The bi-annual 2026 Script Pipeline Pitch Contest is searching for original feature film and TV series ideas to be developed into screenplays and pilots—higher-concept stories, across any genre, that could fit in the current landscape.

One Grand Prize Winner receives $2,500 and additional long-term assistance with our in-house creative execs to help develop the script from the ground up. When the work is ready for circulation, we send to specific producers and reps who might align with the material.

All writers retain the rights to their pitch and script.

*NOTE: as this contest is focused on developing scripts one-on-one with film and TV writers, only submit pitches. Completed scripts may be entered in other Pipeline contests, including First Look, Screenwriting, or TV Writing.

More about Script Pipeline and a 26-year history as a development platform: https://pipelinemediagroup.com/division/script-pipeline

Notable success stories: https://scriptpipeline.com/success-stories

Awards & Prizes

Grand Prize Winner (1) - $2,500: August 20th, 2026

The winner also receives:

- Extensive development and assistance in completing a screenplay or pilot

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

- Review of additional pitches and completed film or TV material for industry consideration

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

Rules & Terms

Script Pipeline's criteria is based primarily on the overall originality and relevancy of the concept, preferably hitting a "Goldilocks zone" between commercial/mainstream and something wholly new and different.

We're open to all types of pitches across any genre. Keep in mind, movie and TV entries compete against one another, so if you aren't sure what medium your idea fits best, that's okay.

In the past, selected ideas have ranged from lower-budget indies, to big-budget studio films, to animation, biopics, true stories, weird experimental stuff, and high-concept, mainstream genre material. Anything that feels fresh and universally appealing is fair game.

We highly recommend writers submit more detailed summaries spotlighting the elements that make your project distinct: why this concept, why these themes, and in many cases regarding stories in the public domain or "lower concept" pitches, why you, the writer, are most apt to write that story and what singular vision you can offer.

Oftentimes the concept comes across best in the form of a pitch deck, but that's NOT a requirement.

Some guidelines:

- Must submit a full story synopsis and logline, at minimum. This can range from a page in length to a full treatment or pitch deck. We don't judge on format, we judge on the idea itself. The best format is usually comprised of a logline, a page-long summary, and any other comments on the originality of the premise or personal connection to the subject matter, if applicable.

- A sample of your writing is preferred but not required (3-5 script pages; any script, does not have to be the script based on your submission).

- Do not send full-length screenplays—pitches ONLY.

- Must be for a scripted film or TV series.

- Previous Screenwriting, TV Writing, First Look Project, and Pitch Contest winners and finalists (since 2024) are ineligible.