Spring 2025 - COMPETITION 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
GRAND PRIZE
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Our winner wins 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. He is a co-producer on the upcoming Apple TV+ series Government Cheese starring David Oyelowo. The innovative executive is passionate about working with diverse creatives to amplify their stories, and in 2023 was named a 40 under 40 honoree for L.A TV Week. His professional journey includes experience in the agency world - Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a television network - Participant Media/Pivot and Overbrook Entertainment. At Overbrook, he was an Associate Producer on the critically acclaimed series Cobra Kai. Raised by Senegalese parents in Seattle, Ahmadou was taught the importance of being an active member of the community. Since moving to Los Angeles, he has brought that same spirit to the entertainment industry and has held leadership positions with the CAA Multicultural Committee, Colour Entertainment, and a board member for Communities in Schools Los Angeles .Ahmadou has a B.A. from St. Martin’s University.
Our Winner will also meet with SHANNAN E. JOHNSON, CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen for a career strategy session.
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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 |
REGISTRATION FEEEarly Bird: $39 Regular: $50 REGISTRATION DEADLINEEarly Bird: March 24th Regular: April 1st |
faq'sWhat 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?
Can I get notes on my full script?
The simple answer is YES.
All submissions that qualify for round 2 will receive the following on the 1st 15 pages:
NOTES UPGRADE FEE
Note: If your script exceeds the standard page count, TPP will review only up to the standard limit. What are the deadlines?
What are the submission requirements?
Accepted Script Formats:
Accepted Page Count:
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Screenplay Formats
SHORTUP TO 20 PAGES
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.
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TELEVISIONUP TO 60 PAGES
A script intended for television, ie. a teleplay. This includes pilots, spec episodes of an established series, and web series.
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FEATUREUP TO 120 PAGES
A screenplay intended to be produced as an original motion picture.
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Television Formats
ONE-HOURUp to 60 PAGES
Usually dramas told in 4-6 act structure. Think GAME OF THRONES or LAW & ORDER SVU.
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1/2HR SINGLE-CAMERA(UP TO 30 PAGES)
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.
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1/2HR MULTI-CAMERA(UP TO 45 PAGES)
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.
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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