BlueCat Screenplay Contest – Open for Entries

Screenplay competitions often tempt unknown writers with the allure of their script being seen by some of the biggest names in Hollywood, yet few actually even read the entries that they’re sent, let alone offer a written analysis of the work they receive.

That’s not the case with BlueCat Screenplay Contest which, for over 25 years, have helped writers launch a professional career within the industry.

The contest which was founded and judged by Gordon Hoffman, himself an experienced writer and teacher, offers aspiring writers the opportunity to enter their scripts to not only be in with a chance of winning cash awards, but also to have the opportunity to receive expert feedback on their work.

This analysis alone could prove incredibly valuable and you just have to take a look at some of BlueCat’s alumni to see why. Ana Lily Amirpour, writer and director of A Girl Walks Home Along At Night is one of the many success stories to have been a part of the contest. While others such as Amy Wang is currently writing a sequel to Crazy Rich Asians.

It’s not just feature film scripts the contest is looking for either, they’re also accepting short film scripts and TV pilots, with analysis of both also offered as part of the entry. Inspiration for entering into the TV pilot comes in the form of other past entrants to the contest, whose work includes Only Murders in the Building, Raised by Wolves and The Morning Show.

There are a few deadlines to be aware of, but you have plenty of time to enter.

The Early Deadline is Sunday, September 18th. with scripts entered by this date receving their written analysis by October 25th.

The next deadline is October 30th, but if you miss it you can still catch the late deadline on December 11th!

Just head to the BlueCat Screenplay Contest website here where you will find all the details on how to enter, the full breakdown of prizes and also some helpful articles and videos on how to perfect your craft

The contest itself offers total cash prizes of $18,500, a breakdown of which is below:

The Grand Prize Winner- $7500

• all scripts submitted are eligible

The Feature Screenplay Winner- $3,000. 

The Pilot Script Winner- $3,000. 

The Short Script Winner- $3,000. 

The Fellini Award- $2000 

• awarded to the Best Screenplay from any category (Feature, Pilots or Short) of the 2023 Competition written by a screenwriter residing outside the USA 

Movie Marker readers can get $10 off their listing with the code: BCMARKER23