Emerging Spirit Script to Screen Competition
Got a script that's burning a hole in a drawer? Or an idea you'd love to turn into a film? Well read on...
We ran the first competition in 2022 and the winning script, 'Dead Skin' by Ciara O'Rourke is currently playing the festival circuit, having played prestigious festivals such as Aesthetica, Frightfest and Leeds International Film Festival.
The 2023 winner, 'Black Dog' by Ed Kirk premiered at the festival in September 2023 and has played at festivals such as Aesthetica, Exit 6, Film Quest and Unrestricted View.
Our latest competition winner 'Lone' premiered at the festival in September 2025 and is currently working towards going out on the festival ciruit.
What's the Competition?
We will support a filmmaking team to make their script a reality. Together with our partners, we will provide the competition winner with a package of resources that will support them to turn their script into a short film during 2026. Their finished short will also be guaranteed a screening at the Spirit of Independence film festival in September 2026.
What's the Prize?
We will be offering the following to the winner of the Emerging Spirit Script to Screen Competition:
Minimum £750 cash
Free equipment hire from South Yorkshire Filmmakers’ Network
Free colour grading from Colourist Paul Handley
Free visual effects courtesy of Bluespec Digital
Free editing support courtesy of Ora Films
Free festival strategy consultation by Festival Formula
The Emerging Spirit Script to Screen competition is open from 1st December 2025 with the deadline for submissions on 28th February, we will be announcing thew winner in March. You can submit via filmfreeway here. More details on the competition can be found in the briefing guidelines below.
