Writing for Screen Competition 2025

What is the Watersprite: Writing for Screen competition?

The Watersprite: Writing for Screen competition is our annual writing competition aimed at emerging screenwriters who have not yet had their screenplay developed.


Whilst we also run a ‘Screenplay Award’ for films entered into the festival, Writing for Screen welcomes screenplays that have not yet been put into production, and which are of a longer length.

We’d love to hear from young UK-based writers interested in going into screenwriting who wish to nourish their skill, and would benefit from a workshop, networking, and even the potential for one-on-one feedback with an industry professional. 

FAQs

  • As part of the application form, you will be asked to upload:  

    1. A 10-page extract from an original feature film (in typed screenplay format, courier font, size 12) plus up to one page of synopsis. The screenplay cannot have been produced, and must be in a pdf or word format.

    2. Proof that you are currently a student or have graduated within the last year. This can be a picture of your ID, a letter of confirmation from your institution that you are currently enrolled or a graduation certificate.

  • Those nominated for the competition will be invited to attend Watersprite Film Festival, where you will: 

    • Participate in a workshop on Saturday 8th of March in which you will be able to receive advice on your writing from industry experts.

    • An invite to attend the exclusive Watersprite Awards Ceremony.

    • Connect with other writers, as well as directors, producers and actors at the festival.

    • Become part of an alumni network with members that have gone on to work across the industry, from Film4, to the Henson Company and many more.

  • In addition to all of the perks of being a nominee, the competition will select two winners. As winners of the competition you will receive one to one feedback on your script and be supported in develop your voice as an screenwriter.  

  • 15th November: Submissions Open.

    1st December: Submissions Close.

    3rd February: Deadline for results to be sent to submitters (please note that if this date changes we will get in touch).

    8th March: Workshop Date for nominees and winners.

    1. Note that each writer can submit one screenplay only which must be their own work. Adaptations or screenplays based on other works (such as books or plays) will only be accepted if all rights are owned by the writer of the screenplay or if the underlying work is in the public domain and is no longer protected by copyright. Screenplays based on true stories or events may be submitted provided the writer has written permission from any living persons represented in the script.

    2. The screenwriters themselves must submit their screenplays, and not agents on their behalf. This is to avoid large numbers of bulk entries which can affect the entry distribution and judging process.

    3. Any screenplays that have used AI (such as ChatGPT) are not eligible.

    4. All screenplays must be un-produced and must not enter development until March 2025. All rights must be held by the writer(s) who are submitting to the competition and not to a third party. If during the course of the competition a screenplay enters production or development, Watersprite must be notified and the screenplay will no longer be eligible for the competition.

    5. All screenplays must be submitted as a PDF (.pdf) or word document (.docx) and in size 12 font.

    6. All screenplays must be written in English. Translations will be accepted if the translator is also a student and can provide proof of student enrolment.

    7. Past Watersprite alumni and those who have submitted to Watersprite 2025 are allowed to enter.

    8. All entrants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of the festival. Under 18s will need parental permission to attend (even virtually).

    9. The screenwriter must have been a student while writing or working on their screenplay. Watersprite defines ‘student’ as those who are in full or part-time education at any age or those who graduated no more than one year ago. Proof of student enrolment will be required at the submissions stage. Valid forms of student identification include: a dated student card, a copy of a student finance bill, or a letter from the university or institution.

    10. Screenplays can be co-written. All writers must be students and must be credited.

    11. Screenwriters must ensure that their name and contact details have been removed from every page of the script. All scripts will be read “blind” i.e. without a name attached, until the final stages of judging. Any screenplays that include contact details will not be considered. All readers of the screenplays will be prohibited from copying or otherwise exploiting the scripts for any reason other than in connection with the competition itself; copyright remains with the writers.

    12. All screenplays must be in an ‘industry standard’ format. Please see an example provided by the BBC: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/screenplaytv.pdf