2024 Fiction Podcast Script Competition presented by Realm
Competition Deadlines
Early Bird Deadline: March 22
Regular Deadline: April 19
Late Deadline: May 24
Extended Deadline: July 6
Announcing the 2024 Fiction Podcast Award and Fellowship presented by Realm.
The Fiction Podcast Award and Fellowship presented by Realm is looking for fictional pilot scripts (not decks only) with rough page count of 25-40 pages. This pilot should establish the world of the show, primary character and a sense of the journey they will go on, and the stakes and tone of the show, as well as evaluating it for audio-forwardness. Scripts should be already adapted for audio, they are not currently evaluating screenplay or teleplay material. Winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a $500 travel reimbursement to attend the 31st annual Austin Film Festival happening October 24 – 31, 2024. In addition, Realm executives will also have one-on-one meetings with fellowship winners and provide script feedback.
Molly Barton, CEO and Co-Founder of Realm, said about the sponsorship, “At Realm, we develop, produce and distribute many different kinds of podcasts, though audio drama holds a special place on our slate. We’ve put more scripted podcasts on Apple’s top charts than any other company, and are particularly focused on producing original horror and thriller podcasts. So we are especially excited to partner with the Austin Film Festival to identify and celebrate new audio storytelling talent through AFF’s Fiction Podcast Competition.”
Here are some examples to get you inspired: Harley Quinn and the Joker: Sound Mind, Orphan Black: The Next Chapter, Marigold Breach and others!
Creating a Fiction Podcast Script isn’t about starting from scratch. If you have a play, teleplay or screenplay, you’re already almost there! Take the time to tweak it for this new medium. Whether you submit with us or not, getting your script ready for this space is only going to help your career.
And the podcasting fun doesn’t stop there. Join us at our Conference for exclusive podcast tracks, panels, roundtables, and more! Buy your badge now!
Please Note: Austin Film Festival does not waive entry fees. AFF believes waiving entry fees hurts the integrity of the competition. The same rules and entry fees should apply to all applicants so no one script is favored over another. In a similar respect, AFF does not invite scripts to be in competition. Only scripts that are submitted will be considered for competition.
Fiction Podcasting is in an amazing place right now, and AFF’s new competition is an incredible opportunity for storytellers of all stripes…Having our script for The Amelia Project reach the finals, gave us that extra push we needed to launch our show. We learnt from some of the most innovative audio dramatists out there, workshopped our script and our pitch, and had BBQ and beers with likeminded and inspiring people who have now become good friends. I’m so thrilled Øystein and I submitted The Amelia Project to AFF. It’s opened doors for us, taught us a ton, and made us think big. I loved every minute of it.
– Philip Thorne, 2017 Podcast Finalist for The Amelia Project
More Questions?
For general questions check out our FAQ and Rules.
For questions regarding submissions and special inquiries, please email our new Screenplay Department Manager: Grace Donaldson – scriptdirector@
For questions regarding reader inquiries and opportunities, please contact our Script Competitions Manager: Cynthia Cano – scriptmanager@