FILM EXPO SOUTH – SHORT SCRIPT OPPORTUNITY

FILM EXPO SOUTH, as well as hosting events over the years, also runs the Film Offices in the UK for Dorset and Hampshire. Not only do we support big-budget productions, the Film Offices are very proactive in supporting indie filmmakers, students and new filmmakers alike.

Following the success of our previous Scriptwriting Competitions, where we took winning writers from script to screen, producing the films and presenting them as part of a small screening tour. Building on that success, we are now launching our next competition with a slightly different format.

SCRIPT BRIEF

We are looking for very short COMEDY OR DRAMA Monologue and Duologue scripts, suitable for performers aged 50–75 (male or female roles).

SCRIPT LENGTH OPTIONS

• 2 to 3 minute monologue,
or
• 4 to 5 minute duologue

GENRE REQUIREMENT

• COMEDY or DRAMA

POSSIBLE SUBJECT THEMES

Writers may wish to explore topics such as:

• Dating
• Hard of hearing
• Technology confusion (phones, apps, smart homes)
• Retirement surprises
• Online shopping disasters
• Health and fitness attempts
• Menopause

These are suggestions only, and writers are encouraged to bring their own comedic and dramatic ideas and perspectives.

ADDITIONAL COMPETITION DETAILS

EARLY BIRD CLOSES: 17th June 2026

COMPETITION CLOSES: 30th September 2026

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS: 30th November 2026

Live Theatre Tour: 2027 Dates and Venues TBC.
FILMED SCRIPTS: 2027

Awards & Prizes

The Grand Prize

Actors will perform the Monologues and Duologues.

Writers will be welcome to attend/view rehearsals.

Winning Duologues or Monologues will be selected for live theatre shows and then toured across the South West.

Every writer whose script has been selected for the live shows will also receive a digital filmed copy of their monologue or duologue.

Every writer will be credited on their material.

Every writer will have the opportunity to attend shows and cover a Q&A.

Rules & Terms


1. Submitted scripts must be original Monologues and Duologues, and the sole property of the applicant(s). Monologues and Duologues submitted must not have been previously sold or produced.

2. Entrants need to be 18 years old from the date of the competition.

3. Script Entries only via FilmFreeway https://filmfreeway.com/FilmExpoSouth

4. Scripts co-written are allowed.

5. Only COMEDY and DRAMA genre will be accepted. No animation or documentary is allowed and all entries must be in English. Pornographic, defamatory or racist scripts will NOT be accepted.

6. We accept Monologues between (2 to 3 minutes) in length, NOT including the title page. (4 to 5 minutes) for Duologues. Any script that exceeds this length will be disqualified.

7. There is no limit to the number of Duologues or Monologues you may submit. Each entry will require a separate entry form and a separate fee.

8. All entries must be uploaded in PDF format to FilmFreeway. Entries must be received on or before the deadline and submission fee payment must be made in full at the time of submission. Entry fees (including services fees) are non-refundable.

9. Winning Duologues or Monologues will be selected for live theatre shows and then toured across the South West, England, UK

Every writer whose script has been selected for the live shows will also receive a filmed copy of their monologue or duologue.

10. Judges of our competition, are NOT eligible to enter.

11. By entering the FILMEXPOSOUTH Short Script Competition, you agree to all the rules listed. Regardless of your status (winner or nominee), please note that your Duologues or Monologues and contact information may be shared with our partners and sponsors, and by submitting you agree with that. You also agree to release and hold harmless FILM EXPO SOUTH LTD and its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s entry, participation in the contest and/or acceptance or use or misuse of the prize.

12. All entries are charged at:

- EARLY BIRD Submissions at £12:00
- STANDARD FEE £15:00 per submitted script
- GOLD MEMBERS SUBMISSIONS £10.00

13. All entry fees will go towards auditioning / marketing / touring and filming for the winning scripts.

14. No entries will be provided with feedback.

15. The winning writers will be named on www.filmexposouth.com

16. NOTIFICATIONS

• COMPETITION OPENS 24TH MARCH 2026
• COMPETITION CLOSES 30TH SEPTEMBER 2026
• ANNOUNCEMENT 2026/7 Winners: 30TH NOVEMBER 2026
• The Tour and filming will be organised for 2027 - Dates TBC

This is a NOT FOR PROFIT PROJECT and all submission fees will be put towards the auditioning / marketing and tour for the winners.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lindsey May Darking Sharp

    This is a fantastic competition that offers rare opportunities for writers to have their work produced and seen. It was a wonderful experience to be a finalist and winner in this competition and to watch my short film being made. Seeing the final films screened in front of family and friends was a once-in-a-lifetime and memorable experience too. Everything was handled brilliantly, from initial communication to ongoing support. Huge thanks to Film Expo South for creating these invaluable and exciting opportunities for writers and film makers.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words Lindsey. We were delighted to help produce your script and so pleased you were able to join us on set and watch your words come off the pages and onto screen.
    Congratulations again!

  • Archie Lamprell

    Was overjoyed to be a semi-finalist in this wonderful festival! Excellent communication, and a team that really cares about all participants. A great opportunity to grow my writing and network. All my thanks go out to Film Expo South!

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi Archie,
    Hope all is going well on the network circuit. We have an exciting and different script competition live now. Check out Competitions at www.filmexposouth.com

  • Michael Fitzer

    This festival offers such an excellent opportunity for screenwriters to have their work considered for production. Plus, their communication is outstanding! Highly recommend!

    April 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Michael really appreciate your feedback and review. We loved your script and hope this will get picked up along the way.

  • Carol Younghusband

    I can't speak highly enough of this script competition. A first class competition from start to finish with a friendly approach, impeccable communications and top judges. And the Industry prizes are top quality, offering a unique script-to-screen production for the winners.

    January 2022
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Carol, we really appreciate you taking the time to comment on the Short Film Script Competition and a lovely testimonial at that too. 'ANNIE PANNIE' was popular with the judges so great to see Tenerife Film Productions offer to produce your script.

  • Steve Langridge

    A fantastic competition with excellent communication at every stage, and with prizes that offer real value and opportunities to work with industry professionals

    January 2022
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words Steve. The team and all our judges thoroughly enjoyed the competition and all the great script entries. And WELL DONE on the winning script!