Screenwriting : Looking for a writing contest or writing program for new writers (spec script) by Rita Avellar

I can relate to missing a deadline. Feels like chance stepped in to make me miss an opportunity. Perhaps fate has other ideas for your work? I tell myself so. I've yet to enter any contests as I'm just beginning this journey but I have a few suggestions that were suggested to me. Coverfly for sure, when I can afford the entry. Great list of named judges. Scriplab https://thescriptlab.com/free-screenplay-contest/ for free submissions with good comments. You probably already know Screencrafts https://screencraft.org/screenwriting-contests/. I just missed the Sci-Fi contest because I blanked out but another one starts next month. I like the spec script format from Warner Bro's I will have to check it out.

Matthew Fasken Wow! Thank you so much! I will check them for sure!!

Hi, Rita Avellar, I feel your pain, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Let’s find you another... have you checked out the contests here on Stage 32? There are several going on right now. If you check under the “Script Services” tab and click on “Contests,” you can see the ones happening right now! If you have any questions about this or need career guidance in general, Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com), the Director of Script Services, is super helpful.

Here's what Jeff Howard (The Haunting of Hill House, Oculus, etc.) says about how he learned to write:

"When starting out, I broke down the structure of hundreds of movies, minute by minute. Put my favorite movies on and wrote out scenes in script format, to see what they looked like by me. I watched movies I disliked to learn structure, because it’s easier to see it." - via Twitter.

This is a much better way than any class, school, fellowship, etc. IMO

Monica Mansy Awww...thank you so much! I will check it out too! I was so disappointed but at the same, happy that I'm accumulating experience. Living and learning! :)

John Ellis LOVED it!

Just keep plugging away! Your day will come :)

David C. Velasco Thank you!!

Rita: Here is a list of writing fellowships.

https://lauridonahue.com/resources/a-curated-list-of-the-most-worthwhile...

Thanks for the share, Pillip.

See Stage blog for some lists.

@Phillip "Le Raconteur" Hardy thank you so much!

@tasha lewis, I will check out! The list I got was from here, but all of them are closed, except one which is not spec. :)

Disney fellowship deadline is tomorrow, June 7th, 12am pst. No application fee. Feature specs only. They pay a yearly salary and a free pass to Disneyland's Avengers park :)

Coverfly has a page for that. It includes contests, competitions and writing programs. https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions

@dan maxXx it was on my list too. ;)

@evelyne gauthier thank you!! I will check it out!

There is also the Nick Writing Program. The submission period is from July 1-August 1. All you need is an original pilot and a spec script of one of the approved shows that is listed on their site. Hope this helps! Good luck!

@tyler VanHolsbeck yep, just saw it yesterday but the spec I did is from a show that is not listed on Nick Writing Program. But thank you anyway! :)