The George R.R. Martin Screenwriting Competition Grant recognizes and encourages emerging screenwriters in New Mexico, providing an opportunity for writers to continue developing their craft and original work for independent film.
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, with consideration given to elements including originality, structure, pacing, characterization, and overall strength of the screenplay.
The winning writer will receive a $5,000 grant.
All writers who submit a complete, qualified application will also be invited to attend a private NMFF event featuring accomplished industry writers.
There is no application fee.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
-
Applicants must be current residents of New Mexico.
-
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of submission.
-
Applicants must not be a member of the WGA.
-
Submitted work must be an original screenplay and sole property of the applicant.
-
Screenplays must fall within the science fiction or fantasy genre.
-
Scripts may be submitted as either a feature length screenplay or television pilot.
-
All submissions must be written in English.
-
Screenplays must be submitted as PDF files and in standard screenplay format.
-
Each writer may submit up to two screenplays for consideration.
SUBMISSIONS
Once you are ready to submit, please follow the instructions below carefully.
Incomplete submissions or submissions that do not meet these requirements may not be considered.
-
Screenplay Excerpt - up to 10 pages of your screenplay (not including the title page.)
- Treatment - up to 5 pages which can include: logline, character descriptions, story synopsis, etc.
- Use the following format for file names:
- your name_SCREENPLAY_title
- your name_TREATMENT_title
- Email - Subject Line: "2026 George R.R. Martin Screenwriting Competition Grant Submission" and make sure to attach your Screenplay and Treatment as separate pdf files.
This year's top prize goes to Brent Peterson for his script Encounters!
LOGLINE:
As five stories unfold over four centuries, multiple characters across time are drawn into mysterious and unsettling paranormal encounters, leaving them to question whether these forces are dangerous or divine.
Stay tuned for more details on his staged table read and next year's competition!
2025 GRRM Screenwriting Competition Grant WINNER!
