* Scripts should ideally be within 80-120 pages. Writers can exceed the recommended limits by up to 30 pages, with an additional fee of $1 per page.
* Screenwriters from all countries are welcome to enter. All scripts must be written in English.
* The script must be the writer’s original work. Adaptations are accepted but the writer must own all copyright. At no point will Shore Scripts ever have any rights over your work.
* All ages are welcome.
* We accept all genres, including animation. It’s absolutely fine if your script is a combination of multiple genres or sub-genres. If that’s the case, use the Genre dropdown to indicate the main genre on your submission, and make a note of other Genres, and any other information you feel will be relevant to the reader in the Any Other Project Comments field.
* Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $50,000 in screenwriting fees in the preceding 12 months. This clause is in place to help us support emerging talent. (Contest & Fellowship awards and writing fees received outside of fiction screenwriting do not count toward this total).
* You may enter a newer draft of an already submitted script. There is a small additional fee as the script will be reread. You may re-enter your script through the Resubmission page.
* A writer can enter as many scripts in as many categories as they wish.
* If a script is optioned or purchased during the competition, then it will no longer be eligible for the contest.
* Scripts should be in standard screenplay formatting and submitted electronically as a PDF.
* Please only include the Script Title on the cover page.
* The winners consent to Shore Scripts using their name, script title, and any other relevant information for promotional purposes on their website. This will be used to inform other contestants and the media of the results.
* If Shore Scripts helps a writer gain representation, option, sell, or have his/her screenplay produced, then we are entitled to state this on our website and on any other platform whenever we see fit.
* Shore Scripts staff and associates are unable to enter.
* The decision of Shore Scripts is final. By applying to this contest each participant agrees to hold Shore Scripts, our judges and sponsors immune from any competition disputes, claims, liabilities, and expenses.
* By entering Shore Scripts, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online, cloud-based, and email services and databases for hosting, managing, and/or sending/transmitting your submission file(s).
* If we see fit, we can extend the final deadline for the competition. (Please note that this has never yet happened).
* Shore Scripts shall have no ownership, authorship, or other rights whatsoever in any screenplay submitted to us; all rights shall remain solely and exclusively with the writer.
Please contact Sarah at feature@shorescripts.com if you have any questions regarding our Feature Contest.
Absolutely. However, both/all writers must consent.
We offer multiple submission discounts starting at 2 submissions:
2 Submissions = 10% Discount
3 Submissions = 15% Discount
4 Submissions = 20% Discount
5 Submissions = 25% Discount
6 Submissions = 30% Discount
7 Submissions = 35% Discount
8 Submissions = 40% Discount
Discount coupon codes are issued by email and can be used for Standard entries made via our website across all our contests running in the same calendar year. Submissions must be made before each contest’s Final Deadline and these discounts cannot be used for the purchase of submissions + feedback/coverage reports. Please email us at contact@shorescripts.com to obtain the appropriate discount coupon code to use BEFORE making your submissions or to obtain a retrospective discount.
Yes, you can enter as many competitions as you like.
Yes. We are open to writers from all over the world. However, all submissions must be in English.
Yes, you may re-enter an updated draft of a submission made earlier. There will be a small fee involved. To find out more tap this link to visit our Resubmission page. Links to the Resubmission page can also be seen using the button on the contest page.
Yes. However, you cannot submit the same script that previously placed as a Winner or Finalist.
Yes, but only if you own the copyright or the rights are in the public domain.
Inquiries and complaints can take many forms – from issues of bias, misunderstanding, carelessness, or requests for more information where things are unclear or new. If a writer has questions about their coverage or contest submission, they can raise an inquiry or complaint with us at any time. Further information can be found by clicking here.
No. You wrote it, it’s yours! We will never have any rights over your work.
Navigate to your chosen Contest page. You will then see the ‘ENTER’ buttons. Clicking on your chosen entry will direct you to our submission page. You will be sent an email confirmation once we have received your script and submission fee.
We will pay your winnings straight into your bank account through direct Bank Transfer or WISE. It doesn’t matter where in the world you live.
Once your script has been submitted, it will be logged on our system and made available to the Reader Team. You will receive your short feedback on the announcement date. Feedback is collated and discussed internally as we decide which scripts will progress to the next round.
If you have added coverage (feedback) to your contest submission, it will be returned to you prior to the first placement announcement date of the specific contest. For Feature and TV, this is the Quarter-Finalist announcement. For the Short Film Fund, this is the Semi-Finalist announcement. However, coverage reports are typically returned much sooner, depending on how busy we are and depending on when the script was submitted (i.e. there is typically a heavy influx of submissions on/around deadline dates).
If you would prefer to receive your coverage report within our typical 3-5 day turnaround, we recommend submitting your script for our coverage services separately from any contest submission.
All applicants will be informed via email regarding placings, at each stage of the contest. These results will also be on our website.
You will receive an email from our contest submission platform, or FilmFreeway if you enter through their website. Once the competition has closed, we will email everyone who has entered with all the announcement dates. We will keep you informed throughout the year. It’s also worth signing up for our Mailing List.
It doesn’t need to be. But if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can do it here at the WGA.
QUARTER-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – OCTOBER 6th
SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – NOVEMBER 13th
WINNERS & TOP 10 FINALISTS – DECEMBER 9th
EARLY DEADLINE (MAY 29th) – $59
REGULAR DEADLINE (JULY 14th) – $69
FINAL DEADLINE (AUG 28th) – $79
Just the Script Title. That’s all we need.
Please enter your submissions as PDF files.
Great news! However, you will no longer be eligible for the competition or be entitled to get your entry fee refunded.
We are looking for stories that move us. Your script can be about any subject in any genre. It’s all about the quality of the writing and whether the writer has a distinct voice.
Our readers have read for the likes of: Lionsgate, Paramount, Universal, BBC, Vertigo Films, Working Title, Anchor Bay, and many others. Shore Scripts internal staff also review the screenplays.
Our winning scripts are chosen by our Industry Judges and Shore Scripts staff.
Our goal is to help emerging screenwriters break into the industry. If you’re a writer who hasn’t yet gotten your break, you’ve probably found that getting your work in the hands of people within the film and television industry can feel like an impossible task. Shore Scripts was created to bridge that gap between emerging screenwriters and the industry.
Most screenplay contests, if they send your work out at all, will most likely send out a mass email of all projects, without any context. These are subsequently ignored by the industry.
Our Writer Development Program was designed to veer away from these common pitfalls and create real and tangible opportunities and successes for our writers. Winners and Finalists are invited to join the Writer Development Program where our Program Manager will get on call with the writers and develop a personalized plan for their development. Forging strong relationships with our writers is essential in not only learning who you are as a writer and what you want from your career, but it allows us to passionately sell you and your work to the most suited people on our Industry Roster.
By working so specifically and individually on both the writer and industry sides, Shore has created something truly unique among screenplay contests – an ongoing engagement with writers, constant communication with verified industry professionals, and a resource for competition alumni that exists long after the competition cycle has ended.
Shore Scripts writers have gained representation through many of our industry roster agents and managers, sold specs, and been staffed on shows for companies such as Blumhouse, Netflix, Paramount, Film4, NBC, Hulu, HBO, Universal, SYFY, FOX, Sony, SkyTV, Peacock & Others.
* ½-Hour Pilots should be within 20-35 Pages. 1-Hour Pilots should be within 40-65 Pages.
* Writers can exceed the recommended limits by up to 15 pages, with an additional fee of $1 per page.
* Please only submit the first episode/pilot of your TV series.
* Writers from all countries are welcome to enter. All scripts must be written in English.
* The script must be the writer’s original work. Adaptations are accepted but the writer must own all copyright. At no point will Shore Scripts ever have any rights over your work.
* All ages are welcome.
* Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $50,000 in screenwriting fees in the preceding 12 months. This clause is in place to help us support emerging talent. (Contest & Fellowship awards and writing fees received outside of fiction screenwriting do not count toward this total).
* Please only include the Script Title on the cover page.
* You may enter a newer draft of an already submitted script. There will be a small additional fee as the script will be reread. You may re-enter your script through the Resubmission page.
* A writer can enter as many scripts in as many categories as they wish.
* If a script is optioned or purchased during the competition, then it will no longer be eligible for the contest.
* Scripts should be in standard formatting and submitted electronically as a PDF.
* We accept all genres, including animation. It’s absolutely fine if your script is a combination of multiple genres or sub-genres. If that’s the case, use the Scrybe Genre dropdown to indicate the main genre on your submission, and make a note of other Genres, and any other information you feel will be relevant to the reader in the Comment to Reader field.
* The winners consent to Shore Scripts using their name, script title, and any other relevant information for promotional purposes on their website. This will be used to inform other contestants and the media of the results.
* If Shore Scripts helps a writer gain representation, option, sell, or have his/her screenplay produced, then we are entitled to state this on our website and on any other platform, whenever we see fit.
* Shore Scripts staff and associates are ineligible to enter.
* The decision of Shore Scripts is final. By applying to this contest each participant agrees to hold Shore Scripts, our judges, and sponsors immune from any competition disputes, claims, liabilities, and expenses.
* This schedule can be subject to change based on our guest speaker’s schedules. If anything needs to be adjusted, it will be of equal value.
* By entering Shore Scripts, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online, cloud-based, and email services and databases for hosting, managing, and/or sending/transmitting your submission file(s).
* If we see fit, we can extend the final deadline for the competition. (Please note that this has never yet happened).
* Shore Scripts shall have no ownership, authorship, or other rights whatsoever in any screenplay submitted to us; all rights shall remain solely and exclusively with the writer.
Please contact Sarah at contact@shorescripts.com if you have any questions regarding our TV Mentorship Program.
Absolutely. However, both/all writers must consent.
We offer multiple submission discounts starting at 2 submissions:
2 Submissions = 10% Discount
3 Submissions = 15% Discount
4 Submissions = 20% Discount
5 Submissions = 25% Discount
6 Submissions = 30% Discount
7 Submissions = 35% Discount
8 Submissions = 40% Discount
Discount coupon codes are issued by email and can be used for Standard entries made via our website across all our contests running in the same calendar year. Submissions must be made before each contest’s Final Deadline and these discounts cannot be used for the purchase of submissions + feedback/coverage reports. Please email us at contact@shorescripts.com to obtain the appropriate discount coupon code to use BEFORE making your submissions or to obtain a retrospective discount.
Yes, you can enter as many competitions as you like.
Yes. We are open to writers from all over the world. However, all submissions must be in English.
Yes, you may re-enter an updated draft of a submission made earlier. There will be a small fee involved. To find out more tap this link to visit our Resubmission page. Links to the Resubmission page can also be seen using the button on the contest page.
Yes. However, you cannot submit the same script that previously placed as a Winner or Finalist.
Yes, but only if you own the copyright or the rights are in the public domain.
Inquiries and complaints can take many forms – from issues of bias, misunderstanding, carelessness, or requests for more information where things are unclear or new. If a writer has questions about their coverage or contest submission, they can raise an inquiry or complaint with us at any time. Further information can be found by clicking here.
No. You wrote it, it’s yours! We will never have any rights over your work.
Navigate to your chosen Contest page. You will then see the ‘ENTER’ buttons. Clicking on your chosen entry will direct you to our submission page. You will be sent an email confirmation once we have received your script and submission fee.
Once your script has been submitted, it will be logged on our system and made available to the Reader Team. You will receive your short feedback on the announcement date. Feedback is collated and discussed internally as we decide which scripts will progress to the next round.
If you have added coverage (feedback) to your contest submission, it will be returned to you prior to the first placement announcement date of the specific contest. For Feature and TV, this is the Quarter-Finalist announcement. For the Short Film Fund, this is the Semi-Finalist announcement. However, coverage reports are typically returned much sooner, depending on how busy we are and depending on when the script was submitted (i.e. there is typically a heavy influx of submissions on/around deadline dates).
If you would prefer to receive your coverage report within our typical 3-5 day turnaround, we recommend submitting your script for our coverage services separately from any contest submission.
All applicants will be informed via email regarding placings, at each stage of the contest. These results will also be on our website.
You will receive an email from our contest submission platform, or FilmFreeway if you enter through their website. Once the competition has closed, we will email everyone who has entered with all the announcement dates. We will keep you informed throughout the year. It’s also worth signing up for our Mailing List.
It doesn’t need to be. But if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can do it here at the WGA.
EARLY DEADLINE (MARCH 20th) – 1HR $55 – 1/2HR $49
REGULAR DEADLINE (MAY 15th) – 1HR $65 – 1/2HR $59
FINAL DEADLINE (JUNE 29th) – 1HR $75 – 1/2HR $69
QUARTER-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – AUGUST 26th
SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – SEPTEMBER 10th
1-HR & ½-HOUR WINNERS & FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – OCTOBER 7th
Just the Script Title. That’s all we need.
Please enter your submissions as PDF files.
Great news! However, you will no longer be eligible for the competition or be entitled to get your entry fee refunded.
We are looking for stories that move us. Your script can be about any subject in any genre. It’s all about the quality of the writing and whether the writer has a distinct voice.
Our readers have read for the likes of: Lionsgate, Paramount, Universal, BBC, Vertigo Films, Working Title, Anchor Bay, and many others. Shore Scripts internal staff also review the screenplays.
Our winning scripts are chosen by our Industry Judges and Shore Scripts staff.
Our goal is to help emerging screenwriters break into the industry. If you’re a writer who hasn’t yet gotten your break, you’ve probably found that getting your work in the hands of people within the film and television industry can feel like an impossible task. Shore Scripts was created to bridge that gap between emerging screenwriters and the industry.
Most screenplay contests, if they send your work out at all, will most likely send out a mass email of all projects, without any context. These are subsequently ignored by the industry.
Our Writer Development Program was designed to veer away from these common pitfalls and create real and tangible opportunities and successes for our writers. Winners and Finalists are invited to join the Writer Development Program where our Program Manager will get on call with the writers and develop a personalized plan for their development. Forging strong relationships with our writers is essential in not only learning who you are as a writer and what you want from your career, but it allows us to passionately sell you and your work to the most suited people on our Industry Roster.
By working so specifically and individually on both the writer and industry sides, Shore has created something truly unique among screenplay contests – an ongoing engagement with writers, constant communication with verified industry professionals, and a resource for competition alumni that exists long after the competition cycle has ended.
Shore Scripts writers have gained representation through many of our industry roster agents and managers, sold specs, and been staffed on shows for companies such as Blumhouse, Netflix, Paramount, Film4, NBC, Hulu, HBO, Universal, SYFY, FOX, Sony, SkyTV, Peacock & Others.
* We accept submissions for narrative short films (live action & animation), including proof-of-concept shorts for features and TV series.
* Scripts should be within 2-30 pages. Writers can exceed the recommended limits by up to 15 pages (for a total of 45 pages maximum) for an additional fee of $1 per page. Scripts will need to be uploaded as a PDF. Scripts should be properly formatted according to industry standards at size 12-point Courier. Please only include the script’s title on the cover page.
* A script (screenplay) is required for production grant submissions. We will not review outlines, treatments, pitch decks, videos, storyboards, etc., in place of a properly formatted screenplay.
* The production grant is intended to support projects that need funding to go into production. As such, projects that go into production prior to the Winners’ announcement are ineligible for the production grant. If a submitted project goes into production during the submission window or prior to the Winners’ announcement, please notify us at shortfilmfund@shorescripts.com and the project will, instead, be considered for finishing funds. Similarly, projects currently in post-production that are completed prior to the Winners’ announcement are ineligible for finishing funds.
* Finishing funds submissions should have an expected total runtime of 40 minutes or less. We accept rough cuts, scene assemblies, dailies, and trailers for review. If submitting dailies, please limit the total runtime of the footage provided to 20 minutes. Videos need to be submitted via a link that does not require a download (i.e. Vimeo, YouTube, frame.io, etc.). Please note that we do not offer coverage reports or feedback on rough cuts, footage, trailers, or finished films.
* We welcome submissions from all countries. All scripts must be written in English. The winning short(s) can be filmed anywhere in the world.
* We accept foreign language films (as long as the script is in English). The finished film will need to have English language subtitles.
* You do not need to be a screenwriter to enter, however, whoever enters the script must have the prior approval and agreement to do so from the writer(s).
* Submissions in which the writer wishes to direct their own script, including first-time directors, will be considered. A previous portfolio of work will help in making this decision, which may be requested if the script advances to the Semi-Finalist round or above.
* All ages may enter; however, the funds would need to be transferred to a legal adult’s account or business account if won.
* All submitted screenplays must be the writer’s original work or they own the copyright. If a writing team enters, both/all writers must consent.
* You may enter a script that has been previously submitted to the Fund.
* Previous Short Film Fund applicants may apply, including Finalists. Grand Prize, 2nd Place Winners, and Finishing Funds Winners are ineligible. Proof of concept shorts for scripts that previously won our Feature and/or TV contests are also ineligible.
* Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $50,000 in screenwriting fees in the preceding 12 months. This clause is in place to help us support emerging talent. (Contest and Fellowship awards and writing fees received outside of fiction screenwriting do not count toward this total).
* Shore Scripts staff, associates, and Short Film Fund Judges are ineligible to enter the Fund.
* You may enter as many scripts as you wish. Each submission requires a separate submission fee. Discounts are available for multiple submissions. Further information on our multiple submissions discounts can be found here.
* You may enter a newer draft of an already submitted script at a 70% discount. More information can be found on the Resubmissions page. To obtain a discount code to make a Resubmission, please email us at shortfilmfund@shorescripts.com.
* Our Award-Winning Judges including filmmakers, festival programmers, and former Fund winners will decide this season’s Grand Prize Winner. The Finishing Funds Winner will be chosen by members of the Shore Scripts team.
* The decision of Shore Scripts is final. By applying to the Fund each participant agrees to hold Shore Scripts, our judges, and sponsors immune from any competition disputes, claims, liabilities, and expenses.
* The Winners consent to Shore Scripts using their name, script title, and any other relevant information for promotional purposes. This will be used to inform other contestants and the media of the results. The Winners agree to cut a trailer and provide a poster of the film for Shore Scripts to use on our website, social media, and other promotional platforms. We will also be unrestricted in how and where we promote the finished film once it is officially released.
* Shore Scripts will be listed as one of the ‘Production Companies’ on the project and also receive an ‘Executive Producer’ credit. The Shore Scripts logo will need to be added to the end credits.
* Winners who take advantage of the ARRI Rental camera package should also add the ARRI Rental logo to their film’s end credits.
* The Winner’s filmmaking team will have the final call on cast, crew, and edit. Shore Scripts will ask to see the audition tapes of the lead character(s) before they are cast.
* The funds can be transferred to a freelance producer or production company attached to the project, or the winning writer or writer/director.
* Shore Scripts is flexible as to the production dates of the winning project(s). However, if said projects haven’t been filmed within 12 months of our winners’ announcement, Shore Scripts has the discretion to transfer the funds to another submitted project. If the project has been filmed but not completed within 18 months of our winner’s announcement, Shore Scripts has the discretion to take over and complete the project internally or be refunded the awarded funds.
* The winning script or film may have obtained or may obtain funding from other sources and/or have co-production agreements with other companies. However, the terms of those other agreements must allow for the Winner to fulfill Shore Scripts’ terms as stated above.
* Please note that our sponsor ARRI may not be able to supply equipment if the project is to be filmed in a country where they do not operate. Production will also need to cover any logistics and costs of transporting camera equipment to set.
* If Shore Scripts helps a writer gain representation, option, sell, or have their screenplay produced, then we are entitled to state this on our website and any other platforms whenever we see fit.
* By entering a Shore Scripts fund or contest, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online, cloud-based, and email services and databases for hosting, managing, and/or sending/transmitting your submission file(s).
* Shore Scripts shall have no ownership, authorship, or other rights whatsoever in any screenplay submitted to us; all rights shall remain solely and exclusively with the writer.
Please contact us at shortfilmfund@shorescripts.com if you have any questions.
Absolutely. However, both/all writers must consent.
No, the production grant is intended for projects that need the funding in order to go into production. If you submit to our Short Film Fund for the production grant, but then you end up completing principal photography while the current season of the Fund is still open, you can instead be considered for Finishing Funds. Please email us at shortfilmfund@shorescripts.com to notify us to update your submission.
To date, every winning filmmaker has directed their own short, if desired, or has had their choice of director. If the writer intends to direct, we may want to chat with them and see samples of previous work before making a final decision on the Winner. If the script progresses to the Semi-Finalist round, the filmmaker will have an opportunity to provide supplementary materials, including samples, at that time.
Yes. You can make as many submissions as you wish.
We offer multiple submission discounts starting at 2 submissions:
2 Submissions = 10% Discount
3 Submissions = 15% Discount
4 Submissions = 20% Discount
5 Submissions = 25% Discount
6 Submissions = 30% Discount
7 Submissions = 35% Discount
8 Submissions = 40% Discount
Discount coupon codes are issued by email and can be used for Standard entries made via our website, or on Coverfly, across all our contests running in the same calendar year. Submissions must be made before each contest’s Final Deadline and these discounts cannot be used for the purchase of submissions + feedback/coverage reports. Please email us at shortfilmfund@shorescripts.com to obtain the appropriate discount coupon code to use BEFORE making your submissions or to obtain a retrospective discount.
Yes, you can enter as many competitions as you like.
Unfortunately, we do not issue waivers directly as we feel that would be unfair to the writers who have paid to enter. And sadly, we do not have the resources at this time to fully investigate and adjudicate each waiver request we receive, and hence, granting one and not the other would also be potentially unfair.
For the first round, we only review the script. If you are submitting an in-production film for finishing funds, we review your rough cut (or any footage provided) and only refer to the script if we need clarification on the story. If your project progresses to the Semi-Finalist round, we will reach out at that time and provide an opportunity for you to send us supplementary materials, which are welcome but not required. It is during the Semi-Finalist round and beyond when we review these additional materials.
Yes. We are open to writers from all over the world. However, all submissions must be in English.
Yes, you may re-enter an updated draft of a submission made earlier. There will be a small fee involved. To find out more tap this link to visit our Resubmission page. Links to the Resubmission page can also be seen using the button on the contest page.
Yes, but only if you own the copyright or the rights are in the public domain.
Inquiries and complaints can take many forms – from issues of bias, misunderstanding, carelessness, or requests for more information where things are unclear or new. If a writer has questions about their coverage or contest submission, they can raise an inquiry or complaint with us at any time. Further information can be found by clicking here.
Absolutely. However, if your short film is filmed in a language other than English, we do ask that English subtitles be provided in the final product. Additionally, the free camera equipment rental provided by our partner, ARRI Rental, is only available in countries where ARRI operates and may include some restrictions based on location and transport.
No. You wrote it, it’s yours! We will never hold any rights over your work. Even if your script is awarded production funding through the Short Film Fund, you will maintain all copyrights and ownership and will have control over all elements of the produced short film. The production team will retain all revenue that may be generated from the produced film.
Navigate to your chosen Contest page. You will then see the ‘ENTER’ buttons. Clicking on your chosen entry will direct you to our submission page. You will be sent an email confirmation once we have received your script and submission fee.
Once your script has been submitted, it will be logged on our system and made available to the Reader Team. You will receive your short feedback on the announcement date. Feedback is collated and discussed internally as we decide which scripts will progress to the next round.
If you have added coverage (feedback) to your contest submission, it will be returned to you prior to the first placement announcement date of the specific contest. For Feature and TV, this is the Quarter-Finalist announcement. For the Short Film Fund, this is the Semi-Finalist announcement. However, coverage reports are typically returned much sooner, depending on how busy we are and depending on when the script was submitted (i.e. there is typically a heavy influx of submissions on/around deadline dates).
If you would prefer to receive your coverage report within our typical 3-5 day turnaround, we recommend submitting your script for our coverage services separately from any contest submission.
All applicants will be informed via email regarding placings, at each stage of the contest. These results will also be on our website.
You will receive an email from our contest submission platform, or FilmFreeway if you enter through their website. Once the competition has closed, we will email everyone who has entered with all the announcement dates. We will keep you informed throughout the year. It’s also worth signing up for our Mailing List.
For international transfers, we use WISE. We will pay the transfer fees so that the full grant amount is delivered to the winner.
For the Short Film Fund, scripts should be between 2-30 pages. Submissions can exceed the recommended page length by a maximum of 15 pages (up to 45 pages total) for an additional fee of $1 per page. If we receive any submissions over 45 pages, we will reach out to the writer requesting an edited version that falls at or below the maximum page count.
No. Our finishing funds are intended to support films that are currently in post-production and need additional funding to make it over the finish line.
It doesn’t need to be. But if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can do it here at the WGA.
We run two Short Film Fund seasons, Spring & Fall, each year.
SPRING SHORT FILM FUND
Opens: Jan 15th
Early Deadline: Feb 27th
Regular Deadline: April 2nd
Final Deadline: May 4th
NOTIFICATION DATES
Semi-Finalists Announced: June 8th
Finalists Announced: June 18th
Winners Announced: June 30th
FALL SHORT FILM FUND
Opens: July 15th
Early Deadline: Aug 20th
Regular Deadline: Sept 30th
Final Deadline: October 30th
NOTIFICATION DATES
Semi-Finalists Announced: November 23rd
Finalists Announced: Dec 4th
Winners Announced: Dec 16th
SHORT FILM FUND – SPRING
EARLY DEADLINE (27TH FEB) – $39
REGULAR DEADLINE (2ND APRIL) – $49
FINAL DEADLINE (4TH MAY) – $59
SHORT FILM FUND – FALL
EARLY DEADLINE (20TH AUG) – $39
REGULAR DEADLINE (30TH SEPT) – $49
FINAL DEADLINE (30TH OCT) – $59
Just the Script Title. That’s all we need.
Please enter your script submissions as PDF files. For finishing funds submissions of rough cuts and/or video footage, please send us a link to your video and include the password, if necessary. Please make sure the link does not require specific permissions, as various members of our team will be reviewing it. The most common services utilized are Vimeo, YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Frame.io.
Great news! However, you will no longer be eligible for the competition or be entitled to get your entry fee refunded.
You don’t have to. If your script wins, we can help you attach a director and/or producer. You will, of course, be heavily involved in this decision (if you want to be), and every other decision made in the filmmaking process.
We are looking for stories that move us. Your script can be about any subject in any genre. It’s all about the quality of the writing and whether the writer has a distinct voice.
The Shore Scripts Team and our Judges are responsible for choosing the winning scripts that will go into production.
* Script to Screen accepts the first pages of narrative Feature, TV Pilot, and Short scripts. This includes animation, web series, and proof-of-concepts.
* All genres are welcome.
* Scripts should be within 5-20 pages. NOTE: We cannot accept scripts under 5 pages or over 20 pages. This does not include the title page.
* Scripts will need to be uploaded as a PDF. Scripts should be properly formatted according to industry standards at size 12-point Courier. Please only include the script’s title on the cover page.
* Our Script to Screen Initiative is for writers who have an interest in directing.
* We welcome submissions from all countries. All scripts must be written in English.
* All ages and backgrounds welcome.
* Writing teams may enter.
* All submitted screenplays must be the writer’s original work or they own the copyright. If a writing team enters, both/all writers must consent.
* You may enter a script that has been submitted previously to one of our contests or funds.
* Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $50,000 in screenwriting fees in the preceding 12 months. This clause is in place to help us support emerging talent. (Contest and Fellowship awards and writing fees received outside of fiction screenwriting do not count toward this total).
* If your script is optioned or purchased during the contest, then it will no longer be eligible for the contest.
* Shore Scripts staff, associates, and judges are ineligible to enter Script to Screen.
* You may enter as many scripts as you wish. Each submission requires a separate submission fee. Discounts are available for multiple submissions. Please Contact Us for further information on our discounts.
* You may enter a newer draft of an already submitted script at a 70% discount. More information can be found on the Resubmissions page. To obtain a discount code to make a Resubmission, please email us at scripttoscreen@shorescripts.com.
* The Shore Scripts team will choose our Script to Screen winners and finalists.
* The decision of Shore Scripts is final. By applying to Script to Screen each participant agrees to hold Shore Scripts, our judges, and sponsors immune from any competition disputes, claims, liabilities, and expenses.
* The winners and finalists consent to Shore Scripts using their name, script title, and any other relevant information for promotional purposes. This will be used to inform other contestants and the media of the results.
* If Shore Scripts helps a writer gain representation, option, sell, or have their screenplay produced, then we are entitled to state this on our website and any other platforms whenever we see fit.
* By entering a Shore Scripts fund or contest, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online, cloud-based, and email services and databases for hosting, managing, and/or sending/transmitting your submission file(s).
* Shore Scripts shall have no ownership, authorship, or other rights whatsoever in any screenplay submitted to us; all rights shall remain solely and exclusively with the writer.
* If we see fit, we can extend the final deadline for the competition.
Please contact us at scripttoscreen@shorescripts.com if you have any questions.
Absolutely. However, both/all writers must consent.
Yes. We offer multiple submission discounts starting at 2 submissions:
2 Submissions = 10% Discount
3 Submissions = 15% Discount
4 Submissions = 20% Discount
5 Submissions = 25% Discount
6 Submissions = 30% Discount
7 Submissions = 35% Discount
8 Submissions = 40% Discount
Discount coupon codes are issued by email and can be used for Standard entries made via our website across all our contests running in the same calendar year. Submissions must be made before each contest’s Final Deadline and these discounts cannot be used for the purchase of submissions + feedback/coverage reports. Please email us at contact@shorescripts.com to obtain the appropriate discount coupon code to use BEFORE making your submissions or to obtain a retrospective discount.
Yes.
Not with your initial submission. Only the script. if you are shortlisted as a Semi-Finalist, then you will be given the opportunity to submit a full length script and/or additional material.
Yes, you may re-enter an updated draft of a submission made earlier. There will be a small fee involved. To find out more tap this link to visit our Resubmission page. Links to the Resubmission page can also be seen using the button on the contest page.
Yes, but only if you own the copyright or the rights are in the public domain.
No. Absolutely not. You only need to have an interest in directing. However, it’s also fine if you have directed before.
No. You wrote it, it’s yours! We will never have any rights over your work.
Once your script has been submitted, it will be logged on our system and made available to the Reader Team. You will receive your short feedback on the announcement date. Feedback is collated and discussed internally as we decide which scripts will progress to the next round.
All applicants will be informed via email regarding placings, at each stage of the contest. These results will also be on our website.
You will receive an email from our contest submission platform. Once Script to Screen has closed, we will email everyone who has entered with all the announcement dates. We will keep you informed throughout the year. It’s also worth signing up for our Mailing List.
If you have added coverage to your submission, it will be returned to you prior to the first placement announcement date of the specific contest. However, coverage reports are typically returned much sooner, depending on how busy we are and depending on when the script was submitted (i.e. there is typically a heavy influx of submissions on/around deadline dates).
If you would prefer to receive your coverage report within our typical 3-5 day turnaround, we recommend submitting your script for our coverage services separately from any contest submission.
Yes. It needs to be within 5-20 pages to be considered.
It doesn’t need to be. But if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can do it here at the WGA.
EARLY DEADLINE – JAN 19TH | $39
REGULAR DEADLINE – FEB 23RD | $49
FINAL DEADLINE – MARCH 30TH | $59
Just the Script Title. That’s all we need.
We are looking for stories that move us. Your script can be about any subject in any genre. It’s all about the quality of the writing and whether the writer has a distinct voice.
Script to Screen is all about identifying unique talent that will be right for this initiative, which is why we wanted to open it up to short and feature length screenwriters. As we all know, the first act is crucial in setting the scene, characters, world, and grabbing the attention of the reader and hopefully down the line, the audience. Our readers will be able to ascertain a writers talents, and whether they should progress to the next stage, from these pages.
Writers who are shortlisted as Quarter-Finalists will then be able to upload full length scripts and/or addtional material that will be reviewed (at no extra cost).
Please Contact Us if you have any additional questions.
