Screenwriting competition
The Broaden Your Horizons screenwriting competition is designed to inspire writers to keep writing. One great story simply isn't enough to advance in this industry. That is why we make the multiple submissions process easier and more affordable. Our winners also enjoy a cultural escape to work on their next big hit.
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DIFF's Screenplay Competition is no longer accepting submissions for feature films/1-hour TV pilots and shorts/30-minute TV pilots. All entries are eligible for optional feedback from professional readers (highly recommended).
Quarterfinalists were announced on April 22, 2020. Winners were revealed on May 27, 2020.
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Let us help improve your scripts while you grow your portfolio.
Feature/1 hour Pilot
$1,000
DIFF 2020 Star Pass
Professional Consultation
Writer's Enrichment Cruise
10 Script Pitches
Short/30 min. Pilot
$500
DIFF 2020 Star Pass
Professional Consultation
Writer's Enrichment Cruise
10 Script Pitches
Feature/1 hour Pilot
$500
DIFF 2020 Star Pass
Professional Consultation
5 Script Pitches
Short/30 min. Pilot
$250
DIFF 2020 Star Pass
Professional Consultation
5 Script Pitches
Feature/1 hour Pilot
$150
DIFF 2020 Star Pass
2 Script Pitches
Short/30 min. Pilot
$100
DIFF 2020 Star Pass
2 Script Pitches
judges
Each reader is an experienced industry professional (award-winning writers, producers, managers and agents) who will evaluate each script based on the strength of plot, characterization, format, originality, style, dialogue, pacing and current market potential. Scorecard will be provided after winners are announced.
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Johnathan Brownlee
Director, producer, writer, actor and executive director for DIFF (Three Days In August, The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, Decoding Annie Parker)
Teresa Cheng
Animation producer and production manager (Shrek Forever After, Madagascar, Batman & Robin, True Lies)
Lisa Furfine
CEO of the Furfine Network, connecting sports and entertainment industry professionals (The New Celebrity Apprentice, SportsTravel magazine)
Ken Estin
3-time Emmy winning screenwriter and producer (Taxi, Cheers, The Tracey Ullman Show, Beverly Hills Cop)
Jana Memel
3-time Academy Award winning producer/writer/director (So I Married An Axe Murderer, Ray's Male Heterosexual Dance Hall, and Lieberman In Love)
All early deadlines are eligible for our submit one, get one half off promotion.
All early deadlines are eligible for our submit one, get one half off promotion.
All early deadlines are eligible for our submit one, get one half off promotion.