8 contests, fellowships and labs whose next deadline is an early-bird tier, sorted by date. Most contests raise the entry fee at each later deadline, so entering by the early date is usually the cheapest way in. 8 of them already list a later deadline, shown on each card, and the fee line gives the organizer's price for each tier, so you can see what waiting would cost. The soonest early-bird date is Oct 29, 2026. Only enter early if your draft is ready: many contests don't let you swap in a revised script. For the cheapest options overall, see entry fees $50 or less.
$49 Early (Jan 15, 2027) / $59 Regular (Feb 15) / $69 Late (Mar 15) / $79 Last Minute (Apr 15); Final Deadline announced in April. Discounts for multiple submissions; feedback also available
TV pilot $55.59 earlybird / $61.19 final / $72.29 extended; feature $61.19 / $66.69 / $77.79 (FilmFreeway)
$49 mega-early (Oct 29) / $59 early (Nov 19) / $79 final (Feb 4, 2027); ISAConnect members $39 / $49 / $69
$30 early (Oct 30) / $50 regular (Mar 19, 2027) application; $2,975 residency fee if selected
Features, shorts and TV pilots: $20 early (Nov 10) / $30 regular (Dec 23) / $45 late (Jan 20, 2027); ISAConnect members $15 / $25 / $40; students $10 / $15 / $20
$59.50 early bird (Nov 18) / $69.50 regular (Dec 9) / $79.50 final (Jan 4, 2027)
$35 early (Nov 22) / $45 regular (Dec 20) / $55 late (Jan 24, 2027) / $65 final (Feb 21) / $75 extended (Mar 21) / $85 closing (Apr 18, 2027)
Screenplay $45 early bird (Dec 1) / $50 regular / $55 late / $60 final / $65 last-minute; with feedback $135–$155; shorts (under 50 pages) $25–$45, with feedback $80–$100
$49 Early (Jan 15, 2027) / $59 Regular (Feb 15) / $69 Late (Mar 15) / $79 Last Minute (Apr 15); Final Deadline announced in April. Discounts for multiple submissions; feedback also available
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