screenplay competitions '09

I never had any doubts about my abilities. I knew I could write. I just had to figure out how to eat while doing this.
- Cormac McCarthy

In addition to all the short story and poetry contests being held, there are also quite a few screenplay competitions with some seriously hefty prizes. How does $10,000 sound for that movie you've always had playing in your head?

Check out just three of the many more that I'm sure are out there. Beyond this, a quick Google search should keep you occupied with plenty of deadlines for the next few months.

1) The 2009 BlueCat Screenplay Competition

For the 11th year, the BlueCat Screenplay Competition is now open for submission of feature length screenplays.

Grand Prize: $10,000
Four Finalists: $1500

All ages are eligible. All entries must be in English and between 80 and 145 pages in length. Submissions are accepted via electronic submission. There is no limit to the number of screenplays you may submit.

Every writer who enters BlueCat receives written script analysis.

Regular Deadline: March 2, 2009; Entry fee $50
Late Deadline: April 1, 2009; Entry Fee $60

All early bird submissions will be eligible to resubmit the screenplay prior to the March 2 deadline for a $35 entry fee.

Quarter-finalists will be announced on June 15th.
Semi-Finalists will be announced on July 15th.
Five finalists will be named on July 23rd and awarded $1500.
The winner will be named on August 1st and awarded $10,000.

2) The Gimme Credit Screenplay Competition

The Gimme Credit Screenplay Competition is open for submissions in the following categories -

Super Shorts: 1 - 5 pages
Shorts: 6 - 30 pages
Features: 80-145 pages

The competition is open to all genres and all writers 18 years of age and older. Plays, television pilots and teleplays are also accepted. All scripts must be in English.

Early Bird Deadline: March 3, 2009
Regular Deadline: June 16, 2009
Late Deadline: September 22, 2009

For more information about entry fees and prizes, visit www.gimmecreditcompetition.com.

3) The WriteMovies.com International Writing Contest

WriteMovies.com is now accepting submissions for its 21st annual writing competition. Screenplays, plays, short stories, and books are eligible, but only 1,000 entries will be accepted in total.

Grand Prize: $3,000 in cash and guaranteed representation (for more, check out www.writemovies.com)

Early Deadline: February 3, 2009; Entry fee $29
Standard Deadline: March 1, 2009; Entry fee $39
Late Deadline: April 2, 2009; Entry fee $49
The flat fee for book submissions is $54.