Chicago Screenplay Awards

Ready to make your mark in the Windy City? Welcome to the Chicago Screenplay Awards, where creativity meets opportunity. We're all about discovering and celebrating awesome screenwriting talent from all over. Think of us as your golden ticket to the industry – we're here to help you get noticed, find representation, and score those big meetings with producers and directors. Whether you've got a killer feature, a short that'll knock our socks off, a TV pilot, or a web series idea, we want to see it! Our event is packed with industry pros eager to find the next big thing. Plus, you'll get detailed feedback from experienced judges, and the chance to network with fellow writers and insiders at our panels and workshops. Winning scripts get exclusive pitch sessions, professional consultations, and a shot at cash prizes and media coverage. So, polish that script and get ready to join a community of passionate storytellers. Dive into the action and submit your screenplay to the Chicago Screenplay Awards – where your story gets the spotlight it deserves! For more info and to submit, check out our website. See you in Chicago!

Winners of the Feature, TV Pilot, and Short screenplay contests receive:

» Phone Introduction With A Producer or Literary Manager In Our Network
» Media Exposure

-All writers, without regard to age and country of origin, are eligible.
-The material must be written in English and submitted as a PDF file. The file must not be encrypted or password protected.
-There is no limit to the number of competitions you may submit and the number of times you may submit one project.
-All entry fees are non-refundable.
-All submitted material must be original to the screenwriter.
-All copyright, ownership, and derivative rights to the material submitted remains with the original rights holders and/or author.
-The material submitted must not have been optioned or produced and must be fully owned by the screenwriters.
-All scripts should be written per industry-standard screenplay format.
-Prior winners cannot win the same contest twice, while there is no limit to the number of times a previous finalist, semi-finalist, and quarter-finalist may resubmit.
Feature scripts should not exceed 130 pages. TV should not exceed 75 pages. Shorts should not exceed 30 pages.
- By submitting your screenplay, you agree to our terms and conditions and agree to have your screenplay read by a 3rd party reader/analyst.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Aida Sos

Don’t be surprised if it takes longer than expected for them to announce the final placements (I checked their website, and there wasn’t any official announcement there either). Other than that, it seems legitimate. I hope you can update my Judging Status on FilmFreeway from Selected to Finalist, as that is my final position.

December 2024

Helpful
Victoria Louise Bradley

Thank you very much for selecting my screenplay, however it would be great to know where I was placed. Will you be notifying those selected soon?

December 2024

Helpful
Jameeleh Shelo

Hi,

I a very excited and grateful to have been selected. I was wondering when I should expect any communications from your team?

December 2024

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Xi Ren

I am honored to take part in this wonderful festival. The team is very responsive and helpful. It’s a great event! I will submit my next script. I am looking forward to the next quantum leap with you.
PS, I emailed your festival the other day; it would be great if you could look at it. Thank you again.

March 2024

Helpful
Adam Seidel

I hate the put this festival on blast, especially since I won the best feature award, but since hearing I won I've gotten no communication from the festival, and when I scheduled my call with a producer / manager at Scriptmatix, no one picked up on the other end of the video call and then the link went dead. So, I dunno man. Maybe I'll hear from someone.... Maybe not. Hoping this review prompts a response from the festival.

December 2023

Helpful