Special thanks to this year’s sponsors for a prize package worth over $35,000.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER – $3,000 cash PLUS possible opportunity to have their winning script produced into a short film version. If decided upon by the writer and CWA, CWA in conjunction with The Moving Image Xchange Productions, will help produce a short film version of the script to help generate interest for the feature script. PREMIERE: The short film will then get a guaranteed premiere at the Richmond International Film Festival, giving the writer an official imdb credit and the short to promote their work and feature story. Some scripts may not qualify depending upon budget and story. If CWA or the winner choose to forgo this option, the winner receives an additional $1,000 instead. Plus, the GPW also receives:
- Final Draft software
- Free Submission Entry into the Richmond International Film Festival
- One All Access VIP Platinum Pass to the Richmond International Film Festival (non transferrable)
- One FLOW Collective Conference Pass
- 4 Month Ink Tip Pro Membership
- 1 free month of the Stage 32 Writers’ Room – a virtual writers’ group that meets once a week with top executives, managers, agents and producers, writing challenges, pitch practice and more!
- Stage 32 Industry Mentorship – 1 free Stage 32 script read plus 30 minute phone call with manager, executive or producer of your choice. Choose from a roster of hundreds of industry professionals on Stage 32.
- Notes Plus One hour private consultation with Co-owners
4 GENRE CATEGORY WINNERS – $250 cash each, plus a prize package that includes:
- Free Submission Submission Entry into the Richmond International Film Festival
- One All Access VIP Platinum Pass to the Richmond International Film Festival (non transferrable)
- One FLOW Collective Conference Pass
- 1 free month of the Stage 32 Writers’ Room – a virtual writers’ group that meets once a week with top executives, managers, agents and producers, writing challenges, pitch practice and more!
- 1 free Stage 32 pitch session – pitch your script directly to a manager, executive or producer of your choice from a roster of hundreds of industry professionals on Stage 32.
- Final Draft software
- 4 Month Ink Tip Pro Membership
4 CATEGORY 1st RUNNERS UP – $150 cash each, plus a prize package that includes:
- Final Draft software
- Free Submission Entry into the Richmond International Film Festival
- 1 free month of the Stage 32 Writers’ Room – a virtual writers’ group that meets once a week with top executives, managers, agents and producers, writing challenges, pitch practice and more!
- 1 free Stage 32 pitch session – pitch your script directly to a manager, executive or producer of your choice from a roster of hundreds of industry professionals on Stage 32.
- 4 Month Ink Tip Pro Membership
- One FLOW Collective Conference Pass
TELEVISION CATEGORIES – $250 cash each, plus a prize package that includes:
- Stage 32, Two Free Pitch Sessions
- One FLOW Collective Conference Pass
- Free Submission Entry into the Richmond International Film Festival
SHORT FILM SCRIPT – $250cash, plus a prize package that includes:
- Free Submission Entry into the Richmond International Film Festival
- One FLOW Collective Conference Pass
- If the writer makes the script into a film, it receives a guaranteed premier at the Richmond International Film Festival plus a complimentary All Access VIP Platinum Badge
CREATIVE CONCEPT / INSPIRATIONAL SPIRIT AWARD – In honor of veteran analyst and CWA Judge, James Peters, this award goes to the most original and compelling concept that also conveys a redemptive theme of some kind. Winner receives:
- Free Submission Entry into the Richmond International Film Festival
- 1 free month of the Stage 32 Writers’ Room – a virtual writers’ group that meets once a week with top executives, managers, agents and producers, writing challenges, pitch practice and more!
- 1 free Stage 32 pitch session – pitch your script directly to a manager, executive or producer of your choice from a roster of hundreds of industry professionals on Stage 32.
- One FLOW Collective Conference Pass
- Notes Plus One hour Development Coaching session with CWA Co-owners via phone or online session
UNIVERSITY/EMERGING SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR – CWA puts a focus on development year-round, including encouraging the advancement of the next generation of writers in the industry. This award goes to the top emerging university screenwriter of the year (annual or every other year). Winner receives:
- Acknowledgement as CWA University Screenwriter of the Year
- Free Submission Entry into the Richmond International Film Festival
- One FLOW Collective Conference Pass
- Thirty minute consultation with CWA Co-owner via phone or online session