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Program Description

Cinequest voted Best Film Festival by USA Today Readers.

Welcome to the 20th Cinequest Screenwriting Competition, presenting screenwriters with prestigious recognition, engagement with industry leaders, connection to an empowering community, plus the chance to win extraordinary acclaim and prizes. The Competition welcomes screenplays and teleplays of all genres and lengths. Cinequest inspires creative fervor and provides dynamic opportunities for writers to get discovered and have their work produced.

"I think the most important thing about Cinequest is it's definitely the first time I've ever come to a festival where my immediate reaction is, 'What do I have to do to be invited back?' and that's not normally my reaction. It's a perfect film festival in a glorious place."— Neil Gaiman, Maverick Spirit Award Winner

Cinequest is dedicated to launching new screenwriters’ careers and providing a platform from which their work can take flight. Cinequest was voted Best Film Festival by USA Today Readers. Set in the home of the world’s most influential media technology companies (Netflix, YouTube, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), Cinequest showcases premier films, renowned and emerging artists, and breakthrough technology—empowering global connectivity between creators, innovators, and audiences. Cinequest Film & VR Festival occurs in San Jose & Redwood City, California, and Virtually.

Amidst the energy and excitement of the festival, the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition empowers creative and innovative writers with the opportunity to interact with producers and industry professionals from around the world. Finalists will be honored during the Cinequest Writers Celebration, a day filled with a dynamic collection of Writer Meet Producer events, Business of Writing forums, Pitch Training, VIP Writers Lunch, and an awards ceremony announcing the winners of the competition.

The prestigious Maverick Spirit Award will also be presented to a renowned writer during the Celebration. Past honorees include: J.J. Abrams, Neil Gaiman, Darren Star, Lawrence Kasdan, Chuck Palahniuk, Michael Arndt, Darren Star, and Diablo Cody.

TESTIMONIALS

"I've been submitting to Cinequest since 2013. The Cinequest judges' feedback has always been top-notch. I had a fantastic experience attending this year. The producers and staff do an amazing job. It's incredible...I'm over the moon to be working with The Solution and with the crew at CAA. — Jeremy Rush, Cinequest Feature Winner, WHEELMAN (Sold to Netflix )"

“What unites them all under the festival’s big tent is clear: Being a part of Cinequest is not to follow industry trends, but to witness the moment they’re being set.” — Max Weinstein, MovieMaker

"My cell was ringing with option interest before I even left San Jose. The Cinequest win helped me land representation in L.A., which resulted in attaching a seasoned producer who loves the script. I'm now being read by some of the most well-known production companies and all the major studios in Hollywood." — Bill Schreiber, SWITCHBACK

“Winning the Cinequest feature screenwriting competition gave me a chance to connect with other writers and filmmakers and provided me with amazing opportunities to open some doors. A top-notch competition!” — Stacie Shellner, SAINT CHLOE

"It's a surreal experience to see Our Lady Lupe go from CINEQUEST finalist script to screen with its premiere on national television! I learned so much from the writer's celebration, which definitely helped prepare me for this opportunity!" — Dominique Nieves, OUR LADY LUPE

"Cinequest offers the creme' de la creme' of screenplay competitions! All of the events were professionally run, and as a Screenwriting Finalist, I encountered wonderful networking situations, well thought out educational opportunities, and a warm embrace into this vibrant community." — Ashia Chacko, BLACK BOX

"I saw the word "maverick" and took a chance on a lark that maybe this was a venue that could help foster my own vision. I graduated from the USC Graduate Screenwriting program...whatever happens in my career from this point on, I will consider [Cinequest] as one of the key factors in my development as a writer." — George Chumo II, THE ICONOCLAST, and THE BRIDGE

“I can honestly say that Cinequest is one of the most writer-friendly film festivals I've ever been to. It was such a pleasure to meet everyone and, most of all, hear all of the stories. Here's hoping we all get a green light someday!” — Donna Laemmlen, SHEILA THE GILA MONSTER

"Everyone at Cinequest was great and I enjoyed the networking opportunities they provided. My screenplay is moving forward and we are seeking out investors to co-produce." — David Rich, THROUGH MARIA'S EYES

All submissions receive three lines of consolidated reader feedback upon request.

Deadlines and Fees

Early
July 12, 2024
Regular
Sept. 13, 2024
Late
Oct. 11, 2024
Final
Nov. 15, 2024
Features
Standard Fee
$50
$60
$70
$100
ISAConnect Fee
$45
$55
$65
$95
Features - Rom / Com
Standard Fee
$50
$60
$70
$100
ISAConnect Fee
$45
$55
$65
$95
Features Sci-Fi / Thriller
Standard Fee
$50
$60
$70
$100
ISAConnect Fee
$45
$55
$65
$95
Shorts
Standard Fee
$35
$45
$55
$85
ISAConnect Fee
$30
$40
$50
$80
Teleplay 60
Standard Fee
$45
$55
$65
$90
ISAConnect Fee
$40
$50
$60
$85
Teleplay 30
Standard Fee
$35
$45
$55
$85
ISAConnect Fee
$30
$40
$50
$80

Program Benefits

Awards & Benefits

The 20th Cinequest Competition will award cash prizes (8K Total) plus a spectacular package of industry exposure and engagement, festival all-access passes (in-person and virtual editions), and exclusive career-building seminars to winners and top 10 finalists. Top 10 finalists in all categories are invited to both the in-person and virtual festivals for days of networking, community, panels, and celebrations. PLUS! All who submit will receive one COMPLIMENTARY month of ISA CONNECT Membership and 10% off from RoadMap Writers.

Top 10 finalists are announced via social and press releases. Benefits as follows:

FEATURE-LENGTH SCRIPTS, SHORTS, 60 & 30 MIN TELEPLAYS

Each of these categories of submissions receives the following benefits and prizes:

FEATURE-LENGTH SCRIPTS:
(1) Receives $5,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team. NOTE: Feature Scripts submitted in the Genre Categories: Rom/Com and Sci-fy/Thriller will compete alongside all Features.
(2) Complimentary 12 month ISAConnect Membership
(3) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, and Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.
(4) Certificate for Final Draft Software
(5) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Three Finalists
(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury.
(2) Top Three Finalists, will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.
(3) Certificate for Final Draft Software
(4) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Ten Finalists
(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website.
(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events).
(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event.
(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival.
(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip PROMembership.
(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership.
(7) The Top 10 Feature Scripts will be sent to a panel of ISA jurors for consideration for the ISA Story Award. ISA will award one free ISA Development Evaluation and 12-month ISAConnect membership (value of $320) to the selected winner.
• Includes up to 5 pages of extensive notes covering your entire screenplay
• Consideration by the ISA Development Team for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, where the development team supports, champions, and promotes writers to producers, managers, and agents in Hollywood and beyond, forging relationships and building careers. Many Development Slate writers have had scripts optioned or produced, received representation, and been staffed on series, among other successes.

 

SHORT FILM SCRIPTS:
1st Place
(1) Receives $1,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team.
(2) Complimentary 12-month ISAConnect Membership
(3) Future Invitation to screen (once produced) the short film made from winning script at the Cinequest Film & VR Festival. Cinequest is not responsible for the production of the film.
(4) a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.
(5) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.
(6) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Three Finalists
(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury.
(2) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Ten Finalists
(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website.
(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events).
(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event.
(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival.
(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip PROMembership.
(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership.

TELEPLAY 60 SCRIPTS:
1st Place
(1) Receives $1,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team.
(2) Complimentary 12 month ISAConnect Membership
(3) One free four-month feature script listing for any script/title on the InkTip Executive Index
(4) a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.
(5) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.
(6) Certificate for Final Draft Software
(7) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Three Finalists
(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury.
(2) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Ten Finalists
(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website.
(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events).
(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event.
(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival.
(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip PROMembership.
(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership..

TELPLAY 30 SCRIPTS:
1st Place
(1) Receives $1,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team.
(2) Complimentary 12-month ISAConnect Membership
(3) One free four-month feature script listing for any script/title on the InkTip Executive Index
(4) a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.
(5) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.
(6) Certificate for Final Draft Software
(7) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Three Finalists
(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury.
(2) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below:

Top Ten Finalists
(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website.
(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events).
(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event.
(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival.
(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip PROMembership.
(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership.

Success Stories

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THE NEARSCAPE in semi-finals of the Cinequest screenplay competition

Mark Renshaw - Screenwriter
Mark's one-hour TV pilot episode of the sci-fi TV show THE NEARSCAPE has reached the semi-finals of Cinequest. Screenplay Competition Manager Liva Petersone commented, "We are so thrilled to inform you that THE NEARSCAPE Pilot Episode - The Survivors is one of the Top 50 Teleplays (60-minute category) for the...
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MESCALERO - Cinequest, ScreenCraft and LA International Screenplay Contest!

Anderson Boyd - Screenwriter
Boyd's Western Adventure MESCALERO awaits further consideration as a Top 50 selection with the Cinequest Screenplay Competition and Finalist within the ScreenCraft Action & Adventure Contest. MESCALERO also finished as a Top 20 Finalist within the latest season of the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards.
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Finalist at Cinequest

Jen Bieser - Screenwriter
MICHAEL WANTS TO MARRY by Jennifer Bieser, was selected as a finalist in the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition.
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2nd Place - Cinequest Screenplay Competition

Kent Moran - screenwriter
"Jimmy" was just awarded 2nd Place at Cinequest Screenplay Competition
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Jeffrey Howe's drama FLAT RATE FRANK in feature top 10 at Cinequest

Jeffrey Howe - Screenwriter
Jeffrey Howe's historical coming-of-age script, FLAT RATE FRANK was announced as one of the top ten finalists in the feature screenplay competition at this year's Cinequest screenwriting competition. He will be attending the event in San Jose, CA in March.
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THE AGE OF DESIRE is now a Cinequest 2024 Top 50 Screenplay!

Suzanne Griffin - Screenwriter, Script Consultant
Black List recommended screenwriter Suzanne Griffin's award-winning 1-hour drama pilot THE AGE OF DESIRE is now a Cinequest Screenwriting Competition Top 50 screenplay. THE AGE OF DESIRE has been a Finalist in 8 screenplay competitions, and won English Language TV Pilot of the Month from Filmarket Hub. The Black List...

JUDGES

Cinequest Finalist Juries (announced in January/February) feature many top industry leaders. Previous year's jury included:

  • Chan Phung, Fox Searchlights, SVP of Acquisitions & Development
  • Chris Grunden, HBO, Vice President of Film Programming
  • Lisa Holmes, Music Box Films, Director of Home Entertainment        
  • Nathalie Jeung, Le Pacte, Sales Executive     
  • Lauren Fisher, Paramount, VP of Worldwide Acquisitions
  • Carter Pilcher, Shorts International
  • More!!

FEEDBACK

Announcement Dates

Semi-Finalists

Dec. 31, 2024

Finalists

Feb. 28, 2025

Winners

Mar. 16, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

ISA Members may use promo code ISA to receive a $5 discount on submissions online at https://cinequest.org/screenplay_submissions

Promo code valid May 1 - October 11, midnight PST.

Rules

SCRIPT FORMAT 

 All genres accepted. Especially seeking drama, comedy, thriller/mystery, sci-fi, action, bio-pic, rom-com, horror, and highly original material. 

Cinequest is now accepting two new genre categories: Romance / Comedies and Sci-Fi / Thriller.

Script must be submitted in English and must be properly formatted according to industry standards. 

Length (not including title page):

Feature-Length Scripts must be between 70 -125 pages Short Film Scripts must be 40 pages or fewer Teleplays (60 minutes) must be between 45-70 pages Teleplays (30 minutes) must be 45 pages or fewer 

Only PDFs will be accepted for submission. Printed scripts are not accepted.

Script must be properly formatted according to industry standards. 

Please include ONLY your script’s title on the cover page so that readers may remain unbiased in their decisions. Your ISA tracking number will automatically be assigned to your uploaded script.

Maintain your full contact information in your ISA registration. Do not include any contact information on your submitted script.

RESTRICTIONS

Once the entry is received no rewritten/corrected pages will be accepted.

Submission fees are collected by ISA. Cinequest does not accept payment by cash, check, or money order. There is no entry fee refund for any scripts submitted.

Winning scripts by more than one writer will have the prize split evenly between members of the writing team.

Any script that becomes purchased, optioned, goes into production, or is produced before the final Jury decision on February 28, 2025, will be eliminated from the competition with no entry fee refund. Scripts written as adaptations of other works must have secured rights before being submitted.

Authorization:

As the authorized representative for the above-mentioned script, I accept the conditions and rules described in this entry form. I attest to the fact that this screenplay submission has not been optioned or purchased and is not in current production or post-production. Should the optioning, purchasing, or production status of the script change, I will contact Cinequest immediately in writing to have the script removed from the competition.

If this script is selected as a finalist and/or prize winner of the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition, I grant Cinequest the right to use all writers' names and likenesses in conjunction with the promotion of the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition without additional / any competition. This includes, but is not limited to, the listing of finalists and prize winners on the Cinequest website; in Cinequest press releases and media coverage surrounding the screenwriting competition; and Cinequest Film & VR Festival occurring in 2025.

Disclaimer:

Submitting to the Cinequest Film & VR Festival Screenwriting Competition is for competition purposes only and does not mean that Cinequest Inc., its employees, sponsors, or anyone associated with Cinequest will represent, produce, promote, or fund any project whatsoever. Cinequest is not responsible for lost screenplays

Contact Information

screenplay@cinequest.org

300 S. First St.

San Jose

95113

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