Wisconsin Screenwriting Contest Opened Submissions

The Wisconsin Screenwriters' Symposium has launched its fourth annual competition for local and affiliated writers.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Wine

Bold vector editorial illustration of a vintage typewriter carriage with a blank roll of paper, representing regional scriptwriting. — The Wisconsin Screenwriters' Symposium has opened submissions for its fourth annual contest, inviting scripts from state residents, alumni, and students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should creative contests automatically disqualify any work that involved AI assistance during the writing process?

The Wisconsin Screenwriters' Symposium has opened submissions for the Season 4 Wisconsin's Own Screenplay contest. The competition invites scripts from current or former state residents, First Nations members, and University of Wisconsin System students or alumni.

Why it matters

The contest aims to elevate regional storytelling by providing writers with professional opportunities and industry exposure. It serves as a dedicated platform to celebrate Wisconsin-based writers and their unique narratives.

The contest charges between $20 and $45 for entry fees, with grand prize winners receiving an ISAConnect membership valued at $180. Submissions generated by artificial intelligence are strictly prohibited and result in immediate disqualification.

The players

Wisconsin Screenwriters' Symposium

This organization hosts the annual competition and symposium to support screenwriters across the state.

The details

Writers can submit feature films, short films, and television scripts to be evaluated by working industry professionals. Grand Prize winners are rewarded with a logline review, a professional meeting, and a live script table read on the UW-Madison campus.

November 10, 2026 is the early bird submission deadline.
December 23, 2026 is the regular submission deadline.
January 20, 2027 is the final late submission deadline.
February 11, 2027 is the scheduled announcement date for quarter-finalists.
April 9-11, 2027 is the date for the Wisconsin Screenwriting Symposium.

Culture Shift

The competition mirrors the broader industry-wide movement to reject AI-generated creative content by explicitly banning it from consideration. This policy highlights a deepening commitment to protecting human authorship within the competitive screenwriting circuit.

Eligible writers must budget between $20 and $45 for submission fees depending on the entry date selected. Participants should also note the strict prohibition on artificial intelligence, which requires all work to be original and human-authored to remain eligible.

The takeaway

Aspiring screenwriters in Wisconsin should ensure their submissions align with the technical requirements to avoid disqualification. Prioritizing original, human-crafted stories is essential for those seeking to secure the Grand Prize and industry networking opportunities.