Your script’s first 15 pages are your calling card.
Let’s see if they’re doing the job.
Submit to the First 15 Script Competition for a shot at real feedback, a live workshop with Shannan E. Johnson, and a general meeting with a Hollywood executive.
REGISTRATION FEEEarly Bird: $69 Regular: $79 Final: $99 REGISTRATION DEADLINEEarly Bird: October 10th Regular: October 24th Final: October 31st |
faq'sWhat is the First 15 Script Competition?
The First 15 is a screenwriting competition that simulates the real Hollywood development process. Writers submit a logline and the first 15 pages of their script. All submissions are evaluated by industry-trained Story Experts — not just for a prize, but to help writers gain insight, confidence, and direction. This is not just a contest. It’s development. Who is this competition for?
The First 15 is for screenwriters who are ready to start developing like a pro. Whether you're brand new or already repped, this competition mirrors the real studio process — from logline evaluations to page-by-page reads. You'll walk away with: 🟢 Actionable notes 🟢 A clearer draft 🟢 Industry-level experience If you’re serious about leveling up your craft and career, this is for you. Why only 15 pages?
Because that’s how Hollywood works. Execs know within the first 15 pages whether a script has potential. These pages set the tone, introduce the world, and tell us if a writer knows what they’re doing. By focusing on the first 15, we’re helping you strengthen the part of your script that matters most — the hook. How does the competition work?
The First 15 simulates a real Hollywood development process in 2 rounds: 🟢 Round 1: Logline Evaluation You submit your logline + the first 15 pages of your script. We review your logline first to see if your story is clear and compelling — just like execs reviewing for mandate fit. If your logline meets industry expectations, you advance to Round 2. 🟢 Round 2: First 15 Page Review Your first 15 pages are scored on structure, character, tone, dialogue, and more. You’ll receive detailed feedback, a development-focused conclusion, and a recommendation (Consider / Needs Development / Pass). 🎉 Top 10 Finalists get invited to a private live feedback workshop. 🏆 1 Winner receives a career strategy session and a general meeting with a Hollywood exec. What do I win?
Can I get notes on my full script?
Yes — but no pressure. Every qualifying script already gets feedback on their first 15 pages. That’s included in your entry. Want deeper feedback? You can submit your full script for Development Notes or schedule a Story Jam with our Story Experts once feedback is returned. Top 10 Finalists will receive an exclusive discount on Development Notes. What are the submission requirements?
Script Types Accepted
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Cycle II Highlights
FALL 2025 - GRAND PRIZE WINNER
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WATER
Feature Robert Davis is an Actor, Screenwriter, and Producer from St Louis, MO, who now resides in Los Angeles, California. His first short film called “Lose to Win” (2021) circulated in Festivals, and was selected by Venice Shorts, Serenity Screenings, Lift Off Global Network, and OMNI Cultural TV festivals. With the help of God and a strong support group, Robert was able to climb from his own very own dark mental health struggles, having been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in 2018. A born again believer, Robert writes about God and how He can transform the lives of the discarded, the broken, the unlovable, and the underdog. Aside from writing, he has acted in a series of stage plays, some feature films, short films, television shows, and commercials. |
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Robert won a career strategy session with Shannan E. Johnson, CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen and a general meeting with Brian J. Goldberg, Partner, WPA, a talent rep for top emerging creatives across television and film. His clients’ work spans projects like Predator: Badlands, Wicked for Good, and Roofman, and he also facilitates their transitions into directing, writing, and producing.
FALL 2025 - ToP 10 SCREENWRITERS
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Robert Davis
KiAnna Nycole Marcus Hettig Fordang Nibalum Brian Keith Moody Toni Blagmon Juanna Brown Taneka Maxwell Tiffany Brooks Jamie Nieto |
WATER
UNHEARD HOPES SANKOFA THE VANISHING REPivot DEATH, TAXES, & WAYNE CASH MARNY'S GIFT AnDREA JUSTES |
Feature
TV - 1hr TV - 1/2hr Feature Feature TV - 1/2hr TV - 1hr Feature Feature TV - 1hr |
FINALISTS ARE INVITED...
To a private, live group workshop hosted by TPP's CEO + Head Consultant Shannan E. Johnson. In this workshop, we'll walk through how to prepare for general meetings.
Cycle I Highlights
Spring 2025 - GRAND PRIZE WINNER
THE BASEMENT
Feature
J.D. ELLIBY is a drama writer with a sharp eye for fractured families and a soft spot for the strong, complex women who hold them together. When he’s not crafting emotionally charged stories, J.D. is scouting Major League Baseball talent—a career he’s been thriving in for over 25 years. Whether he’s posted up at a ballpark or people-watching in an airport, J.D. has a gift for catching details that make characters feel real. Off the field, he’s all about family time and staying sharp by trading stock options during the offseason
Feature
J.D. ELLIBY is a drama writer with a sharp eye for fractured families and a soft spot for the strong, complex women who hold them together. When he’s not crafting emotionally charged stories, J.D. is scouting Major League Baseball talent—a career he’s been thriving in for over 25 years. Whether he’s posted up at a ballpark or people-watching in an airport, J.D. has a gift for catching details that make characters feel real. Off the field, he’s all about family time and staying sharp by trading stock options during the offseason
J.D. won a career strategy session with Shannan E. Johnson, CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen and a general meeting with Ahmadou Seck, Vice President of Scripted Television at MACRO Television Studios—a division of the multi-platform media company MACRO that represents the voice and perspectives of Black people, indigenous people and people of color.
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AHMADOU SECK, VP of Scripted Television, MACRO
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“I’ve entered my share of screenwriting contests, but my experience with TPP stands head and shoulders above the others. The finalist workshop was extremely productive, and my career strategy call with Shannan helped me prepare for my in-person general meeting with Ahmadou Seck of MACRO. After my sessions, I felt energized and ready to attack my writing goals. There is so much bang for your buck with this contest. I highly recommend it.” - J.D.
SHANNAN E. JOHNSON, CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen
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SPRING 2025 - ToP 10 SCREENWRITERS
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Yasmine Simpson
David Dicks Simba Dibinga Ryan Cooley Ted Hall Lee Collins Todd Ocvirk Hiram Watkins Komo Eto Stephen Rowledge |
THE CARTERS
THE THROWAWAYS CASABLANCA DIVINE SURVIVOR THE BONES OF SUNFLOWER BABYLAN NEWBORN PEOPLE, PLEASE! THE LITTLE COLLECTOR |
TV - 1HR
TV - 1HR Feature Feature Feature TV - 1HR Feature Feature T - 1/2HR Feature |
FINALISTS ARE INVITED...
To a private, live group workshop hosted by TPP's CEO + Head Consultant Shannan E. Johnson. In this workshop, we'll walk through how to effectively address the notes you received and make sure you’re clear on what’s working, what needs attention, and how to move forward with confidence in your rewrite.
SPRING 2025 - 2nd Round Screenwriters
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Ashanti Williams
Ashley Canfield Benjamin Braziel Brooke Baltimore Chantae King Charlene Little Chennea Russell Craig Hlas David Dicks Dayna Clark Dwayne Acklin Ethan Neal Fleur Akouete Harold Abrams Hiram Watkins J.D. Elliby |
Jackiy Thomas
John Petkovich Kasey Cormier Kathleen Gamble Kaytlin Jackson KeAmbra Tianez Kevin Ghee Kome Eto Lauryn Cato Lee Collins Michelle Jones Mikell Edwards Nisha Jackmon Raymond Williams Ryan Cooley Simba Dibinga |
Stephen Rowledge
Sylas Bento Ta Neil Adams Talvin Critton Taylor Lee Ted Hall Teju Prasad Terence Poole Terri Hilliard Todd Ocvirk Tona Larkin Toni Blagmon Vanessa Brien Xiomara Moreno Yasmine Simpson |
Accepted Screenplay Formats
You’ll submit only the first 15 pages of your script for the competition — but it must be a feature screenplay or TV pilot. No shorts.
Your script should be formatted to industry standards and reflect a full-length project.
Your script should be formatted to industry standards and reflect a full-length project.
TELEVISIONA pilot episode is intended for television - written as the first episode in a potential series.
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FEATUREA feature is a screenplay intended to be produced as a stand-alone, original motion picture.
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What do the
SCRIPT RECOMMENDATIONS Mean?
Script recommendations are evaluations that help writers understand the level of development their script requires to meet industry standards and enhance its overall quality.
PASSAn executive is likely to pass on the script due to the story being unclear, weak structure, and/or lack of proofreading and industry-standard formatting.
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NEEDS DEVELOPMENTAn executive may choose to continue the read if the writer addresses the action items disclosed in the feedback.
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CONSIDERAn executive will likely continue the read because the story is clear, the structure is strong, and the proofreading and formatting is professional and up to industry standard.
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