Austin Film Festival’s Script Competition
About
AFF’s Script Competitions identify emerging, new writers of unparalleled talent each year. With a reputation as the premiere script competition in the world, AFF is trusted by studios, agents, and executives all across the industry to identify the storytellers of tomorrow. With all script submissions evaluated blindly and carefully by our panel of industry judges, AFF winners annually reflect a vast diversity of talent and tend to combat the industry’s trends of exclusivity. To put it simply, AFF values a great story above all else. As a bonus, AFF winners receive much more than our coveted bronze typewriter award, as our Festival team works hard to curate opportunities and experiences to catapult writers into life-changing careers. AFF competitions seek to do much more than honor winners but increase the visibility of the visionary writers and filmmakers just on the cusp of a breakthrough. See more about our industry fellowships here.
But it’s not just about winning…at Austin Film Festival we want to support every writer’s story on its journey from script to screen. All entrants can opt in to receive free reader comments from our trained readers and all competition entrants receive Festival and Conference registration discounts as well. Second Rounders, Semifinalists, and Finalists receive additional discounts on registration and get access to exclusive panels, workshops, and networking events during the Writers Conference. Submitting to AFF is so much more than simply entering a competition, It’s an investment in your career.
Our Foundation and Process
At Austin Film Festival, story comes first and foremost above all else. We fully acknowledge the hard work and passion you put into your script, and rest assured, your story is in good hands. By submitting to our script competitions, you’re joining a community of story lovers who want to help you succeed; a community that was found at Austin Film Festival’s inception in 1994, which is incredibly generous and committed to helping fellow storytellers get their foot in the door. We find that same spirit of generosity among our readers, panelists, and partners, and it is what allows us to offer opportunities to those who place in our competition.
AFF is a nonprofit and as such, volunteerism is a significant part of our ability to fulfill our mission. Our team of readers are an integral group who volunteer their time each year to help launch the careers of many aspiring writers. Our readers are recruited through referrals from individuals closely associated with AFF, MFA programs, and writers groups throughout the country. Each reader undergoes a rigorous screening and evaluation process. Once approved, readers are given strict guidelines and closely monitored throughout the duration of their participation. All readers are required to provide constructive notes for each script. Most importantly, they are also required to read each script in its entirety in order to give the full consideration that each writer deserves.
We have discovered over a 32-year period that those who get involved with us are committed to AFF’s mission of championing writers. This communal resilience has guided our organization every step of the way and is what revitalizes the work ethic of our staff and those who choose to volunteer their time.
General Competition Information
Results Notifications
Notifications will be sent by mid September for those in the First Round and also to those that advance to the Second Round (top 15-20%). Semifinalists will receive a phone call by mid September as well. Finalists are notified by early October. The winners will be announced at the Awards Luncheon at the Conference.
Reader Comments
Competition entrants can opt-in to receive a brief summary of one Reader’s overall comments. Reader comments will be sent by mid-November.
Competition Judges
The Finalist and Semifinalist Judges for the 2026 Screenplay Competition will be announced on a rolling basis throughout the year.
To learn more about previous competition Judges, visit our Judge Archive.
Awards
All Awards are presented during the Austin Film Festival Awards Luncheon*. Those advancing to the Second Round level or beyond will have the option to attend exclusive panels hosted by participating panelists. Those advancing to the Semifinalist level or beyond will also be included in the Producers Book, distributed to competition judges and other industry professionals.
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION PRIZES (ONE WINNER PER CATEGORY)
The Drama Award presented by Writers Guild of America East Receives: $5,000 cash; reimbursement of round-trip airfare (up to $500 per script, excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement (up to $500 per script); and AFF Bronze Typewriter Award.
The Comedy Winner Receives: $5,000 cash; reimbursement of round-trip airfare (up to $500 per script, excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement (up to $500 per script); and AFF Bronze Typewriter Award.
The Horror Award Winner Receives: $2,500 cash; reimbursement of round-trip airfare (up to $500 per script, excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement (up to $500 per script); and AFF Bronze Typewriter Award. In order to be considered for this award, you must be entered in the Drama or Comedy Feature categories.
The Sci-Fi Award Winner Receives: $2,500 cash; reimbursement of round-trip airfare (up to $500 per script, excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement (up to $500 per script); and AFF Bronze Typewriter Award. In order to be considered for this award, you must be entered in the Drama or Comedy Feature categories.
The Short Screenplay Winner Receives: $1,000 cash; reimbursement of roundtrip airfare (up to $500 per script excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement at the Film Festival (up to $500 per script); and the AFF bronze typewriter award.
TELEPLAY COMPETITION AWARDS (ONE WINNER PER CATEGORY)
The Comedy Spec Winner Receives: $1,000 cash; reimbursement of roundtrip airfare (up to $500 per script excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement at the Film Festival (up to $500 per script); and the AFF bronze typewriter award.
The Drama Spec Winner Receives: $1,000 cash; reimbursement of roundtrip airfare (up to $500 per script excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement at the Film Festival (up to $500 per script); and the AFF bronze typewriter award.
The Comedy Pilot Winner Receives: $1,000 cash; reimbursement of roundtrip airfare (up to $500 per script excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement at the Film Festival (up to $500 per script); and the AFF bronze typewriter award.
The Drama Pilot Winner Receives:$1,000 cash; reimbursement of roundtrip airfare (up to $500 per script excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement at the Film Festival (up to $500 per script); and the AFF bronze typewriter award.
PLAYWRITING COMPETITION AWARD
One winner will be selected and will receive a $1000 cash prize, AFF’s Bronze Typewriter Award, and reimbursements of up to $500 for travel and up to $500 for lodging if used during the Festival.
FICTION PODCAST COMPETITION AWARD
One winner will be selected and will receive a $1000 cash prize, AFF’s Bronze Typewriter Award, reimbursement (up to $500) of one round-trip airfare to Austin to attend AFF, reimbursement (up to $500) for stay at an AFF hotel during the Festival.
Finalists in All Categories Receive: one complimentary Producers Badge to attend the Austin Film Festival and Conference (value $775).
All Semifinalists may purchase a Producer’s Badge at the discounted price of $300.
*Awards Luncheon tickets are only available to Producers and Conference Badge holders.
Awardee Archive
To learn more about previous winners, please visit out Awardee Archive.
Pitch Competition
This exhilarating and unique event allows contestants 90 seconds to pitch their best ideas to a panel of judges made up of agents, producers, managers, and screenwriters in a constructive and friendly environment. The top finalists will participate in the Pitch Finale Party on Saturday, October 31, and the winner will receive a Producers Badge for the 2027 Austin Film Festival & Conference.
Austin Film Festival’s popular Pitch Competition is only available to AFF Producers Badgeholders. You can purchase your pitch ticket for only $30 at the time of purchase as an add-on to your Producers Badge or by calling 512-478-4795. Slots fill up fast, so secure yours as soon as possible.
Find out more about AFF’s Pitch Competition here.
NOT READY TO SUBMIT? TRY AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL’S SCRIPT COVERAGE & CONSULTATION PROGRAMS
Let’s face it, a great script requires many, many drafts. And sometimes to go from good script to great script, writers need a fresh set of eyes on their story. That’s why AFF’s Script Coverage and Consultation Programs offer extensive, detailed feedback on features, pilots, and short films from our team of top readers all of whom are seasoned coverage writers and industry veterans.
Another way in which Austin Film Festival supports writers throughout their entire writing journey, the Coverage Program provides no less than four – six pages of notes which evaluate your script’s characters, plot, dialogue, pace, structure as well as the overall story and marketability. AFF’s coverage notes will help your script make great strides towards final draft as you craft a writing sample that takes your writing from hobby to industry ready.
Austin Film Festival’s Script Consultation program connects emerging voices with established writers, managers, and agents within our community. This opportunity leverages AFF’s comprehensive evaluation guidelines and longstanding industry partnerships to ensure a detailed analysis of your latest project. The AFF Script Consultation Program will provide writers the opportunity to submit a feature or TV pilot script and receive thoughtful and comprehensive verbal notes from an industry professional via Zoom in a one-hour one-on-one consultation.
“I really don’t even know what to say about my experience at the 2025 Austin Film Festival other than it was quite literally a dream come true. While winning the ‘Comedy Teleplay Spec Award’ is certainly a part of that dream being realized, it is far from the only contributor. What truly makes the AFF so special has, and always will be, its community. Wherever you begin your creative journey, there is no destination an artist will find an easier time calling home than the Austin Film Festival. Your creative heroes will become your peers, your peers will become your heroes, and all any of them are looking to do is welcome you with open arms. I have spent my entire life looking for a place like the Austin Film Festival, and I consider it a great privilege to be in a position to shine the light for all my fellow artists still out there to follow.”
– Scott Olsen, 2025 Austin Film Festival Comedy Teleplay Spec Winner, Abbott Elementary: Skip Skampi’s
The Writers Conference
Invest in your career! The value for filmmakers at Austin Film Festival doesn’t stop with our competitions.
Austin Film Festival’s Annual Writers Conference is a four-day authentic and uninhibited exploration of the writer’s process. Regarded as the largest, pre-eminent educational and professional development opportunity for screenwriters in the world, the Writers Conference programming is curated to help emerging writers bridge the gap from craft to career. Comprised of more than 150 panels, over 200 leading industry panelists, and more than 20 networking events all in service of screenwriters, TV writers, playwrights, podcasters, video game writers, and storytellers at large, it’s no wonder AFF is known within the industry as “The Writers Festival.”
No velvet ropes, no VIP areas. In the words of Ed Solomon “there is no us and them” at AFF. Join AFF in demystifying the festival experience and instead participating in a one of a kind, world class event.
All entrants receive registration discounts regardless of programming status and we urge you to join us in Austin for this year’s Austin Film Festival! Buy your Badge now!
2026 Script Competition Deadlines
Feature Screenplay
Early Bird Deadline ($60): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($70): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($90): 5/27/26
Short Screenplay & Teleplay
Early Bird Deadline ($50): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($60): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($75): 5/27/26
Fiction Podcast
Early Bird Deadline ($40): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($45): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($50): 5/27/26
Playwriting
Early Bird Deadline ($25): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($25): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($35): 5/27/26
All deadlines happen at 11:59 PM Central Daylight Time
Categories
The category is open but not limited to feature drama scripts in genres such as historical, western, family, romance, horror, thriller, etc.
The category is open but not limited to feature comedy scripts in genres such as dark comedy, satire, family, animation, slapstick, horror, etc.
Entry Requirements:
- Open to any narrative short script in all genres 5 to 40 pages in length.
Drama Teleplay Pilot
Open to any original pilot script written in the one-hour or half-hour format for an original drama television series (no bibles or treatments will be accepted).
Drama Teleplay Spec
Open to any spec script for an existing drama television show, currently on or off the air, in the one-hour or half-hour format (no bibles or treatments will be accepted).
Comedy Teleplay Pilot
Open to any pilot script written in the half-hour or one-hour format for an original comedy television series (no bibles or treatments will be accepted).
Comedy Teleplay Spec
Open to any spec script for an existing comedy television show, currently on or off the air, in the half-hour or one-hour format (no bibles or treatments will be accepted).
Open to full-length stage plays 60-90 pages or that could reasonably be performed within 90 minutes on stage.
Open to ongoing, original, serialized stories designed for the podcast medium.
- Writers can submit up to three episodes 3-30 pages in length
- Include a series outline, detailing the events of the remaining episodes in the series
Entry Requirements:
- Open to short-form episodic scripts intended for the web.
- Writers can submit 1-3 episodes of their series totaling no more than 30 pages.
Additional Awards and Fellowships
AMC Networks (Mad Men, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Dark Winds) is the ultimate destination for premier storytelling, known for some of the most celebrated original content in television and film history.
Open to drama pilot scripts that demonstrate masterful plotting and character work.
The winner will receive:
- An AMC representative will meet with each of the finalists in this category at the AFF Conference or arrange calls with the finalists and winner at a later date.
- $1,000 prize; reimbursement of roundtrip airfare (up to $500 per script excluding frequent flyer miles); hotel reimbursement at the Film Festival (up to $500 per script)
- The AFF Fellowship award
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- Must first be entered in the Drama Teleplay Pilot Category
We are thrilled to introduce our new partnership with Starburns Industries for the 2026 Script Competitions! Starburns Industries is an innovative and imaginative full-service production company, specializing in stop-motion, traditional 2D animation and live-action production. Starburns is a creator driven studio, whose founders are responsible for the creation of Adult Swim series like MORAL OREL, MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENHOLE and RICK & MORTY; as well as the Academy Award nominated animated film ANOMALISA. Launched in the summer of 2010 to produce Emmy Award winning COMMUNITY holiday special, Starburns was founded in order to create a workspace that gives the support and freedom to original and creative people to make content that is funny, sad, strange, and beautiful.
Entry Requirements:
- Fellowship category will focus on Half Hour Animated Comedies written for a mature audience with a focus on Starburns four main ingredients, Funny, Sad, Strange, and Beautiful. Projects that are undeniably funny while also containing a strong sense of character; ones that are flawed, complicated, morally complex, silly or weird but who feel alive and compelling to follow.
- Scripts should have the ability to stand out in animation as opposed to live action. Scripts should demonstrate how the medium can be used in creative, playful, or out of the box ways. Scripts do not need to be set in a fantasy landscape.
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- In order to be considered for this Fellowship, you must be entered into the comedy teleplay pilot category of the 2026 AFF Screenplay Competition
Winner will receive:
- Starburns Industries will provide the Screenplay Fellowship winner Industry guidance and an inside look to Starburns Industries’ development process through a six-month Fellowship program
- Conversations during the program may include, but not limited to:
- Tips on career guidance
- Best practices advice
- Adapting IP
- Constructing a pitch deck
- Starburns Industries representatives will read the category’s top scripts to determine the winner, and provide feedback on the winning script. Pending availability, representatives from Starburns Industries will meet with the category finalists at Austin Film Festival’s Writers Conference (October 29th – November 1st).
- $500 cash prize and up to $500 in airfare and up to $500 in lodging travel allowance to attend the 2026 Austin Film Festival (October 29th – November 5th)
Austin Film Festival (AFF) and The Donners’ Company, headed by prolific producer Lauren Schuler Donner, are thrilled to announce the return of the Donners’ Company Screenwriting Award! This award is open to Feature length screenplays submitted to either the Drama or Comedy Feature category in AFF’s 2026 Script Competitions.
Through this partnership we are thrilled to recognize features with well-developed characters and a complex, original plot. This award aims to highlight compelling stories showcasing depth, creativity, and strong narrative structure. The Donners’ Company believes all stories should have humor within.
The Donners’ Company representatives will read the category’s top scripts to determine the winner, and provide feedback on the winning script. Pending availability, representatives from The Donners’ Company will meet with the category finalists at Austin Film Festival’s Writers Conference (October 29th – November 5th).
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- In order to be considered for this Award, you must be entered into the Comedy or Drama Feature categories of the 2026 AFF Screenplay Competition
The Donners’ Company Screenwriting Award winner will receive:
- Awardee(s)* will take three (3) meetings with Lauren Schuler Donner and/or development executives on her team, where they will offer industry guidance, feedback on winning script, advice on future projects, and insight into the development process.
- $500 cash prize and up to $500 in airfare and up to $500 in lodging travel allowance to attend the 2026 Austin Film Festival (October 29th – November 5th)
Enderby Entertainment Award
The Enderby Entertainment Award category is open to feature scripts in all genres with an original concept and distinctive voice that can be independently produced under $10 million. Co-founded by Rick Dugdale and Daniel Petrie, Jr. (Beverly Hills Cop, The Big Easy), the production company acquired the 2008 AFF Finalist script Stranded (now titled Dawn Patrol) which premiered at the 2014 Festival starring Scott Eastwood and Rita Wilson.
Winner(s) will receive:
- Representatives from Enderby Entertainment will review the semifinalist scripts submitted in across both categories and will determine the Award’s finalists and winner. Finalists will be given the opportunity to meet with a representative from Enderby during this year’s Conference (October 29 – November 5, 2026) or over the phone at a later date.
- $2,500 cash prize and up to $500 in airfare and up to $500 in lodging travel allowance to attend the 2026 Austin Film Festival (October 29th – November 5th)
Entry Requirements:
- Requires an additional $30 entry fee
- Must first be entered in either the Feature Drama or Feature Comedy categories
*Winning scripts may include writing partners
The Horror Award for Features is open to any feature horror script including dark suspense, thriller, sci-fi and macabre themes.
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- Must first be entered in either the Feature Drama or Comedy categories
Roadmap Writers Representation Fellowship
We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Roadmap Writers! Founded in 2016, by Joey Tuccio and Dorian Connelley, Roadmap has helped over 470 writers sign with representation, while countless others have staffed on TV shows, and optioned/sold their scripts.
Roadmap Writers and Austin Film Festival’s Script Competition share a passion for connecting vetted writers with invaluable industry opportunities. Through this new collaboration, we will continue to usher in new talent and help writers secure representation, connect with production companies, and get staffed.
Open to scripts submitted to the Feature Screenplay and Teleplay Pilot categories of the Austin Film Festival Script Competition, Roadmap Writers will read the top advancing scripts in the fellowship category and meet with each of the finalists at the 2026 Writers Conference (pending availability).
The Roadmap Writers Representation Fellowship winner will receive:
- Roadmap Writers will provide the Fellowship winner Industry guidance through a 12-month Fellowship program.
- Fellowship will take place January 2027 – December 2027
- The winner will take 2 meetings per month with Roadmap Writers representatives
- During the Fellowship, winner will take 3 meetings with an industry executive (arranged by Roadmap Writers).
- Conversations during the program may include: pitching your project, pitching yourself, advice on how to capitalize on winning AFF, prepping for and navigating industry generals
- $500 cash prize and up to $500 in airfare and up to $500 in lodging travel allowance to attend the 2026 Austin Film Festival (October 29th – November 5th)
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- To be considered for this Award, you must opt in and be entered into either the: Comedy Feature, Drama Feature, Comedy Teleplay Pilot, or Drama Teleplay Pilot categories of the 2026 AFF Screenplay Competition
The Sci-Fi Award for Features is open to science fiction, fantasy, horror, surrealism, myth/legend and fantastical storytelling.
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- Must first be entered in either the Feature Drama or Comedy categories
Founded by producer Gale Anne Hurd in 1982, Valhalla Entertainment is known for its award-winning projects that include the TV franchise behemoth, The Walking Dead, and its multiple spinoffs Fear the Walking Dead, Tales of The Walking Dead, The Ones Who Live, Dead City and Daryl Dixon. Other series include Prime Video’s adaptation of the hit podcast Lore, as well as two seasons of USA Network’s Falling Water and SyFy Network’s Hunters. Valhalla is also behind such landmark blockbusters as The Terminator, T2, The Abyss, Aliens and Armageddon. The company’s portfolio also features acclaimed documentaries like The YouTube Effect and the PBS documentary about the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Mankiller.
The Valhalla Script Award will recognize character driven genre projects in both Television and Film. They are looking for inventive takes on sci-fi, horror and thrillers that will push the boundaries of expectation for even the most ardent of genre fans. Think SEVERANCE, DARK and THE WALKING DEAD for TV, and HERETIC, WEAPONS and TALK TO ME for features.
Valhalla Entertainment will read the top genre scripts in competition, and select the winner. Pending availability, a representative from Valhalla Entertainment will meet with the category’s finalists and present the awards at AFF’s awards luncheon.
The Valhalla Entertainment Award winner will receive:
- Awardee(s)* will take meetings with Gale Anne Hurd and their President of Production, Phillip Kobylanski.
- $500 cash prize and up to $500 in airfare and up to $500 in lodging travel allowance to attend the 2026 Austin Film Festival (October 29th – November 5th)
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- In order to be considered for this Award, you must be entered into the Drama Feature or Drama Teleplay Pilot categories of the 2026 AFF Screenplay Competition
*Winning scripts may include writing partners
The William N. Collage Screenwriting Award
We’re so thrilled to announce that acclaimed screenwriter and long-time friend of AFF Bill Collage will be awarding a drama feature screenwriter through the AFF Screenplay competition this year!
The William N. Collage Screenwriting Award will recognize writers the feature length scripts that fit into the action, drama, or thriller genre.
The William N. Collage Screenwriting Award winner will receive:
- Awardee(s)* will take meetings with prolific screenwriter Bill Collage
- $1000 cash prize and up to $500 in airfare and up to $500 in lodging travel allowance to attend the 2026 Austin Film Festival (October 29th – November 5th)
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- In order to be considered for this Award, you must be entered into the Drama Feature category of the 2026 AFF Screenplay Competition
Austin Film Festival (AFF) and YMH Studios, producers of the Your Mom’s House podcast, are excited to announce the return of the YMH Studios Comedy Fellowship, and are on the hunt for the most clever, uproarious, sharp-witted, smart-ass writer capable of revolutionizing comedy with a single stroke of a pen… or keystroke.
YMH Studios is currently developing a slate of low-budget comedy feature films built around accessible, rewatchable concepts with a comedy-first approach to storytelling. With this aim, Your Mom’s House is excited to be partnering with the Austin Film Festival to offer a fellowship opportunity for a uniquely talented comedy writer.
The fellowship is open to Comedy Feature scripts constructed with easily understandable and rewatchable themes, prioritizing a comedic storytelling approach.
Entry Requirements:
- Requires additional $30 entry fee
- In order to be considered for this Fellowship, you must be entered into the Comedy Feature categories of the AFF Screenplay Competition
The Your Mom’s House Comedy Fellowship winner will receive:
- $1,000 cash prize and up to $500 in airfare and up to $500 in lodging travel allowance to attend the Austin Film Festival
- YMH Studios’ representative will provide initial feedback and notes on the winning fellowship script
- Fellow(s)* will take meetings with YMH Studios executives and development team
- Opportunity to continue work with YMH Studios after Fellowship per the discretion of both parties
*Winning scripts may include writing partners
AFF Screenplay Competition FAQ
More Questions? Download our FAQ sheet below:
AFF Screenplay Competition Rules
The following rules govern all screenplay submissions to the Austin Film Festival (“AFF” or the “Festival”)