Writing a script is hard but getting it seen can be an even harder uphill battle. Sure, your friends and fellow film lovers can have great notes but the harsh truth of it is that those can lack the forward momentum you require to advance either your career or knowledge of the craft to the next level.
Well, we here at Killer Shorts would like to help make that burden just a bit less challenging by listing thirty – of what we feel – are some of the best screenplay competitions around. There are of course many more out there to check out, but in no particular order, we have put together a list of contests & festivals that accept horror short screenplays. Check them out below and consider submitting your horror short scripts to these awesome contests.
(But don’t forget, we’re the best and submit to us on Coverfly, Filmfreeway or Network ISA today!)
30. BE AFRAID HORROR FEST
Annually held in Gorizia (northern Italy), it is the first (and only) horror genre film festival in Friuli Venezia-Giulia. All screenings are held at Kinemax, a beautiful cinema, located in the biggest square of the city. And, what’s more, it features one of the best-looking trophies to take home.
All horror short screenplays submitted must be no more than 15 pages. Find more information about the Be Afraid Horror Fest here.
29. MILE HIGH HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
This Colorado horror film festival was established in 2010 and has gone on to become one of the largest genre film festivals in North America. In addition to hundreds of top-tier films, it is also host to many distributors, filmmakers as well as special guests, such as Jack Black, Dylan Minette, Linda Blair, and the late Rowdy Roddy Piper, among others.
All short screenplays submitted must be no more than 30 pages. Find more information about the Mile High Horror Film Festival here.
28. FILMMATIC SHORT SCREENPLAY AWARDS
“Hidden Screenplays never get produced…” This competition was created in an effort to locate and expose up-and-coming screenwriters as well as to empower and promote those talented writers still waiting for their invitation into the mainstream industry.
All short screenplays submitted must be no more than 50 pages. Find more information about the Filmmatic Short Screenplay Awards here.
27. SCRIPTAPALOOZA SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AND SHORTS COMPETITION
Every script entered is read by either a producer, manager, or agent. Readers aren’t used cause Scriptapalooza goes straight to the source that can make a difference and ultimately – hopefully – option your script, set up a meeting, or go straight to the studio with it.
All short screenplays submitted must be no more than 50 pages. Find more information about the Scriptapalooza Screenplay and Shorts Competition here.
26. BLUE CAT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Now in its twenty-fifth year, Blue Cat was founded by screenwriter and director Gordy Hoffman with the sole purpose of discovering and developing up-and-coming writers. Remaining committed to its vision, Blue Cat vows to continue its tradition of providing written analysis on every script submitted.
All short screenplays submitted must be no more than 29 pages. Find more information about the BlueCat Screenplay Competition here.
25. SHRIEKFEST
A Bi-coastal International horror and sci-fi film festival in addition to a screenwriting competition. It aims to celebrate the work of independent artists in the horror, horror-comedy, thriller, sci-fi, and fantasy film genres. Now in its twenty-second year – as well as fourth in Orlando – it features superior screening facility parties, as well as panels that make this a wonderful networking experience for all.
Shriekfest is currently on hiatus for this season but will be back next year. Find more information about Shriekfest here.
24. SHOOT YOUR SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Do you have a short script but struggle to find the resources to produce your short? Shoot Your Short Screenplay competition offers just that. From funding the production to providing the needed resources, this contest will help you take your short to the next level. The grand prize winner will receive $5000 cash to shoot their short, making it festival-ready and ready to present to agents, managers, and producers.
All short scripts, in any genre, must be no more than 15 pages. Find more information about the Shoot Your Short Screenplay Competition here.
23. RAINDANCE SCRIPT COMPETITION
Using Raindance’s network and connections, this script competition offers greater opportunity to emerging, independent screenwriters. This festival is a great place for filmmakers to network with established and emerging talent, allowing them to network and collaborate.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 40 pages. Find more information on the Raindance Script Competition here.
22. CINE CIRCLE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
An opportunity to help aspiring screenwriters get their work turned into films. Over three years, Cine Circle has been host to events including pitching competitions, filmmaker fairs, workshops, and networking events. A group of experienced writers, directors, and producers will be reading the scripts and scoring them on a variety of criteria. The screenplays with the most points will advance to a second panel and then finally a winner will be announced.
All short screenplays submitted must be no more than 30 pages. Find more information about the Cine Circle Screenplay Competition here.
21. HOLLYSHORTS SCREENPLAY CONTEST
An annual short film festival showcasing the best and brightest short films and short screenplays from around the globe. All quarter and semi-finalists will be announced and invited to the festival with an all-access pass, with the top five being announced and awarded at the ceremony. The winning scripts will receive production deals courtesy of The Seattle Film Summit, Hawk Films, and 88th Street productions.
All horror short screenplays submitted must be no more than 30 pages. Find more information about the Holly Shorts Screenplay Contest here.
20. WESCREENPLAY’S SHORT SCRIPT COMPETITION
A short script screenwriting lab dedicated to connecting writers with industry leaders. And, what’s more, is that every script entered, even those that don’t win, will still receive a full page of feedback in an effort to help hone your craft for next time.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 35 pages and $1 will be charged per page over. Find more information about WeScreenplay’s Short Script Competition here.
19. HORROR UNDERGROUND FILM AND SCREENPLAY FESTIVAL
Designed to expose and promote films and screenplays that work outside the system and break boundaries in the horror genre. Screenplay festivals occur once a month and are performed in a studio using professional Canadian actors, which are then posted online for the world to see.
Find more information about the Horror Underground Film and Screenplay Festival here.
18. SLAMDANCE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Since 1995 the competition has established a strong track record for introducing writers to members of the entertainment industry who have then gone on to produce, option, and represent submitted work. Constructive feedback is provided as well as intensive coverage for an additional fee.
Short scripts can be submitted into 2 categories, 10 pages and under, or 11-40 pages. Find more information about the Slamdance Screenplay Competition here.
17. HOLLYWOOD HORROR FEST
Hollywood HorrorFest is home of the Price Award. This festival prides itself in providing an opportunity of getting filmmakers together in person to celebrate their work and to be able to network with both colleagues as well as industry insiders.
All short scripts submitted should be no more than 45 pages. Find more information about the Hollywood HorrorFest here.
16. FILMQUEST
Home of the prestigious Cthulhu Trophy, FilmQuest has been named one of Moviemaker Magazine’s “50 Bloody Best Genre Fests in the World” for 2019 and 2021, and four-times named one of their “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.” They were named Dread Central’s “Best Horror Festivals in the World” in 2022 and 2021. FilmQuest celebrates genre filmmakers by offering swag, connections, and access to events. They offer exclusive access to panels, parties, and events, so consider submitting to this awesome festival.
All short scripts submitted must be at least 2 pages. Find more information about FilmQuest here.
15. TELLURIDE HORROR SHOW
Colorado’s first and largest horror film festival which attracts the latest and best genre films from around the world and attendees from all over the country. For three packed days, an eclectic mix of horror, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, sci-fi, and dark comedy are shown in Telluride’s unique theaters, with many of the films showing for the first time in the US. If you love horror then it’s a can’t miss event.
One of our Killer Shorts’ judges Joe Bob Briggs has this to say about the Telluride Horror Show, “Such a wonderfully unique festival.”
The Telluride Horror Show is not currently accepting short screenplays but is a great resource for anyone looking to submit their produced horror short film.
14. THE FINISH LINE SCRIPT COMPETITION
FINISH LINE provides concrete, actionable advice that participants use to become better writers and, in the process, advance their screenwriting careers. Over the past six years, participants have used the guidance received and the connections made into better scripts, spec sales, industry representation, and writing assignments. Finish Line is unique in that it offers the option to re-enter scripts after making any number of rewrites.
This competition is set up like the development process, allowing writers the opportunity to re-write their scripts based on comprehensive notes.
Find more information on The Finish Line Script Competition here.
13. GENREBLAST FILM FEST
An international independent genre film festival that brings filmmakers and fans from every corner of the Indie world together. All genres of interesting, original, exciting and daring moviemaking are welcome. Consistently ranked top 100 best-reviewed film fest on FilmFreeway.
Not only does GenreBlast have a short screenplay category they also have a Horror/Thriller short film category. This is a great opportunity to submit your produced horror shorts.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 30 pages. Find more information about the GenreBlast Film Fest here.
12. SCREENCRAFT FILM FUND
Considering a range of projects from standalone screenplays to fully packaged projects seeking finishing funds. 1-4 projects will be chosen to fund with grant amounts varying up to $30,000, depending on the scale and merit of each project. Also having partnered with SEED&SPARK who will be offering unique opportunities for all finalists and semi-finalists, including mentorship guidance.
Find more information on Screencraft’s Film Fund here.
Screencraft also offers the Screencraft Short Film Screenplay Competition. A production company will option one short script to develop the project into a feature. Find more information about the Short Film Screenplay Competition here.
11. SCRIPT SUMMIT
With Script Summit, you can expand your knowledge with in-depth seminars taught by professionals and gain tremendous insight from Q & A panels, experience scene table reads with professional actors and attend hundreds of film screenings all at no additional cost. There’s even a grand prize of $1000 in cash and two writers will walk away with a contract of representation by a Hollywood talent manager.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 35 pages. Find more information on Script Summit here.
10. TABLE READ MY SCREENPLAY GENRE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Running strong since 2010, the Table Read My Screenplay Genre Screenplay Competition offers $6000 in cash, plus a live table read, as well as consideration for development. With the table read you’ll gain insight into your script from a working director and trained actors while it’s performed in front of a live audience.
Find more information on Table Read My Screenplay here.
9. FRIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! SCREENPLAY AND FILM CONTEST
A fun, affordable and recurring horror screenplay competition judged by industry professionals. Winners receive either a $500 cash prize (Feature screenplay) or a $250 cash prize (short screenplay) among other criteria.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 35 pages. Find more information on Frights! Camera! Action! here.
8. HorrOrigins Film Festival
Founded by Brandon Waites, the HorrOrigins Film Festival is focused on making an event beneficial to screenwriters & filmmakers with networking and mentorship opportunities. HorrOrigins welcomes horror, thriller, and sci-fi projects, and offers the opportunity for filmmakers to network with industry mentors. Some of their past mentors have included Barbara Muschietti of ‘IT’, Jennifer Trent of ‘Happy Death Day 2’, and fellow Killer Shorts judge Xavier Burgin of the horror documentary “Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror.”
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 59 pages. Find more information on the HorrOrigins Film Festival here.
7. PAGE INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITING AWARDS COMPETITION
Founded in 2003 with the single goal of discovering the most exciting new writers from across the country and around the world. And, due to its success, The PAGE awards have become one of the industry’s most highly respected sources for new screenwriting talent, both within the Hollywood community and internationally. Over the past eighteen years, it has launched the careers of dozens of new writers.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 30 pages. Find more information on the Page International Screenwriting Awards Competition here.
6. THE GOLDEN SCRIPT COMPETITION
A yearly international competition for short, feature and TV pilot screenplays from all around the world. It has been considered one of the top screenplay contests for 2022. Upon submission your work will be ready by some of the most renowned production companies and literary agencies, giving you the chance to have your script produced or represented. One script will receive a $10,000 option and for the runners up potential consideration for further option as well as development.
The Golden Script Competition accepts all scripts from 1-140 pages. Find more information on this competition here.
5. NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL SCREENWRITING COMPETITION
As one of the longest running film festivals in the country and most acclaimed in the South, the Nashville Film Festival is a great place for writers to submit their horror short screenplays. Winning screenwriters will receive $750 or $1000 in cash prizes depending on the category. Category winners are decided by an industry jury that includes active producers and literary representatives.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 45 pages. Find more information on the Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Competition here.
4. BIG APPLE FESTIVAL AND SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
With seventeen years under its belt, The Big Apple Film Fest is host to screenplay competitions, manager and agent’s conferences as well as Industry networking panels, among other such events. Aside from the competition, its main goal is in assisting filmmakers and screenwriters with strategies for acquiring representation and selling, optioning, and licensing scripts to streaming networks, production companies and distributors.
All short scripts submitted must be no more than 60 pages. Find more information on the Big Apple Festival and Screenplay Competition here.
3. AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
For over twenty-eight years, the Austin Film Festival has been catapulting writers into life-changing careers. AFF consistently yanks newcomers from the isolation of their desks and ushers them into the bustling world of film and television. Attendees receive access to over 175 panels, roundtables, pitch sessions, and workshops covering every nook and cranny of the art, craft and business of storytelling through film, television and digital platforms.
All short screenplays submitted must be between 5-40 pages. Find more information on the Austin Film Festival here.
2. FILM PIPELINE SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Provides an opportunity to get projects financed and produced. Executives collaborate with finalists from development to production, supporting their developments from both selected scripts as well as future material. With over two decades of experience discovering new screenwriters, Pipeline has cultivated a dynamic, hands-on process of development and industry introduction for filmmakers.
All short scripts submitted must be under roughly 30 pages and cannot be produced at the time of submission. Find more information about Film Pipeline’s short screenplay competition here.
1. KILLER SHORTS HORROR SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
A bit biased? Maybe. But hear us out. Accepting horror short screenplays looked over and judged by some of the top horror names in the industry. Past and present jury names include the likes of Barbara Crampton, Gregory Nicotero, Joe Bob Briggs, and Kane Hodder just to name a few. Literary managers include John Zaozirny from Bellevue Productions. Some of our success stories include writers finding representation, getting their scripts produced, a successful run on the festival circuit, and acceptance into AFI’s screenwriting conservatory, among others. Killer Shorts also offers the rare opportunity to have literary managers read your short scripts. Our mission is to discover new voices in horror and give them the confidence not only to keep writing, but to produce their work as well.
“Killer Shorts played a pivotal role in me finding representation at Bellevue. Thanks to the competition, I was connected with John who later connected me with my current manager, Maddy.”
– Vanessa Võ, Season 2 2nd Place Winner
All horror short scripts submitted must be no more than 20 pages. Feedback is available for an additional fee. Find more information about the Killer Shorts contest here.
Submit to the Killer Shorts contest on Coverfly, FilmFreeway, or NetworkISA.
Submit to the Killer Shorts Contest by the Early Bird Deadline on August 1st for only $25!
Featured Imaged by Ieva Berzina.
