The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia 2027 Screenwriting Competition (SIP)
Rules & Terms
A multi-prized screenwriting competition for feature-length or TV pilot scripts that could be realistically filmed in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Writers do NOT need to be from Philadelphia, and scripts do NOT need to be explicitly set in Philadelphia. They must simply be feasible to shoot in the Philadelphia region (including surrounding counties).
1. Eligibility & General Requirements
Screenplay must be able to be produced in the Philadelphia region (including surrounding counties).
Scripts will be judged on their overall quality and the extent to which they project “shootability” in the Greater Philadelphia region.
All genres will be accepted.
All genres and storytelling approaches are acceptable unless otherwise specified by Prize requirements.
You may submit multiple feature-length or TV pilot scripts; however, only one entry per application is permitted. Each submission requires a separate entry form and fee.
Screenplays that are currently in production are ineligible.
If there is more than one writer, each must sign the release form for the application to be accepted. **Email SIPCoordinatorGPFO@gmail.com with the Subject Line “SIP Release Form - Multi-Writers” for the form.**
Judges’ decisions are final and binding.
2. Submission Deadlines & Fees
Early Deadline:
September 15, 2026 by 11:59pm EST
$75.00 (includes processing fee)
Final Deadline:
October 19, 2026 by 11:59pm EST
$100.00 (includes processing fee)
Finalists Announced:
January 29, 2027
Winners Announced:
March 31, 2027
Submissions must be electronically time-stamped by the stated deadlines. Late entries will not be accepted.
Submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of disqualification, withdrawal, or non-selection.
Electronic submissions only.
Submissions will be processed through the FilmFreeway platform, which will prompt you to include all relevant documents and payment.
By submitting, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing, and/or transmitting your submission files.
3. Formatting Requirements
Title Page:
A title page with only the title must accompany the screenplay.
No author identification may appear on the title page.
Scripts will be numbered for confidentiality.
Feature-Length Screenplays:
Must be between 85–130 pages in length.
Written in standard screenplay format (8.5" x 11", 12 pt. Courier font, numbered pages, simple front/back cover).
Prime Time TV Scripts (Pilots):
Should be half-hour or one-hour.
Single-camera pilots.
Under 70 pages in length.
Written in standard screenplay format (8.5" x 11", 12 pt. Courier font, numbered pages, simple front/back cover).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy:
Purpose & Disqualification: Set in place to protect the integrity of the competition. The use of AI in any part of the creative process will result in immediate disqualification.
Human Authorship Only: All submissions must be created solely by the entrant(s). Submissions generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar systems, are not permitted.
Certification of Originality: By entering the Competition, entrants certify that their submission is entirely their original human-authored work and free of AI-generated content.
Investigation and Enforcement: The Competition reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to request verification of authorship and to disqualify any submission suspected of AI involvement.
Intellectual Property Responsibility: Entrants remain fully responsible for the originality and authenticity of their work. The Competition will not be liable for disputes arising from the submission of AI-generated material.
4. Prize-Specific Eligibility
The Nina Lo Presti Award:
Female screenwriters, ideally with a connection to the Philadelphia region (resided, worked, matriculated, etc.).
Both features and TV pilots are eligible.
The Content for Kids Prize:
Writers with a connection to the Philadelphia region (resided, worked, matriculated, etc.) who submit content appropriate for audiences aged 12 and under.
Both features and TV pilots are eligible.
5. Notifications
Applicants will be contacted based on the status of their screenplay. Communication will be made through email.
Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) Newsletter for competition updates here: https://film.org/mailing-list/
Winners will be posted publicly on the GPFO website by the end of January:
https://film.org/greater-philadelphia-filmmakers/sip-screenwriting-competition/
6. Consideration & Awards
Submitted screenplays will be considered for all prizes for which they are eligible.
Awards are based solely on the overall merit of entries, as determined by the judges.
Prizes may not be granted if entries fail to meet the required standard.
All applicants are encouraged to register their work with the Writers Guild of America (East or West) (Creates a dated record of a writer's claim to authorship) or the U.S. Copyright Office (Confers legal ownership and protects the expression of an idea).
7. Additional Rules & Terms
Confidentiality: Judges and readers are instructed to treat submissions as confidential; however, applicants acknowledge that similarities in theme, story, or concept may occur and that no liability is assumed by the Competition or its affiliates.
Refunds: No refunds will be issued under any circumstances, including disqualification, withdrawal, or failure to meet submission requirements.
Disqualification: Submissions may be disqualified if they:
Fail to meet formatting or page count requirements.
Contain author-identifying information on the title page.
Include plagiarized, defamatory, or unlawful material.
Publicity: By entering, applicants grant permission for their name, headshot, bio, title, and logline to be used in press releases, social media, and promotional materials if selected as a finalist or winner.
Liability: The Competition is not responsible for technical issues, data loss, corrupted files, or failed uploads.
Taxes: Prize winners are solely responsible for payment of any applicable local, state, or federal taxes.
Co-Authors: In the case of multiple authors, prizes and reimbursements will be divided equally, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by all authors. Only one award designation (certificate, trophy) will be provided.
Rights Retained: Applicants retain all rights to their submitted work. The Competition will not option, produce, or exploit any submitted material.
Feedback: The Competition has no obligation to provide notes, feedback, or comments. If feedback is provided, it is not guaranteed and does not reflect the opinions of the Competition.
