The winner receives a grand prize of $5,000.
The winner and nine finalists are considered for representation by the agencies CAA, Circle of Confusion, Energy Entertainment, Exile Entertainment, the Gersh Agency, ICM, Oasis Media Group, the Radmin Company, UTA, and William Morris Endeavor. Their scripts will be considered for option and development by the production companies American Zoetrope, Anonymous Content, Array, Cats & Dogs Productions, Double Hope Films, Fox Searchlight, Groundswell Productions, Icon Films, IFC Films, Jean Doumanian Productions, Lionsgate, LIT Entertainment Group, Lleju Productions, Netflix, Number 9 Films, Oasis Media Group, Pretty Pictures Productions, Roserock Films, Sony Pictures Classics, Verisimilitude, and Working Title Films.
DEADLINES:
The EARLY-BIRD DEADLINE is July 15, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. PST. The FINAL DEADLINE is September 9, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. PST.
RESULTS:
One winning script and nine finalists will be announced on February 8, 2027. Semi- and quarterfinalists will be announced at the same time.
FEES:
The early-bird (before July 15) entry fee is $40; the regular fee is $50.
RULES, DETAILS, AND QUESTIONS:
Before entering, please read the Official Rules and FAQs (see tabs above), which include answers to commonly asked questions. With additional questions, please email contests@zoetrope.com.
Thanks for your interest, and good luck!
Entrants must be 18 years or older. Misrepresentation of age will disqualify the entrant and forfeit entry fee and prize money.
Employees of American Zoetrope and its affiliated companies and their immediate families are not eligible.
The rights to the submitted script should not have been previously optioned or sold.
No entrant may have earned, in the prior calendar year, more than $50,000 as a screenwriter for theatrical films or television/streaming services, or for the sale of, or sale of an option to, any original story, treatment, or script. Prizes, fellowships, awards, and other contest winnings are not considered earnings and are excluded from this rule.
Entries should include a title page. Entrants should NOT include their names or contact information on the title page; our judging process is blind.
Feature film and television/streaming pilot scripts must be the original work of the entrant. If the script is an adaptation or based on source material to which the entrant does not own rights, this should be noted on the title page.
If the script is a television/streaming pilot, the word pilot should be included on the title page. No separate application or other designation is necessary.
Submissions should be in the US Motion Picture industry standard screenplay format.
Submissions must be written in the English language.
Scripts must be submitted as PDFs. Supporting materials, such as loglines, treatments, and show bibles, are not accepted.
Page-count requirements are as follows:
Substitutions of corrected pages or updated drafts are not permitted after submissions are completed. However, an updated draft may be submitted as a new entry.
Collaborative work is accepted. One of the writing partners should be identified as the primary contact. If writing partners are selected as winners, the prize money will be divided equally among them.
Entrants must submit scripts and payment digitally through the Zoetrope competition web pages.
An entry fee of US$40 (prior to the early-bird deadline) or US$50 (between the early-bird and final deadlines) must be paid online by credit card or PayPal at the time of script submission. Entry fees will not be returned or adjusted.
An entry is not complete until both the PDF of a script and payment have been submitted.
ABOUT THE CONTEST
What is the purpose of the contest?
The contest’s aim is to seek out and encourage compelling new narratives for the screen, and to introduce the next generation of great screenwriters to today’s leading production companies and agencies.
What are the prizes?
The winner will receive $5,000. The winner and nine finalists will be considered for representation by a select list of agencies, and their scripts will be considered for film option and development by leading production companies.
What is the deadline to submit?
Both the early-bird and final deadlines are at 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the dates listed at left.
Can I pay the entry fee with a credit or debit card?
Yes. We use PayPal as our payment processor, but we accept credit and debit cards in addition to PayPal. To use a credit or debit card, simply click the yellow “PayPal Checkout” button, then scroll to select the credit/debit card option in the pop-up box.
When will the winner and finalists be announced?
The winner and nine finalists will be announced February 8, 2027, on the competition website and via email notification. The semi- and quarterfinalists will be announced at the same time.
How do I submit a script to the contest?
Click the “Enter Now” button at left and complete the steps. Scripts and payments must be submitted digitally via the website. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY ENTRIES.
How will I learn whether I’m the winner or a finalist?
The winner and nine finalists will be contacted directly by American Zoetrope via email on February 8, 2027. We also will send an email to all entrant email addresses; this email will link to the full list of honorees—winner, finalists, and semi- and quarterfinalists—posted on our website. We do not send announcements by postal mail.
Can I find out my script’s score or ranking?
No, we are unable to respond to requests for scores or rankings.
Who’s reading the scripts?
A handful of American Zoetrope staff and paid professional readers, who are bound by confidentiality agreements, read the scripts. American Zoetrope staff and the guest judge select the winner from 10 finalists.
What are these readers looking for in a screenplay?
The readers are looking for a screenplay with a strong story and solid execution, regardless of genre, subject matter, or budget requirements. We seek original voices whose work will contribute to the quality, diversity, and longevity of contemporary cinema. These standards are applicable to both feature and television/streaming scripts.
Do you provide notes, coverage, or feedback to entrants?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide notes, coverage, or feedback to entrants. The purpose of the competition is to introduce new writers to industry professionals and thereby help launch or further careers in the industry.
How do I update my contact information if my email, mailing address, or phone number changes?
Please send a request to update contact information to contests@zoetrope.com.
ELIGIBILITY AND GUIDELINES
Are citizens of countries other than the United States eligible?
Yes, the competition is open to international entries. However, scripts must be in English.
Can I submit a screenplay adapted from another work?
Yes, an entry may be based on another work or a true story. If the script is an adaptation or based on source material to which you do not own rights, you must indicate such on the title page. If you are the author of the source material, we suggest you indicate such but omit your name to abide our blind-judging requirements.
Should I include my name or contact information on the title page?
No, you should NOT include your name or contact information on the title page. Our judging process is blind.
Can I submit a television/streaming pilot script?
Yes, we accept scripts for both one-hour and half-hour original television/streaming pilots. We recognize that many of the most compelling cinematic narratives today are being produced for television or streaming services. Our purpose is to introduce great storytellers to producers and agencies, whether their stories are intended for the big or small screen. We do NOT accept spec scripts for series already in production or for previously produced series. Pilot scripts should include the word pilot on the title page.
Are television/streaming pilot scripts considered in a separate category?
No, there are no separate categories for film and television/streaming scripts; all scripts are evaluated together.
What happens if, after entering the contest, my script is sold or optioned, or I earn more than $50,000 as a screenwriter?
We require only that the writer and script be eligible at the time of entry.
SUBMISSIONS AND FORMATTING
How can I confirm that my entry was received?
You will see a confirmation screen once your submission is complete, and you will receive an automated confirmation email.
What happens if there’s a problem with my electronic file?
If there is a problem with your file, we will contact you via email and allow you to return a replacement file.
Can I enter more than one script to the contest?
Yes, you can enter as many scripts as you wish to submit. But please note that each submission requires a separate entry fee.
Can I enter the same script from a previous year’s competition?
Yes, you can enter a script from a previous year’s competition. We have a sufficient number of readers that we can ensure your script will not be read by the same person as in a previous year.
If I revise my script after submitting it, can I replace the original version with the new one?
No, we are unable to substitute revised or updated drafts, as noted in the Official Rules. You are welcome to submit a revised or updated draft as a new entry, however. (N.B.: If your script is the winner or among the finalists, you will have an opportunity to submit a new version before we share with agencies and production companies.)
What is the page-count requirement?
Feature-film scripts must not exceed 140 pages. One-hour television/streaming pilot scripts must not exceed 70 pages. Half-hour television/streaming pilot scripts must not exceed 40 pages.
Does my cover page count toward the total?
No, your cover/title page is not counted toward your script’s total pages. So, a feature script could be 141 pages with the title page, an hour pilot script could be 71 pages with the title page, and a half-hour pilot could be 41 pages with the title page.
What if my script is a few pages longer than the limit?
Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to our page-limit rule. An essential part of writing for the screen is the ability to work within guidelines and constraints. The page-count lengths we have designated are the industry standards for unsolicited scripts. (A good rule of thumb for estimating the length of your film is that one page of a script equals one minute of screen time.)
What is the US Motion Picture industry standard screenplay format?
To learn more about correct screenplay formatting, you can consult any number of screenwriting books or screenwriting software. There are numerous resources available on the Internet for learning about standard film and television/streaming script formatting. A small error will not disqualify your script, but please do your best to ensure that your screenplay is formatted correctly and is free of typos, as well as spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes. Also, please ensure that your script’s pages are properly numbered.
Do I need to tell you my script is a pilot and not a feature-length screenplay?
Yes, if the script is a television/streaming pilot, please include the word pilot on the title page.
Will you disqualify my script if it isn’t formatted correctly?
We’ll consider scripts in which the formatting is fundamentally similar to standard screenplay format. To ensure your formatting is maintained, please submit a PDF file.
What file types do you accept for online submissions?
Scripts should be submitted as PDFs. All screenwriting software (such as Final Draft) enables easy conversion to PDF. We do not accept hard-copy submissions.
Should I include a logline or synopsis or, for television/streaming pilots, a show bible?
No, you should not include a logline, synopsis, show bible, or other supporting materials. You will not be penalized for including a logline, but we will not read any materials beyond the script itself.
Can I include an illustrated title page to set the tone for my script?
No, you should not include any artwork or illustrations with your script.
RIGHTS AND COPYRIGHT
If I enter the contest, particularly if I’m the winner or a finalist, am I giving up rights to my script?
No. All entrants—including the winner and finalists—retain complete and exclusive rights to their work. Should a participating agency or production company (including American Zoetrope) wish to buy or option your script, represent you, or hire you for other work, you will be contacted directly by that party.
Must I register copyright of my screenplay before entering?
No, we do not require that the copyright of a script be registered (whether with the Library of Congress, the WGA, or another agency) before the script is entered into the competition. Even without a formal copyright, you retain rights to your work.
Should I choose to do so, how do I copyright my work?
For answers to all US copyright questions (e.g., related to procedures, fees, etc.), consult the Library of Congress’s copyright website at www.loc.gov/copyright.
ABOUT US
What is American Zoetrope?
American Zoetrope is Francis Ford Coppola’s motion picture production company. Since our founding in 1969, we have produced some of the most important films in American cinema. Our founder’s distinguished career includes films that have garnered 27 Academy Awards and 63 nominations; four of these films are on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest American Films of All Time.
American Zoetrope has constantly embraced the creative possibilities of technology, and we are known for orchestrating alternative approaches to filmmaking and challenging Hollywood standards. American Zoetrope is headquartered in the historic Sentinel Building in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood.
What is a zoetrope?
Zoetrope [fr. Gk. zoe, life + tropos, turning, changing]: an optical toy that converts a series of pictures of successive attitudes into the semblance of continuous motion: wheel of life: life revolution
Many thanks to all who entered the 2025 American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition. We appreciate the opportunity to read such diverse and innovative work.
From nearly 2,000 submissions, Judge Francis Coppola and the Zoetrope staff honored the scripts below.
Winner:
Germaphobe in a Sex Club (pilot) by Jessica Ennis and Caitlin Cronenberg (Brooklyn, NY)
Finalists:
Bad Moon Rising (pilot) by S. Dylan Zwickel (New York, NY)
Bud and Sandi Leave New York by Gerard Zarra (New York, NY)
Collision (pilot) by Todd Trotter (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Depth of Field by Josh Carter (New York, NY)
The Fleet Foot by Michael Begg (Metairie, LA)
Golden Hour by Maureen McEly (Cincinnati, OH)
The Graveyard Shift (pilot) by Briana Rayner and Marisa Chandler (Vancouver, Canada)
Lonely Boy by Aaron Keene and Sara Katarina (Brooklyn, NY)
The Polski Affair by Kenneth Gildin (Los Angeles, CA)
Semifinalists:
Awake by Julia Bottarelli (Naperville, IL)
Bounce House by Christopher Ewing and Callie Bloem (Los Angeles, CA)
Boy in the Back Seat by Scott Pickup (Welwyn Garden City, England)
Carlotta by Bill Hochhauser (Johns Creek, GA)
Even the Brightest Girls | 春蚕祭 by Vivian Ip (Los Angeles, CA)
Inside the Outside (pilot) by Greg Lastrapes and Martin Lastrapes (Glendale, CA)
Maleficium by Dayna Noffke (Decatur, GA)
Mauritius (pilot) by Philippe Benoit (Lafayette, CA)
Polar Break by Thomas DiGiacinto (Hollis, NH)
Tinderbox by Adam Stier (Blue Ash, OH)
Quarterfinalists:
Anne Boleyn Smith by David Burch (Bridlington, England)
The Dulce Incident by Thomas Ortiz (Escondido, CA)
Frankenstalien by Tanner Matthews (Long Beach, CA)
Galentine’s Day by Carlos Gabriel Ruiz (Saint Louis, MO)
Non | Binary (pilot) by Zachary Hill (Lakewood, CO)
Queerbait by Nate Gualtieri (Los Angeles, CA)
Reckoning by Adam Albanese (Toronto, Canada)
The River Where Blood Is Born (pilot) by Sandra Jackson-Opoku (Chicago, IL)
The Suitcase of Somewhere by Michael Layne Jr. (Brooklyn, NY)
Sundowning by Shay Michael (Hermosa Beach, CA)
The winners will receive the grand prize of $5,000.
The winners and nine finalists will be considered for representation by the agencies CAA, Circle of Confusion, Energy Entertainment, Exile Entertainment, the Gersh Agency, ICM, Oasis Media Group, the Radmin Company, UTA, and William Morris Endeavor. Their scripts will be considered for option and development by the production companies American Zoetrope, Anonymous Content, ARRAY, Cats & Dogs Productions, Double Hope Films, Fox Searchlight, Groundswell Productions, Icon Films, IFC Films, Jean Doumanian Productions, Lionsgate, LIT Entertainment Group, Lleju Productions, Netflix, Number 9 Films, Oasis Media Group, Pretty Pictures Productions, Roserock Films, Sony Pictures Classics, Verisimilitude, and Working Title Films.
The 2026 American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition will open to entries June 1; the deadline is September 9. To receive updates by email, please write us at contests@zoetrope.com.
Thanks again to all entrants, and all good wishes for your writing!
