Rules | The Golden Script Competition

Our rules are simple:

1) Submitted scripts must be original screenplays, and the sole property of the applicant(s). Screenplays submitted must not have been previously sold or produced. Adapted or based on screenplays are also accepted. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to register their screenplay and secure clearance from the copyright holders of any copyrighted materials included within the submitted screenplay. Also, novels, stage plays, short stories, treatments, synopses or spec scripts will not be accepted in the contest. All entrants, including the nominees and winners, retain complete and exclusive rights to their work.
2) All ages are eligible, and you can submit from any country.
3) All entries must be in English.
4) We accept screenplays between 1-140 pages in length. For scripts over 140 pages, you would need to pay an additional fee.
5) There is no limit to the number of screenplays you may submit.
6) All entries must be uploaded in PDF/FDX format. Contact details or names are allowed to be on the title page, but not recommended.
7) All screenplays should be written in industry standard format (Courier 12 pt font).
8) Substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entry screenplay(s) are accepted. However, you would need to pay an additional fee.
9) Competition judges, readers and employees of our competition, past and present, and their immediate friends and families, are NOT eligible to enter. Previous winning and finalist scripts are also NOT eligible.
10) Entries must be received on or before the deadlines and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. Entry fees (including services fees) are non-refundable and we do not provide any feedback (except for paid feedback).

11) By entering The Golden Script Competition you agree to all the rules listed. Regardless of your status (winner or nominee), please note that your script, logline and contact information may be shared with our partners and sponsors, and by submitting you agree with that. You also agree to release and hold harmless The Golden Script Competition and its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s entry, participation in the contest and/or acceptance or use or misuse of the prize.

The Golden Script 2025 Edition NOMINEES will be announced on the 20th of June, 2025.

Golden Lists

Each July, we unveil our top 30 scripts in the competition with a list called the GOLDEN LIST. This list is shared with many of our partners (over 60 production companies and agencies) and industry professionals such as creative executives, producers, and directors, who can access more information about the scripts and request them. However, access to the scripts is limited and requires the writer's permission for anyone outside of our partners and direct contacts.

Awards - TBC (to see the 2024 edition awards, click HERE)

There will be quarter-finalists, semifinalists and finalists out of which a second runner up, a runner up and a WINNER will be designated. Only one script from each category can win THE GOLDEN SCRIPT award. Note that our mentors and partners are subject to change without notice.

FEATURE SCRIPTS

THE GOLDEN SCRIPT WINNER (1st PLACE) - $4,500 CASH PRIZE + 1on1 MASTERCLASS with BAFTA-nominee JOHN J. MCLAUGHLIN + GUARANTEED Golden List Inclusion + one 4 month InkTip Pro Membership worth $130 + 1yr ISAConnect Membership worth $120 + Unlimited Subscription @ Filmarket Hub & Spotlight Mailing to Filmarket Hub's International Database + 1yr Screenwriting Staffing Membership worth $130 + 1yr FILMUSTAGE subscription worth $468 + 5 Pitches on Virtual Pitch Fest (VPF) + Trophy + Award Certificate

2nd PLACE - GUARANTEED Golden List Inclusion + one 4 month InkTip Pro Membership worth $130 + Unlimited Subscription @ Filmarket Hub & Spotlight Mailing to Filmarket Hub's International Database + 6mo Screenwriting Staffing Membership worth $80 + 1yr FILMUSTAGE subscription worth $468 + 3 Pitches on Virtual Pitch Fest (VPF) + Trophy + Award Certificate

3rd PLACE - GUARANTEED Golden List Inclusion + one 4 month InkTip Pro Membership worth $130 + Unlimited Subscription @ Filmarket Hub & Spotlight Mailing to Filmarket Hub's International Database + 6mo Screenwriting Staffing Membership worth $80 + 1yr FILMUSTAGE subscription worth $468 + 2 Pitches on Virtual Pitch Fest (VPF) + Trophy + Award Certificate

FINALISTS - Golden List Inclusion (if placed on the 4th to 15th place) + 20% off discount @ Filmarket Hub (upcoming call for entries) + 50% off discount @ FILMUSTAGE + 1 Pitch on Virtual Pitch Fest (VPF) + Award Certificate

TV PILOTS

THE GOLDEN TV SCRIPT WINNER (1st PLACE) - $4,500 CASH PRIZE + 1on1 MASTERCLASS with three-time EMMY-nominee JESSICA SHARZER + GUARANTEED Golden List Inclusion + 1yr ISAConnect Membership worth $120 + one 4 month InkTip Pro Membership worth $130 + Unlimited Subscription @ Filmarket Hub & Spotlight Mailing to Filmarket Hub's International Database + 1yr Screenwriting Staffing Membership worth $130 + 1yr FILMUSTAGE subscription worth $468 + 5 Pitches on Virtual Pitch Fest (VPF) + Trophy + Award Certificate

FINALISTS - Golden List Inclusion (if placed on the 4th to 9th place) + 50% off discount @ FILMUSTAGE + 1 Pitch on Virtual Pitch Fest (VPF) + Award Certificate

SHORT SCRIPTS

THE GOLDEN SCRIPT WINNER (1st PLACE) - $1,000 CASH PRIZE + GUARANTEED Golden List Inclusion + 1yr ISAConnect Membership worth $120 + 1yr Screenwriting Staffing Membership worth $130 + 1yr FILMUSTAGE subscription worth $468 + Trophy + Award Certificate

2nd PLACE - GUARANTEED Golden List Inclusion + 6mo Screenwriting Staffing Membership worth $80 + 1yr FILMUSTAGE subscription worth $468 + Trophy + Award Certificate

3rd PLACE - GUARANTEED Golden List Inclusion + 6mo Screenwriting Staffing Membership worth $80 + 1yr FILMUSTAGE subscription worth $468 + Trophy + Award Certificate

FINALISTS - Golden List Inclusion (if placed on the 4th, 5th or 6th place) + 50% off discount @ FILMUSTAGE + Award Certificate

Golden Lists

Awards - TBC (to see the 2024 edition awards, click HERE)

our RULES (2025)