Why You Should Never “Spray & Pray” In Screenplay Contests

One common feature of professional screenwriters’ stories is that there is no single magic route into the industry. Everyone’s path is different. Entering screenplay contests, or entering a whole host of contests all at once, might seem like an attractive shortcut.

Entering screenwriting contests feels like progress is being made, like forward momentum IS occurring.

All you have to do, or so the contest in question might suggest, is pay the entry fee, send your script in, and wait for someone to recognise your genius.

Sadly, however, that’s not how it works.

Not all screenwriting contests are equal, precious few have really big industry figures standing behind them, and hardly any carry real weight in the minds of incredibly busy executives, agents and producers who’re already struggling to keep on top of their reading pile.

How To Spot Irrelevant Screenplay Contests:

“Irrelevant” might sounds like a tough term, but if all the powers-that-be haven’t heard of it, then it probably is…well…irrelevant.

How To Spot Irrelevant Contests:

1. Read this (older) article from ex-MGM executive Stephanie Palmer of Good in a Room where she identifies the only contests worth entering.

2. Take even those recommendations with a pinch of salt: in the comments below this article, a user who actually WON the PAGE International Contest, had this to say about the jamboree of screenplay contests out there.