The 2021 Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing Competitions connect talented writers with production companies, agencies, and managers who can help launch their career. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, we focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, unique storytelling, and pushing more original projects into production.

The company’s unique process, consisting of long-term writer development and widespread circulation of material, gives finalists access to top execs worldwide as well as the proper guidance to advance their careers.

$7 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by competition finalists and "Recommend" writers, with numerous scripts produced since 1999. In the last few years alone, Script Pipeline writers have optioned screenplays, sold shows, or were staffed on major streaming and network series, including Writers Guild Award-winner Howard Jordan Jr. (Family Reunion, The Unicorn), Tripper Clancy (Die Hart, I Am Not Okay With This), and Laura Bensick (Everyday Insanity). Many others were connected with representation, such as Screenwriting winner Helen Gaughran signing with agents at UTA.

Awards & Prizes

Grand Prize Winner: $25,000 each for Screenwriting and TV Writing ($50,000 total)

Runners-up: $2,500 each for Screenwriting and TV Writing ($5,000 total)

Finalists receive circulation to Script Pipeline partners, in addition to the following:

- $50,000 to winners, $5,000 to runners-up

- Introductions to managers, producers, agents, showrunners, and others searching for new writers

- Long-term script circulation to industry and continual guidance in connecting with companies

- Development assistance from Script Pipeline's senior execs

- Additional script reviews and consideration of other material for industry exposure

- Invitations to private events hosted by Pipeline Media Group

Up to 75 Quarterfinalists and 30 Semifinalists will receive general feedback on their work from Script Pipeline's development execs, plus consideration for industry circulation.

Rules & Terms

Basic guidelines:

- Cover page should include the title, but remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Logline and genre on the title page as well is preferred.

- Co-writers are allowed. List each writer's name when registering your script.

- PDF highly preferred. All software should have a convert to PDF function.

- Script should be a feature-length screenplay for Screenwriting, and an original pilot or spec of an existing or recent series for TV Writing. All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements.

- Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2011 are ineligible.

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

- Simultaneous submissions are 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.

- The script entered must not have been produced in its full form. Shorts based on the script are fine.

- Electronic submissions only.

- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.

For full rules: scriptpipeline.com/screenwriting-tv-writing-rules-2021
3 Reviews
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  • Sommer Rusinski

    Script Pipeline is an incredible organization absolutely devoted to growing the network of young writers. I was a finalist in their TV Writing competition last year, and Matt and the gang have stayed in constant communication with me since. One of the good ones...definitely worth the cost of admission! Best of luck!

    May 2019
    Helpful
  • Margarita Rozenbaoum

    This was a game changer for me— it was the first bigger competition I entered, and to be chosen as a Top Ten Finalist opened up a lot of opportunities. I ended up getting meetings with a couple top networks (SP sends out your logline if you’re Top Ten.) From there, I ultimately networked my way to an agent, and actually made some really good friends too (from peer networking opportunities offered by SP). The Script Pipeline staff is also very communicative— we still keep in touch a year later. This is a great competition to enter if you want to feel like you’re more than just a number.

    May 2019
    Helpful
  • Adrienne Dawes

    This is my second year to apply to a Script Pipeline competition and I didn't feel like the experience is worth the cost of submission. Best of luck to everyone!

    August 2017
    Helpful