REGISTRATION FEE

Early Bird: $39
​Regular: $50

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Early Bird: March 24th
Regular: April 1st

faq's

What is the 1st 15 Script Competition?

The 1st 15 Script Competition is an opportunity for screenwriters to submit the first 15 pages of their screenplay to key industry professionals, providing vital exposure and feedback. 

Why only 15 pages?

The first 15 pages of a screenplay are critical because they set the tone, introduce the main characters, and establish the story’s core conflict. Industry professionals often decide within these initial pages whether a script has the potential to captivate an audience. By focusing on just the first 15 pages, the 1st 15 Script Competition emphasizes the importance of a strong opening, encouraging writers to refine their skills in crafting compelling beginnings that make a lasting impression.

What do I win?

• All submissions that qualify for round 2 will receive the following on the 1st 15 pages:
  • Scoresheet of achievement of structural dramatic beats including: Inciting Incident, Goal, Tone, Premise, Characters, Dialogue, Storyline, Formatting, Proofreading 
  • Recommendation: Consider, Needs Development, Pass
  • Conclusion of current status of screenplay and quick advice for next steps in your screenwriting process.
  • Writers will receive their feedback when Finalists are announced.
• Ten Finalist will attend a LIVE script feedback session.
• 1 Winner will receive:
  • Script/Career Consultation with Shannan E. Johnson, CEO of The Professional Pen
  •  General Meeting with an Industry Professional

Can I get notes on my full script?

The simple answer is YES.
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All submissions that qualify for round 2 will receive the following on the 1st 15 pages:

• Scoresheet of achievement of structural dramatic beats including: Inciting Incident, Goal, Tone, Premise, Characters, Dialogue, Storyline, Formatting, Proofreading 
• Recommendation: Consider, Needs Development, Pass
• Conclusion of current status of screenplay and quick advice for next steps in your screenwriting process.

For notes on the full script:

• Click the UPGRADE ME box on the Submission Form below.
• Select the relevant UPGRADE FORMAT on the payment page. 
• Scripts upgraded to notes include the Competition Registration Fee and will automatically be submitted for the competition.

Upgraded Notes include:

• Story notes within the margins of the script.
• An overall conclusion + next steps to develop and revise your screenplay.
• Notes will be returned on or before May 19th.

NOTES UPGRADE FEE

1/2 hr TV

Up to 30 pages

$99

1 hR TV

Up to 60 pages

$199

FEATURES

Up to 120 pages

$299

Note: If your script exceeds the standard page count, TPP will review only up to the standard limit.

What are the deadlines?

• Early Bird Deadline: March 24th
• Regular Deadline: April 1st
• Finalists Announced/Feedback Returned: May 12th
• Winner Announced: May 19th
• Finalist Workshop: May 22nd ​

What are the submission requirements?

Accepted Script Formats:

• Features
• TV pilots
• We are NOT accepting Shorts in this competition.

Accepted Page Count:

• Competition: Submit only the first 15 pages of your script, excluding the title page. Submissions exceeding 15 pages will automatically be disqualified.
• Notes Upgrade: If your script exceeds the standard page count, TPP will review only up to the standard limit.
  • Features: Page count max: 120 pages.
  • TV:
    • 1hr: 60 pages
    • 1/2hr Single-Camera: 30 pages
    • 1/2hr Multi-Camera: 45 pages

Accepted File Format:

• .pdf only
• Any other file formats will automatically be disqualified.

Screenplay Formats

SHORT

UP TO 20 PAGES

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A screenplay intended to be produced as an original motion picture with a running time less than a feature film. This includes trailers and proofs of concepts.

TELEVISION

UP TO 60 PAGES

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A script intended for television, ie. a teleplay. This includes pilots, spec episodes of an established series, and web series.

FEATURE

UP TO 120 PAGES

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A screenplay intended to be produced as an original motion picture.

Television Formats

ONE-HOUR

Up to 60 PAGES

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​Usually dramas told in 4-6 act structure. Think GAME OF THRONES or LAW & ORDER SVU.

1/2HR SINGLE-CAMERA

(UP TO 30 PAGES)

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A series shot like a film on one camera. These shows have more freedom in location than 1/2hr multi-camera shows and are written in 3 acts. Think INSECURE or MODERN FAMILY.

1/2HR MULTI-CAMERA

(UP TO 45 PAGES)

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Set on a soundstage with limited sets, produced in whole like a play in front of a studio audience with multiple cameras and are written in 2 acts. Think MARTIN or FRIENDS.
​ 

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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.

PASS

An 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. 

NEEDS DEVELOPMENT

An executive may choose to continue the read if the writer addresses the action items disclosed in the feedback.

CONSIDER

An 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.

Competition Submission Form