MISSION
The WeScreenplay Shorts Competition is dedicated to connecting talented short film writers with Oscar-nominated short film directors and creators for advice on how to create emotionally impactful storytelling in short-form content.
EVERY ENTRY GETS WRITTEN FEEDBACK
WeScreenplay believes that every entrant of a contest should benefit from entering – whether the writer wins or not. That is why we offer one page of feedback on every short script that is entered.
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2021 CONTEST WILL OPEN FEBRUARY 15th!
Deadlines and Fees
Early Bird – April 15th 2020 – $39.99
Regular – May 15th, 2020 – $49.99
Late – June 15th, 2020 – $59.99
Final – July 15th, 2020 – $69.99
Announcements
Quarterfinalists – August 15th, 2020
Semifinalists – September 15th, 2020
Finalists – October 15th, 2020
Winners – November 15th, 2020
Prizes and Benefits
The focus of short scripts is to get them produced to highlight the writer’s skill. As such, the prize is particularly focused on the Oscar contenders in the jury.
The top scripts will receive:
- Notes from the Oscar-nominated filmmakers in the WeScreenplay Shorts Jury!
- Plus, the Grand Prize Winner receives up to $3,000 in crowdsource matching funding for your short screenplay.
2020 Jury
Vincent Lambe
Academy Award-nominated for his short film DETAINMENT. Recently signed with ICM.
Bryan Buckley
Bryan wrote, directed, and produced the 2020 Academy Award-nominated short film SARIA. Bryan is also the Executive Director of the production company Hungry Man.
Yves Piat
Yves wrote and directed the 2020 Academy Award-nominated short film NEFTA FOOTBALL CLUB.
Marie-Hélène Panisset
Marie-Hélène produced the 2019 Academy Award-nominated short film MARGUERITE.
Maria Gracia Turgeon
Maria produced the 2020 Academy Award-nominated short film BROTHERHOOD and had previously worked on the Academy Award-nominated feature BROOKLYN.
Past Winner Success
Check out more of our Success Stories.
Dallas Rico
Staffed on a HBO Show
“First, the feedback has been incredibly insightful and validating. Secondly, I got a meeting with a manager through WeScreenplay who I really dig, and now that manager is considering signing with me. Stay tuned!”
Tips for fellow screenwriters
“Make your writing as polished as possible. I see so many aspiring writers out here, desperate to get read by an exec, yet their work is not even ready to share. You want your script to be so remarkable that when an exec finally reads it they have no choice but to meet this undeniably talented writer.”
Jim Maceda
Got a paid writing gig
“WeScreenplay has been instrumental in my career. Its coverage was tough love, but honest and insightful. Their readers not only highlighted my weaknesses but always offered ways how I might improve. It gave me the confidence to get my stuff out there, and to place in a number of screenwriting competitions. After winning its 2018 Feature runner-up award, WeScreenplay’s staff took me under its wing and hooked me up with successful pros“
Tips for fellow screenwriters
“It can be a cruel, lonely business, so do it only if you love it. And if you do, then persevere, persevere again and persevere some more. And never forget to network with your peers.”
Nevil Jackson
Signed with Zero Gravity Management
“I think one of the things standing between many writers and their goals is access. Theres plenty of talented writers who’ve yet to get their shot because they can’t get their work in front of the people making the decisions. But, entering WeScreenplay got me noticed and got me management.“
Tips for fellow screenwriters
“Consume everything; Input is just as important as output. Give written notes on your friends’ scripts; it forces you to examine a script from structure, to character voice, to tone, and strengthens your ability to examine your own work… and it helps your friends.”
Evyn Williams
Signed with manager, John Bauman
“I’m amazed at how much WeScreenplay champions their writers. After I won the TV competition, they jumped right in to support me with amazing advice, resources, and career chats. They have consistently been there to cheer me on.“
Tips for fellow screenwriters
“Network and form community with other people who are right where you are — writing and striving to get better. The people I met in my writing classes, writer’s groups, and co-working spaces really became my community, and I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without their support, kindness, feedback, and soul-searching coffee chats.”
How to contact us
You can contact us with anything related to script coverage or this contest and we'll get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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