Big Break Logo

The Contest That Has Launched Careers For Over 20 Years

Final Draft’s Big Break Screenwriting Contest is an annual, international feature film and television screenwriting contest designed to help launch the careers of aspiring writers. Writers who have entered Big Break have had their screenplays optioned, sold, and have secured high-profile representation.

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Early Bird

Ends 04/15

From $35.00

Regular

Ends 05/20

From $45.00

Final

Ends 06/10

From $55.00

Extended

Ends 06/28

From $65.00

Big Break 2024 Judges

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Early Bird Deadline in 18 Days

Big Break Prizes

All prizes and awards are subject to change.

2 Grand Prize Award Winners

  • $10,000 cash
  • An Apple iPad
  • Dell XPS Laptop
  • A trip to Hollywood* –Roundtrip airfare to Los Angeles plus 3 night hotel accommodations
  • UCLAex Masterclass
  • 1 year subscription to ScriptHop
  • Cocktails with Big Break Grand Prize Alumni
  • Writer brand assessment and 60-Minute Career Prep Webinar with screenwriting career coach Lee Jessup
  • Copy of Save The Cat! Story Structure Software and book
  • Query Letter or One-Sheet analysis and a personalized, signed copy of The Screenwriter’s Bible by Dave Trottier
  • Final Draft Go™ App for iPhone and iPad.

Additional Prizes For TV Grand Prize Winner

  • Script Consultation from Jen Grisanti Inc.
  • One-hour career coaching session with Carole Kirschner to create a personalized game plan for leveraging the contest win.

Each Feature And TV Award Winner Receives

  • $1,000 Cash
  • Final Draft 13
  • New York Film Academy – Attend multi-week online immersive program in both film & television writing
  • 5 Career coaching sessions with screenwriting coach Lee Jessup
  • 60-minute webinar with screenwriting career coach Lee Jessup on how to capitalize on your Big Break win
  • Participation in a 6-Week Teleseminar from Jen Grisanti Inc.
  • A 4-month InkTip Pro Membership – As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you’ll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week
  • Free entry to any Script Pipeline Season – Feature or TV
  • One year subscription of MasterWriter software
  • Free Big Break Contest entry for 2025
  • Script coverage from Big Break readers
  • A Copy of Save The Cat! Strikes Back by screenwriter Blake Snyder.
  • 6 month subscription to ScriptHop

Short Script Winner Receives

  • $1,000 Cash
  • Final Draft 13
  • Feedback on a verbal pitch or pitch deck, plus a 1-hour feedback session with Seed & Spark
  • Free Big Break Contest entry for 2025
  • A 4-month InkTip Pro Membership – As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you’ll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week
  • 6 month subscription to ScriptHop
  • One year subscription of MasterWriter software

Short Script Finalists

  • One-on-one consultation with Seed & Spark on crowdfunding, producing, and distribution

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ENTER CONTEST

Early Bird Deadline in 18 Days

Some of Our Success Stories

Jason Kaleko

Jason Kaleko

Signed with Dallaslyn Lamb and Matt Rosen at Rain Management Group

2023 Grand Prize Feature Winner

Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood

Signed with manager at Meridian Artists

2022 Grand Prize TV Winner

Joshua Flanagan

Joshua Flanagan

Signed with UTA. Script optioned by Legacy Pictures

Top 3 Hour-Long Pilot 2022 for The Six-Day Detective

Rob Shapiro

Rob Shapiro

Found producers and a director for his contest-winning script, and signed a shopping agreement for a half-hour revenge thriller and optioned a horror feature

2022 Comedy Category Winner

Jason Ginsburg

Jason Ginsburg

Signed with Gravity Squared Entertainment

Top-3 2022 in Comedy/Feature for Unexplainable

Dustin Milligan

Dustin Milligan

Signed with Anonymous Content

2022 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Category Winner

Aaron Horwitz

Aaron Horwitz

Script has actors and director attached. Film being presented to buyers at EFM

Top-3 2022 Sci Fi/Fantasy Category for Green Bank

Chris Pittas

Chris Pittas

Signed with Matt Prater at Citizen Skull

2021 Top-10 in Thriller/Horror for Scorpions

Benjamin Kramer

Benjamin Kramer

Signed with Heroes & Villains

2021 Action/Adventure Category Winner

Lindsay Grossman

Lindsay Grossman

Signed with Sarah Nezamzadeh at Stride Management

2021 Semifinalist in TV Hour-Long for Lady Death

Frank Arthur Smith

Frank Arthur Smith

Comedy series Open To It was acquired by channel/streaming service OUTv

Quarter-Finalist in 2020 in Diversity Category for Feature The Heat of Neutralization and Quarter-Finalist in 2021 in Diversity for Feature Second Generation

Mira Z. Barnum

Mira Z. Barnum

Staff writer on The Irrational

2020 TV Grand Prize Winner for Beirut

Manfred Lopez Gram

Manfred Lopez Gram

Signed with Zero Gravity

2020 Top-5 in TV Half-Hour for Teleport

Chris Hill

Chris Hill

Signed with LIT Management

2020 Top-3 in Period/Historical for One Day Longer

Bill Poore

Bill Poore

Signed with REALM

2020 Feature Horror Category Winner for Slaycay

Asabi Lee & Paul-Hart Wilden

Asabi Lee & Paul-Hart Wilden

Signed with StoryDriven

2020 Feature Diversity Quarter-Finalists for Haunting of 1600

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson

Signed by Plain Text Management. Showrunning own series for Netflix.

2019 Feature Diversity Category Winner for Canaan

Todd Goodlett

Todd Goodlett

Signed by Larchmont LIieracy Agency

2019 TV Grand Prize Winner for The Arsonist's Handbook

Myles Reid

Myles Reid

Signed by Silent R Literary Management. Sold his winning pilot which is currently in development for Sony

2018 TV Grand Prize Winner for Scattershot

Jonathan Barger

Jonathan Barger

Optioned by Zorg Studios

2018 Quarter-Finalist for Station Zero

Natasha LePetit

Natasha LePetit

Optioned by Chayah Masters/Rumination Road, with Alex Gayner set to direct

2018 Quarter-Finalist for The Undertaker's Childer

Nadia Abass-Madden

Nadia Abass-Madden

Sold her spec episode in the room to Fox's 9-1-1 and is now a staff writer on the show.

2018 Feature Diversity Category Winner for Tongs of China Town

Greta Heinemann

Greta Heinemann

Signed by Bellevue. Sold pilot to HBO Max. Set up feature biopic at Amblin. Co-EP on upcoming Apple show The Secrets We Keep

2017 Feature Grand Prize Winner for Anatomy of a Breakdown

Kevin Bachar

Kevin Bachar

Signed by Zero Gravity Management.

2017 Top-3 Finalist for My Boyfriend The App

Nancy Duff

Nancy Duff

Signed by Jennifer Au of Untitled

2017 Top-3 Finalist for Drop Dead

Michael Morra

Michael Morra

Horror/Thriller script optioned by Caged Film Ltd.

2022 Grand Prize Feature Winner

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Previous Winners

See our past Grand Prize and Category Winners.

Fees & Deadlines

Early Bird

Ends 04/15

From $35.00

Regular

Ends 05/20

From $45.00

Final

Ends 06/10

From $55.00

Extended

Ends 06/28

From $65.00

All entries must be electronically submitted by midnight on their respective deadlines.

ENTER CONTEST

Early Bird Deadline in 18 Days

Rules & Eligibility

Fees and Deadlines

  • $35.00 – Early Bird Deadline Shorts Standard Entry April 15, 2024
  • $75.00 – Early Bird Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback April 15, 2024
  • $45.00 – Early Bird Deadline Standard Entry April 15, 2024
  • $110.00 – Early Bird Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback April 15, 2024
  • $45.00 – Regular Deadline Shorts Standard Entry May 20, 2024
  • $85.00 – Regular Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback May 20, 2024
  • $65.00 – Regular Deadline Standard Entry May 20, 2024
  • $130.00 – Regular Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback May 20, 2024
  • $55.00 – Extended Deadline Shorts Standard Entry June 10, 2024
  • $95.00 – Extended Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback June 10, 2024
  • $75.00 – Extended Deadline Standard Entry June 10, 2024
  • $140.00 – Extended Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback June 10, 2024
  • $65.00 – Last Chance Deadline Shorts Standard Entry June 28, 2024
  • $105.00 – Last Chance Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback June 28, 2024
  • $85.00 – Last Chance Deadline Standard Entry June 28, 2024
  • $150.00 – Last Chance Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback June 28, 2024
Dates reflect deadlines for electronic submission of scripts. All entries must be electronically submitted by midnight (Pacific Time) on their respective deadlines.

Submissions

  • The Big Break Screenwriting Contest only accepts online entry of feature film, television, and short screenplays (original pilot scripts only – miniseries cannot be accepted).
  • No printed scripts will be accepted.
  • To enter your script electronically, you must submit your screenplay in PDF format. You are not required to use Final Draft in order to enter the Contest.
  • All submissions should consist of: – Full-length screenplays (approximately 80 to 120 pages); – Teleplays (hour-long approximately 40 to 70 pages, half hour approximately 20 to 35 pages); – Short script screenplays (maximum 20 pages).
  • Any entries over 150 pages WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. For feature and teleplay, entries less than 20 pages that are clearly not a screenplay (comic books, etc.) will also be disqualified.
  • All necessary information is captured upon entry of digital submissions, so title pages should be removed or contact information must be deleted from the title page. The title of the script will be provided to the reader as part of the file name and in the judging form.
  • Do NOT include personally identifying information (name, etc.) ANYWHERE in your script as this will result in INSTANT DISQUALIFICATION. This includes: – Writers name, WGA or representation info on the title page; – Writers name on ANY page of the script; – Writers name within the script’s file name.
  • Entry should consist of a screenplay, teleplay, or short script only. Do not include resumes, pitches, synopses, casting suggestions, letters, or other supporting documentation with your submission. Judges will not receive these materials.
  • The exception is original hour-long and half-hour TV entries, which may include standard supplementary materials, such as lists of recurring characters and future episodes, as part of the screenplay. This information would need to be included within the same file, at the end of the script.
  • Entrants who select to receive feedback on their screenplay will be given at least 550 words of assessment from a competition reader. Feedback will be automatically emailed to entrants upon its completion.

Contest Announcement Dates

  • August 23, 2024 (Quarterfinalists)
  • September 20, 2024 (Semifinalists)
  • October 11, 2024 (Finalists)
  • November 1, 2024 (Category Winners)
  • December 4, 2024 (Grand Prize Winners)

Multiple Entries

  • Entrants may submit multiple entries. Each submission must include its own entry form, a separate file and separate entry fee. Entries will be considered for the genre prize in each category and for the grand prize in either feature film or television.

Eligibility

  • The Big Break Contest is open to any individual who is 18 years of age or older at the date of entry and has access to the Internet.
  • Employees, officers, directors, contractors and agents, and their immediate families and household members regardless of where they live, or members of the same households (whether related or not) of Cast & Crew Production Software, dba Final Draft and its respective divisions, affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, Big Break Contest sponsors, and advertising agencies (collectively, the “contest providers”), are not eligible to participate in the Contest or to win any prize.
  • Screenplays under option at the time of submission are not eligible.
  • Adaptations are not eligible unless the source material was written by the screenwriter of the entry in question. Scripts are not eligible if the source material has been sold, produced, or is currently under option to any third party.
  • Grand Prize winners in Features and TV, category winners, and Short Script Award winners are not eligible to re-enter their winning scripts in future Big Break Contests. They are, however, eligible to enter different scripts for consideration. Grand Prize Feature and TV winners, as well as category winners, receive a free entry in the 2024 Big Break Contest as part of their 2023 prize package.

Co-Writers and Prize Division

  • Screenplays written by up to four people may be entered into the contest. Only one entry fee is required for such entries. All writers’ names should be listed on the online entry – if they are not, your co-writer’s name will not be reflected on our website if your screenplay advances in the contest. List the writer who will be the primary contact first, and include the address, telephone, and email for that person only. All writers must authorize submission of the entry. By clicking Submit, all writers authorize the submission.
  • If a screenplay written by multiple writers is one of either of the Grand Prize winners, all cash awards will be split equally between all writers. If a screenplay written by multiple writers is any of the category finalists or Grand Prize winners, prizes will be divided at writers’ discretion but only one of each prize will be distributed.

Revisions, Refunds, and Resubmissions

  • In order to run a fair contest for all entrants, revisions or missing pages will not be accepted under any circumstances once an entry has been assigned to a reader.
  • Once an entry has been submitted and payment has been processed no refunds will be issued.
  • If the script is rewritten and the original entry has already been assigned to a reader, the writer(s) may resubmit a script as a new entry for consideration in the contest. This is treated as its own entry and requires the full entry fee.
  • Substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entered material will be allowed for a limited time (provided the entry has not already been assigned to a reader) with a $6 reentry fee through Coverfly. Please proofread your script carefully before submitting.

Prize Conditions

  • All prizes and awards are subject to change, including changes which are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Prize travel is subject to capacity controls, availability, weather, seasonal influences, and certain other restrictions, all of which are subject to change. No changes will be made to travel details once any element(s) of the travel arrangements have been booked, except at Final Draft’s sole discretion. All airline tickets issued in conjunction with the prize are not eligible for upgrades, frequent flyer miles, or any other promotional benefit. Final Draft is not obligated to replace any lost or stolen tickets (including any event tickets or admission passes), travel vouchers, certificates, or similar items once they are in the winner’s possession. Travel must be roundtrip. Final Draft will determine the flight itinerary in its sole discretion. No refund or compensation will be made in the event of the cancellation or delay of any flight. Air travel is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in these Rules and those set forth by Final Draft’s air travel prize supplier, as detailed in the passenger ticket contract issued by such supplier.
  • In connection with travel related to any prize element or activity, please be advised that the policies of each prize provider, CDC guidelines, and the recommendations of health officials must be followed. In addition, guests should be aware of and comply with government guidelines regarding travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines before visiting any prize destination. Please note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19, and Final Draft or any other prize provider cannot guarantee that any person will not be exposed during a visit.

Ownership and Industry Release

  • Big Break Contest entrants retain all rights to their screenplays.
  • By entering the Big Break Contest, you represent and affirm that your entry is an original creative work, and does not infringe, misappropriate or violate the copyright, trademark or other intellectual rights of any third party.
  • By entering the Big Break Contest, you acknowledge and agree that contest Judges receive numerous submissions of ideas, stories and scripts, and that your entry, and the ideas and stories embodied in it, may be similar or identical to other material already received and/or developed by one or more of the Judges. You also agree that you are not entitled to any compensation or credit for use by contest Judges of any such other material.

General Provisions

  • By agreeing to these Rules and Conditions you agree that you have read the rules of the contest and that you have the authorization to submit this screenplay to the Big Break Contest. You further agree that your screenplay is owned by you (and co-author(s)).
  • VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.
  • The entrant shall indemnify and hold harmless Cast & Crew Production Software, dba Final Draft its employees, contractors, agents and Big Break Judges from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, and/or publicity to the Screenplay entered.
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Award Categories

This year we celebrate 11 Category Winners, 2 Grand Prize Winners, and a Short Script Winner. Over 60 past winners have sold scripts, received representation or gone on to professional writing careers.

Feature Awards

Action/Adventure

Comedy/Rom-Com

Diversity

Drama

Family/Animated

Period/Historical/War

Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Thriller/Horror

Television Awards

Diversity

Half-Hour Pilot

Hour-Long Pilot

Short Film Award

ENTER CONTEST

Early Bird Deadline in 18 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Popular Questions

Since I shouldn’t include my personal information in the body of my script or on the title page, how do I remove or clear the title page?

To clear the title page:
  1. Go to Document > Title Page
  2. Select all the text with Apple (Command) + A on Mac and Control + A on Windows
  3. Press the Delete key to clear the page
  4. Go to File > Close to return to your script
After the script is saved, when it’s next opened in Final Draft, Document > Title Page will be blank. Don’t worry, the entry system captures your title and provides it to the reader. To remove the title page from the PDF export: Final Draft 13/ 12 / 11 / 10: Click here For information on how to create the title page, click here.

What is the diversity category? Is it for scripts about diversity issues?

The Diversity category is for scripts written by underrepresented writers. The story itself does not have to be about inclusion or issues of equality. When submitting, you will be asked to select the Diversity category and the actual genre of your script so we can assign it to the appropriate reader. If you are a writer who qualifies for this category you are welcome to submit under the Diversity category or can elect to submit under any genre specific category. You do not need to enter the Features & TV category to enter the Diversity category. The Diversity category exists to encourage writers who have underrepresented voices in Hollywood to enter the contest. These writers are also welcome to submit their scripts to any of the other categories they are eligible for.

Why do you have a diversity category?

There is a great demand in the film and television industry for stories from writers from diverse backgrounds. The Diversity category allows us to easily identify these writers for industry professionals.

Who can submit in the diversity feature film and television categories?

Underrepresented writers, including:
  • American Indian
  • Asian/Pacific Islander
  • Black
  • LatinX
  • LGBTQIA
  • Middle Eastern
  • Women
  • Non-Binary
  • Differently-abled
  • Any other voices that have been historically ignored by Hollywood.

How can I be sure my script will not be plagiarized?

We recommend that you register your script with the WGA and/or the U.S. Copyright Office. We do not require such registration for entry. We are aware that we instruct you not to include a cover page (so that readers cannot see your name) and that copyright or registration information would normally be on that page. We simply recommend that you take at least one of those steps to protect your intellectual property. Whether you do or do not take those steps, your script will still be read. At no point in the entry process do we check for registration or copyright. Our contest has been running 20 years and we are very careful with our entrants’ scripts. However, those easy steps will help ensure that your work is protected.

How long should my screenplay be?

Suggested length for screenplays is approximately 80 to 120 pages and for teleplays it is approximately 25 to 70 pages. Short film scripts must not exceed 20 pages. Entries over 150 pages WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. Submissions less than 20 pages or that are clearly not a screenplay (short stories, comic books, etc.) will also be disqualified.

What type of short script can I submit?

The short script category is open to short scripts with a maximum page count of 20 pages. Short scripts may be in any genre.

Judging

What are the criteria for judging, and which genres are accepted?

The eight main feature genres for entries are:
  • Action/Adventure – Films with strong action scenes, exotic locales, stories of adventure.
  • Comedy/Rom-Com – Romantic comedies, straight, dark and raunchy comedy, satires, etc.
  • Diversity – Open to writers from diverse backgrounds. Who can enter? Underrepresented writers, including but not limited to:
    • American Indian
    • Asian/Pacific Islander
    • Black
    • LatinX
    • LGBTQIA
    • Middle Eastern
    • Women
    • Non-Binary
    • Differently-abled
    • Any other voices that have been historically ignored by Hollywood
  • Drama – More serious, realistic scripts exploring dramatic stories with deep themes.
  • Family/Animated – Scripts directed to the children/family market, movies that can be enjoyed by the whole family, animated features.
  • Period/Historical/War – Biopics, scripts based largely in the past, war epics, and scripts featuring historical characters.
  • Sci-Fi/Fantasy – Space travel, disaster and post-apocalyptic stories, scripts set in alternate worlds and universes, stories with magical elements.
  • Thriller/Horror – Scripts that use suspense, fear and/or tension as main story elements, spy and crime thrillers, psychological thrillers, mysteries, ghost, zombie and monster stories.
For TV scripts, we accept entries in:
  • Half-Hour Original Pilot – 30 minute original television scripts, typically comedy but not always.
  • Hour-Long Original Pilot – 60 minute original television scripts, typically dramas but not always.
  • Diversity Original Pilot – Open to writers from diverse backgrounds. Who can enter? Underrepresented writers, including but not limited to:
    • American Indian
    • Asian/Pacific Islander
    • Black
    • LatinX
    • LGBTQIA
    • Middle Eastern
    • Women
    • Non-Binary
    • Differently-abled
    • Any other voices that have been historically ignored by Hollywood
Pick the genre that best fits your script. You can also enter the same script in a different genre for additional consideration, but you will need to submit another complete entry for that script. The readers and judges look for qualities such as craft and execution, originality, dialogue, and structure. For Short scripts, we accept entries in:
  • All genres

Is coverage provided?

We do not provide coverage for screenplays entered into the contest, however at the time of entry writers may elected to purchase feedback notes with their submission. Coverage is included as part of the prize package for winning scripts.

Who will be reading and judging my screenplay?

Our readers are professional script analysts from diverse backgrounds who carefully evaluate each entry and sign confidentiality agreements to ensure that your work is protected. After screenplays are narrowed to finalists, a panel of notable industry professionals conducts the final judging to determine the winners. These jury members represent award-winning writers, producers, and A-list development executives. A current list of our judges can be found here.

Entering Your Script

Who can enter?

Any rule-abiding writer 18 and older whose screenplay or teleplay is not currently optioned.

What is the deadline to enter the 2024 Big Break Contest?

  • Early Bird Deadline – April 15, 2024
  • Regular Deadline –  May 20, 2024
  • Extended Deadline –  June 10, 2024
  • Last Chance Deadline – June 28, 2024
Dates reflect deadlines for electronic submission of scripts. All entries must be electronically submitted by midnight (Pacific Time) on their respective deadlines.

Is there an entry fee?

  • $35.00 – Early Bird Deadline Shorts Standard Entry April 15, 2024
  • $75.00 – Early Bird Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback April 15, 2024
  • $45.00 – Early Bird Deadline Standard Entry April 15, 2024
  • $110.00 – Early Bird Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback April 15, 2024
  • $45.00 – Regular Deadline Shorts Standard Entry May 20, 2024
  • $85.00 – Regular Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback May 20, 2024
  • $65.00 – Regular Deadline Standard Entry May 20, 2024
  • $130.00 – Regular Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback May 20, 2024
  • $55.00 – Extended Deadline Shorts Standard Entry June 10, 2024
  • $95.00 – Extended Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback June 10, 2024
  • $75.00 – Extended Deadline Standard Entry June 10, 2024
  • $140.00 – Extended Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback June 10, 2024
  • $65.00 – Last Chance Deadline Shorts Standard Entry June 28, 2024
  • $105.00 – Last Chance Deadline Shorts Standard Entry + Feedback June 28, 2024
  • $85.00 – Last Chance Deadline Standard Entry June 28, 2024
  • $150.00 – Last Chance Deadline Standard Entry + Feedback June 28, 2024

What happens if I request feedback on my script?

Entrants who select to receive feedback on their screenplay will be given at least 550 words of assessment from a competition reader. Feedback will be automatically emailed to entrants upon its completion.

Can I enter the same script in more than one year of the Big Break contest?

Yes, many entrants revise their scripts several times and re-enter. Some have gone on to become finalists after doing so. Only category winners and grand prize winners may not re-enter their winning scripts.

Can I submit multiple screenplays and/or teleplays during one contest year?

Yes, you may enter as many different scripts as you wish. Each script must be submitted as a separate entry.

Can I enter the same revised script more than once in a contest year?

Yes, but the revised script will be counted as a new entry and must be submitted separately.

Do you prefer digital or printed scripts?

We’re environmentally conscious and only accept digital scripts. Entries must be submitted in PDF format.

Do you accept teleplays or stageplays?

We accept hour-long and half-hour original television scripts in addition to feature screenplays. We do not have a category for stage plays.

Do I need to be a Final Draft user to enter the Big Break Contest?

No, you do not have to use any Final Draft products to enter the Big Break Contest. Scripts must be submitted in PDF format.

Can I submit a screenplay with a writing partner?

Yes, you and up to three other writing partners will be credited as winners and will divide the prizes amongst yourselves.

Can I send my script in a language other than english?

You may enter the contest, but the script must be written in English so that our readers can read it. If a script has other languages in it as part of the plot, simply denote that the line will be spoken in another language using a parenthetical, e.g. (Speaking in Spanish).

Can I submit images, audio, or accompanying documents along with my screenplay or teleplay?

Scripts in the industry are judged on the merit of the story and the writing skills. Because our judging emulates the industry evaluation process, we cannot accept any supplemental materials along with your script. The exceptions are:  1. Original hour-long and half-hour TV entries, which may include standard supplementary materials, such as lists of recurring characters and future episodes, as part of the screenplay. 2. Images within the script (maximum file size is 20mb).

What do I do if I'm having problems submitting?

Entries in The Big Break Screenwriting Contest are managed by Coverfly. Their support team can be contacted here.

If I submit my script to Big Break, can I still submit it to other contests?

Yes, as long as the other contest does not have any exclusivity clause preventing you from entering other contests.

Can I submit revised drafts?

Substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entered material will be allowed for a limited time (provided the entry has not already been assigned to a reader) with a $6 reentry fee through Coverfly. Please proofread your script carefully before submitting.

Eligibility

I don't live in the United States. Can I still enter?

Yes, we accept entries from most nations and territories in the world. We’ve received submissions from Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain and China, to name a few.

Notifications and Verification

When are the semifinalists, finalists and winners announced?

  • August 23, 2024 (Quarterfinalists)
  • September 20, 2024 (Semifinalists)
  • October 11, 2024 (Finalists)
  • November 1, 2024 (Category Winners)
  • December 4, 2024 (Grand Prize Winners)

How can I verify that my submission is in order and has been received?

You will be notified by email from Coverfly immediately after submitting your script that your entry has been received. If you have received a confirmation email, no further action is necessary. If you are an existing Coverfly user, you can also track your submission through your dashboard. If you have not received a confirmation email, please check your junk mailbox or junk filter. If the confirmation is not in either place, please contact Coverfly here.

Rights, Options, and Adaptations

Do I retain the rights to my screenplay after submitting to the Big Break Contest, whether or not I win?

Yes, you retain all rights until you choose to sell or option your screenplay and/or teleplay.

I've written a screenplay based on a true story. May I use real people's names in my Big Break submission?

We do accept adaptations of true stories, however, you must be sure that the people represented in the script have given you permission to use their names and stories unless those stories are in the public domain and the rights are available. In order to enter, you must be able to grant the rights to the story you wrote to a producer, should they want to option the script. Securing the rights to the source material is the responsibility of the screenwriter. If you feel that the rights are available, you may certainly enter. Regrettably, we cannot offer any advice on whether or not the rights are available. We recommend that you consult an attorney if you plan to pursue the project, as the question regarding rights – even life rights – would eventually come up and need to be addressed prior to anyone’s optioning or buying the script.

is it possible to submit an adaptation of a novel that no longer has copyright (author deceased over 100 years ago)?

We do not accept any adaptations, only original material.

Would you accept a screenplay that is an adaptation of a published book, where the writer has contractually optioned the movie rights to the book?

No, the source material for an adaptation must be written by the screenwriter entering the contest.

Can I submit a screenplay or teleplay that was previously under contract but the contract has elapsed?

Any script that is CURRENTLY NOT under option (or contract) is eligible to enter the contest. If a pre-existing option has expired, you are able to enter.

What happens if I have an opportunity to sell or option my screenplay or teleplay after entering the contest, but before the contest is over? Will I still be able to sell or option it?

Yes, you would simply have to inform us that the script was optioned or sold and we would remove it from the judging. We highly encourage all writers to hold off on withdrawing their submission until any option deal is indeed fully executed.

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Early Bird Deadline in 18 Days

How to Win a Screenwriting Contest

How to Win a Screenwriting Contest

Included in this publication are answers to your biggest questions, such as: Why should you enter? Which contests should you enter? How do you get past the contest reader? How can you make your spec stand out from the crowd? What should be included?

Ebook on its way!

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