The Script Fund is more than a competition. It is a development grant designed to move your story from the page to the screen. Founded by working industry producers, we invest in writers who demand to be heard.

Most competitions give you a laurel and a “congratulations.” The Script Fund is different. We invest in the two things every emerging screenwriter actually needs: Capital and Mentorship. Our prize package provides the $1,000.00 Financial Fuel to move your script forward, plus a personalized Interview and Industry Guidance to help you build a sustainable writing career. We don’t just celebrate your success, we help fund your next step.

The Script Fund was created to help great scripts move beyond the page by connecting them with the capital needed to become films. Your story deserves more than a hard drive. It deserves a budget!

Awards & Prizes

🥇 1st Place: The Grand Grant Recipient:

• $1,000.00 Cash Award (USD): An unrestricted grant to fuel your production, development process, or writing career.
• The Spotlight: A published, deep-dive interview about your winning script and artistic journey.
• The Mentorship: Ongoing check-ins with our founder to navigate the industry and your project.
• The Blueprint: Exclusive strategy session on film finance and crowdfunding. Leverage our founder’s proven track record of raising over $50,000 through crowdfunding alone, supplemented by successful experience securing private investment, tax incentives, and competitive grants.
• The Future: Your 2027 submission is on the house, plus your Official Winner Laurel.

🥈 2nd Place: The Development Award:

• The Recognition: Personalized “Finalist” Laurel and a featured Honorable Mention on our platform.
• The Future: A free 2027 submission entry to keep the momentum going.

🥉 3rd Place: The Emerging Voice Award:

• The Recognition: Personalized “Finalist” Laurel and a featured Honorable Mention on our platform.
• The Future: A free 2027 submission entry to help you reach the next level.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility:
• Originality: All entries must be the original work of the entrant. If the script is based on another person's life or a book/story, the entrant must possess all necessary rights or be in the public domain.
• Genre: We accept short scripts of any genre, with a focus on strong storytelling, character, and cinematic potential.
• Format: We only accept Short Scripts (up to 40 pages). Features are not eligible for the 2026 Short Script Fund.
• Language: All scripts must be submitted in English, or translated in English.
• Entrant: The Festival is open to screenwriters worldwide unless restricted by local laws. Entrants must be 18 years or older, or have legal guardian consent.

2. Submission Guidelines:
• Format: Submissions must be uploaded as a PDF via FilmFreeway.
• Standard Formatting: Scripts should follow industry-standard formatting.
• Multiple Entries: Writers may submit more than one script, but each requires a separate entry fee.
• Revised Drafts: We do not accept revised drafts. Once a script is submitted, it is final.
• Disqualification: The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any entry if: false or misleading information is provided, copyright or legal violations are suspected, or submission guidelines are not followed. No refunds will be issued in such cases.

3. Prizes & Selection:
• The Grant: The $1,000.00 (USD) Grand Prize is an unrestricted grant. The winner is responsible for any applicable taxes. The Grand Prize will be distributed within a reasonable amount of time after announcement.
• Selection: Selected script will be notified via email and/or through FilmFreeway.
• Consultations: The Founder Consultation and Ongoing Check-ins are educational in nature and do not constitute a legal or binding production agreement.
• Decisions: All judging decisions are final and at the sole discretion of The Script Fund. Judging criteria may include: storytelling and originality, direction and performances, technical execution, motional and audience impact, etc.

4. Rights & Ownership:
• Ownership: The writer retains 100% of the rights to their script. Submission to The Script Fund does not grant us any ownership or option rights to your work.
• Publicity: By submitting, winners grant The Script Fund the right to use their name, likeness, and script title for promotional purposes (social media, website, etc.).

5. Legal Disclaimers:
• Liability: The Script Fund and its affiliates are not responsible for any lost, late, misdirected entries, technical issues with submission, loss or damage of materials, third-party platform errors (including FilmFreeway). Entrants agree to indemnify and hold the The Script Fund harmless from any and all claims arising from submitted content.
• Refunds: Once a script is submitted and the fee is paid, no refunds will be issued for any reason.
• Changes: The Script Fund reserves the right to extend deadlines or adjust the announcement schedule based on submission volume.
• Minimum Entries: In the unlikely event that minimum submission thresholds are not met, The Script Fund reserves the right to convert the cash prize to a "percentage of fees" model or cancel the event and issue refunds.

6. Acceptance of Terms:
By submitting, entrants confirm that they:
• Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions
• Agree to all rules and decisions made by The Script Fund
• Accept that all decisions are final and not subject to appeal

7. Contact:
For questions, please contact:
info@thescriptfund.com