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Program Description

The bi-annual Script Pipeline Pitch Contest is searching for original feature film and television series ideas—distinct stories a global, diverse audience can connect with. Any genre, studio-level or indie, is accepted. Entrants are not required to have a screenplay or pilot, as we help develop the selected projects.

Deadlines and Fees

Special Entry
Feb. 24, 2023
Early
Apr. 20, 2023
Regular
June 15, 2023
Late
June 30, 2023
Extended
July 10, 2023
Contest Entry
Standard Fee
$20
$25
$30
$35
$40
ISAConnect Fee
$15
$20
$25
$30
$35

Program Benefits

Grand Prize Winner (1) - $2,000
Runner-up (1 minimum)

The Winner and Runner(s)-up will also receive:

  • Extensive development and assistance in completing a screenplay or pilot
  • Long-term circulation to producers and other companies
  • Review of additional pitches and completed film or TV material for industry consideration

Feedback

Announcement Dates

Winner/Runner-up

July 31, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE DEADLINE DATES AND ENTRY FEES?

Regular: December 15th, 2022 - $30
Late: December 31st, 2022 - $35

HOW DOES THIS WORK? IS THIS THE SAME AS PAYING TO PITCH TO INDUSTRY?

Not to be confused with a "pay-to-pitch" structure, we develop the script with our winners and runners-up before sending to industry. This could take a few weeks, or a few months, or a year. Depends on the writer and the project. But once the script is up-to-speed, we send to select production companies and managers for review.

If the script doesn't land somewhere right away, we keep on hand for industry over the long-term. Additionally, we help in the development of other pitches and scripts for future circulation.

IS MY IDEA PROTECTED? WILL I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO THE IDEA?

All rights remain with the writer, regardless of the contest results. No one outside of Script Pipeline's team of judges will review your entry without the writer's permission. For the winner, we do not send out their completed script until we have their consent and mutually deem the project "circulation ready."

CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?

Yes. As with all Pipeline competitions, anyone worldwide can enter.

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.

HOW SHOULD I FORMAT MY ENTRY?

A full synopsis is required, detailing the story beginning, middle, and end. Can be brief, anywhere from 1-3 pages is typical.

Also remove your name and contact information from the materials prior to submitting.

WILL I BE DISQUALIFIED FOR A FORMATTING REASON?

No. If for some reason we can't open the file, or link, or there's an issue with the entry itself, we'll contact you, and you'll be able to re-send.

CAN I ADD MY NAME ON THE TITLE OR COVER PAGE?

For entrants whose pitch documents have a cover page, please exclude your name and email. Should only be title of the project.

IF I WIN, DO I NEED THE COMPLETED SCREENPLAY OR PILOT?

Not at all. If you do, great (head start on development!), but it won't affect the outcome of the contest. We're just looking for original, unique concepts. Our development team will assist in refining the pitch and getting you started on the script itself. While that might indicate the competition is open only to screenwriters, it's actually not: we'll help you develop a first-ever draft of a screenplay or pilot.

Rules

Script Pipeline's criteria is based primarily on the overall marketability of the concept, preferably hitting a "Goldilocks zone" between commercial/mainstream and something wholly new, relevant, and creative. Although we're strict on judging, we're open to all types of narrative or scripted pitches (no reality, documentary, or game show ideas). Note too that movie and TV entries compete against one another, so if you aren't sure what medium your idea fits best, that's okay.

In the past, selected ideas have ranged from lower-budget indies, to big-budget studio films, animation, true stories, and high-concept genre material. Anything unique and universally appealing is fair game. We highly recommend writers submit more detailed summaries spotlighting the elements that make your project distinct: why this story, why these themes, and in many cases, why you, the writer, are most apt to develop this type of project.

Only written submissions are accepted, we no longer accept video or other media.

  • Must submit a full story synopsis and logline. This can range from a page in length to a full treatment or pitch deck—entirely up to you on how to best present your idea. We do not necessarily judge on format, we judge on the idea itself. That said, sometimes how you pitch your idea can make all the difference, so take that into consideration. Supplemental materials (illustrations, etc.) are allowed. The best format is usually comprised of a logline, a page-long summary, and any other comments on the originality of the premise.
  • Do not send full-length screenplays—summaries ONLY. Pitches may be emailed direct or uploaded.
  • Remove your name and contact information from the documents prior to submitting.
  • Longer submissions are judged on the same criteria as short ones, so whatever length you think is best.

General rules:

  • Must be for a scripted film or TV series. No reality, documentary, or game show ideas.
  • Script Pipeline will not share your idea with anyone unless you’re chosen as a winner or runner-up and give us explicit permission to do so.
  • Previous Idea Contest winners and runners-up (since 2013) are ineligible.
  • Obviously ... the idea needs to be ORIGINAL and not based on an existing franchise or property, unless it's in the public domain.

Contact Information

entry@scriptpipeline.com

+13105551212

2633 Lincoln Blvd. #701

Santa Monica, California

90405

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