• Special Entry: January 30, 2025 - $25
• Pre-register: March 25, 2025 - $30
• Early: June 5, 2025 - $40
• Regular: September 10, 2025 - $50
• Late: September 25, 2025 - $55
• Extended: October 24, 2025 - $65

Do you accept international entries?

Of course! Proud to say, many of our former winners and finalists have come from the UK, Australia, Japan ... across the globe. Writers worldwide are welcome to participate in this and any Film Pipeline, Script Pipeline, or Book Pipeline contest.

If my short screened at a fest, is it still eligible?

Yes. As Film Pipeline is not a festival, we don’t have any restrictions on when and where the film was screened or if it received distribution at any point.

What kinds of short films do you accept?

All genres accepted, including experimental work (i.e. "I don't know what this is, but it's brilliant"). The film can be a standalone short or a proof-of-concept with plans to expand into a feature or series. The only thing we don't review is documentary or reality content, nor will we accept director's reels or trailers.

Can I submit a rough cut?

Yes! Rough cuts are fine to submit. Our criteria is primarily based on the storytelling, the premise, and the directing ability. If you do send a rough cut, please let our coordinator know after submitting so we can take that into account when judging.

Can I submit supplemental material?

Yes, in fact we would encourage writers to include supplemental materials (synopsis, a director’s statement, etc.) along with the film. You can email those materials direct to our coordinator. There’s no formatting requirement for supplemental materials, but we’d prefer they be sent as a PDF.

Do I retain the rights to my film?

All rights remain with the entrant, regardless of the final contest results. For circulation, material isn’t sent to anyone outside of Film Pipeline without the filmmakers’ consent.

Am I allowed to submit an updated link to the film after registering?

Yes, we’ll accept updated materials any time, at no extra fee. We would need to receive the film and all supplemental info by the contest’s final deadline.

Contact our contest coordinator with any other questions.