STONE KNIGHT PRODUCTIONS WRITING COMPETITION

Stone Knight Productions celebrates bold, original storytelling by giving writers the opportunity to showcase their work, gain recognition, and bring compelling stories closer to the screen.

ENTER THE COMPETITION

HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS

1. SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Submit your original screenplay or story to the Stone Knight Productions Writing Competition.

2. REVIEW & SELECTION

Our team reviews eligible submissions and selects standout stories based on originality, storytelling, character development, and cinematic potential.

3. WINNERS & RECOGNITION

Selected winners receive recognition from Stone Knight Productions and may gain opportunities for additional exposure, development, or future creative consideration.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for compelling original stories with strong characters, engaging storytelling, a distinctive voice, and the potential to translate into a memorable cinematic experience.

STRONG CHARACTERS

Memorable characters with clear motivations, emotional depth, and meaningful growth that audiences can connect with.

ORIGINAL STORYTELLING

Fresh, distinctive ideas with a clear voice and a story that feels original, engaging, and worth remembering.

CINEMATIC POTENTIAL

Stories that can translate visually to the screen through compelling scenes, strong emotion, and memorable moments.

EMOTIONAL IMPACT

Stories that create a meaningful connection with the audience and leave a lasting emotional impression.

COMPETITION DETAILS

FEATURE-LENGTH COMPETITION

Screenplay Length: 90–120 pages

 

Benefits:
Cash Reward
Free Feedback
Interview with the Author
One-on-One with the Producer

Story of the Year recognition

Competition Dates
Open: September 22, 2026
Deadline: March 23, 2027

Prize Awards
Total Prize Value: $8,000
1st Place — $4,500
2nd Place — $2,000
3rd Place — $1,500

SHORTS COMPETITION

Screenplay Length: 10–50 pages

 

Benefits
Cash Reward
Free Feedback
Interview with the Author
One-on-One with the Producer
Story of the Year Recognition

Competition Dates
Open: April 19, 2027
Deadline: August 30, 2027

Prize Awards
Total Prize Value: $5,000
1st Place — $3,000
2nd Place — $1,500
3rd Place — $500

OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES

Please review the official rules carefully before submitting your entry. By entering an SKP competition, you agree to comply with these rules and the requirements of the specific competition.

Agreement and eligibility
  1. By submitting an entry form, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to follow these rules.
  2. All entrants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry.
  3. The competition is open to writers worldwide. It is void where prohibited by law.
  4. Employees of SKP, the competition judges, and their immediate family and household members are not eligible to enter. Other relatives of SKP staff may enter on the same terms as any other writer, and no judge will score an entry from someone they know personally.

Enter the Stone Knight Productions Writing Competition by submitting an eligible screenplay and paying the applicable entry fee.

  • Regular Entry: A separate entry fee is required for each screenplay submitted.

  • SKP Membership: Membership provides access to SKP membership benefits, including complimentary screenplay feedback for active members. Membership fees do not include or replace competition entry fees.

  1. Competition entry fees must be paid through the approved payment options provided during the submission process. Any applicable processing fees will be disclosed before payment.

  2. Competition entry fees are non-refundable except as specified in the Cancellation and Refunds section of the Official Competition Rules. Approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method, subject to payment processor timelines.

Each entry must include all of the following, received by the deadline:

  • A completed entry form

  • The applicable competition entry fee for each screenplay submitted. An active SKP membership does not replace the competition entry fee.

  • Your screenplay as a PDF in standard screenplay format: 90-120 pages for a Feature, 10-50 pages for a Short

  • A synopsis of no more than one page, including the screenplay title and writer’s name. You may also submit an optional video pitch of up to two minutes.

  1. Your screenplay must be your original work, written in English. Adaptations are allowed only if you own or hold written rights to the source material.
  2. At the time of entry, your screenplay must not have been published, produced, sold, or optioned, and must not be under negotiation for any of these.
  3. Co-written screenplays are welcome. The entry form must list every writer, and every writer must sign it.
  4. The entry period begins on the start date and ends at the deadline listed in Key details. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted.
  5. Keep your own copy of everything you submit. SKP does not return submitted materials.
  1. Entries are judged on the merit of the writing, including story, characters, structure, and dialogue. Your chances of winning depend on your screenplay’s quality and the number of eligible entries received.
  2. Judges’ identities are kept confidential, and their decisions are final.

  3. Stone Knight Productions will notify winners using the contact information provided during submission and announce them on the official winner announcement date published by Stone Knight Productions. Winners may also be announced on the SKP website and official social media channels.

  4. To claim a prize, each winner must provide the following within 15 days of notification:

    • A valid government-issued photo ID to verify identity and eligibility.

    • Any applicable tax documentation required for prize reporting or payment, submitted through a secure method.

    • A recent headshot (no hat or sunglasses) for the winner announcement.

  5. A winner who does not provide these items within 15 days forfeits the prize, and SKP may select an alternate winner.

  1. Cash prizes are awarded according to the published prize amounts for each competition category. Winning does not require you to sign a contract or sell your screenplay.

  2. Prize payments will be processed after SKP verifies the winner’s identity, eligibility, and required documentation. SKP will communicate payment arrangements and estimated processing timelines directly to each winner.

  3. Prize payments will be issued using a payment method arranged by Stone Knight Productions after the winner’s identity, eligibility, and required documentation have been verified. SKP will communicate payment details and estimated processing timelines directly to the winner.

  4. The winner is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes on the prize. SKP will issue tax forms as required by law.

You keep full ownership and copyright of your screenplay. Entering this competition does not transfer any rights to SKP.

  1. By entering, you confirm your screenplay is your original work and does not infringe anyone else’s rights. You agree to indemnify SKP against third-party claims arising from your screenplay.

  2. By accepting a prize, the winner grants SKP permission to use their name, photograph, general location (city and state or country), screenplay title, logline, and synopsis to announce and promote the competition. Any publication of screenplay excerpts requires the writer’s separate permission. This promotional permission is royalty-free and does not transfer ownership of the screenplay.

  3. SKP will not produce, sell, or adapt any screenplay without a separate written agreement with the writer, including compensation.

  4. SKP may securely retain submitted materials for up to two years for competition administration, recordkeeping, and potential follow-up communication. SKP will not publicly share, produce, or develop submissions without the writer’s separate permission. Writers may request deletion of their submitted materials by contacting stoneknightproductions@gmail.com, subject to applicable legal and recordkeeping requirements.

Stone Knight Productions offers screenplay feedback services to help writers strengthen their storytelling and develop their creative work.

  • Active SKP Members: Receive complimentary screenplay feedback as part of their active membership benefits, whether or not they participate in a competition.

  • Competition Winners: Receive complimentary screenplay feedback for their winning screenplay, regardless of membership status.

  • Nonmembers: May purchase screenplay feedback services at the applicable rate.

Entering a competition does not automatically include complimentary screenplay feedback for nonwinning, nonmember entrants. Membership fees and competition entry fees are separate.

  1. Stone Knight Productions accepts unlimited eligible screenplay entries during the official submission period. Following the submission deadline, eligible entries will be evaluated to select the Top 100 screenplays, followed by the Top 10 finalists. From those finalists, SKP will select the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place winners. If fewer than 100 eligible entries are received, the selection process may proceed with the available eligible entries. If SKP cancels a competition, all entry fees for that competition will be refunded.

  2. Contestants may voluntarily withdraw their screenplay before the official competition submission deadline and receive a full refund of their competition entry fee. Refunds will be issued within seven (7) business days.

  3. Entries that violate the official competition rules will be disqualified without a refund and will not be eligible for a prize.

  4. SKP may update these rules. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised date and will not apply to entries already submitted.

SKP uses your personal information only to run the competition and award prizes. We store identity and tax documents securely and never share them except as required by law. Questions? Contact us at stoneknightproductions@gmail.com.

Thank you for sharing your stories with Stone Knight Productions. Best of luck!

READY TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY?

Take the next step and submit your screenplay to the Stone Knight Productions Writing Competition. We look forward to discovering your story.

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to common questions about entering an SKP writing competition, submission requirements, eligibility, prizes, and protecting your work.

How do I enter a Stone Knight Productions competition?

Choose the competition you want to enter, complete the submission process, and pay the full entry fee for each screenplay or story you submit. Your entry is complete once we receive all required materials and payment.

Writers aged 18 or older from anywhere in the world are welcome to enter the Stone Knight Productions Writing Competition. All submitted screenplays must be written in English.

You may submit as many eligible screenplays as you wish before the competition deadline. Each screenplay is considered a separate entry and requires its own competition entry fee. Both SKP members and nonmembers must complete the required competition submission process for each screenplay. An active SKP membership does not waive competition entry fees.

Category

Page length

Feature-length

90–120 pages

Short

10–50 pages

Please submit your screenplay as a PDF in standard screenplay format.

Each entry must include a synopsis of one page or less that lists your name and screenplay title. You may also include an optional pitch video of up to two minutes.

No. Only completed screenplays are eligible for the SKP Writing Competition. However, nonmembers may submit unfinished screenplays separately for screenplay feedback for $25. Active SKP members receive complimentary screenplay feedback as part of their membership benefits, whether or not they enter a competition. Once your screenplay is complete, you may submit it to the competition. A separate competition entry fee applies.

Winners will be notified by email and announced on our website on the announcement date.

Winners of the Stone Knight Productions Writing Competition receive cash prizes based on their placement (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) and recognition on the SKP website. Competition winners also receive complimentary screenplay feedback, an interview with the author, and a one-on-one opportunity to speak with a producer. Prize amounts vary by competition category.

Please refer to the Competition Details section for the current prize breakdown.

Winners have 15 days from the date of notification to claim their prize. To complete the claim process, winners must provide the required identity verification and applicable tax documentation as instructed by Stone Knight Productions. Once the required information has been received and verified, SKP will arrange prize payment and communicate the payment details to the winner.

Prizes not claimed within 15 days of notification may be forfeited, and SKP may select an alternate winner in accordance with the Official Competition Rules.

No. You keep full ownership of your work, and you always choose whether to sell it. Winners receive their prize and recognition whether or not they choose to sell.

Yes. You may voluntarily withdraw your screenplay from the competition before the official submission deadline and receive a full refund of your competition entry fee. Refunds will be issued within seven (7) business days.

We strongly recommend registering your screenplay with the U.S. Copyright Office before entering the competition. Copyright registration can provide important legal benefits if your work is used without permission. You may also register your screenplay with the Writers Guild of America (East or West) to establish a dated record of your work. Registration is recommended but is not required to enter the SKP Writing Competition.

Stone Knight Productions takes your privacy seriously. Personal information collected during competition registration and submission is used to administer the competition, communicate with entrants, verify winners, and award prizes. For more information about how we collect, use, and protect your information, please review our Privacy Policy.