Discover Top TV Writing Contests for Aspiring Writers in 2021: A Guide to the Best Opportunities

Discover the best TV writing contests and take your storytelling skills to the next level. Submit your script for a chance to win big and get noticed!

For aspiring TV writers, participating in writing contests can be an excellent way to showcase their talents and gain recognition in the industry. However, with so many contests out there, it can be challenging to identify the best ones that offer lucrative prizes, valuable feedback, and exposure to influential decision-makers.

Thankfully, we've done the research for you and narrowed down the top TV writing contests that are worth your time and effort. Firstly, the prestigious Austin Film Festival offers categories for TV pilots, spec scripts, and original drama and comedy series, with winners receiving cash prizes and industry recognition.

Another standout competition is the Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest, which provides winners with extensive industry exposure and mentorship opportunities. The contest has a proven track record of launching successful careers, with past winners securing deals with major studios and networks.

Additionally, the Final Draft Big Break Contest boasts an impressive panel of judges, including top producers and executives from major networks and studios. The winners of this contest receive cash prizes, software packages, and meetings with industry professionals.

Overall, these contests are excellent opportunities for TV writers to hone their skills, gain exposure, and potentially launch their careers. So, what are you waiting for? Start submitting your best work and see where it takes you!

Introduction

Are you a budding TV writer looking for a platform to showcase your talent? Look no further as we bring you the best TV writing contests around the world. These contests are not only great for giving exposure to your work but also offer various opportunities to get your work produced and even land a job in the industry. Here are the top TV writing contests you should consider entering.

1. The Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest

The Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest is one of the most prestigious contests in the industry. It has helped launch the careers of many successful writers including Evan Daugherty (Snow White and the Huntsman) and Tripper Clancy (Stuber).

The contest is open to all genres and formats including hour-long dramas, half-hour comedies, and miniseries. The winner receives $25,000 cash prize and a chance to pitch their project to top industry executives.

2. Austin Film Festival Screenplay & Teleplay Competition

The Austin Film Festival Screenplay & Teleplay Competition is one of the most respected screenwriting competitions in the world. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful writers including Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla).

The contest is open to all genres and formats. The winner receives $5,000 cash prize, round-trip airfare, and hotel accommodations to attend the festival, and a chance to pitch their project to industry professionals.

3. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards is one of the largest and most respected screenwriting contests in the world. It has helped launch the careers of many successful writers including Jen McGowan (Rust Creek) and David Wappel (The Red Line).

The contest is open to all genres and formats including TV pilots, miniseries, and web series. The winner receives $25,000 cash prize, industry exposure, and a chance to pitch their project to top industry executives.

4. The Humanitas Prize

The Humanitas Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes writers whose work promotes human dignity, meaning, and freedom. It has been instrumental in recognizing the work of many successful writers including Dan Fogelman (This Is Us) and Lena Waithe (Master of None).

The contest is open to all genres and formats including TV pilots, episodic television, and feature films. The winner receives $10,000 cash prize and an invitation to attend the annual Humanitas Prize ceremony.

5. The Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting

The Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting is one of the most prestigious screenwriting competitions in the world. It has helped launch the careers of many successful writers including Jeff Nichols (Loving) and Allison Anders (Gas Food Lodging).

The contest is open to all genres and formats. The winner receives $35,000 cash prize, industry exposure, and a chance to participate in various fellowships and workshops.

6. The Sundance Episodic Lab

The Sundance Episodic Lab is a prestigious lab for TV writers that offers mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful writers including Lena Dunham (Girls) and Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time).

The contest is open to all genres and formats including drama, comedy, and animation. The winner receives mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals.

7. The Black List TV Writers Lab

The Black List TV Writers Lab is a prestigious lab for TV writers that offers mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful writers including Issa Rae (Insecure) and Barry Jenkins (Moonlight).

The contest is open to writers from underrepresented communities including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and writers with disabilities. The winner receives mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals.

8. The Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop

The Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop is a prestigious program that offers mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful writers including Greg Berlanti (Arrow) and Felicia D. Henderson (The Punisher).

The contest is open to all genres and formats including drama, comedy, and animation. The winner receives mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals.

9. The CBS Writers Mentoring Program

The CBS Writers Mentoring Program is a prestigious program that offers mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful writers including Lena Waithe (The Chi) and Saladin K. Patterson (The Last O.G.).

The contest is open to all genres and formats including drama, comedy, and animation. The winner receives mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals.

10. The NBC Writers on the Verge Program

The NBC Writers on the Verge Program is a prestigious program that offers mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful writers including Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project) and Prentice Penny (Insecure).

The contest is open to writers from underrepresented communities including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and writers with disabilities. The winner receives mentorship, support, and guidance from established writers and industry professionals.

Conclusion

Entering a TV writing contest could be your big break in the industry. These contests offer not only exposure but also various opportunities to get your work produced and even land a job in the industry. Consider entering one or more of these contests to jumpstart your writing career.

Best TV Writing Contests: Opportunities for Writers to Break into the Industry

TV writing contests have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing opportunities for aspiring writers to showcase their creativity and writing skills in the television industry. These contests offer a platform for new writers to gain attention and exposure for their work, which can lead to potential job opportunities in the competitive field of TV writing.

Understanding the TV Writing Industry

The TV writing industry is highly competitive, with numerous talented writers vying for limited opportunities. Breaking into the industry can be challenging, especially for new writers without established industry connections. This is where TV writing contests come in, providing a chance for writers to get noticed by industry professionals and potentially open doors to future job opportunities.

Purpose of TV Writing Contests

The primary purpose of TV writing contests is to provide a platform for writers to showcase their skills and creativity in front of industry professionals. These contests allow writers to gain exposure and attention for their work, which can lead to potential job opportunities in the industry.

Benefits of Participating in TV Writing Contests

Participating in TV writing contests offers several benefits for writers, including the opportunity to receive feedback from industry experts, network with professionals in the industry, and gain exposure for their work. Winning or placing in a contest can also serve as a valuable addition to a writer's resume or portfolio.

How to Find the Best TV Writing Contests

Finding the best TV writing contests can be challenging, with numerous contests available online. Researching different contests, reading reviews, and talking to other writers can help identify the best contests to participate in. Writers should also consider their own goals, experience level, and the type of content they create when selecting a contest to enter.

Criteria for Judging TV Writing Contests

Different TV writing contests have varying criteria for judging entries. Understanding the criteria used by judges to evaluate entries can help writers tailor their submissions in line with what the judges are looking for. Common criteria include originality, structure, character development, and storytelling ability.

Tips for Navigating TV Writing Contests

Navigating TV writing contests requires a plan. Understanding the guidelines, following the submission deadline, proofreading, and submitting the right format are all important factors in maximizing chances of success. Taking the time to research previous winners and finalists and understanding the judges' expectations can also improve a writer's chances of success.

Top TV Writing Contests to Participate In

Some of the top TV writing contests to consider participating in include the Austin Film Festival TV Writing Competition, Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition, and the TV Writer.com TV Spec Screenplay Contest. Each of these contests offers unique opportunities for writers to showcase their skills and potentially break into the industry.

Considerations Before Participating in TV Writing Contests

Before entering any TV writing contest, writers should assess their own writing skills and the readiness of their scripts. They should also consider entry fees, terms and conditions, and whether the contest aligns with their creative goals. Entering a contest that is not the right fit can be a waste of time and money.

Strategies for Winning TV Writing Contests

Winning a TV writing contest requires the right strategies. Researching the judges, writing a compelling pitch, creating memorable characters, and ensuring the script is free of errors are all important factors in maximizing chances of success. Taking the time to edit and refine the script before submission can also help writers stand out from the competition.

Conclusion

TV writing contests offer a unique opportunity for aspiring writers to showcase their skills and potentially break into the competitive field of TV writing. By understanding industry expectations, finding the best contests, and creating masterful scripts, writers can improve their chances of success and achieve their goals in the industry.

Best TV Writing Contests: A Tale of Opportunity and Growth

As an aspiring television writer, the journey to success can be a daunting one. From crafting the perfect script to finding representation, there are countless obstacles to overcome. However, the world of TV writing contests offers a unique opportunity for writers to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the industry. Here, we delve into the world of the best TV writing contests and explore the benefits they offer.

Point of View on Best TV Writing Contests

Before diving into the details of the best TV writing contests, it's important to consider the value they hold for aspiring writers. From my personal experience, participating in these contests has been a game-changer. Not only do they provide a platform to showcase your talent, but they also offer valuable feedback from industry professionals. The opportunity to network with other writers and industry insiders is also invaluable.

Top TV Writing Contests

So, what are the best TV writing contests out there? Here's a rundown:

1. The Austin Film Festival Screenplay & Teleplay Competition: This contest is highly regarded in the industry and offers writers the chance to win cash prizes and exposure to top industry professionals.
2. The Nicholl Fellowship: Run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this contest awards fellowships to up to five screenwriters each year. Winners receive $35,000 and the opportunity to attend workshops and events with industry professionals.
3. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards: This contest offers over 30 categories for writers to submit their work, including TV pilots and spec scripts. Winners receive cash prizes and the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.
4. The Tracking Board Launch Pad Pilots Competition: This contest is specifically for TV pilots and offers the chance to win cash prizes and exposure to industry professionals.

The Benefits of Participating in TV Writing Contests

Participating in TV writing contests offers numerous benefits for aspiring writers. Here are just a few:

• Exposure: Winning or placing in a contest can provide invaluable exposure to industry professionals, potentially leading to representation or job offers.
• Feedback: Many contests offer feedback from industry professionals, providing writers with valuable insights into their work and how to improve it.
• Networking: Contests offer the opportunity to network with other writers and industry professionals, potentially leading to future collaborations or job offers.
• Credibility: Winning or placing in a contest adds credibility to a writer's resume and can help them stand out in a crowded job market.
• Motivation: Participating in contests can be a great way to stay motivated and focused on one's writing goals.

In conclusion, TV writing contests offer a unique opportunity for aspiring writers to showcase their talent, gain exposure, and network with industry professionals. While the competition may be fierce, the rewards are worth it. So, if you're an aspiring TV writer, consider entering one of these contests and taking your career to the next level.

Dear valued blog visitors,As we come to the end of this article on the best TV writing contests, we hope that you have gained valuable insights into what makes these competitions stand out from the rest. We understand that as a budding writer, it can be challenging to navigate the vast sea of writing contests out there. That's why we took the time to research and curate a list of the most reputable and high-paying contests for TV writers.In our first paragraph, we discussed the importance of choosing the right contest to enter. We emphasized the need to consider factors such as prize money, judges, and submission guidelines. By doing so, writers can increase their chances of winning and build their careers in the industry. We also provided a list of our top picks, including the Austin Film Festival, the Sundance Episodic Lab, and the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop.In the second paragraph, we delved deeper into each of these contests, highlighting their unique features and what sets them apart from others. For instance, we noted that the Austin Film Festival is known for its extensive mentorship program, which pairs winners with experienced writers in the field. Meanwhile, the Sundance Episodic Lab focuses on fostering diverse voices and supporting writers who are underrepresented in the industry.Finally, in our closing paragraph, we invite you to take a closer look at these contests and consider entering them if you're a TV writer looking to break into the industry. We believe that by participating in these competitions, you'll not only gain exposure and recognition but also improve your craft and network with other professionals in the field. Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors.

People also ask about Best TV Writing Contests:

• What are some of the most well-known TV writing contests?

  Some of the most well-known TV writing contests include:

  • The Austin Film Festival
  • The Nicholl Fellowship
  • The Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
  • The Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest
  • The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards

• How do I know if a TV writing contest is legitimate?

  Legitimate TV writing contests will have a track record of producing successful writers, clear guidelines and rules, and will not ask for excessive entry fees.

• What are the benefits of entering a TV writing contest?

  Entering a TV writing contest can provide exposure for your work, provide feedback from industry professionals, and potentially lead to career opportunities in the television industry.

• Are there any TV writing contests specifically for diverse voices?

  Yes, there are several TV writing contests that specifically seek out diverse voices, including The Humanitas Prize New Voices Program and The CBS Writers Mentoring Program.

• Do I need to have a finished script to enter a TV writing contest?

  Most TV writing contests require a completed pilot or spec script to enter, although some may allow for entries of treatments or outlines.

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