Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

The Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is the world’s most esteemed screenwriting competition.

Each year up to five $30,000 fellowships are awarded to authors who have previously earned less than $5,000 writing for film or television.

Eligibility:

  • Screenwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 writing fictional work for film or television.
  • Entry scripts must be the original work of one writer, or the collaborative work of two writers, and must be written originally in English.
  • Adaptations and translated scripts are not eligible.

    Prizes:

  • Up to five $30,000 fellowships are awarded each year to promising new screenwriters.

    Entrants may submit their script online or via regular mail or delivery service.

    Online entrants can complete their application, make their credit card payment and upload a PDF version of their script during a single online session.

    Those who choose to submit a printed copy of their script must complete and attach a printed application form to the script for identification purposes.

    All entrants will receive notification of their status by mail sent no later than August 1 of each year.

    Quarterfinalist letters are mailed by August 1; fellowship recipients are announced in late October.

    Deadline: 1st May each year

    For more information and application, visit: Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Website