Inciting Incident Writing Contest

Inciting Incident

Contact

16656 Evergreen Cir
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 315-1932 (voice)

Web:
Click here
Email:
info@incitingincidentcontest.com

Contact: Laura Fortino-Zeni

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Objective

The first 10 pages of any script are the most important. Every story needs a creative and unique inciting incident. What's yours?

"Yes, it’s true a writer might only get the opening pages of their script read -- and it will likely be put down right away if those pages don’t immediately engage the busy industry professional who has given it a chance by opening it." (Erik Bork, Band Of Brothers)

Inciting Incident Script Competition aims to help writers discover if their work is engaging enough to captivate the Hollywood gatekeeper to receive the elusive “Recommend.” Inciting Incident accepts up to 15 pages of your screenplay, short script or play. The Grand Prize Winner receives $300, a Winner’s Laurel, and written feedback from the festival directors with additional prizes for second and third place entries. Show More

Deadline/Entry Fees

Deadline	Date Days till:	Entry Fee
Run Lola Run	January 25, 2026 55	$37.00
The Late Shift	March 25, 2026 114	$47.00
Time Bandits	May 26, 2026 176	$57.00

WinningScripts Pro $10 Off Coupon

Notification: May 31, 2026

Eligibility

Writers can submit up to 15 pages of screenplays, short scripts or plays

Rules

Submissions must be 12 pages or less.
All entries are non-refundable.
Please use standard script format.
Must be submitted in English
All submissions must be in PDF Format
All entries must be by electronic submission between the contest opening date and the final deadline
All submitted material must be original, and must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by any 3rd party, with all rights owned by the writer(s).
Open to writers 18 years and older.
Student entries require proof of enrollment and will be verified upon submission. Please list school in your cover letter.
If a script is optioned during the competition, then it is no longer eligible for consideration.
Substitutions or updated drafts are not accepted at any time.
For screenplays with multiple writers Prize money will be distributed equally amongst all writers.
All decisions by judges are final

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The undersigned warrants and agrees, on behalf of the undersigned and each of the Scripts owners that the Script is being submitted voluntarily and without promise or inducement to the Cinematic Scribe Short Screenplay Contest, and that submission of the Script neither imposes or creates any obligation or responsibility from the contest related parties, except as stated in the Contest Rules & Terms. By submitting a script, the undersigned, on behalf of the undersigned and each of the scripts owners also agrees to hold harmless, any contest related parties free from all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, fees, and expenses at any time, in connection with submission of their Script arising from any breach or alleged breach of any representation made by the undersigned to the contest parties, or any implied representation in these terms and conditions.

Awards

GRAND PRIZE
$300
Winner’s Laurel

2ND PLACE
$50
2nd Place Laurel

3rd PLACE
Judges Written Feedback
3rd Place Laurel