Top Scriptwriting Contests and Fellowships
Nicholl Fellowships : The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is an international screenwriting competition established to identify and encourage talented new screenwriters. The 2017 competition is now open to entries.
Universal Pictures Emerging Writers' Fellowship
The Emerging Writers Fellowship is an exciting program at Universal Pictures that is designed to identify and cultivate new and unique voices with a passion for storytelling. We are looking for talented screenwriters who have the potential to thrive, but don't have access to or visibility within the industry.
Emerging writers who are chosen to participate in the program will work exclusively with the studio over the course of a year to hone their skills. During this program, fellows will be given the opportunity to work on current Universal projects as well as pitch original story ideas. In addition to working on writing assignments, the fellows will receive industry exposure by:
- Participating in filmmaking workshops and studio seminars
- Receiving mentoring from established filmmakers
- Networking with top literary agents and managers
- Meeting with production development executives
- Attending screenings and premieres
Fellows admitted into the program will be hired under a writing service agreement and must be committed to working full-time for one year. Additionally, Universal Pictures has the option to extend a fellows' contract for a second year.
Screencraft's Screen writing contest and fellowships ScreenCraft's screenwriting contests are dedicated to discovering talented screenwriters and connecting them with producers, agents and managers. Our contests uniquely tailor the prize package and jury for each contest (eliminating potential genre bias) by specializing in screenplay competitions by genre.
Austin Film festival Play Writing Contest
As Austin Film Festival continues to grow and expand, our vision also widens with the addition of new avenues for storytellers. The inaugural Playwriting Competition is open to full-length stage plays and give playwrights a chance to explore our film and television conference. It will also allow film professionals to discover storytellers who have mastered the art and craft of stage drama.
Besides the presentation of projects at its co-production market, CineMart organises Rotterdam Lab, a five-day training workshop for promising emerging producers from all over the world. The aim of Rotterdam Lab is to provide emerging professionals with the means to build and develop and international network. Providing confidence and skills to navigate the world of international film financing, sales and distribution, Rotterdam Lab offers a place to over 60 producers from over 24 countries.
Over the past few years, Rotterdam Lab has expanded steadily, with more producers from more different regions participating each year. The results of the Rotterdam Lab programme have been spectacular: many selected producers have returned to CineMart, and films by former Rotterdam Lab participants have been selected for different sections in the programme of IFFR. Moreover, by bringing together a mix of producers from all around the world, the Rotterdam Lab has also generated many alluring international co-productions.