2024-2026 mentors
Mark Fergus
Jessica Sharzer
Mark Fergus is an OSCAR-nominated screenwriter, having crafted memorable scripts for hits like CHILDREN OF MEN (2006), IRON MAN (2008), and the TV series THE EXPANSE (2015). His broad range of expertise across various genres has solidified his reputation as a skilled and adaptable writer. Mark Fergus will hold a 1on1 masterclass with 2026's 1st place winner (FEATURE category).
Jessica Sharzer is a writer, producer, and director best known for her work on NERVE (2016), AMERICAN HORROR STORY (2011-2015), the mystery thriller A SIMPLE FAVOR (2018) and NINE PERFECT STRANGERS (2021). She has been nominated for three Primetime EMMYS for her work. Jessica Sharzer will hold a 1on1 masterclass with 2026's 1st place winner (TV PILOT category).
Tara Price, 2025 Feature Winner
The entire Golden Script Competition experience has been wonderful from the start, and the opportunity to have a one-on-one with Mark Fergus was nothing short of inspirational. Mark had read my feature-length screenplay, COMMUNITY SHED, and came to the conversation with very specific questions and extremely thoughtful feedback. He was gracious and attentive and it felt more like talking with an old colleague rather than the Oscar-nominated screenwriter that he is. It's clear he is a big champion of screenwriters and for that I have enormous gratitude. My hat is off to Mark and the entire hard working team at the Golden Script Competition. Thank you all for providing such a fantastic opportunity!
PAST MENTORS (2021-2023)
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John J. McLaughlin
John J. McLaughlin is a BAFTA-nominated screenwriter, best known for his work on Darren Aronofsky’s BLACK SWAN (2010), as well as the crime thriller PARKER (2013) and the biographical drama HITCHCOCK (2012). His talent for blending psychological depth with sharp storytelling has established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary cinema.
Bobby Moresco
Bobby Moresco is an OSCAR-winning screenwriter, acclaimed for co-writing the Academy Award–winning drama CRASH (2004) and the biographical hit MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2004). With a career spanning film, television, and theater, he is recognized for his powerful storytelling and authentic character-driven narratives.
Paul Haggis
Paul Haggis is a two-time OSCAR-winning screenwriter, best known for MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2004) and CRASH (2005), the latter of which he also directed. His back-to-back Academy Award wins made him the first screenwriter to achieve this milestone, with work recognized for bold storytelling and powerful explorations of the human condition.