Closed for Entries.
We re-open July 1, 2024.
Write LA Shorts gives one writer the chance to see their short film script read by professional actors, filmed in a unique, hybrid style, and posted online.
Short scripts are a great way to refine your craft, and announce your ‘voice’ to the industry, and Write LA wants to help.
Enter your short script (35 page maximum), any genre, for the chance to see your words performed by incredible actors, in a professionally filmed and edited video that will be posted online.
You can use it as a calling card, or a proof of concept.
Prizes for our top 10 finalists include a notebook and pen from our sponsor ‘Decomposition’ by Michael Rogers, a book about screenwriting from sponsors Michael Wiese Productions and a free online screenwriting Webinar from our sponsors Script Magazine and The Writer's Store.
$30
Early Deadline
8/01/24
$40
Regular Deadline
9/01/24
$50
Final Deadline
10/1/24
Feedback: receive up to a page of written feedback on your script, personally written by our Head Judge Tim Schildberger for an additional fee of $85.
The Prizes
- Your script performed by professional actors, filmed by a professional camera crew and edited into a ‘hybrid’ style version of the short film. Actors will be on stage, but acting out scenes in a more intimate, visual style than a simple table reading.
- The edited film is made available to the winner to use as a calling card, or a proof of concept and will be posted online.
- A notebook and pen, courtesy of Decomposition Books by Michael Rogers
- A screenwriting book, courtesy of Michael Wiese Productions
- An online Screenwriting Webinar courtesy of Script Magazine/The Writer's Store
- 1 free entry with Feedback into the 2023 Write LA Feature/Pilot Screenplay Competition
- A cool trophy
The Winner Receives...
- A notebook and pen courtesy of Decomposition Books.
- A screenwriting book, courtesy of Michael Wiese Productions
- A free screenwriting webinar courtesy of Script Magazine/The Writer's Store
- Your short script’s logline posted on our website
- Free written feedback from Head Judge Tim Schildberger
- 1 Free entry into the 2023 Write LA Feature/Pilot Screenplay Competition.
Top 10 Finalists Receive...
Enter your script via:
Write LA Shorts is proudly sponsored by
Michael Wiese Productions (MWP) has published some 200 books on the art, craft, and business of filmmaking. MWP bestsellers have been translated into 18 languages, are used in over 700 film courses, in the Hollywood studios, and by emerging filmmakers.
Fictional Entity is a boutique management company representing an international roster of writers, directors, producers and actors working in film and TV across all genres. With a collective background in agency representation, studio project development, international financing, and an extensive global network, partners Chris Deckard and Krista Carpenter provide clients with innovative career guidance, consistent and open communication, in-depth feedback, promotion to top industry players, and assistance in pitching and selling their projects.
Script has been the leading source for information on the craft and business of writing for film and television since 1995. With inside information, articles, and in-depth interviews, Script is the resource on every scriptwriter’s must-read list. Since 1982, The Writer’s Store has been respected worldwide as the premiere resource for Writing and Filmmaking tools. Dive into our resources, including live and on-demand webinars!
Why Enter Write LA Shorts?
We have a proven record of helping writers of pilots and screenplays gain access to the ‘industry’ launch their career, and improve command of their writing craft. So we're applying those skills to the short script format.
As fellow writers, we know how hard it is to get something you wrote actually filmed using professional actors and crew. We also know how cool it feels when it happens - so we're making it happen.
There's no better way of announcing yourself to the 'industry' than by having something you wrote performed, filmed, and shown. So we're giving one lucky winner that chance.
A Select Group of Judges
We have a small, professional team of readers (which means we pay them), hand picked and led by Head Judge Tim Schildberger. No anonymous, faceless stuff here. We are a reliable, safe space for your creative choices. Feature and Pilot scripts we've selected have been optioned, their writers repped, and connected in ‘Hollywood’. We take the judging process seriously, because it's important that every writer gets the fairest shot at being selected.
Helpful Prizes for the Top 10
We're not just about the winner. We want to give other writers a chance to benefit from their entry. So the rest of the top ten get a range of prizes aimed at helping you become a stronger writer.
Short scripts are a great way to build confidence in your skills. So send us your words, and let us help you grow!
I can’t recommend this contest enough. … JUST DO IT!
Matt White, Finalist
What People Say about Write LA
My experience with Write LA has been extremely positive. Thanks to Write LA, I got to see my work get brought to life, which was a very surreal and motivating experience.
Tova Swartz
2022 WRITE LA SHORTS WINNER
"Five stars all around. This contest is valuable at every tier. The script feedback is insightful and clearly communicated… I’ve recommended this contest to all of my up-and-coming writer friends."
Jenna Wycoff
2018 WRITE LA WINNER
"As a semi-finalist, I had an awesome notes session that was well worth the price of entry. Great feedback and super supportive. I’d definitely enter again."
Michi Broman
2018 WRITE LA SEMIFINALIST
I'm so honored to be a finalist in your competition. The communication throughout the entire process was fantastic, and you just know, they really care about the writer. Thanks a lot for a truly great experience!
Bernhard Riedhammer
2022 WRITE LA SHORTS FINALIST
"Thank you so much for these notes. These are the most coherent, straight-forward, ACTIONABLE notes I’ve received on this script yet."
Brian Farrey-Latz
ENTRANT
"A quality well run event. Tim and his team should consult for other competitions. This is the way it should be done. I did not win, but will use Tim’s advice to improve my future scripts."
John McCarney
ENTRANT
Tim Schildberger
Write LA Shorts Founder & Head Judge
Tim is a proud dual citizen of Australia/USA. He wrote for the Aussie soap opera Neighbours when he was 22; he had a senior production role on the movie Borat (he has stories); he created, wrote, and directed a 13-episode comedy series 'Lawrence of America' for the Travel Channel; and most recently he wrote and directed a play in a successful LA run. He's been writing for decades, and since 2016 he's dedicated himself to helping writers through his Write LA Screenwriting Competitions, script coaching, and writing workshops. He and his family live in Los Angeles and regularly foster baby kittens.
Have a Question?
Please check our Rules section for more details about the competition, the grand prize, and the announcement dates. If you still have questions, send us an email at info@write-la.com
Enter Now
We're excited to read your story.