$10,000 in Cash Prizes

This program is now closed.

We have teamed up with several creative partners looking for Features and TV Pilots with unique voices and original stories. Our goal is to build a slate of talented writers with clear voices to pitch to those contacts. We are seeking unique perspectives in all genres.

Some of our current industry mandates include but are not limited to: Female Thrillers, Contained Elevated Horror, Grounded Sci-Fi, Kaufman-esque Mind-Benders, Young Adult, Drama, Comedy and original Holiday Stories. We also encourage writers with diverse or LGBTQIA stories to submit.

Show us your most original work!

 

 

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PRIZES

Accepting Features & TV Pilots

Accepting Features & Pilots

in All Genres

Top 10 Finalists

$500

Ten outstanding writers will be selected to receive $500 Cash and A Class with Jess Hinds, Creator of "Meditative Writing". Winning scripts will be considered by Creative Screenwriter Productions (CSP) and shared and promoted to industry partners looking to produce unique work. The Top 10 will go on to be considered for the Grand Prize.

Grand Prize

$5,000

The Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the Top 10 and receive $5,000 Cash (in addition to the $500 from the Top 10 category), a 60 Minute Pitch Consultation with Jess Hinds ($400 value), a 60 Minute Writing Consultation with the Editor of Creative Screenwriting, and a Featured Article on Creative Screenwriting. The winning script will be shared and promoted to industry partners looking to produce unique work.

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The Top 10 Receive

Grand Prize Receives

Jessica S Hinds is an award winning writer, teacher and creator of Meditative Writing ©. Jess has mentored writers working on dozens of shows including MINDHUNTER, WEST WORLD, MAD MEN, LEVERAGE, CONSTANTINE, BROAD CITY, SNL, THE GOLDBERGS, BLUE BLOODS, GAME OF THRONES, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS, OCTOBER FACTION, WATCHMEN, HIGH MAINTENANCE and more. Not to mention filmmakers who have seen their work place or win at Sundance, Austin Film Festival, Nicholl's Fellowship, Humanitas, as well as be nominated at the Emmys, the Oscars, and the Tonys.

Jessica is the co-host of the radio show Truth To Power. She has been a guest teacher & speaker at The Breakk with Karen Kirkland, The NYC Women Filmmakers, Stage32 house @ Sundance, The New School for Drama, The Writers Digest Conference, ITV Fest, The English Writers of Buenos Aires Collective, The Curious About Screenwriting Podcast, and a dozen other Schools, Festivals, and Conferences around the world from California to Indonesia. Upcoming speaking engagements include The Napa Valley Film Festival and the Mystic Film Festival.

Jessica is currently finishing her book, The Meditative Writing Companion: 52 Principles, Tools, Metaphors & Meditations for Avoiding Unnecessary Suffering During the Inevitable Pain of Writing.

The Grand Prize Winner Will Receive a Writing Consultation with the Editor-in-Chief of Creative Screenwriting Magazine and be

SUCCESS STORIES

Project in Development

Bernadett Belinda York’s female-driven, LGBTQ+ western WILD DATURA won its genre category in the Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Competition and is now in development, represented by Buffalo 8 & BondIt Media Capital.

Gained Representation

After placing in the Quarter-Finals of the Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Competition, Joseph Mwamba won the Emerging Screenwriters Action & Adventure Screenplay Competition, and is now represented by Kate Prentice at 42 Management.

Optioned, Hired and Represented

Semi-Finalist in CS Unique Voices, Travis Seppala, was hired to do a rewrite on a horror script for Distant Star Pictures. He has also signed with manager Kathy Muraviov of The Muraviov Company, and optioned his script SPLASHDOWN with an Australian production company.

Hired and Produced

After placing as a Quarter-Finalist in the Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Competition, David Keith Miller has been hired by Creative Tank to write a thriller based on their treatment. His script LOST IN SABINA, produced by Kai Media and Creative Tank, has gained its lead role star attachment, and principal photography is slated for the fall.

General Meetings

Michael V. Lipoma’s comedy pilot F-YOU! I'm a Teacher placed as a Semi-finalist in CS Unique Voices, and since has been requested by major productions resulting in general meetings.

Commissioned to Write

ISA Development Slate writer Oliver Warren was selected as a Quarter-finalist in CS Unique Voices, and was commissioned to write the opening monologue for Sue Perkins at this year's British LGBT Awards in London in June 2022.

Optioned Script

Duane Piedmont was a Semi-finalist in the CS Animation Screenplay Competition, and later his script SAVE THE DATE was optioned by Oren Kamara after being discovered on the ISA.

Gained Representation

After being named a Quarter-finalist in the CS Animation Screenplay Competition, Aiko Hilkinger won the WeScreenplay TV Contest, and is now represented by Alison Mann at Fourth Wall Management.

Projects Produced

Jason Scott Goldberg placed as a Semi-finalist in CS Unique Voices. Since then, his script SACRED HELL placed in Final Draft Big Break's Top 3 (2022). He recently produced GLORIOUS, which was named a Top FiIm to Watch at Fantasia by Forbes and is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Ryan Kruger (FRIED BARRY) is attached to direct his bonkers buddy/body horror film GUMS, and Aaron Koontz's Paper Street Pictures boarded his Hit List project, FLATWOODS with Barbara Crampton attached to star; Padraig Reynolds (OPEN 24 HOURS, DARKLIGHT) is helming the project.

Sold Script

Semi-Finalist in CS Unique Voices, Kim Hornsby's Christmas romance screenplay, CHRISTMAS AT SNOWFLAKE LODGE, sold to Crazy Legs Productions after negotiations by her representation at 5x5 Productions.

Writing Credit

Semi-finalist in CS Unique Voices, Joshua Keller Katz, received a writing credit on “United States of Al,” the hit Chuck Lorre sitcom airing on CBS.

Invited onto Development Slate

Grand Prize Winner of CS Unique Voices, Andrea George Turner’s script “The Rule of Thirds” also won the Emerging Screenwriters Drama Competition, and she was invited onto the esteemed ISA Development Slate, where the Development team is now championing her work to industry contacts.

DEADLINES

EARLY

October 5, 2023

$39

REGULAR

October 31, 2023

$49

 FINAL

December 14, 2023

$69

ISA Exclusive

December 31, 2023

$75

Categories Accepted

Features & TV Pilots

All Genres Accepted

Announcement Dates

Quarter-Finalists: February 1, 2024

Semi-Finalists: February 22, 2024

Top 10 Finalists: March 13, 2024

Grand Prize: April 11, 2024

FEEDBACK

Order Valuable Notes with Your Entry

1st 20 Pages

$ 30
So much of the opportunity available to your script is spent within the first twenty pages. You need to make sure the hook, teaser and cold open grabs the reader. This analysis will give you those answers.

General Feedback

$ 65
You know your work inside and out, now it’s time to get a second opinion. You'll receive actionable criticism that leans into your project's strengths and gives suggestions on where to go next.

Thank You to Our

Sponsors

Q: What are the notification dates?

Quarter-Finalists: February 1, 2024

Semi-Finalists: February 22, 2024

Top 10 Finalists: March 14, 2024

Grand Prize: April 11, 2024

Q: How do I enter The Creative Screenwriting Screenplay Competition?
A: Complete the form on the ENTRY page.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A:  We accept PayPal, and Credit/Debit Card payments.

Q: Do you accept check or money order by mail.
A: No; all payments must be made through our site payment portal or through PayPal.

Q:  I would like to mail you a hardcopy of my script. How can I do that?
A: In an effort to maintain a green company, we only accept PDF versions of your screenplays and TV Pilots through our website or one of our partner websites (the ISA and FilmFreeway).

Q: Should I include my contact information on my title page?
A: No. please do not include your name and contact info. You should list the Title only.

Q: Who will be reading my screenplay/judging the competition?
A: The final panel of judges will be comprised of screenwriting and other industry professionals, including but not limited to producers, managers and established writers.

Q: Can I enter my Short script as a TV Pilot?
A: It is not recommended. TV Series generally last 5 seasons. If you have not planned for your work to be a long running series, please do not submit it as a TV Pilot.

Q: Do I maintain the rights to my screenplay?
A: YES, you retain all the rights to your screenplay. The Creative Screenwriting Screenplay Competition seeks to support and empower writers, rather than claim their hard work for ourselves.

Q: Do I need to submit a Synopsis?
A: Synopses are not required and are not considered during the judging process.

Q: Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
A: Yes, you may use whatever name you wish, understanding that this is the name The Creative Screenwriting Screenplay Competition will use to promote your script, should you win.

Q: Does my screenplay have to be registered with the Writers’ Guild or another organization?
A: No, but we do recommend registering your work with the WGA West, the Library of Congress Copyright office or other similar organization in your country. It’s really easy and a VERY smart thing to do.

Q: Is an adaptation of a published novel or other work written by someone else eligible?
A: You must have the legal rights to adapt the book to enter your screenplay. Either the original work must be in the public domain, or you must have the author’s permission to adapt it. Spec scripts without written permission will not be considered.

Q: Can I send you a revised copy of my script or make edits to my genre or logline?
A: Once we have received your entry, you have 24 hours to contact us about any replacements you need to make. After the 24-hour period is through, NO script revisions will be accepted FOR ANY REASON. If you would like to enter a revised version of your screenplay, you may do so as a new entry.

Q: What stops you from taking my idea and developing it yourself?
A: Our panel of judges is comprised of respected industry professionals, and they have no intention of stealing your material.

Q: Do you accept Shorts and Web Series?
A: Not at this time.

Q: What about series intended for streaming (Netflix, Hulu, ABC Digital, etc.)
A: Generally-speaking it depends on script length; any Pilot over 20 Pages should be entered as a TV Pilot (like Stranger Things, Catastrophe, etc).

Q: What’s the minimum/maximum required page length?
A: Guidelines for suggested page lengths:

  • Features: 70 to 120 Pages
  • TV Pilots: Up to 70 Pages

Q: My Feature script is over 120 Pages. Will I be disqualified?
A: Scripts that run over suggested page lengths will not be disqualified; however, extra pages can affect everything from pacing to structure to marketability, so we would advise you to get your script as close as possible to where the industry expects it to be.

Q: Will I be charged more if I go over 120 pages?
A: The entry fee does not change. However, if you purchase feedback, we will need to invoice you $2 per page above 120 for the Reader.

Q: Can I enter two scripts in one document?
A: You may enter up to three scripts per entry, but all scripts MUST be in their own individual PDF document.

Q: Can I submit an episode from my series besides the TV Pilot for consideration?
A: We would advise against this, as our judges consider all TV episodes as if they are the first in the series. No one would read a film script that starts on page 20.

Q: What genres do you accept?
A: We accept all genres. You may select up to 3 applicable genres for each script on the entry form.

Q: Can multiple scripts from one writer place in the Semi-Finalists, Finalists and Grand Prize list?
A: Yes, some writers may have more than one script reach any level. We’re looking for the absolute best scripts we can find.

• All writers from all countries are welcome to enter the competition; however, all scripts must be submitted in English, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.

• Scripts must be the original work of the author(s) and may not be encumbered by any third party.

• Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.

• Novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, and/or spec scripts for existing TV series are not eligible. Your script must be an original screenplay or teleplay.

• Screenplays adapted from your own self-published books, plays, or other source material are eligible if you have retained all rights to your work.

• Adaptations from other works are permissible provided you have the writer’s written permission to adapt the work.

• Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.

• Scripts are accepted via the site or other 3rd party platforms in PDF form only. No printed materials are accepted.

• Collaborative work is eligible; the writers are responsible for the distribution of the competition prize(s).

• The writer understands that a script analysis can take up to 90-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the contest.

• Promotions must be used at the time of submission and will not be added to previous submissions.

• Multiple entries are permissible.

• Once a script has been entered into the competition, we will only accept substitutions of new drafts or corrected pages if you contact us within 24 hours. After that, under no circumstances will we accept changes. If you wish to submit a revised draft of your script, you must enter it as a new submission and pay the appropriate entry fee.

• Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.

• Competition applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.

• Writer understands that it is his/her sole responsibility to register Material with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.

• Payments to be accepted via Paypal or Credit/Debit on our site. Most major credit cards are accepted.

• By entering this competition, and in the event you are declared a finalist, you understand and accept that Creative Screenwriting will be free to use your name and likeness for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.

• Contestants are under no obligation to participate therein.

• Contestants may submit their screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization and will retain all rights to their screenplay.

• No agreement for compensation, other than the prizes, has been implied.

• Prizes may be distributed in the rate of 1 package per person based on the highest placement and not per winning screenplay, depending on the request of the sponsor.

• The cash prizes will be distributed within 90 days of winner notification.

• Decisions of the Judges are final and may not be disputed. The Judges will adhere to our competition guidelines; however, the competition and its administrators may not be held responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of the Judges.

• Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 80-120 pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.

• If you order feedback you may be charged separately $2 for each page over 120 pages, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.

• Please do not enclose synopses, casting suggestions, letters, resumes or photos with your submission. They will not be forwarded to the Judges.

• You understand that your logline and screenplay will be reviewed by our staff and/or our panel of Industry Judges for evaluation. You also understand that any one of the staff or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to yours, and you hereby waive any claim that Creative Screenwriting Magazine or Creative Screenwriter LLC, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of your submission logline or screenplay.

• The writer understands and accepts without reservation that he/she is an independent contractor and that Competition Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.

• Except where prohibited by law, participation in the contest constitutes each entrant’s consent to Creative Screenwriting and its agents’ and contest sponsor’s use of entrants’ names, likenesses, photographs, and/or personal information for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. All uses of a entrants’ information are in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• BY ENTERING THE CONTEST YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS. You agree to release and hold harmless Creative Screenwriting and Creative Screenwriter LLC. its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies, Prize contributors, judges, screenplay readers, Sponsors, and any other organizations responsible for administering, advertising or promoting the Contest, and every one of their respective members, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) past and present from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s Entry, participation in the Contest and/or acceptance or use or misuse of Prize; provided however, that such release will not apply to any commercial exploitation of the script by a Released Party in violation of your rights under applicable copyright law; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Creative Screenwriting and its Sponsor, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees) relating to an entrant’s participation in the Contest and/or entrant’s use or misuse of Prize. Employees of Creative Screenwriting and their immediate families are ineligible to participate in this contest. Any such submission will be immediately disqualified. ENTRY TO THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED or restricted by any Federal, State or Local law. Voided entries will be refunded. Recipients’ eligibility will be verified before cash is awarded and the winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility. By entering the contest, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing and/or transmitting your submission file(s).

• To enter the Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Screenplay Competition you must agree to the Rules.

 

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