First Scene & Short Film Screenplay Festival

NOTE: This festival is still taking place each week despite the COVID-19 virus. All festival dates have been relegated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays.

I’d never seen a contest that took only the first moment of a screenplay. The first moments can make or break a script in any competition, but I like that WILDsound looks at the opening on its own. Positive feedback on an unfinished piece can truly motivate a writer to push through to the end.
- LOVELESS by Chris Courtney Martin

At least 2-5 winners every single month. Get your screenplay performed by professional actors. FULL FEEDBACK on all entries.

Watch the recent 1st scene screenplay winning readings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-0CVDAfvxiqRIHL84Zl94Ez6I4hdKbSn

In the first 10 pages the writer needs to let the reader know in general terms what the story is about, and what is at stake. Plus, set the tone of what world and genre the writer has created, while also introducing the main characters. All the while you need to engage and entertain the reader.

The contest was created because this is an industry where agents/producers and their team are so busy and are reading so many scripts that if you do not grab them right away then they will put down the script and move onto another one. So you have to capture their attention when you’re writing on spec.

Watch the winning scripts each month at:
https://firstscenescreenplay.com

Watch the 2017 1st Scene Screenplay Winners:
https://firstscenescreenplay.com/2017/12/31/first-scene-festival-announces-its-2017-screenplay-winners-total/

Watch the 2016 1st Scene Winners:
https://firstscenescreenplay.com/2016/12/15/first-scene-festival-announces-its-2016-screenplay-winners-31-total/

Watch the 2015 1st Scene Winners:
https://firstscenescreenplay.com/2015-1st-scene-screenplay-winners-month-by-month/

1st Scene Testimonials:

Wow,the screenplay review is incredibly detailed and helpful! Big thanks.
– Steve Mikals, 1st Scene Script “Man Seeking Money”

Thank you very much for the pleasant feedback. I completely understand about the whole flashback bit and will work to change it. Otherwise I’m glad you like the immediate conflict which I thought would grab the audiences/readers attention instantly.
– Tom Dunham, 1st Scene Script “Rise of the Irishman”

The communication, organization and feedback these guys offer are fantastic and scriptwriters of all disciplines and experience should be jumping at the service WILDsound provides. The best thing about it is they are as enthusiastic as you about your work. Thank you to everyone involved with WILDsound.
– Grant Reid, 1st Scene Submission

I want to thank you for your feedback on my screenplay. The feedback gave me real direction on how to perfect this piece. I look forward to resubmitting in the near future. Thank you for this great experience.
– Anthonio Vole, 1st Scene Screenplay

Thank you so much for your feedback. It is thought provoking and helpful. I feel the urge to go back to line one and make the scenes a lot more punchy.
– Darryl Greer, 1st Scene Screenplay (The Morning After)

SHORT SCRIPT CONTEST

FULL FEEDBACK on your screenplay from our committee of Professional Screenwriters, Filmmakers, Production Heads and Script Consultants. Get your script performed by professional actors at the Writing Festival.

SAVE $10 TODAY and SUBMIT your Short Screenplay to our festival.

Submissions take 3-5 weeks for evaluation

NEW OPTION for FILMMAKERS: Submit your under 10 minute film and get it shown at the FEEDBACK Film Festival. Garner and audience feedback video of your film.