What are screenwriting contests, exactly?

The film and television industries are extremely crowded.

For screenwriters in particular.

Therefore, it is essential for screenwriters who want to advance in their careers to figure out how to differentiate themselves. This would imply that you should temporarily put aside your screenwriting books and investigate screenwriting contests.

Screenplay competitions are a great way to make that space.

You may get managers, executives, and agents to see your story by joining screenwriting contests. You may also add “award-winning writer” at the top of your CV if you win. However, attempting to do so might cost you a lot of money.

Hundreds or maybe thousands of entries are submitted to screenwriting competitions. Unless you win, you frequently won’t hear back from the judges or the competition. Even in those cases, the answer is typically automatic.

Additionally, if you submit your story to as many screenwriting contests as you can, the cost of admission might mount up.

However, we’ll cover all the specifics for the top screenwriting contests of 2020 as well as a helpful resource called the BlackList.

You can create the best strategy to have your script reviewed and your foot in the door by learning as much as you can about these screenwriting contests.

Why enter a contest for screenwriting?

Why, therefore, should you enter screenwriting contests? because purposefully limiting your career is something you should never do. Get your work read by entering a screenplay contest. Someone will take the time to read what you worked on, even if it doesn’t win or even stand out.

Better still, many of the authors who win these screenwriting contests secure a production agreement or sell their winning script to a judge.

Screenwriting contests may be worthwhile investments for launching a writing career, despite the fierce competition that exists across Hollywood.

That is the main reason you first developed the script. After having it created.

Furthermore, you never know. An agency may contract you after you win and receive the reward money because they can offer you a “award-winning script.”

Alternatively, even if you lose, a judge could remember your writing and keep you in mind.

All because you tried to send in a script that was well-written.

Despite the fact that there are several reasons not to participate screenplay competitions, there is just one that is more compelling than the others:

Prospects.

Opportunities are something that should never be missed in a field as vague and exclusive as entertainment.

How do I sign up for screenwriting contests?

Each screenplay competition has its own rules and procedures for entering. Finding the contest’s website and following the instructions is the best approach to enter a script contest. Don’t give in to the temptation to try anything new.

Additionally, confirm that your screenwriting program can convert your script to a PDF. You should only ever send a PDF under any circumstances.

nor a Celtx or Movie Magic file, nor a Final Draft file (.fdx), and not a Word document—which isn’t the best format for authoring a script anyhow.

When entering screenwriting contests, just send in a PDF.

Are Screenwriting Contests Valuable?

Entering a screenplay competition has several benefits. Getting your script reviewed and assessed is arguably the strongest argument, and it’s really helpful if you don’t already have a manager or agency.

A successful screenplay is a sign that your writing is effective if it progresses in a competition. In addition to potentially earning money, your screenplay will probably attract the attention of agents, managers, and producers if it wins a competition.

However, any experienced writer would tell you that the money is not the main objective. It all comes down to getting your effort acknowledged in a public setting. Your literary career may take a different turn depending on how you handle that victory.

The Approach to Screenwriting Contest Entry

You’ll probably need to plan which screenwriting contests are most beneficial and which are tailored to your writing style and format because the most of them charge an entry fee. For instance, some contests are genre-specific, while others are divided between TV and movie categories.

Because the people judging the competition will be reading your scripts if you make it to the top level, it’s also critical to be mindful of them.

You may more effectively manage your finances and increase your chances of progressing and/or winning by selecting the best contests to participate.