Deadline Alert UPDATE: Screenwriting Labs, Fellowships and Competitions!

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you probably know that I am a HUGE planner. And what better way to start planning the year ahead than to take a little time to check out the screenwriting & TV writing competitions, fellowships and labs whose deadlines are coming up, so that you can have everything ready for them in time?

To get the new year started right, here is a list of the best screenwriting/TV writing competitions, labs and fellowships that are accepting entires in Q1 of 2020: 

Upcoming Deadlines:

Outfest Screenwriting Lab  
Now accepting applications!

• • Regular Deadline ($45): January 31, 2020
  • Final Deadline ($70): February 21, 2020

• Submission guidelines:
  • Submit full-length screenplay or TV pilot
  • All scripts should have a LGBTQ protagonist

Film Independent Episodic Lab
Now accepting applications!

• Non Members Deadline: February 18, 2020
• Member Extended Deadline: February 25, 2020
• Submission Fees – Non Members: $65
• Submission Fees – Members: $45
• Required materials:
  • A cover letter explaining your interest in the Episodic Lab
  • One complete, original pilot
  • A series logline
  • A series description describing the story engine and series arc of the show
  • Project status and history, including any industry exposure

Screencraft Fellowship 
Now Accepting Applications!

• • Regular Deadline ($69): January 31, 2020
  • Late Deadline ($79): February 29, 2020

• Submission guidelines:
  • No limit to the number of projects entered for consideration
  • Cover letter requested at semi-final round
  • Finalists and winners to be announced before July 8, 2020
  • Adaptations are ineligible unless the underlying rights are owned by the writer or the work is in the public domain
  • The recommended length for feature film scripts is 100-120 pages. Scripts over 120 pages will be accepted, but there is a small page overage charge to compensate the judges for the extra time invested in reading longer scripts.
  • Feature screenplays must be between 75 and 140 pages.
  • Comedy TV pilot scripts should be between 25 and 40 pages. Drama TV pilot scripts should be between 45 and 65 pages.

Sundance Episodic Lab

• Application Period: February 12-March 11, 2020
• Application Processing Fee: $40
• Required Materials:
  • Bio(s) of the writer(s) (no more than 250 words per person)
  • Series logline: a one-sentence description of your series (no more than 50 words)
  • The first five pages of your pilot script (in .pdf form)
  • Pilot synopsis (no more than 500 words): a summary of your pilot episode
  • Series overview (no more than 500 words): this is a one-page description of your series
  • Personal statement (no more than 250 words – see specifics on site)
  • Thematic statement (no more than 250 words – see specifics on site)
  • Samples of previous work (optional)
  • Demographics: to be filled out by the primary applicant and the additional applicant (if applicable)
  • Application terms: to be signed by the primary applicant

NYWIFT – The Writer’s Lab
Meryl Streep sponsored lab for women over 40
Now Accepting Applications!

• • Regular Deadline ($60): March 10, 2020
  • Late Deadline ($75): March 25, 2020
• Submission guidelines:
  • Open to women over 40
  • Feature screenplays only
  • Remove name from screenplay before submitting
  • Bio required

Humanitas New Voices
Now accepting applications!

• • Early Deadline ($65): February 15, 2020
  • Regular Deadline ($75): March 15,2020
  • Extended Deadline ($85): April 30, 2020
• Required Materials:
  • One (1) original 30-minute pilot, 60-minute pilot, or feature film screenplay
    • be sure to reduct your name from the title page!
  • Logline
  • Brief (1 paragraph) synopsis
  • Release form
• Semifinalists will be asked to prepare:
  • Letter of interest (1 page, double-spaced)
  • Resume (no more than 2 pages
  • Bio (1 page, double spaced)

Cinestory Foundation Feature Lab 
Now Accepting Applications!

• • Early Deadline ($60): January 19, 2020
  • Regular Deadline ($70): February 8, 2020
  • Late Deadline ($80): March 15, 2020
  • Extended Late Deadline ($85): April 19, 2020
• Announcement:
  • Finalists: Early September
  • Fellow: Mid September
• Submission guidelines:
  • Screenplays must be feature film screenplays from 85 to 125 pages

Launch Pad TV Pilot Competition
Now accepting applications!

• • Early Deadline ($55): February 28, 2020
  • Regular Deadline ($65): March 27, 2020
  • Late Deadline ($75): April 17, 2020
  • Final Deadline ($85): May 8, 2020
• Submission guidelines:
  • Submit your original TV pilot
  • TV pilot must be under 70 pages

Austin Film Fest Screenplay & Teleplay Competition 
Now accepting applications!

• • Early Deadline ($45): March 27, 2020
  • Regular Deadline ($60): April 17, 2020
  • Late Deadline ($70): May 15, 2020
• Submission guidelines:
  • Submit teleplay (pilot) or screenplay
  • Include a title page with your screenplay or teleplay
  • DO NOT include your name or contact information
  • Make sure you get a PayPal receipt to confirm your submission

Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
Now accepting applications!

• • Early Deadline ($50): March 1, 2020
  • Regular Deadline ($60): May 1, 2020
  • Late Deadline ($70): May 15, 2020 
• Submission guidelines:
  • Cover page should include title only
  • Remove writer’s name(s) and contact information
  • Submit original pilot or a spec TV episode for existing show