The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia (SIP) 2027 Screenwriting Competition is officially open and accepting submissions!
The 2027 SIP Screenwriting Competition is open as of August 3. Celebrating screenwriters nationwide, the competition seeks compelling feature-length, short film, 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.
2027 Award Categories & Cash Prizes:
Grand Prize (Feature Length Screenplay): $10,000
Prime Time TV Pilot Prize (Sponsored by Comcast/NBCUniversal): $5,000
Content for Kids Award (Sponsored by Hallee & David Adelman): $5,000
Nina Lo Presti Award for a Female Screenwriter (Sponsored by Laurie Lo Presti): $1,500
The Mitchell Creative Alliance Award (Sponsored by Darla Wolfe): $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.
Dates & Entry Fees:
Submissions Open: August 3, 2026
Earlybird Deadline ($75 entry fee): September 15, 2026 (Code: SIPEARLYBIRD)
Regular / Final Deadline ($100 entry fee): October 19, 2026
[NEW] Script Notes Option ($50 one-time fee): October 19, 2026
Finalists Notified: January 29, 2027
Winners Notified: March 31, 2027
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia (SIP) 2026 Screenwriting Competition
WINNERS Announced!
The 2026 Award Winners include four screenplays featuring four screenwriters:
SPLIT by Joe Mortimer
Rutherford Academy by Charisse Corbin
The Doll Keeper by Diane Sismour
Mountain Sleds by Aaron Kim
Grieving the loss of his son, Adrian Dodson, a former world class Olympic sprinter, must reconcile his past after an attempted car jacking leads to an unlikely friendship with his wayward assailant.
Joe Mortimer has written several screenplays, most notably: There Before The Grace for Gigi Films (Zola, American Murderer) in addition to Split. He’s written for HBO’s Sketch Pad and The College Sports Experiment on Fox. His plays Grapefruit and Take the Points have enjoyed extended runs in both New York and Los Angeles. Most recently he produced the feature film Outpost, directed by Joe Lo Truglio (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), staring Dylan Baker and Ato Essandoh. He is a proud graduate of Temple University.
In the heart of West Philadelphia, Rutherford Academy follows Kwame Saunders, a brilliant but grieving teen from the inner city who earns a scholarship to an elite prep school after the tragic death of his best friend, Malik. Thrust into a world of privilege, pressure, and culture clash, Kwame must navigate academic expectations, social isolation, and the weight of survivor’s guilt – all while carrying the hopes of his community on his shoulders. As his old life pulls him back and his new life tests him, Kwame must decide who he wants to be – and what he’s willing to sacrifice to become it.
Charisse Corbin is a bold, emotionally grounded screenwriter whose work centers on overlooked voices and layered human experiences. She draws from her own lived experiences growing up in Philadelphia to tell stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
When her father can’t save the family sledding company from a new rival, a teen must use her racing skills and fresh outlook on sled-making to revive their fortunes.
Aaron Kim teaches literature and composition at Radnor High School. In addition to his work, he enjoys watching movies, reading and writing screenplays, crabbing in Jersey, and driving his sons around to their activities.
The Doll Keeper is a dark, suspenseful thriller that unfolds in Pennsylvania city where tween girls vanish in unsettling sync with new releases of a collectible doll series. A disturbed doll keeper imprisons her ‘perfect matches’ in “doll boxes” — dressing-room-sized cages with Plexiglas doors and treats her “dolls” like living collectibles. A distressed mother of one of the girls and an FBI special agent have divergent investigations leading to an explosive confrontation. By blending claustrophobic terror with a heart-pounding race against time, The Doll Keeper offers a unique, character-driven psychological thriller about courage, hope, and survival.
Diane Sismour is an award-winning author and screenwriter who keeps her fans up at night with tales of grounded horror and suspense. Her characters and audiences never know what perils await them or the predicaments they must resolve.
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia (SIP) Screenwriting Competition, which is presented by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, is open to all screenwriters, world-wide, who submit a feature length screenplay OR an original TV pilot length screenplay that can be shot in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. All genres are accepted. Scripts are judged on their overall quality and the extent to which they project “shootability” in the Greater Philadelphia region. SIP Finalist Judges are high profile producers, writers and actors who have a Philadelphia connection.
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition celebrates storytellers whose work inspires and elevates the regional film industry. The program connects emerging screenwriters with mentorship, industry access, and opportunities to bring their ideas to life.
Your sponsorship supports local filmmakers, strengthens Philadelphia’s reputation as a production hub, and fuels the creative economy that drives film, jobs, and visibility in our city.
$10,000 cash prize
Notes from Judges
Sponsored by Comcast/NBC Universal
$5,000 cash prize
Notes from Judges
Sponsored by Laurie Lo Presti
$1,500 cash prize
Notes from Judges
Sponsored by Hallee & David Adelman
$5,000 cash prize
Notes from Judges
Sponsored by Darla Wolfe
$1,500 cash prize
Notes from Judges
Author Here I Stand, Health Is Made In The Kitchen
Writer-Scripts sold The Champion Inside, Scar Across My Heart
Creator/Producer/Director Blood, Bruises & Broken Bones – Reality TV show
Screenwriter/Producer/Director A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives, Touch With Your Eyes, A Cup Full of Crazy, Rebirth (Pre Production)
Actor Law & Order, Svu, Zeno, Saint X, The Right Stuff, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Castlerock, Grace & Frankie, Longmire, Manhattan, Hail, Caesar!, Love You Man
Writer/Producer (Issues)
Derek Dressler (aka Deeki Deke) – Disney’s Kick Buttowski; Disney’s Mickey Mouse (Primetime Emmy Award winner)
Head writer for all 3 seasons of Netflix’s The Cuphead Show
Author, The Art of The Cuphead Show, now available from Dark Horse Books!
Film Festival curator and programming consultant, Artistic Director and Co-founder, Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival.
Formerly, Executive Manager, Lightstorm Entertainment (Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Titanic, Avatar)
Director of International Production, Pantheon Studios (Philips Dutch Interactive Encyclopedia, The Renaissance of Florence)
Producer (Sistuhs)
Post-Production Manager (A Time of Destiny)
Producer/Writer: Julia Fisher Farbman wrote and produced the upcoming feature film “Audrey’s Children” about revolutionary physician and co-founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Dr. Audrey Evans. The film, coming out in 2025, wrapped production in the Philadelphia-area and stars Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), Jimmi Simpson (Pachinko), and Clancy Brown (Dexter: New Blood). In recent years, Fisher Farbman produced the Emmy-nominated ABC/U.N. Women Special: Celebrate Equality: The Future of Women’s Rights, and has interviewed the likes of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. She also co-created, hosted and executive produced MODERN HERO (Amazon), an award-winning series that features female role models, including former First Lady, Michelle Obama and Dr. Audrey Evans, whose video amassed 17 MILLION views across platforms. Fisher Farbman is currently developing several projects, including writing/producing a musical centered on mental health.
Joe Gangemi wrote the screenplays for Wind Chill starring Emily Blunt, Stonehearst Asylum starring Ben Kingsley and Michael Caine, and Blackway starring Anthony Hopkins and Ray Liotta. He was co-creator and showrunner of comedy series Red Oaks, starring Paul Reiser and Richard Kind, which ran for three seasons on Amazon Prime. Upcoming projects include a period comedy series for Lionsgate TV. He is a graduate of Swarthmore College and lives in Haverford with his wife and children.
Alan Gasmer is the Co-founder at Veritas Entertainment Group. Credits as Executive Producer/Producer include: A Complete Unknown, Elvis Presley: The Searcher, The Mosquito Coast, Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla.
Writer/Director: ABC’s The Good Doctor, ESPN 30 for 30: Playing For The Mob, Insecure
Co-founder, Steel Titan Entertainment.
TV: Executive Producer- Underground, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sherman’s Showcase, Rhythm and Flow
Film: Producer/Executive Producer- La La Land, Monster, Southside With You, Jingle Jangle, Loudmouth)
Theater: Producer- Jitney and Turn Me Loose, Ain’t Too Proud
Co-producer: GBF (completed), The Lowe Men
Producer: (development), Number One (Short, Post Production)
Director/Writer/Producer: Walking Behind Gordy (Short Documentary, Post)
Writer, Producer, Actor: Humpty’s Riddle (Short)
Bev is also a Writing/acting/producing member of Neo Ensemble Theatre and a Development/Grants Consultant, Board Secretary Deaf West Theatre
Producer: The Best and the Brightest
Producer: The Perfect Man (Universal), Never Again (Focus Features), Bad Hair Day (The Disney Channel), A Christmas Carousel (Hallmark 2020), Nature of Love (Hallmark 2021), Royally Wrapped for Christmas (Peacock), Maps & Mistletoe (Lifetime 2021), Warming Up to You (Hallmark 2022), Well Suited for Christmas (Lifetime 2022), Record Breaking Christmas (Lifetime 2022), Laughing All the Way (Lifetime 2023), Romance with a Twist (Hallmark 2024), Head Over Heels (Hallmark 2024).
Dawn also served as Executive Producer on two Award Winning short films (The Boy, Butterflies).
| YEAR | GRAND PRIZE | TV PRIME TIME AWARD sponsored by Comcast and NBCUniversal | NINA LO PRESTI AWARD Sponsored by Laurie Lo Presti | OSCAR MICHEAUX AWARD sponsored by VestedIn | CONTENT FOR KIDS sponsored by Hallee & David Adelman |
| $10,000 cash prize | $5,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $2,500 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $2,500 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $5000 cash prize Notes from Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | |
| 2024 | Steven Fisher The Johnnys | Susan Sneeringer Assisted Dying | Heather Birmingham Bebe Loves Ben | Sam Watson Sofia vs. Dan | Mary Spiers & Tatiana St. Phard Dig Deep |
| 2023 | Patrick Mahon
Engram
sponsored by Stephen Starr |
Sam Watson Magical Negro | Rae Shaw Mating | Sam Watson Magical Negro | Jenny Krumrine From Philly to the Stratosphere |
| 2022 | Colin Francis Costello & Stephanie Jordan Street RidersSponsored by Wyncote Foundation | Guy Patton The Commonwealth | Shalane Miller OBitch | David Chang Church Boy | Denise Brossman Kevin & Bean |
| 2021 | Catherine Shefski SerenadeSponsored by Hallee & David Adelman | Philip Malaczewski Kenso Girl | Sharon Spaeder Perfect To A Tee | David Chang Enter The Kingdom | Victoria Moser All We Got |
| 2020 | Law Crimlis WishSponsored by Hallee & David Adelman | Philip Malaczewski The Immune | Kiz Mentor Balance of Power | Craig Bolton The Line | Matthew Frishkoff Prospects and Prophecies |
| 2019 | David Chang SkinSponsored by AKA Hotel Residences | Eric Andresen 30 Meters | David Chang Skin | David Chang Skin | Kristina Lohre Bloom |
| 2018 | Deron Albright Fairview Cantata | Philip Malaczewski Alpha Female | Deron Albright Fairview Cantata | Steven R. Berry Janet Leslie | Caroline Puts Linked |
| 2017 | Ben & Oliver Samuels The Doan Brothers | Peter Page Wilson No Love Lost | Ben & Oliver Samuels The Doan Brothers | Stephen Arthur Schaffer The Dennis Brothers | Lindsay Michel Liberty Investigations |
| $10,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $5,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $2,500 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $500 cash prize Notes from Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | ||
| 2016 | Evan Young & Jareth Grealish The Forgotten | Katie Hennicke Tenure Evan Young & Louis Iovino Coastliners | Carol Sabik-Jaffe Safe Haven | Chloe Kimberg Senior Scav | |
| GRAND PRIZE | TV PRIME TIME AWARD sponsored by Comcast and NBCUniversal | REGIONAL AWARD sponsored by Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia | STUDENT AWARD sponsored by Robert McKee Story Seminar | ||
| $10,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $5,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $2,500 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | Free Tuition to the intensive 4-day STORY Seminar in NYC Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | ||
| 2015 | Megan Riakos The Last Reprieve | Angela & Darren Croucher Use of Force | Julia Yorks Mothers and Daughters and Fathers and Sons | Lexx Fusco The Devin in the Details | |
| 2014 | Jennifer Yee First Chair | Octavia Bay Mixed Up | Jennifer Yee First Chair | Jenna Gelenberg Grave | |
| 2013 | Denise Brossman Labor of the Gods | Steven Homberger PHL 2.0 | Kristine Kennedy No Neighbors | Michelle Smith & Adrianne Gunter Served! | |
| GRAND PRIZE | TV PILOT AWARD sponsored by the Derek Freese Film Foundation | REGIONAL AWARD sponsored by Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia | IRENE I. PARISI AWARD sponsored by Stephen J. Rivele for a writer 25 or younger * | ||
| $10,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $5,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $2,500 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | $1,000 cash prize Notes from High Profile Judges National Press Synopsis published on www.film.org | ||
| 2012 | Jim Malone Turning Two | Eric Rivera Into the Fire | Joseph Horning Darkness on the Edge of Night | ||
| 2011 | Anthony Stitt The Sneaker Man | Bruce Graham The Darbarians | Jerry L. Jennings FaceWorld | ||
| 2010 | Tom Turner Sweet Jane | Matthew Feely St. Anthony’s | Katie Hennicke The 3rd Best Thing | Dan Reilly Haunt | |
| 2009 | Mary Spiers Saving Independence | Mary Spiers Saving Independence | |||
| 2008 | Adam F. Goldberg Everything Changes | Jennie Krurnrine Think About Love | Eamon R. Mclvor Judy is a Punk | ||
| 2007 | Joe Nienalt Smile | Salih Abdul- Qawi Beat a Bully | Derek Dressler Incidental Contact Robert Golphin Midnight and Mourning Matthew Taylor The Four Men From Abernacte Corey Stephens Seeking Paradise | ||
| 2006 | Bruce Graham Middle Aged White Guys | Bruce Graham Middle Aged White Guys | Brian Loshiavo Paint By Number | ||
| 2005 | David Hoag The Biographer | Kent Murray According To Plan | |||
| 2004 | Bernie DeLeo Queens for a Day | Jessica Parenti In Flew Enza | Jeremiah Zagar Paper Giants | ||
| 2003 | Kristin O’Keefe Aptowicz Mutter | Jessica Parenti In Flew Enza | Annie Baker Meet the Mog James Costanzo The Patriots | ||
| 2002 | Hal Borden I’d Rather Be in Philadelphia | Hal Borden I’d Rather Be in Philadelphia | |||
| *In honor of his mother, Irene F Parisi |
