 years, writers have signed with multiple top managers and agents, landing with reps at Bellevue, UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, XYZ Management, IAG, Alibi Management, and more following Script Pipeline development and introductions.

View notable success stories: https://scriptpipeline.com/success-stories

More on the First Look Project: https://scriptpipeline.com/shop/first-look-project

Awards & Prizes

Screenplay Winners (4):

- $10,000 total. $2,500 to the winner of each genre category (Action & Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama, Horror & Thriller).

TV Pilot Winners (2):

- $5,000 total. $2,500 to the winner of each category (Hour and Half-Hour).

All winners receive:

- Long-term circulation to Script Pipeline's industry network of producers, managers, agents, directors, and others seeking TV material

- 1-on-1 development assistance from Script Pipeline's execs

- Additional script reviews and consideration of other material

- Career guidance and mentorship from Pipeline execs and industry partners

For more info, visit scriptpipeline.com.

CIRCULATION

Script Pipeline has cultivated relationships with numerous production companies, managers, agents, directors, independent producers, networks, financiers, and other executives, leading to multiple writers signed, specs sold, and films produced.

A small selection of industry reviewing Pipeline selections:

Alibi Management
Bellevue Productions
Big Moody Curve Productions
Destro Films
Hungry Man
LBI Entertainment
STX Entertainment
V42

Rules & Terms

Screenplays - must be a feature-length script.

If your specific genre isn't listed as a category, you may submit to the one closest to it. For example, Fantasy, Western, or Adventure could fall under Action & Sci-Fi. Or Crime and Mystery scripts could be submitted to Thriller.

TV Hour & Half-hour - pilot scripts in the 30-60 page range (appx.). All genres of TV accepted, including animation, off-the-wall genre hybrids ...

Other criteria:

- For both Screenplay and TV, the script must not be under an option or shopping agreement at the time of entry (if it happens after, you're still eligible).

- The same script cannot compete in multiple categories. Genre hybrids (i.e. an Action/Comedy) can be whatever category the writer chooses.

- Judging criteria emphasizes both writing ability and concept, unlike our Screenwriting and TV Writing contests, which are centered almost exclusively on writing ability. Preference may be given to what we deem "higher-concept" material.

For more info, visit scriptpipeline.com.
1 Review
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  • Nick Roth

    Can't recommend enough. Within weeks of my pilot
    "Power Suit" winning Best Half-Hour I signed with a great manager who is now also developing the show. We attached a veteran showrunner and are currently out to studios. In other words: exactly what you want in a writing contest.

    August 2020
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