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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>

Short Film Contest III

Our 2nd Feature Film Contest! This is your chance to show your screenwriting chops in the big league format of the feature film. You choose your genre, you choose your topic, but be sure to read and adhere to our guidelines.  The winning screenplay will receive an option agreement (2-year) with an initial option fee of USD $1,500, and a chance to have their screenplay produced

This contest is open to Members of Open Screenplay only. Contest begins on Dec 1, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on June 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM (ET). There is a Grand Prize consisting of an Option Agreement with Open Screenplay for a period of 2-years, including an Initial Option Fee of USD $1500. Should the option to produce the film be exercised, the winning writer(s) will receive additional compensation to be negotiated with buyers/producers in accordance with customary industry parameters. This contest is 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. Full rules and entry details available at: Contest Rules & Guidelines. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/2nd-feature-film' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Feature Film II Contest

If you are a children’s writer or dream of being one – this contest is for you! ! In partnership with Pinna, the first and only audio streaming service custom made for kids, we are looking for great screenwriters to write a fun and engaging 3-5 page pilot episode and season outline for a Short-Form scripted audio series for children ages 8 to 12 years to be hosted on Pinna.

You may choose any topic and genre so long as you write a charming podcast to entertain young listeners with a creative story, memorable characters, and interesting premises that spark the imagination and curiosity of the young listeners.

This contest is open to all registered members of Open Screenplay.  Contest begins on December 1, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on February 28 at 11:59 PM (ET). There are a total of three (3) prizes available to be won as follows: one (1) First Place Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Place Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, and one (1) Third Place Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $250. Contest is 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. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/surprisebox-pinna' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Audio Series

Scripted Audio Series (Kids 8-12)

Creator’s statement

Where to go from here?

Episodic Synopses

Season 1 Summary

Characters & Arc

Structure & Tone

Introduction

Number of Episodes

Episode Length (minutes)

Did you know that Quentin Tarantino wrote the character of Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction with John Travolta in mind? Sophia Coppola wrote Lost in Translation specifically for Bill Murray? When the screenwriter matches their vision for a character with its perfect embodiment, that can translate to magic on the screen. We invite you to write a short film screenplay with a role that you’d like to see your favorite actor play. They can be dead or alive, at their current age or in their younger years. You’re only limited by your imagination (and contest guidelines). Bonus points go to the more interesting and expected choices!

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Mar 31, 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 $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of 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. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/writefavoriteactor' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Write For Your Favorite Actor

The 30-minute or less TV series holds a special place in the pantheon of entertainment. From memorable sit-coms that gathered families around the TV set like I love Lucy and modern ensembles like The Office, to HBO classics like Entourage and Barry, the half-hour-or-less format has provided us with some undeniably good television. And thanks to streaming, even Marvel and Star Wars franchises are producing binge-worthy shows in this format like The Mandalorian and Loki. We are giving you a chance to write the next great 30-minute show with our TV Series Pilot contest. It can be serial or episodic, any genre or topic. Just be sure to stick to the guidelines. Happy writing!

*Should the pilot episode be produced and/or developed into a series, the winning writer(s) will receive addition compensation to be negotiated with buyers/producers in accordance with customary industry parameters.

This contest is open to Members of Open Screenplay only. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on July 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM (ET). There is a Grand Prize consisting of an Option Agreement with Open Screenplay for a period of 2-years, including an Initial Option Fee of USD $1500. Should the option to produce the film be exercised, the winning writer(s) will receive additional compensation to be negotiated with buyers/producers in accordance with customary industry parameters. This contest is 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. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/tvpilot30tutorial' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

TV Series Pilot (30 min)

Back for another year is our ever popular Drama Short Film contest. This is where you get to show off your dramatic screenwriting chops. We’re looking to become invested emotionally, relate, and be moved. And if you’re successful, you could follow in the steps of last year’s winner, Bryan Van Goder, whose film, The Proxy was just optioned for production! Just be sure to read and follow the contest guidelines. Happy writing!

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on July 30, 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 $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of 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. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/shortfilmdrama2' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Drama Short II

A great animated children’s series does more than entertain. It can spark a child’s imagination, fuel their curiosity, and inspire them. It can also educate them and imbue them with valuable life lessons. We are giving you a chance to write the pilot episode of a fun and charming animated series for children aged 6-12. Choose your topic, genre, and tap into your inner child and let your imagination fly. Just be sure to follow our guidelines. Happy Writing!

*Should the pilot episode be developed into a series, the winning writer(s) will receive addition compensation to be negotiated with buyers/producers in accordance with customary industry parameters.

This contest is open to Members of Open Screenplay only. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on May 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM (ET). There is a Grand Prize consisting of an Option Agreement with Open Screenplay for a period of 2-years, including an Initial Option Fee of USD $1,000. Should the option to produce the series be exercised, the winning writer(s) will receive additional compensation to be negotiated with buyers/producers in accordance with customary industry parameters. This contest is 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. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/animatedkidsseriespilot' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Animated Kids Series Pilot

The very sound of a ticking clock evokes feelings of anxiety. Add high stakes and it makes for great entertainment! From the classic Back to the Future to the inventive Run Lola Run, some of the greatest films had their heroes racing against the clock. And now, you have the chance to create your own time thriller with our Ticking Clock short film contest. The stakes have to be high, and time running low, have us glued to our seats to the very last frame! Just be sure to read the guidelines. We recommend you get to the chase from the very beginning!

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Sept 30, 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 $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of 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. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/tickingclockshort' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Ticking Clock Short

Whether in the theater or streamed at home, horror continues to be one of the most popular film genres. They routinely top the box office and many of their characters have become part of the cultural zeitgeist, from Norman Bates in Psycho to Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street to Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. We invite you to dip your pen into this classic and enduringly favored genre for our Horror Short film Contest. Give us your most twisted, demonic, frightfest for a chance to win cash prizes and have your screenplay produced. Just be sure to adhere to the contest guidelines. Happy writing!

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Oct 31, 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 $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of 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 the contest closes. Limitations apply. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/horrorshort' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Horror Short

The changing landscape of entertainment and the growth of streaming services has placed us firmly and happily in the midst of the golden age of television. And with format limitations quickly disappearing, TV screenwriters are free to write and explore with boundless creativity and originality. We invite you to write a max 60 page pilot episode for a TV series that leaves audiences wanting more and setting aside entire weekends to binge-watch every episode. The topic is open, just be sure to follow the rules and guidelines. Happy Writing!

This contest is open to Members of Open Screenplay only. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Apr 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM (ET). There is a Grand Prize consisting of an Option Agreement with Open Screenplay for a period of 2-years, including an Initial Option Fee of USD $1000. Should the option to produce the film be exercised, the winning writer(s) will receive additional compensation to be negotiated with buyers/producers in accordance with customary industry parameters. This contest is 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 the number and quality of eligible entries received before contest closes. Limitations apply. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/tvpilot60tutorial' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

TV Series Pilot II (60 min)

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!

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Nov 30, 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 $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of 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 the contest closes. Limitations apply. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/actionshort' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

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!

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Dec 30, 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 $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of 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 the contest closes. Limitations apply. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/adventureshort' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

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

This contest is free to participate in for active Open Screenplay Members. Contest begins on Dec 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM (ET) and ends on Jan 21, 2024 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 $1,000, and in Contest Partner’s sole discretion, the option of production, one (1) Second Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of USD $500, (1) Third Prize consisting of a license fee cash award of 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 the contest closes. Limitations apply. Full rules and entry details available at: <a href='/lessons/dystopia' target='_blank'>Contest Rules & Guidelines </a>

Dystopia

We invite you to write a screenplay for a 15-minute short film (Max 15 pages) about any topic, genre, or subject matter of your choosing. While this is an opportunity for South Asian storytellers, we encourage you not to feel limited to traditional themes. This is a blank canvas for you to showcase your creativity and unique voice. We encourage you to explore new territories, and remix old ones. For example, tell us stories that look to the future of the South Asian individual in America, or uncover an obscure corner of the South Asian experience that we’ve never seen on screen.