Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
Contest (2027)Prestige 65/100Feedback included
19th annual TV writing competition. $20,000 to the winner, $1,000 to each finalist, ongoing mentorship and industry circulation.
Deadlines & fees
- Special EntryPassed25 Sept 2026$45
- Pre-registerNext deadline
- Early
- Regular
- Late
- Extended
Dates and fees checked against the official site 19 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Formats
- TV Pilot
- Genres
- Action, Adventure, Animation, Biography, Comedy, Crime, Documentary, Drama, Family, Fantasy, History, Horror, Music, Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi, Sport, Thriller, War, Western
- Required materials
- PDF of the TV pilot script
Entrants must be 18 or older. Original television pilots only; no specs of existing shows. Scripts must not have been produced in full form. Previously selected winners and finalists from the past two years are not eligible. Discounted rates available for verified students and Script Pipeline Gold Members.
Results
2026 winner
View results with a free accountPrizes
Grand Prize Winner: $20,000 cash, ongoing one-to-one development, long-term mentorship, career guidance, and circulation to Script Pipeline's industry roster of executives, managers, and production companies. Finalists (5 total): $1,000 cash each, additional feedback, and consideration for industry circulation. Quarterfinalists: additional feedback and exclusive invitations to Symposium conferences.
Judging
Multi-round judging. Five finalists are selected, with one Grand Prize Winner named from that group. All finalists and quarterfinalists receive additional written feedback. Winners and finalists are introduced to Script Pipeline's industry roster.
The PreList verdict
The TV sibling of Script Pipeline's feature contest, with the same core promise: the win is the start of a relationship, not the end of one. The winner takes US$20,000 and ongoing development and circulation, and the company's track record of turning winners into working writers is the reason to pick this over cheaper pilot contests.
The honest part: original pilots and unproduced independent series only, no specs of existing shows, so this is a test of your own voice and format discipline. As with the feature contest, the meaningful value goes to one winner and five finalists, and standard entries get no feedback.
Enter if your pilot is distinctive enough to be somebody's writing sample and commercial enough to be somebody's pitch. Skip it if what you really need is notes. The 2027 contest is open now at 50 dollars until 30 December, rising in steps to 75 by the final deadline on 31 May 2027.
Dylian Salvatore, Founder of The PreList. Updated 19 Oct 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter a spec episode of an existing show?
No. The contest accepts original pilots and unproduced independent series only.
Is the TV Writing Contest open now?
Yes. The 2027 contest is open, at 50 US dollars until 30 December 2026, then 60 by 5 March, 65 by 1 May, 70 by 15 May and 75 by the extended deadline on 31 May 2027. The winner is announced on 12 August 2027.
What does the winner receive?
US$20,000 plus development support, mentoring and long-term industry circulation. Each of the five finalists receives US$1,000.
Is your script right for Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest?
Find out free, before you spend anything. Upload your screenplay and The PreList checks whether its format can enter this contest, whether you meet the country rules and any regional limits, and scores the script. Pro adds a written read on how well it fits.
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