screenwriting showdown

The Richmond Film Network Screenwriting Showdown is a dynamic competition celebrating the art of storytelling for the screen! Whether you're a seasoned screenwriter or a passionate newcomer, this is your chance to showcase your voice, compete with fellow creatives, and make your mark on the Richmond independent film scene.

This year, we're rolling out the red carpet for short-form storytelling. Our 2025 competition is open exclusively to short screenplays. With the incredible enthusiasm from Richmond’s creative community, we anticipate expanding to include feature-length scripts in 2026.

We are looking for compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and scripts that have the potential to come alive on screen.

FEES AND DEADLINES

Early Bird - $35, deadline May 1, 2025
Regular - $45, deadline June 1, 2025
Late - $55, deadline June 15, 2025

PRIZES

Winning writer for Best Screenplay (Short) will receive:

a $250 cash prize
our crystal trophy
an All-Access pass to the November 15 RFN Indie Fest finale
a “30-minute Mentor” Zoom session with professional screenwriter Sharon Y. Cobb (The Man in the White Van) where winner can discuss any number of topics ranging from screenwriting craft, marketing their script, or working as a pro in the industry. Note: Sharon is not a judge, so this is not a feedback session.
judge notes

Runner-Up writer for Best Screenplay (Short) will receive:

our award certificate
an All-Access pass to the November 15 RFN Indie Fest finale
judge notes

READ THE OFFICIAL RULES

Screenwriting Showdown Entry Form

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

(###)

###

####

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

How did you hear about us?

I'm an RFN Mighty App Member

RFN Screenwriters' Lab

Facebook

Instagram

VPA Email

VFO Hotline

Word of Mouth

Other

STATISTICAL DATA

Age

Gender

Education

Ethnicity

Student

ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT

Script Title

First Writer

Second Writer

Logline

Synopsis

Under 50 words. Not required or used for judging.

Screenplay Categories

Short Screenplays must be 10–40 pages in length. We are not accepting feature screenplays at this time.

CERTIFICATION

I/We have read all of the rules & regulations, understand, and have complied with these rules, including refund policies. - I/We warrant the submission of my/our original work and that there are no disputes regarding the ownership of the submission. - I/We also warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead. - I/We indemnify RFN against any claim made for such violations of law. - To the best of my/our knowledge, all the statements herein are true and correct. - I/We understand that failure to adhere to the competition rules and regulations will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee. - I/We acknowledge that once an entry payment has been submitted, RFN will not provide a refund - I/We agree to hold the RFN harmless from and defend them against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, whether or not groundless, based on any screenplay/film/play submitted to the RFN or on any screenplay/film/play developed out of such submission. - No revisions will be accepted once entry has been received. - By entering the competition, I/we understand my e-mail address will be added to RFN's e-mail list. An invoice will be sent to the provided email address upon submission, and script will be considered accepted into the Screenwriting Showdown once payment is received.

Enter initials for online signature.

screenwriting showdown

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