Sydney Script Competition 2026
Feature & Short Screenplay Competition
AI-Powered Initial Evaluation • Two-Stage Selection Process
Submissions Now Open!
Submit Your Script Today
AI evaluation results within 24 hours of submission!
AI-Assisted Evaluation
Rapid, objective assessment using advanced AI technology. Get comprehensive feedback in hours, not months.
10-Point Analysis
Detailed scoring across story, character, dialogue, structure, and marketability—industry-standard criteria.
Efficient Selection
Two-stage process ensures quality scripts advance quickly while maintaining rigorous standards.
AI-Assisted Screenplay Evaluation
The Sydney Script Competition leverages advanced artificial intelligence to revolutionize the screenplay evaluation process. Our AI-assisted environment delivers professional-grade analysis in a fraction of the traditional timeframe, providing writers with actionable feedback within 24 hours of submission.
Why AI-Assisted Evaluation?
Traditional screenplay competitions can take 3-6 months to provide feedback. Our AI-assisted approach combines the speed and objectivity of machine learning with industry-standard evaluation criteria, ensuring:
- ✓ Rapid Turnaround: Results in hours, not months
- ✓ Objective Analysis: Consistent evaluation across all submissions
- ✓ Comprehensive Feedback: Detailed scoring on 10 key criteria
- ✓ Cost-Effective: Lower fees due to efficient AI-assisted processing
- ✓ Quality Assurance: Human judges review all Stage 2 finalists
Two-Stage Evaluation Process
Stage 1: AI-Assisted Initial Evaluation
Submit text-based materials for rapid AI analysis:
- ✓ Synopsis: One-page synopsis of your story
- ✓ Cover Letter: Your pitch and background
- ✓ Story Outline: Detailed one-page structure
- ✓ Sample Scenes: Two compelling scenes showcasing your writing
- ✓ Comparables: Similar films/scripts for market context
- ✓ Genre: Your script's genre classification
⚡ AI-Assisted Evaluation Process:
Our advanced AI system analyzes your submission across 10 industry-standard criteria, delivering comprehensive scores and detailed feedback within 24 hours. Scripts scoring 6.5/10 or higher automatically advance to Stage 2—dramatically faster than traditional 3-6 month wait times.
Stage 2: Human Review & Final Selection
Finalists selected by AI proceed to expert human evaluation:
- ✓ Invitation Only: Scripts passing Stage 1 AI threshold (≥6.5/10)
- ✓ Full Screenplay: Upload complete script in PDF format
- ✓ Expert Review: Industry professionals assess full manuscripts
- ✓ Winners Announced: During festival period (March 20-31, 2026)
This hybrid approach combines AI efficiency with human expertise for optimal results.
AI Evaluation Criteria (10 Points)
1. Story Originality
Uniqueness and freshness of concept
2. Character Development
Depth and complexity of characters
3. Dialogue Quality
Natural, engaging, character-specific
4. Plot Structure
Clear acts, turning points, resolution
5. Commercial Viability
Market potential and audience appeal
6. Genre Fit
Adherence to genre conventions
7. Pacing & Rhythm
Story flow and appropriate pacing
8. Emotional Impact
Ability to evoke strong emotions
9. Visual Storytelling
Screen translation potential
10. Overall Marketability
Production and success potential
Stage 1 Pass Threshold
Scripts must achieve an overall AI score of 6.5/10 or higher to advance to Stage 2. You'll receive detailed feedback on all 10 criteria regardless of your score.
Also Check Out: Sydney Virtual Film Festival
Already have a finished film? Submit it to our quarterly film festival! Audience voting, guaranteed cinema shows for winners, and 70% revenue share for all filmmakers.
Important Dates
Opening Date
January 12, 2026
8:00 AM Sydney Time
Earlybird Deadline
January 23, 2026
Lowest fees!
Regular Deadline
February 13, 2026
Late Deadline
March 6, 2026
Final deadline!
Winners Announced
Mar 20 - Mar 31, 2026