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.
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.
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 28-29, 2026)
This hybrid approach combines AI efficiency with human expertise for optimal results.
AI Evaluation Criteria (10 Points)
Feature films are evaluated on comprehensive storytelling criteria:
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
February 1, 2026
8:00 AM Sydney Time
Earlybird Deadline
February 8, 2026
Lowest fees!
Regular Deadline
February 28, 2026
Late Deadline
March 20, 2026
Final deadline!
Winners Announced
Mar 28 - Mar 29, 2026