With so many screenwriting competitions out there, it’s essential to be selective. While reputable contests can provide valuable exposure, others may simply drain your resources without offering any real opportunities. Here are some red flags and considerations to help you determine if a competition is worth your time and money:

1. Check for Transparency

Legitimate competitions are clear about who runs them, who the judges are, and how the judging process works. If a competition doesn't disclose these details, it could be hiding something. Reputable competitions like the Nicholl Fellowship and Austin Film Festival provide detailed information about their judges, often well-known industry professionals. If you can't find any information about the organizers or judges, that’s a warning sign.

2. Look for Success Stories

Good competitions proudly share the success stories of past winners. If a competition claims to boost careers but doesn't have any verifiable success stories, it might not be legitimate. Reputable contests often highlight how winners have secured agents, production deals, or representation. If the competition’s website lacks specific testimonials or mentions only anonymous winners, it’s worth digging deeper.

3. Watch for Excessive Fees

While many legitimate contests do charge fees, be wary of those with unusually high entry costs, especially if they offer little in return. Competitions like the PAGE Awards or ScreenCraft charge reasonable fees and offer valuable prizes. However, if a contest charges for "extra services" like feedback without a clear benefit, it might be trying to maximize profit at your expense.

4. Avoid Unverifiable Claims of Industry Access

Some contests promise access to Hollywood insiders but don’t provide any specifics. Established competitions can typically list credible industry connections or partnerships. If a contest offers vague promises of exposure without naming any partners or industry connections, it may be overstating its influence.

5. Check for Industry Recognition

A competition’s legitimacy is often supported by its industry reputation. Competitions endorsed by well-known industry bodies, such as those backed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or partnered with major film festivals, are generally more trustworthy. If you can’t find any reputable industry sources mentioning the contest, that’s another red flag

By taking these steps, you can avoid scams and focus on competitions that genuinely support emerging screenwriters. Remember to do your research, and if anything seems off, consider looking for more established opportunities.