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Storytelling has the power to challenge perspectives, foster empathy, and bring unheard voices to the forefront. The M Film Lab is dedicated to discovering and nurturing stories that reflect the experiences of minorities, immigrants, and underrepresented communities. Open to writers of all backgrounds, this lab is a space where diverse narratives are championed, authentic voices are amplified, and bold storytelling is cultivated. If you have a story that needs to be told, this is the place to bring it to life.

M Film Lab Spring 2025 Program

Thriller

Drama

It’s hard to define the thriller genre, but it’s easy to tell when you’re watching one. If you find yourself inching slowly toward the edge of your seat, your heartbeat is up a few beats, and you’ve squeezed the air out of a cushion you’re hugging, it's safe to say you’re watching a thriller. Suspense and a sense of tension is key, of course to a good thriller, and there are generally some recurrent themes such as murder, political intruige, espionge, conspiracy, criminal activity or psychological manipulation.
In this contest, we want you to bring out your inner Hitchcock and write a nail-biting screenplay. It can be about any subject you like as long as it gets our heart racing, and our inner sleuth guessing. Just be sure to stick to the guidelines. The top 3 screenplays will receive cash prizes, and the top screenplay will be considered for production!

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members, or by paying a 1-time Entry Fee of $40 USD per submission to participate. Contest begins on Jan 6th, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on April 30th, 2022 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 USD $500, (1) Third Prize USD $250. Contest is open to registered Open Screenplay users, 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 the number and quality of eligible entries received before contest closes. Limitations apply. <a style='color:#F9A81E;' href='/tutorials/short-film-thriller' target='_blank'>See full rules and entry details</a>