High Concept Screenplay Program (HCSP) ~ Early Bird Deadline – July 15, 2026
March 3, 2026
Script Submissions are now OPEN!
Early Bird Deadline – July 15, 2026
CONTACT
Director at highconcept@scriptwritersnetwork.org
AT A GLANCE
Every Entry Receives:
• Two detailed script evaluations from independent Readers
• Full screenplay review
• Constructive written feedback
• Educational analysis of structure, characterization, dialogue, format, concept execution, and overall effectiveness
Winner Benefits Include:
• One-Year Scriptwriters Network Membership ($219 value)
• Industry Exposure Opportunities
• InkTip Pro Membership
• Pitch Consultation
• Roku Channel Consideration
• Social Media & Newsletter Promotion
Early Bird Deadline:
July 15, 2026
HELPING DISCOVER AND DEVELOP HIGH-CONCEPT SCREENWRITERS
The High Concept Screenplay Program (HCSP) is Scriptwriters Network’s screenplay competition and writer development program dedicated to recognizing outstanding high-concept feature screenplays.
HCSP was created to identify scripts with compelling premises, strong hooks, commercial appeal, and memorable storytelling concepts while helping writers strengthen their craft through professional feedback and educational support.
For over 40 years, Scriptwriters Network has been dedicated to empowering storytellers through education, mentorship, networking, and industry access. HCSP continues that mission by helping writers develop stronger screenplays and stronger careers.
WHAT MAKES HCSP DIFFERENT?
Unlike many screenplay competitions that focus primarily on rankings or placement, HCSP emphasizes both concept and craft.
High-concept stories often begin with a simple but powerful idea that immediately captures attention and creates audience interest.
Every submitted screenplay receives thoughtful evaluation from independent Readers who review the entire script and provide constructive written feedback.
HCSP was created not only to recognize exceptional concepts, but also to help writers strengthen execution, structure, characterization, and storytelling effectiveness.
For over four decades, Scriptwriters Network has supported writers through education, mentorship, networking, and industry access. HCSP reflects that mission by focusing on both growth and opportunity.
WHAT IS A HIGH CONCEPT SCREENPLAY?
High concept screenplays often feature:
• A strong, easily understood premise
• A memorable title
• A visual and compelling logline
• Broad audience appeal
• Clear conflict and meaningful stakes
• A strong hook
• A unique twist or fresh perspective
• A concise, marketable pitch
While genres vary, successful high concept projects often communicate their core idea quickly and create immediate audience interest.
PROGRAM PROCESS
PHASE ONE – EVALUATION
Two Readers evaluate each submitted screenplay and provide detailed written feedback covering:
• Structure
• Story Development
• Concept Execution
• Characterization
• Dialogue
• Format
• Overall Impressions
Scripts receiving recommendations from both Readers advance to Phase Two.
PHASE TWO – FINAL REVIEW
Scripts receiving a double recommendation are reviewed as finalist projects and considered for winning placement.
Additional Readers may be assigned when necessary to assist with final selection decisions.
PHASE THREE – INDUSTRY EXPOSURE
Winning script titles and loglines may be forwarded to agents, managers, producers, studio executives, production companies, and other approved industry professionals who request material matching their interests.
Scriptwriters Network reserves the right to publicize and forward the writer’s name, script title, and logline.
As an educational organization, SWN’s High Concept Screenplay Program objective is to assist writers in strengthening their craft through positive, constructive feedback and detailed evaluations of their entire script.
PRIZES & BENEFITS
HCSP winners receive a combination of educational, professional development, and industry exposure opportunities.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• One-year Scriptwriters Network membership or membership renewal ($219 value)
• One-on-one virtual consultation
• Pitch class and consultation with Melessa Y. Sargent, President & CEO of Scriptwriters Network
• Career development guidance
INDUSTRY EXPOSURE
• Logline and/or script consideration by interested industry professionals
• Social media promotion
• Feature in the Scriptwriters Network newsletter
• Industry exposure opportunities (approximately $300 value)
• Complimentary 4-Month InkTip Pro Membership
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• Discussion and development of a short-form adaptation based on the winning project
• Production consideration for a short story adaptation
• Opportunity for selected projects to air on the Scriptwriters Network Roku Channel
• Producer discussions regarding project development
*If winners have other completed and produced projects, those projects may also be considered for inclusion on the Scriptwriters Network Roku Channel.
Prizes are subject to change.
ELIGIBILITY
• Open to Scriptwriters Network members and non-members
• Entrants must be 18 years of age or older
• International entries are welcome
• Scripts must be original, unproduced, and un-optioned
• Scripts should be registered with the Writers Guild of America and/or U.S. Copyright Office
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Feature-length screenplays only
• PDF format only
• English language only
• Industry-standard formatting required
• Do NOT place your name or contact information anywhere on the script or title page
• Title page may contain the title only
• Personal information must be submitted through the entry form only
• Multiple entries are permitted
• A separate entry form and fee are required for each submission
Failure to follow submission requirements may result in disqualification.
HOW TO SUBMIT
STEP 1
Select the appropriate submission category below and complete payment through PayPal using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.
STEP 2
After payment, return to the Scriptwriters Network website.
STEP 3
Upload your screenplay in PDF format.
STEP 4
Confirm acceptance of the competition rules and requirements.
STEP 5
Receive confirmation of successful submission via email.
Questions regarding submissions may be directed to:
highconcept@scriptwritersnetwork.org
ENTRY FEES & DEADLINES
Entries occur once per year.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE
July 15, 2026
SWN Members: $55
Non-Members: $65
REGULAR DEADLINE
August 15, 2026
SWN Members: $65
Non-Members: $75
FINAL DEADLINE
September 15, 2026
SWN Members: $75
Non-Members: $85
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP + SUBMISSION PACKAGE
$135
| HCSP |
| Members – Early Bird Deadline $55.00 |
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| Non-Members – Early Bird Deadline $65.00 |
 |
| Special – Membership and Submission $135.00 |
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RESULTS & EVALUATIONS
Final results will be announced in the middle/end of January 2027.
All script evaluations will be returned in the middle/end of January 2027.
There are NO REFUNDS.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Agents, managers, producers, production companies, executives, and other industry professionals interested in reviewing winning projects are invited to join our Industry Contacts list.
Registered industry professionals may request winning scripts and project materials that align with their interests and current needs.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A READER?
Scriptwriters Network is always seeking experienced script readers, and also provides training opportunities for those interested in developing reader skills through our Script Analysis program.
For information, please contact:
highconcept@scriptwritersnetwork.org
QUESTIONS?
Please contact the Director at:
highconcept@scriptwritersnetwork.org
WHY HCSP?
For many writers, the most valuable part of HCSP is not simply competing—it is receiving professional feedback, gaining new insight into their work, and learning how to strengthen both concept and execution.
For over 40 years, Scriptwriters Network has supported writers through education, mentorship, networking, and industry access. HCSP continues that mission by helping writers develop stronger screenplays and stronger careers.
DISCLAIMER
Participation in Scriptwriters Network programs, competitions, events, classes, workshops, consultations, networking opportunities, or educational services does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment, representation, option agreements, script sales, production opportunities, or professional advancement.
All programs are offered for educational, professional development, and networking purposes.
