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Program Description

The 12th Annual First Look Project searches for higher-concept material across multiple categories: Feature Screenplay (Action & Sci-fi, Comedy, Drama, and Horror & Thriller) and TV Pilot (Hour and Half-hour).

One winner in each division receives a share of $15,000, industry circulation, and long-term development assistance from Script Pipeline’s executive team. A minimum of one runner-up is also chosen for each category.

Deadlines and Fees

Exclusive
Jan. 31, 2023
Special Entry
Feb. 25, 2023
Early
June 08, 2023
Regular
Sept. 20, 2023
Late
Oct. 05, 2023
Final
Oct. 30, 2023
Screenplay - Action & Sci-fi
Standard Fee
$25
$35
$45
$55
$60
$65
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$30
$40
$50
$55
$60
Screenplay - Comedy
Standard Fee
$25
$35
$45
$55
$60
$65
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$30
$40
$50
$55
$60
Screenplay - Drama
Standard Fee
$25
$35
$45
$55
$60
$65
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$30
$40
$50
$55
$60
Screenplay - Horror & Thriller
Standard Fee
$25
$35
$45
$55
$60
$65
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$30
$40
$50
$55
$60
TV Pilot - Half-hour
Standard Fee
$25
$35
$45
$55
$60
$65
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$30
$40
$50
$55
$60
TV Pilot - Hourlong
Standard Fee
$25
$35
$45
$55
$60
$65
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$30
$40
$50
$55
$60

Program Benefits

The First Look Project focuses primarily on connecting the winners with production and management companies. One winner and one runner-up are selected for each category.

Screenplay

Winners (4): December 20th, 2023

  • $10,000 awarded. $2,500 to the winner of each genre category (Action & Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama, Horror & Thriller)
  • Circulation to select production and management companies for first look; expanded circulation afterward

Runners-up (4, at least one in each category): December 20th, 2023

The Screenplay winners and runners-up receive:

  • Long-term facilitation to Script Pipeline's industry network of producers, agents, and managers seeking features.
  • Development assistance from Script Pipeline's execs on both the screenplay and pitch
  • Additional script reviews and consideration of other material for industry exposure
  • Invitations to private events and Symposium panels hosted by Pipeline

TV Pilot

Winners (2): December 15th, 2023

  • $5,000 awarded total. $2,500 to the winner of each category (Hour and Half-Hour)
  • Circulation to select production and management companies for first look; expanded circulation afterward

Runners-up (2; one in each category): December 15th, 2023

The TV Pilot winners and runners-up receive:

  • Long-term facilitation to Script Pipeline's industry network of producers, agents, and managers seeking original pilots and new TV writer clients.
  • Development assistance from Script Pipeline's execs on the pilot and series pitch or bible
  • Additional script reviews and consideration of other material for industry exposure
  • Invitations to private events and Symposium panels hosted by Pipeline

Feedback

Announcement Dates

Results Announced

Dec. 20, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINE DATES?

Exclusive: January 31st, 2023 - $25
Special Entry: February 25th - $35
Early: June 8th, 2023 - $45
Regular: September 20th, 2023 - $55
Late: October 5th, 2023 - $60

WHAT SHOULD GO ON THE TITLE PAGE?

The title of the script, without name, contact info, or email. Logline and genre is preferred, but not required.

CAN I UPDATE MY DRAFT AFTER ENTERING?

We'll accept updated drafts (no extra fee!) up until the final deadline in October. Yes, really!

HOW IS FIRST LOOK DIFFERENT FROM SCRIPT PIPELINE'S OTHER COMPETITIONS?

Main difference would be the judging criteria. Our annual Screenwriting and TV Writing Competitions are critiqued almost exclusively on their writing ability for film and television.

The First Look Project, however, focuses on both writing ability and marketability. A unique concept in line with current trends and industry preferences—something relevant that twists the genre or hits on relatable themes—will most likely fare well.

Writing ability is (obviously) still critical, but the script needn't be "circulation-ready" if it leans on a commercial premise. All winners and runners-up will go through an in-house development process with Script Pipeline execs prior to circulation, if necessary. We want promising writers with big, fresh ideas. Those who we can work with now and in the future.

DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY SCRIPT?

Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer, regardless of whether they place.

CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?

Yes, applicants outside the US are welcome to enter ANY Script Pipeline contest.

ARE NOTES INCLUDED?

Written feedback is not included on entries, but entrants may add general notes as an optional service during registration, for a reduced rate. Feedback is kept separate from judging—meaning you'll have a different executive reviewing your contest entry, and the notes have no bearing on the judging process.

Alternatively, full notes from one of our development execs can be requested through the Workshop.

CAN I SUBMIT TO OTHER CONTESTS OR COMPANIES AFTER ENTERING?

Yes. There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing contests, programs, etc., or sending your script to industry while in competition.

WILL YOU ACCEPT SHORT SCRIPTS OR PITCHES?

Only full-length feature and TV scripts are accepted. Pitches may be submitted to our Idea Competition. Short scripts may be submitted to Film Pipeline.

Rules

RULES + GUIDELINES

Please review the following prior to submitting:

  • For both Screenplay and TV, the script must not be under a representation, option, or shopping agreement at the time of entry (if after, that's absolutely fine!).
  • The same script cannot compete in multiple categories.
  • Writers who have sold, optioned, or produced scripts in the past are eligible; however, the material submitted must not have been produced and released as a feature film or TV series at any time before the end of the season.
  • Judging criteria emphasizes both writing ability and concept, unlike our Screenwriting and TV Writing competitions, which are centered almost exclusively on writing ability. Preference may be given to higher-concept material intended for a broader audience.
  • The material must be wholly original. For adaptations, the story must be in the public domain, or you have retained the adaptation rights.

Complete rules and guidelines can be viewed here: https://scriptpipeline.com/the-first-look-project-official-rules-2023

Contact Information

entry@scriptpipeline.com

+13105551212

2633 Lincoln Blvd. #701

Santa Monica

90405

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