Most competitions are recruiting grounds for future script writers. They are showcases for your work. Your primary objective is to be noticed - not necessarily winning! This may sound perverse but what you need to understand is that talent scouts are always around these competitions. There ARE prizes of cash or software programs - all of which are nice to receive. Compared to the possibility of one of the studios picking up your script, the winning prizes pale in comparison.

As always, you NEED to focus on your title and logline. Hundreds of scripts may be entered into the competition, so unless you have an extra-ordinary title such as Dr. Strangelove or How I learned to stop worrying and Love the Bomb, make certain it is instantly clear what the subject matter is. If your title is Mary Jane goes to the Mall - no matter how wonderful the story line or character development is, the judge is going to pick up your script with less than enthusiasm. Remember that these judges are reading hundreds of scripts and yours is simply another on the pile.

Take the example of Snakes on a Plane. The title alone tells you if you want to go and see that movie - good or bad! Your title may be exactly appropriate for YOU but it is the competition judge you are trying to impress, not the local literary gazette. Know your audience. Do a little research on the judges. Find out their background... Google them...try and find their likes and dislikes. If you know that one of the judges has openly supported a political cause, then they are less likely to favor a script espousing the opposite viewpoint. Getting your screenplay made is tough enough without throwing meat to the lions. Choose a script that is more digestible to your audience. Putting forward your most challenging script that may deal with abortion or human rights may not be the best choice for competition as there WILL  be strident viewpoints that have already made their minds up before they even get beyond your title!

Competitions are excellent for giving you creative deadlines - a discipline you will need if/when you are on set as the writer. There are always modifications to the script because of actor/director/producer requirements.

Most script writing contests require an entry fee to cover administration and time involved in reading your script. These fees are normally minimal, especially compared to the fact that you will often have your script read by an industry 'player'.