Contest Comments

You must login to post a comment.

First-time user? Register now to receive FREE email contest updates, news, results, deadline reminders and more. Rest assured, information submitted here is held in strict confidence. MovieBytes never sells or in any way distributes email names or addresses. We promise!

Contest News

Script Pipeline Names 2015 Film & TV Contest Winners

Script Pipeline announced the winners of the 2015 Screenwriting and TV Writing Competitions at their Secret Door event in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 8th.

Top honors and $20,000 for Screenwriting went to Henry Dunham with his crime/thriller Militia. Grand Prize for TV went to the original pilot Beechwood, written by Eric Beu and Greg Martin.

"Script Pipeline was actually something a friend (who's very high up in the industry) introduced me to, and having her recommend it speaks volumes about how highly regarded a contest it is, even within the upper echelon," said Henry. "I can't say how surprised and happy I was to hear Militia called out as the winner--but maybe the people near me at the time could, since I think I said "holy sh*t* about forty times as I walked up to accept [the award]."

Runner-up for Screenwriting was Nir Paniry (The Coyote), and Howard Jordan Jr. (Family Be Like) snagged second place for TV.

"There is no better place for writers than with Script Pipeline," said Nir. "Their attention and assistance on helping me guide my career is invaluable."

In the weeks since naming the finalists, Script Pipeline has already begun sending out select projects to closer industry partners, including Howard's comedy pilot.

"When I relocated from NYC to LA to pursue sitcom writing, everyone I met in the industry said it wasn't about entering competitions, it was about entering the right competition," Howard said. "All of them named Script Pipeline as the right competition. . . . I've seen and heard that they support their winners and really work to advance their careers. Winning runner-up feels like a major step in the proper direction." Over 5,000 screenplays and pilots were reviewed in the 2015 seasons, adding to Script Pipeline's overall annual material review of approximately 10,000 scripts and pitches across all Pipeline competitions and review channels.

"While writers are clearly branching out in other areas--screenwriters trying their hand at TV, or writing and self-publishing novels in addition to scripts--we're also seeing the quality of writing steadily increase year over year," said Script Pipeline's Director of Development Matt Misetich. "Eric and Greg wrote maybe one of the best pilots I've ever read, Henry showcased some unique skills in the genre that I haven't seen in years. . . all the finalists, even many of the semifinalists, put forth some really impressive material. We're eager to help circulate their scripts and continue working with them long-term."

Since 2000, Script Pipeline alumni have sold over $5 million in specs, and several writers this year have been hired on major studio projects, including Tripper Clancy (Hacker Camp), Evan Daugherty (Tomb Raider), and Tyler Burton Smith (Five Nights at Freddy's).

The 2016 Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing seasons open September 1st, 2015. There will be an exclusive early submission window August 25th-31st for a reduced entry fee.

The 2015 First Look Project, seeking studio-level projects for film and TV, is currently open for entries. Major production companies and agencies reviewing the winners. Deadline in November.

Updated: 08/18/2015

Submit Report Card

You must login to read or submit report cards.

First-time user? Register now to receive FREE email contest updates, news, results, deadline reminders and more. Rest assured, information submitted here is held in strict confidence. MovieBytes never sells or in any way distributes email names or addresses. We promise!