font-size:22px !important; color:#FFFFFF !important;

font-size:22px !important; color:#FFFFFF !important; font-weight: 700 !important; margin-bottom: 16px !important; 

Action films have come a long way from the stories of maverick police officers like Dirty Harry or The French Connection, or the hero-centric 90’s blockbusters of Arnold Schwarzenneger and Sylvester Stallone. Continuously pushing the envelope with elaborate action sequences, impossible car chases, big explosions, and even bigger budgets, action films have one purpose only: to entertain and excite audiences. And with the advent of modern special effects and CGI, action films are only limited by the imagination of the screenwriter. So if you’re a fan of this genre, this contest is for you. We want you to write an action-filled short film screenplay that gets us cheering for the hero, and marveling at their death-defying physical feats. Just be sure to read the contest guidelines. Happy writing and hasta la vista baby!

Action Short

One of the best times you can have at the movies is following a hero on a grand conquest, exploring exotic locations, solving intricate puzzles, and overcoming obstacles. Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, National treasure, and the Indiana Jones films, are defining examples of the adventure genre, and provided some of our most memorable on-screen heroes. We invite you to take us on a wild ride with an adventure short film screenplay. Send your hero on a quest, fraught with danger and insurmountable challenges. Feel free to Incorporate historical myths and exciting locales. Just be sure to read and follow our contest guidelines. Happy writing!

Adventure Short

Dystopian films serve as stark visual warnings of the worst dangers facing humanity. From environmental catastrophes resulting in disease, drought, or famine, to oppressive societies run by powerful corporate, religious, or technological tyrannies, we can’t seem to get enough of these films depicting foreboding futures. If you’re a fan of the films like Blade Runner, The Road, or The Handmaid’s Tale, this contest is for you. We invite you to write a short film screenplay set in a dystopian future, where our protagonists navigate a society dealing with threats like climate change, nuclear war, over-population or authoritarianism

Dystopia

Thriller

Sci Fi

We are delighted to announce the return of our popular annual Open Topic Short Film Contes! For the 3rd year in a row this contest has given our members an opportunity to flex their creative muscles without restraints. No wonder it is a favorite among our members! This is an open topic, open genre contest, so you are free to write about anything you want. Just be sure to read the contest rules and guidelines. Happy Writing!

This contest is open to Members of Open Screenplay only. Contest begins on Nov 1, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Feb 28, 2023 at 11:59 PM (ET). There are a total of three (3) prizes available to be won as follows: one (1) First Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $1000, and in Open Screenplay’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, and one (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $250. Open to Open Screenplay Members, excluding residents of Quebec, Canada, who are 13 years of age or older at the time of entry (parental or guardian consent required if entrant is under the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry). Odds of winning depend on number and quality of eligible entries received before contest closes. Limitations apply. <a href='/lessons/shortfilmcontest3' target='_blank'>See full rules and entry details</a>