TV writing programs and contests are perfect for anyone who’s ever finished a television script and wondered, “Well, what now?” Competitions are one way of showcasing your work and getting your script seen. Plus, if you haven’t finished your masterpiece just yet, strict deadlines will light a fire under your writing routine, so use it to your advantage.
The “big six” are CBS, Disney/ABC, Fox Writers Lab, NBC, Nickelodeon, and WB. Major contests that pull some weight behind these are the Austin Film Festival, Final Draft Big Break, LaunchPad Pilots Competition, Scriptapalooza, Script Pipeline, and the TrackingB Pilot Competition. Let’s get into the details…
Competition Season Calendar
Two calendars with deadlines and fees for reputable screenwriting contests, fellowships, and programs. One for features and one for television.
*All dates and fees are subject to change. Always double check on the contest’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Related Articles: Feature Screenwriting Competitions
CBS Writers Mentoring Program: Website
Submission period: March 1st through May 1st*
Submission fee: Free
Application: CBS application, letter of interest, work resume or bio, submission release form
Material: Two writing samples required – one original pilot script and one spec script based off of a current network or cable show (tone of both pieces should be the same)**
Disney/ABC TV Writing Program: Website
Submission period: May 2nd through June 1st*
Submission fee: Free
Application: Release form, resume, essay, letter of recommendation (optional but strongly encouraged)
Material: Two writing samples required – one original pilot script and one spec script based off of a current network or cable show (live action, at least second season)**
FOX WRITERS LAB: WeBSITE
Submission period: September 25th – Oct 22nd*
Submission fee: Free
Application: A release form, answers to two short essay questions, resume
Material: One original pilot, 2 letters of recommendation, resume, bio, personal statement, script synopsis, logline
NBC/Universal Writers on the Verge: Website
Submission period: May 1st through May 31st*
Submission fee: Free
Application: A release form, answers to two short essay questions, resume
Material: One television spec based off of a network or cable scripted show (half-hour or one-hour).**
Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship: Website
Submission period: January 2nd through February 28th*
Submission fee: Free
Application: Current resume & half-page biography
Material: Must be a comedic half-hour spec script based on a network, cable, or streaming show. Show must be in the second season at least.**
WB Television Workshop: Website
Submission period: May 1st through May 31st*
Submission fee: $30*
Application: Resume, short composition on your background, submission agreement
Material: You can submit up to two spec scripts. It must be a show listed on their website.**
Related Articles: Feature Screenwriting Competitions
Austin Film Festival: Website
Submission period: March 31st, April 20th, May 15th
Submission fee: $35 early, $45 regular, $60 late
Material: Original pilot script**
Final Draft Big Break: Website
Submission period: Approximately March 13th – July 14th
Submission fee: $40 early, $50 standard, $65 extended
Material: Half-hour or hour-length original pilot or spec of an existing show
LaunchPad Pilots Competition: Website
Submission period: December through February 28th*
Submission fee: $65 early, $75 regular, $85 late, $95 finish
Material: Original specs only.
Scriptapalooza: Website
Submission period: Deadline is April 15th*
Submission fee: $45
Material: You can submit an original pilot or a spec of an existing show. Reality shows are accepted as well.
Script Pipeline: Website
Submission period: The early deadline is March 1st. The late deadline is May 1st.*
Submission fee: $50 regular, $55 late
Material: Original pilot or spec of current show (half-hour or hour-long)
TrackingB Pilot Competition: Website
Submission period: January 22nd to April 11th
Submission fee: $89 early entry, $99 late entry, $109 really late entry
Material: Original spec
**All dates and fees are subject to change. Check out each contest’s website for the full facts and details about submission criteria. Remember to look into age requirements, how many scripts you can submit, if they ask for a logline or synopsis, rules about submitting previously submitted scripts or scripts that have been sold, genre expectations, etc…
I’m most familiar with the above TV writing programs and contests. That doesn’t mean that they are the only competitions. Let me know if I’m leaving out one that absolutely deserves to be on the list (or don’t and keep it all to yourself)!
Related Articles: Feature Screenwriting Competitions
Competition Season Calendar
Two calendars with deadlines and fees for reputable screenwriting contests, fellowships, and programs. One for features and one for television.