NOW OPEN!
Why Enter?

JUDGES
Winning Feature scripts will be read by our 19 OSCAR & BAFTA winning Judges.

PRIZES
Over $10k in Cash & Prizes is up for grabs in our Feature contest.

INDUSTRY ROSTER
2018’s best Feature scripts will be read by our roster of 75 production companies, agents and managers.

SCRIPT SCORE
You will be able to view your script score. This will be released once we announce our Quarter-Finalists.

SUCCESS STORIES
We have helped 40+ writers gain representation, option, sell, and even have their screenplays produced.

DISCOVERY PLATFORM
We’ve partnered with Coverfly to handle all submissions. As well as our judges and roster, you have the choice to make your script available to hundreds more industry professionals on their platform for no additional fee. This is entirely optional – you can be as private or public as you like.
You can also submit via FilmFreeWay
Voted one of 2018’s Best Screenplay Contests by Moviebytes
Prizes
1st
• $4000 Cash
• Your script read by our Judges & Industry Roster
• 2019 Raindance Film Festival Pass
• Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers
• Script development with Shore Scripts
• 1 year Subscription to WriterDuet Pro
• 1 year Subscription to IMDB Pro
• Final Draft 10 Software
• Enrollment into Good In A Room’s ‘How To Network in Hollywood’ course
• InkTip script listing and InkTip Magazine listing
• 6-month membership to The International Screenwriters’ Association.
2nd
• $1000 Cash
• Your script read by our Judges & Industry Roster
• Script development with Shore Scripts
• Final Draft 10 Software
• InkTip script listing and InkTip Magazine listing
• 6-month membership to The International Screenwriters’ Association.
3rd
• $500 Cash
• Your script read by our Judges & Industry Roster
• Script development with Shore Scripts
• Final Draft 10 Software
• InkTip script listing and InkTip Magazine listing
• 6-month membership to The International Screenwriters’ Association.
4th
• $250 Cash
• Your script read by our Judges & Industry Roster
• Final Draft 10 Software
• InkTip script listing and InkTip Magazine listing
• 6-month membership to The International Screenwriters’ Association.
5th
• Your script read by our Judges & Industry Roster
• Final Draft 10 Software
• InkTip script listing and InkTip Magazine listing
• 6-month membership to The International Screenwriters’ Association.
FAQ’S
Feature
QUARTER-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – 25th OCTOBER 2018
SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – 6th NOVEMBER 2018
5 WINNERS ANNOUNCED – 10th NOVEMBER 2018
ORDER OF 5 WINNERS ANNOUNCED – 30th NOVEMBER 2018
Absolutely.
You can enter as many competitions as you like.
Yes.
Yes. Anyone can enter from anywhere in the world. However, the script must be in English.
Yes – as long as it wasn’t one of our feature or short winners.
Only if you own the copyright, or the rights are in the public domain.
Yes. You can submit as many scripts as you wish. You will just need to go through the same process that you did with the first.
We do. Click Here for all the info.
Navigate to your chosen Contest page. You will then see ‘Submit Your Script’ buttons. Clicking on your chosen one will direct you to Coverfly, our submission platform. You will be sent an email confirmation once we have received your script and submission fee.
We will pay your winnings straight into your bank account using PayPal or Bank Transfer. It doesn’t matter where in the world you live, you will get exactly what the exchange rate is. (We use XE.com to calculate this)
Once your script has been submitted, we will log it on our system and send you a confirmation email to let you know we’ve received it.
Each script is read twice: once by one of our industry script readers, and then by one of our internal staff members. Feedback is collated and discussed as we decide on which scripts are to progress to the next round.
All applicants will be informed via email of the Quarter, Semi, Finalists and Winners. These will also be on our website.
You will receive an email from us once you have completed your submission. Your will also receive a receipt from Stripe or Paypal. Once the competition has closed, we will email everyone who has entered with all the announcement dates. We will keep informed throughout the year. It’s also worth signing up to our Mailing List.
No. However, because of the extra time to read and evaluate, we do charge an additional $1 per page over the 120 page count. This is capped at 150 pages / $30. If your script is over 150 pages, please email us at contact@shorescripts.com to discuss a submission fee.
It doesn’t need to be. But if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can do it here.
All payments are made through our submission platform, Coverfly. They work with Stripe, who handle millions of customers worldwide each day, so your details are completely secure. All major Credit Cards are accepted.
Only the Script Title. Please DO NOT include your Name, Email, Cell, Postal Address or any other information.
We accept PDF.
Great news! However, you will no longer be eligible for the competition or be entitled to get your entry fee refunded.
It can be about anything! It’s all about the quality of the writing. Some of the things we take into account when reviewing a screenplay are: premise, structure, characterization, dialogue, tone and originality.
We have a select few script readers. They have read for the likes of: Lionsgate, Paramount, Universal, BBC, Vertigo Films, Working Title, Anchor Bay and many others. Each reader is given a fifteen-page document that covers all aspects of the script reading process and what is expected of them. Shore Scripts internal staff members also review the screenplays. Each submitted script is read by two separate readers.
The scripts that make it through to the Semi Final stage are red exclusively by the Shore Scripts team. Our internal team choose the winning scripts. These are then sent to our Judges who decide on the order of our winners.
Because the competition is all about helping upcoming screenwriters break in and establish themselves in the industry.
Previous prizes won in other screenwriting competitions do not count towards this total.
Our goal is to help emerging screenwriters break into the industry. Monetary prizes are really secondary to that. 100+ Production Companies, Agents, Managers and Judges have all signed up to read each year’s top submitted screenplays.
At any point during the competition, if we feel the script and time is right, we will send it with our full backing to a producer or production company who we have a relationship with. We always obtain prior consent from the writer before doing so.
The writer’s information will be passed onto the relevant party and all further correspondence will be made between them and the writer. This has happened with a number of writers who have entered Shore Scripts. Check out our Success Stories.
The money helps the writer continue writing, but ultimately what every writer wants is to see their words spoken on screen.
No. You wrote it, it’s yours! We will never have any rights over your work.
Rules
* Shore Scripts only accepts electronic entries.
* Screenwriters from all countries are welcome to enter. All scripts must be written in English.
* The script must be the writer’s original work. Adaptations are accepted but the writer must own all copyright. At no point will Shore Scripts ever have any rights over your work.
* All ages are welcome.
* We accept animations.
* Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $30,000 (£24,000 approx) in screenwriting fees since 2010. Previous screenwriting cash awards do not count towards this total.
* You may enter a newer draft of an already submitted script. There is a small additional fee. You may re-enter you script through the Resubmission page.
* A writer can enter as many scripts in as many categories as they wish.
* If a script is optioned or purchased during the competition, then it will no longer be eligible for the contest.
* Scripts should be formatted at size 12 Courier.
* The script file formats we accept are: PDF (preferred) Celtx, Final Draft, MovieMagic, RTF, DOC & TXT.
* Scripts should ideally be within 80-120 pages. We do accept longer scripts.
* We accept all genres.
* The winners consent to Shore Scripts using their name, script title, and any other relevant information for promotional purposes on their website. This will be used to inform other contestants and the media of the results.
* If Shore Scripts helps a writer gain representation, option, sell, or have his/her screenplay produced, then we are entitled to state this on our website and on any other platform whenever we see fit.
* Shore Scripts staff and associates are unable to enter.
* The decision of the judging panel is final. All judges, staff, and sponsors are immune from any competition disputes.
* By entering Shore Scripts, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing and/or transmitting your submission file(s).
* If we see fit, we can extend the final deadline for the competition.
Feature Judges
To read the winning 5 Features
Jeremy Irons - Actor
Jeremy won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Claus von Bulow in REVERSAL OF FORTUNE. He is also a Golden Globe Award, Primetime Emmy Award, Tony Award, and SAG Award winner. His works include: THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN, THE MISSION, DEAD RINGERS, THE LION KING, DIE HARD, along with many more.
Tony Grisoni - Writer
Tony has written several of Terry Gilliam’s films, including FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and TIDELAND. Grisoni also co-wrote the screenplay for Gilliam’s THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE, which was abandoned soon after starting filming. He wrote the RED RIDING TRILOGY. THE UNLOVED won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Single Drama. He’s most recently written SOUTHCLIFFE, an original 4-part drama for Channel 4, directed by Sean Durkin.
Thora Birch - Actress, Producer
THORA resumed her acting career to great fanfare and has four upcoming films including playing Emilia Clarke sister ‘Jolene’ opposite Jack Huston and Johnny Knoxville in Phillip Noyce’s ABOVE SUSPICION. She has won SAG Awards and multiple Young Artist Awards, and has been nominated for Golden Globe and Emmy Awards. Some of her most iconic roles include Enid in GHOST WORLD and Jane in AMERICAN BEAUTY.
Keith Calder - Producer
Keith Calder co-founded Snoot Entertainment in 2004 to develop, finance, and produce films across all genres. Keith’s most recent credits include Charlie Kaufman’s Academy-Award nominated animated film ANOMALISA and the upcoming horror movie THE WOODS. Other recent Snoot productions include FAULTS, THE GUEST, and the award-winning horror film YOU’RE NEXT. He has also produced ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE, THE WACKNESS, and PEEP WORLD.
Nora Zehetner - Actress
Nora most recently appeared in the Amazon Studio/Magnolia film “creative control” which was on the National Board of Reviews list of top ten indies. Her previous work includes Brick, Heroes, Maron, Greys Anatomy, and Mad Men.
Finola Dwyer - Producer
Finola is an Oscar and BAFTA-nominated producer whose credits include STONED, QUARTET, SEVERANCE and BAFTA-winning, EMMY nominated, TSUNAMI: THE AFTERMATH. Finola received an Oscar nomination for producing AN EDUCATION.
Ash Christian - Actor, Writer, Director, Producer
Ash won an EMMY for his work on mI Promise. He's acted in shows such as The Good Wife, Cleaners, Ugly Betty; produced 19 features and TV Shows, and directed 4 features.
Kate O'Hara, Development & Production Executive - iFeatures
Kate is a Development & Production Executive at Creative England on iFeatures, a UK wide low budget feature film development and production initiative aimed at 1st & 2nd time feature filmmakers funded by Creative England, BFI Film fund and BBC Films. Kate takes overall responsibility for the running of iFeatures, including managing the submission, development and production process.
Kasi Lemmons - Actress, Writer, Director
Kasi has appeared in such films as SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, HARD TARGET, and Spike Lee’s SCHOOL DAYS. Lemmon’s first feature as a writer-director, EVE'S BAYOU, became the highest grossing independent film of 1997, receiving the Independent Spirit Award for “Best First Feature.” Her most recent feature, BLACK NATIVITY was released nationwide Thanksgiving 2013.
Liza Marshall - Producer
A former head of Drama at Britain’s Channel 4, Liza produced THE RED RIDING TRILOGY, written by one of our other judges, Tony Grisoni. It was met with universal acclaim on its release. Her producing credits include: WELCOME TO THE PUNCH, LIFE IN A DAY, I AM SLAVE, BOY A, ENDGAME, and SPRINGSTEEN & I. BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP.
Roberto Bentivegna - Writer, Director
Roberto was awarded the Carla Kuhn fellowship, the Hollywood Foreign Press Award, the Alfred P. Sloan Screenwriting award and the Faculty Selects for "A Day in March." He was a finalist in the Academy's Nicholl Fellowship. His most recent screenplays include SHELLA for acclaimed photographer Albert Watson; THE EEL starring Sam Rockwell which was featured on the Black List and he will be directing; SPIRIT HOUSE for Film Nation.
T. Rafael Cimino - Producer
Todd is a consulting producer for HBO films. He has been the story editor on a number of shows and films including MIAMI VICE, LOST IN TRANSLATION and THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL.
Christopher Figg - Producer
Chris was an assistant director on the Oscar winning PASSAGE TO INDIA before moving into producing. He produced the HELLRAISER films; co-produced TRAINSPOTTING, DOG SOLDIERS, HEIDI AND GREYFRIARS BOBBY. Recent films include 4,3,2,1, CORIOLANUS, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, AGE OF HEROES, and HUNKY DORY with Minnie Driver.
Stephen Woolley - Producer
Stephen Woolley has spent a lifetime steeped in movies and filmmaking. In 1982 He launched Palace Video in partnership with Nik Powell, releasing titles such as Eraserhead and Mephisto. His producing credits include The Company of Wolves, The Miracle, The Butcher Boy, The Good Thief, the Oscar-nominated The End of The Affair, Interview with the Vampire, and the Oscar-winning The Crying Game.
Kees Kasander - Producer
Kees is a producer and director, known for FISH TANK: PROSPERO'S BOOKS: THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE & HER LOVER & KEN PARK. He has produced over 70 films from all around the world. He is also a Shore Scripts Patron.
Kevin Loader - Producer
Kevin Loader is one of the U.K.’s most established film producers. He was a double BAFTA Award nominee in 2010 with two of his productions, Armando Iannucci’s political comedy, IN THE LOOP, and Sam Taylor-Wood’s, NOWHERE BOY. He has produced over 35 films. They include: ALAN PARTRIDGE: ALPHA PAPA, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, BRIDESHEAD REVISITED, THE HISTORY BOYS, VENUS, ENDURING LOVE and others.
Michelle Wright - Producer
Michelle is the Head of Production at Working Title Films. She’s been involved in over 50 of the biggest films released over the last twenty years. Some of these include: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?, BILLY ELLIOT, BRIDGET JONE'S DIARY, THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE, ABOUT A BOY, LOVE ACTUALLY, THE INTERPRETER, HOT FUZZ, ATONEMENT, FROST NIXON, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, LES MISERABLES and many more.
Paul Webster - Producer
As a producer, Paul's been involved in the making of over 100 films over the last 30 years. He is Oscar-nominated, and a BAFTA and Golden Globe winner whose recent productions include EASTERN PROMISES, SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN, PRIDE & PREJUDICE, ATONEMENT and ANNA KARENINA.
Adrian Sturges - Producer
Adrian began his career producing short films with such directors as Rupert Wyatt – SUBTERRAIN and GET THE PICTURE and Sam Taylor-Wood - LOVE YOU MORE, the latter being nominated for a BAFTA and the Palme d’Or. His first feature was THE BAKER. Subsequently he's produced THE ESCAPIST, ALBATROSS and THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED.
Distribution
Production Companies, Agents & Managers to read the best Features