The 2023 Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing Competitions head into their 21st and 16th seasons, continuing the search for up-and-coming talent and connecting them with top producers, agencies, and managers. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, we focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.

Over $8 million in screenplays and pilots have been sold by Script Pipeline writers as well as numerous scripts produced since 1999, such as studio releases Stuber by Tripper Clancy and Snow White and the Huntsman by Evan Daugherty. Pipeline Screenwriting finalist Bring Me Back by Crosby Selander sold to Legendary for seven figures—one of the biggest spec sales in years. And Helen Gaughran's winning script Visitation began production in 2023, starring Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Isla Johnston (The Queen’s Gambit). Several Pipeline writers have made The Black List, with Cauliflower by Daniel Jackson (2021) and Pure by Catherine Schetina (2022), both landing at the #1 spot. While winners Daniel Jackson (Screenwriting), Elad Ziv (First Look Project), and Brian T. Arnold (First Look Project) landed at Bellevue over the past couple seasons, many others have signed at UTA, Kaplan/Perrone, Alibi Management, and more after Script Pipeline introductions.

Script Pipeline selects 10 finalists, with one winner and one runner-up, who receive the following:

- $50,000 total to winners, $5,000 to runner-up

- Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and others searching for screenplays

- Development assistance from Script Pipeline's senior execs

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

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

- Invitations to private events and Symposium panels hosted by Pipeline

Up to 50 Quarterfinalists and 30 Semifinalists will receive general feedback on their work from Script Pipeline's development execs, plus consideration for industry circulation.

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)

- Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and others searching for screenplays

- Development assistance from Script Pipeline's senior execs

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

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

- Invitations to private events and Symposium (symposium.pipelineartists.com) panels hosted by Pipeline

Up to 50 Quarterfinalists and 30 Semifinalists will receive general feedback on their work from Script Pipeline's development execs, plus consideration for industry circulation.

Rules & Terms

Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the script, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and character). Concept "marketability," originality, and writing style are also taken into consideration to various degrees.

Best piece of advice is to submit material that highlights your distinct voice—what separates your script from the norm. Although we're strict on judging and only work with a select group of writers annually, all types of genres and styles are fair game. In the past, finalist and winning scripts have ranged from period dramas, to comedies, to animation, true stories, sci-fi, and everything in-between.

Being selected as a Quarterfinalist or higher means that we feel the script has potential, the writing is above average, and it's a project we're confident in helping further develop and promote to industry.

All contest judges are comprised of our Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff. We don't use unpaid interns or volunteers or seasonal readers ...

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 required. All software should have a convert to PDF function, including Final Draft, Celtx, and others.

- Script should be an original pilot or feature. For TV, we will not be accepting spec scripts of existing shows. All genres are allowed, and there are no length requirements. If it's a multi-part series for TV, send only the first part.

- Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2013 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 TV 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. Produced shorts based on the script are a-ok.

- 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-2023
4 Reviews
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  • Paul Horan

    Excellent experience, from the effort they put into the sheer quantity of their reading, to the opportunities they actively work to provide for writers.

    August 2021
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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