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Program Description

The 17th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition is searching for extraordinary television writers with traditional pilots or indie series scripts for exposure to production companies and managers. Together with the Screenwriting Competition, we focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, helping finance independent projects, and pushing original projects into production.

The company’s unique process—consisting of long-term, 1-on-1 development, extensive promotion, mentorship, and circulation of material—gives our selected writers proper guidance to advance their careers.

Deadlines and Fees

Special Entry
Sept. 20, 2024
Pre-register
Dec. 27, 2024
Early
Mar. 01, 2025
Regular
May 01, 2025
Late
May 15, 2025
Extended
May 31, 2025
Contest Entry
Standard Fee
$35
$45
$55
$65
$70
$75
ISAConnect Fee
$30
$40
$50
$60
$65
$70

Program Benefits

- $20,000 to winner; $1,000 to each finalist

- Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and other execs searching for screenplays

- Development assistance from Script Pipeline's team

- Additional script reviews and consideration of other material

- Long-term script circulation to industry and continual guidance connecting with companies

- Invitations to private events and Symposium panels hosted by Pipeline

Feedback

Announcement Dates

Quarterfinalists (up to top 70)

July 10, 2025

Semifinalists (up to top 30)

July 20, 2025

Finalists (5)

Aug. 01, 2025

Grand Prize Winner

Aug. 10, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINE DATES?

Special Entry: September 20th, 2024 - $35
Pre-Register: December 27th, 2024 - $45
Early: March 5th, 2025 - $55
Regular: May 1st, 2025 - $65
Late: May 15th, 2025 - $70

ARE NOTES INCLUDED?

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

IF I MAKE UPDATES TO MY SCRIPT AFTER ENTERING, DO I HAVE TO RE-REGISTER AND PAY A NEW ENTRY FEE?

At no extra fee, writers may submit a new draft at any time up until the late deadline of May 31st, 2025.

Yes, this is uncommon for a contest. Yes, we're (probably) the only contest that does this. Yes, we think it should be standard.

Updated drafts may be emailed to us direct.

SHOULD I PUT CONTACT INFO ON THE COVER PAGE?

It's not required. Logline and genre on the title page is preferred, but also not required.

ARE SPECS OF EXISTING SERIES ALLOWED?

We do not accept specs of existing shows, since our main goal is helping writers find reps, and reps don't typically read TV specs for consideration. Thus, all submissions must be an original pilot script.

IF I PLACE, DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY SCRIPT?

Yes. All rights to the material remain with the writer, regardless of whether or not they win or place.

CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?

Yes. All Pipeline competitions are open to writers worldwide. Proud to say, every year we discover great new scripts from writers in Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, South America ... all over.

CAN I SUBMIT TO OTHER CONTESTS OR COMPANIES AFTER ENTERING?

Yes. There are no restrictions on submitting to other writing competitions or fellowships, or sending your script elsewhere while entered in the contest. If your script is optioned while in competition, you'd still be eligible as long as you submitted prior to the option or shopping agreement date. If the script is sold during competition, we can pull the entry.

ARE WRITING TEAMS ACCEPTED?

Yes. Only one writer needs to register. If the script is selected as a Quarterfinalist, all co-writer names will be added to the announcement at that time.

Rules

Judging is based primarily on the overall quality of the script, including storytelling ability and fundamental components (e.g. dialogue, plot, structure, and character). Concept marketability/producibility, originality, and writing style are also weighed to various degrees.

Our best piece of advice is to submit material that highlights your distinct voice—what separates your script from the norm? Although we're strict on judging and only work with a select group of writers annually, all types of genres and styles are fair game. In the past, finalist and winning scripts have ranged from microbudget indies, to true stories, big-budget sci-fi, straight genre pieces, low-concept, high-concept, and everything in-between.

Being selected as a Quarterfinalist or higher means that we feel the script has potential, the writing is above average, and it's a project we're confident in helping further develop and promote to industry.

All contest judges are comprised of our in-house Script Pipeline development execs and senior-level staff. We do NOT use unpaid interns, volunteers, or "seasonal" readers ...

Basic guidelines:

  • The cover page should include the title, but you can remove any contact information (name, email address, etc.). Your entry won't be disqualified if you submit a cover page that includes contact info. Logline and genre on the cover page is preferred, but not required.
  • Co-writers are allowed.
  • PDF only. All software should have a convert to PDF function, including Final Draft, Celtx, and others.
  • Original pilots only, no specs of existing shows. Any genre.
  • Script Pipeline Screenwriting or TV Writing winners, runners-up, and finalists since 2021 are not eligible.
  • No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.
  • All rights to the material remain with the entrant, whether they place as a finalist or not.
  • The script entered must not have been produced in its full form. Produced short films based on the script are okay.
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.

The complete rules and guidelines can be found here: https://scriptpipeline.com/screenwriting-tv-writing-rules-2025

Contact Information

entry@scriptpipeline.com

1208 Marine Way #801

North Palm Beach, Florida

33408

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