Resources
Jury includes literary reps from Circle of Confusion, Verve, and others. Grand Prize Mentors include Meg LeFauve (CAPTAIN MARVEL), Stephany Folsom (TOY STORY 4), & Samuel D. Hunter (THE WHALE).

More info coming soon

ScreenCraft has helped feature script writers of all different genres and voices find representation, earn paid writing assignments, land high profile options, and even sell their work. 

This year we're excited to welcome Oscar-nominated writer Meg LeFauve (INSIDE OUT, CAPTAIN MARVEL), writer Stephany Folsom (TOY STORY 4, LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER), and Samuel D. Hunter as our Grand Prize Mentors!

Past Feature competition Winners and Finalists have signed with managers at Epicenter, Stride Management, Schulman Management Group, and more.

So whether it's a blockbuster that thrills, an indie that inspires, or a feature of any genre inbetween, our jury is excited to connect with your voice as a writer!

Grand Prize Mentors

3 Grand Prize Winners will be selected for this year's competition. One by writer Meg LeFauve (CAPTAIN MARVEL, INSIDE OUT), one by writer Stephany Folsom (TOY STORY 4, THE RINGS OF POWER), and one by Samuel D. Hunter (THE WHALE). Each Grand Prize winner will receive from their respective mentor: a virtual meeting, and project development insight.

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Meeting

Virtual meeting to discuss feedback and ask questions

Insight

Learn and gain perspective on next steps to take with your project
A Note To Entrants And Those Considering Entry During The WGA Strike:
At ScreenCraft, we stand in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America and its efforts to ensure fair compensation for writers.

ScreenCraft has publicly committed to pausing the sharing of writers’ work with struck companies and, if needed, coordinating with finalists and winners to see what alternate outreach they are comfortable with.

We’re all hoping the strike will be over soon, but if it isn’t, ScreenCraft will offer alternatives, postpone announcements, or otherwise work with writers to ensure they’re staying within the rules of the WGA strike.

Jury

SAMUEL D. HUNTER

Writer, THE WHALE and BASKETS
Samuel D. Hunter is the recipient of a 2014 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship for his work as a playwright. His full-length plays include The Whale (Drama Desk Award, Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play, GLAAD Media Award, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Play). A film version of The Whale, directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser, was released by A24 Films. His other full-length plays include, A Case for the Existence of God, A Bright New Boise, Greater Clements, The Few, and Lewiston/Clarkston, among others.
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Zach Cox

Manager, Circle of Confusion
Zach Cox is a Sierra Nevada-loving Chico State graduate and Northern California native who’s been at Circle of Confusion for over 14​ years. He started as an intern in the Fall of 2006 and became a manager by the Fall of 2010. Zach has an unquenchable thirst for character-driven stories regardless of genre and believes great storytelling is a gift that can be honed but not outright taught.

Jessica zou

MP Lit Agent, Verve
Born and raised in China, Jessica holds a Master in Communication Management from USC. During school years, she interned at Legendary and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. She started in the mailroom at UTA, moving on to assist agents in the Motion Picture Literary department who represent writers, directors, and producers. She also focuses on finding diverse voices and bridging different cultures within Hollywood. In 2020, Jessica joined Verve where she continues to work in MP Lit as an agent.

Eric appel

Writer, Director, Producer
Eric Appel co-wrote, produced and directed WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY, which premiered to rave reviews at TIFF and won the TIFF People’s Choice Award in the Midnight Madness section. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe and Evan Rachel Wood. He’s currently in post on DIE HARTER, the follow up to DIE HART for Roku. The sequel stars Kevin Hart and Jon Cena. He recently directed episodes of season 2 of the Lord Miller produced Sony/Apple+’s series THE AFTERPARTY. Eric has also directed episodes of SON OF ZORN, HAPPY ENDINGS, SILICON VALLEY, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, NEW GIRL, THE OFFICE and many other hit shows.

Kristen Kiasaleh

Original Series, Drama Development team at Netflix
Kristen Kiasaleh is currently in the Original Series, Drama Development team at Netflix. Prior to Netflix, she worked in feature development at Denver & Delilah Productions, Charlize Theron's productions company. She also worked for the head of casting at Amblin Partners where they oversaw the casting process for both film and TV. Kristen began her career at ICM Partners working for a motion picture talent agent. She's a graduate of New York University.

Prizes

Grand Prize

3 Grand Prize Winners will be selected for this year's competition. One by writer Meg LeFauve (Captain Marvel, Inside Out), one by writer Stephany Folsom (Toy Story 4, The Rings of Power), and one by Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale). Each Grand Prize winner will receive from their respective mentor: a virtual meeting, and project development insight.

Winners will be welcomed to the ScreenCraft Writer Development Program and receive personal introductions and calls with one or more top Hollywood literary manager(s) who are looking for talented emerging screenwriters.

ScreenCraft has a proven track record for getting writers signed with managers, agents, and staffed in writing rooms.
Personal Introduction to industry professionals
Accepted into the ScreenCraft Writer Development Program
$1,000 Cash
An exclusive invitation to a Finalist+ workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry

Runner-Up Prizes

FINALISTS

An exclusive invitation to a Finalist+ workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry

More info coming soon

Previous Success Stories

See More Successes

Jessica Wei

Signed with a Literary Manager

"ScreenCraft somehow found my unique needle in the haystack and for that I am so grateful. Traction in their competitions helped me believe in my voice and story, and gave me confidence to keep writing. After becoming a Finalist and winning Honorable Mention in their Feature Competition, I was introduced to a wonderful community of like-minded writers, and given full support on thinking through next steps to further my career as a writer. The placements I received in ScreenCraft's competitions gave my script visibility and credibility, which led to several meetings and inquiries from managers and production companies. Moreover, [they] are there to guide me, vouch for me, and continue to encourage me as a creative, well past the competition wins. That is invaluable."

Kristin Erickson

Signed with a literary manager at Stride Management

"It’s especially hard to keep going when you’re not getting a lot of outside validation, it can feel like blind trust or that you’re straight up delusional. Because, sure, you may not be good right now, but if you keep writing you will get good. It’s inevitable. I wasn’t a good writer when I started over ten years ago, I never went to film school or took a writing course, but I kept writing and that has made me a better writer. I found ScreenCraft when I googled best screenplay competitions. It made the top 5! ScreenCraft has been such an answered prayer. I’ve said this before and I’m going to say it again, ScreenCraft feels like a parental kind of love because they take such good care of their writers. My goal before going into ScreenCraft was to get funding for Adult Section so I could make it on my own. NOW, I don't have to make it on my own, I have producers attached."

Sam Juergens

Signed with a literary manager

"What first drew me to ScreenCraft was the high-caliber level of industry execs they continually get to judge the competitions. I like how genre-specific their competitions are to provide you with the best feedback and opportunity to advance in your specific genre. After placing as a Finalist in the Feature Competition, they worked with every Finalist to help drill down to a curated list of people to query. They greatly helped craft a strong, attention-grabbing query that led to script requests. After placing as a Finalist or higher in other comps, I can say that ScreenCraft walks the walk, while the other competitions could not back up their “talk” regarding placement benefits."

Amelia Phillips

Signed with a literary manager at Epicenter

"I chose Screencraft specifically for their Career Development Program - I knew it would be more useful than even a cash prize. But to be honest, I had no idea just how hard ScreenCraft works for their writers. Throughout the process, I felt cared for and respected. It was exciting, but also realistic and actionable. Whether it was giving me quick feedback on a one-sheet, or pumping me up before I spoke with an exec, [the ScreenCraft Team] was a lifesaver. Screencraft sent my script out to a targeted network, and as a result I’ve had meetings with managers and production companies, and we’re currently working to set up another meeting with an agency."

Denis Theriault

Attached talent to his feature script

"ScreenCraft has helped me hone my personal pitch, how I sell myself as a writer. What are my strengths and what unique qualities and voice do I offer as a screenwriter. I've developed strategies and a query email to approach industry people and how exactly to seek out like minded content creators who might be looking for exactly the type of work I create."

As Featured In

ADD-ON PRIZE OPPORTUNITY

This optional add-on prize category will grant one eligible writer the opportunity to learn, develop, and strengthen their project with guidance from an industry professional. This unique add-on benefit is separate from the ScreenCraft Feature Competition prizes and placements.

We welcome Ian McKnight and Collin Litts, part of the literary department of Anonymous Content. Ian and Collin will select one writer/writing team with an outstanding concept from the ScreenCraft Feature Competition for a mentorship opportunity.

Only projects submitted to the ScreenCraft Feature Competition AND that select this add-on are eligible for consideration in this category. Additionally, all projects that place in the Top 10 of the competition will automatically be considered.

Feature Articles

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How to Master the Middle of Your Screenplay

January 7 | by Ken Miyamoto

What can screenwriters do to write compelling second acts within their screenplays? In the end, every cinematic story has a three-act structure — a beginning,...

The Fastest Way to Give Your Spec Scripts a Killer Hook

The Fastest Way to Give Your Spec Scripts a Killer Hook

July 5 | by Ken Miyamoto

Perhaps the biggest difference lies in the reality of writing a spec script. Since the screenwriter hasn't been hired to write the script, they have...

5 Screenwriting Lessons From Oscar-Winning Screenwriter Paul Haggis

5 Screenwriting Lessons From Oscar-Winning Screenwriter Paul Haggis

June 20 | by Ken Miyamoto

Academy Originals' Creative Spark Series features Oscar-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis as he takes viewers inside his screenwriting process. Haggis moved to California from Canada in his...

Rules
Eligibility
Selection Criteria
Additional Legal
  1. Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only.
  2. Entry fees are as listed on the site and checkout form. No coupon or discount is applicable on a previous entry.
  3. Optional feedback from a professional reader may be requested at the time of entry. Requests for feedback can be done through Coverfly.
  4. Only Feature screenplays are eligible for submission. Feature screenplays must be a minimum of 75 pages and a maximum of 150 pages. Any script submission longer than 120 pages will incur a $.50 per page overage fee for each page over 120 if it does not include feedback and $1 per page if the entry does include feedback.
  5. There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit.
  6. Entries must be received on or before the deadline dates by 11:59PM Pacific Time, and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.
  7. All submitted material must be owned by the writer(s), however the material may be based on other works not owned by the writer(s).
  8. Material must be submitted by the writer. Material written by writing teams must be submitted by one of the writers, with consent of the other(s).
  9. If a writing team is chosen as a winner, prizes will be given to the person who submits the project. Each team is responsible for dividing or sharing any prizes awarded as they deem fair (whether there is a cash value or not).
  10. Substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entered material will be allowed for a limited time with a $6 reentry fee through Coverfly. Please proofread your script carefully before submitting.
  11. It is recommended that original material be registered with the WGA or The Library of Congress before submitting to any competition, however we do not require registration.
  12. Contact info may be included on the cover page of the screenplay, however it is not required. ScreenCraft uses Coverfly to manage submissions and automatically removes cover pages before scripts are read by the judges.
  13. ScreenCraft claims no ownership nor option on your work. All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted to this contest remains with the original rights holders.
  14. The decision of the judges will be final and cannot be contested in any manner. There is no score on a scorecard that guarantees advancement to the next level as advancement will be based on all scores in the competition.
  15. In the event a juror, partner organization, mentor, or prize partner is no longer able to serve in their specified capacity, ScreenCraft will make its best effort to secure a replacement.
  16. ScreenCraft reserves the right to change deadline and announcement dates at any time.
  17. ScreenCraft reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.
  1. All writers at least 18 years of age are eligible. However, a writer who has earned more than $50,000 (or equivalent currency) from professional writing services for film or TV in the preceding 12 months or $500,000 (or equivalent currency) from professional film or TV in the proceeding 10 years is not eligible. (Contest winnings not included.)
  2. All persons from anywhere in the world are eligible; however the material submitted must be in English (occasional dialogue in other languages is acceptable, if subtitle translation is provided).
  3. All material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible for this contest.
  4. There are no requirements as to when the material was written.
  5. Material should be submitted in standard screenplay format, font, spacing and margin.
  6. We have no preferences regarding title page content. Title and name of writer would suffice.
  7. All material must be submitted electronically as a PDF. Broken files or non-PDF files may be accepted, but if the file cannot be read ScreenCraft will not judge the submission.
  8. Prize winners may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility and proper tax documentation before prizes are released.
  9. By entering the competition, user acknowledges their eligibility for the competition. ScreenCraft will verify all eligibility requirements at the finalist stage of the competition and before distributing any prizes.
  10. Scripts or projects based on underlying material not owned by the writer are accepted as samples, so long as the script itself is indisputably written by the writer and that the script does not contain any plagiarism.
  11. ScreenCraft reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.

The winners will be chosen based on the following criteria: 

  • Voice
  • Concept
  • Story
  • Structure
  • Characters
  • Dialogues
  • Genre Conventions

In addition to the scoring criteria for the script, ScreenCraft may conduct interviews and send questionnaires to learn more about the entrant, their voice, perspective, and goals to help identify the winning projects. Top scripts are read by the industry jury who votes for their favorite scripts at their sole discretion.

Criteria for Winners and Finalists:

  1. The winners and top finalists may be contacted by interested industry representatives, such as managers, agents or producers. 
  2. Entrants may be required to submit further information to assist in the judges’ verification of eligibility. 
  3. Any entrant may be deemed ineligible as a Finalist or Winner at the sole discretion of ScreenCraft. 
  4. All recognition, placements, and winners are chosen at the sole discretion of ScreenCraft.
  5. Finalists may be required to sign and return within seven (7) business days of receipt a notarized Affidavit of Eligibility and a Release and Indemnification and proof of valid passport and any other documents that ScreenCraft or any other partner may require before receiving prize payment. Failure to respond to the initial notification within ten (10) days or return of notification will result in disqualification. 
  6. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
  1. COPYRIGHT AND OWNERSHIP: ScreenCraft or any other partner, employee or agent associated with this contest claims no ownership nor first right of option to any original screenplay submitted to this contest. All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted to this contest remains with the original rights holders until and unless other agreements are made.
  2. PUBLICITY: Except where prohibited by law, participation in the contest constitutes each entrant’s consent to ScreenCraft and its agents’ and contest sponsor’s use of entrants’ names, likenesses, photographs, and/or personal information for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. All uses of a entrants’ information are in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
  3. REFUND POLICY: All entries are non-refundable.
  4. SITE TERMS OF SERVICE. By entering this competition, the user agrees to all ScreenCraft Terms of Service in addition to these rules and eligibility criteria.
  5. DATA MANAGEMENT AND PRIVACY. Entries for this competition are managed on the submission platform Coverfly, and ScreenCraft (a d/b/a of Red Ampersand, Inc) uses other data management tools, including but not limited to, Google Services and Amazon Web Services, to securely manage your data. ScreenCraft is not accountable for any data hacks (internal or external) or user errors that may release scripts or writer data unintentionally.
  6. ENTRY CONDITIONS AND RELEASE: BY ENTERING THE CONTEST YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS. You agree to release and hold harmless ScreenCraft, ScreenCraft.org, its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies, Prize contributors, judges, screenplay readers, Sponsors, and any other organizations responsible for administering, advertising or promoting the Contest, and every one of their respective members, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) past and present 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 Prize; provided however, that such release will not apply to any commercial exploitation of the script by a Released Party in violation of your rights under applicable copyright law; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the ScreenCraft.org and its Sponsor, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees) relating to an entrant’s participation in the Contest and/or entrant’s use or misuse of Prize. Employees of ScreenCraft and their immediate families are ineligible to participate in this contest. Any such submission will be immediately disqualified. ENTRY TO THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED or restricted by any Federal, State or Local law. Voided entries will be refunded. Recipients’ eligibility will be verified before the grant is awarded and the winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility. By entering the contest, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing and/or transmitting your submission file(s).
  7. ScreenCraft reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.
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Incredible feedback! The analyst was so thorough, they found subtext in my script I hadn't even (consciously) considered. Really thoughtful and encouraging. Thanks, ScreenCraft!
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