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Contact: GPFO | mail@film.org
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia (SIP) Screenwriting Competition Opens August 3 with Over $20,000 in Prizes
Greater Philadelphia Film Office Invites Screenwriters Nationwide to Submit Feature and TV Pilot Scripts Highlighting the Region
Philadelphia, PA - 7/24/2026 - The Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) has announced submissions will officially open for the annual Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia (SIP) Screenwriting Competition on August 3. Celebrating screenwriters nationwide, the competition seeks compelling feature-length and original TV pilot scripts that feature the Greater Philadelphia region as a focal point or shootable setting.
This year, the competition features over $20,000 in cash prizes, alongside direct industry exposure and detailed feedback opportunities for participating writers. Renamed in honor of long-standing GPFO steward Joan Bressler in 2025, the competition continues her legacy of fostering emerging talent and elevating local storytelling.
Nicole Shiner, Co-Executive Director:
We are thrilled to launch this year's competition and look forward to reading stories that capture the unique energy, culture, and character of Greater Philadelphia. SIP has always been about empowering writers while showcasing our region as a premier filmmaking destination.
Erin Wagner, Co-Executive Director:
Joan Bressler's dedication to supporting screenwriters laid the foundation for this program. As we open submissions for the 2027 cycle, we're excited to offer new feedback avenues for writers and continue connecting talented storytellers with industry professionals.
2027 Award Categories & Cash Prizes
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Grand Prize (Feature Length Screenplay): $10,000
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Prime Time TV Pilot Prize (Sponsored by Comcast/NBCUniversal): $5,000
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Content for Kids Winner (Sponsored by Hallee & David Adelman): $5,000
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Nina Lo Presti Award for a Female Screenwriter (Sponsored by Laurie Lo Presti): $1,500
All finalists will receive written feedback from the competition’s judging panel, which is composed of prominent industry producers, writers, and executives, and will be invited to an official awards reception in the spring.
New Script Notes Option for 2027
New for this year's competition, GPFO is introducing an optional Script Coverage/Notes Add-on for $50. Every writer who opts in will receive one page of professional notes on their submission. To support advancing screenwriters, any writer who reaches Finalist status will have their $50 coverage fee fully refunded.
Key Dates & Entry Fees:
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Submissions Open: August 3, 2026
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Earlybird Deadline ($75 entry fee): September 15, 2026
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Regular / Final Deadline ($100 entry fee): October 19, 2026
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[NEW] Script Notes Option ($50 one-time fee): October 19, 2026
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Finalists Notified: January 29, 2027
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Winners Notified: March 31, 2027
Submissions are accepted exclusively online via FilmFreeway.
Special Event: "Tips for SIP" Workshop (Presented in partnership with Maestro Filmworks)
GPFO will host a dedicated "Tips for SIP" Workshop with screenwriter and SIP
Co-Founder, Brian Wade. In collaboration with Maestro Filmworks, this workshop will help entrants polish their screenplays before the final deadline.
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Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Location: Studio Symphony, Philadelphia, PA
Tickets are required and available on TicketLeap.
This workshop will cover script shootability in the Philadelphia region, competition guidelines, and actionable tips for standing out in the judging process.
Sponsorship Opportunites
If interested in sponsoring an award, click here for more information.
Judges & Readers
If interested in judging and reading for this year's competition, fill out this interest form here.
About the Greater Philadelphia Film Office
The Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit economic development agency advocating for film and television production throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. For more information regarding submission guidelines, rules, and GPFO initiatives, visit film.org or follow @gpfophilly on social media.
Greater Philadelphia Film Office
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition (SIP)
City Hall; 1400 JFK Blvd.
7th Floor, Room 708
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Office: 215-686-2668
www.film.org
@gpfophilly
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