Marilyn Horowitz / PANO Screenwriting Award

Geographic Scope: Primarily New York-based, but open to applicants nationally/internationally

Eligibility:

• Applicant must identify as a woman, non-binary, or gender non-conforming writer
• Must have written at least two completed feature film screenplays
• Must be a paid member of PANO in good standing (Filmmaker or Veteran membership)
• Non-members can submit with entry fee that includes one year of qualifying membership
• Must apply with the same name listed on PANO profile
• Must use real name and contact information
• No co-writers or writing teams
• Each eligible applicant may submit only one application
• Ineligible: Produced scripts; scripts with major studio affiliation; scripts that have secured U.S. distribution; films in development, produced, financed, or initiated by major film studio or television network

Focus Areas: Original screenwriting for feature films with strong original voice

What They Don't Fund:

• Projects that promote hate or excessive violence
• Pornographic or obscene content
• Commercial advertising or products

Prize Details (Grand Prize Winner):

• $5,000 unrestricted cash award
• Two NYU textbooks by Marilyn Horowitz: "The 4 Magic Questions" and "How to Write A Screenplay in 10 Weeks"
• "How To Sell Your Screenplay in 30 Days" written with Paula Landry ($100 value)
• One hour of coaching with Marilyn Horowitz ($500 value)
• One hour of coaching with Paula Landry ($300 value)

Prize Details (2nd Prize):

• Two NYU textbooks by Marilyn Horowitz
• "How To Sell Your Screenplay in 30 Days" ($100 value)
• One hour of coaching with Marilyn Horowitz ($500 value)
• One hour of coaching with Paula Landry ($300 value)

Prize Details (3rd Prize):

• Two NYU textbooks by Marilyn Horowitz
• "How To Sell Your Screenplay in 30 Days" ($100 value)

Requirements:

• Screenplays must be 85-120 pages
• Must be proofread and in industry-standard PDF format
• Must be copyrighted and registered with the WGA
• No produced or previously distributed scripts
• Winners must share news of winning on website/social media with PANO's name and @panonetwork tag
• Grand Prize Winner must submit report after 6 months on how grant was spent
• Grand Prize Winner required to submit personal information (email, phone, address, bank info) for grant disbursement

Background: PANO (formerly NYC Women Filmmakers) served thousands of underrepresented filmmakers from 2015-2025. This award honors Marilyn Horowitz's contribution to screenwriting education and supports emerging female screenwriters.

Application Process

Submission Deadline (Last Round):

• Non-members: February 15, 2023
• Current members: February 28, 2023
• Winners announced: April 1, 2023
• Awards event: May 2023 (weather and safety permitting, hosted in NYC)

Required Materials:

1. Completed screenplay (85-120 pages, PDF format)
2. Application form with personal information
3. Entry fee (non-members; includes one year PANO membership)
4. Proof of WGA registration for screenplay
5. Proof of copyright on screenplay

Submission Requirements:

• Submit screenplay as PDF file
• Industry-standard screenplay format required
• Proofread and polished copy
• Applicant information must match PANO profile name
• Real name and contact information required

Terms & Conditions Agreement:

• Applicants must agree to follow all rules and terms
• Applicants grant PANO non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use project name, synopsis, description, genre, excerpts, images, and applicant name/likeness for promotional purposes in perpetuity
• Winners agree to publicize their win on social media and websites
• Grand Prize Winner must submit 6-month progress report
• All selections by judging committee are final
• Submission materials are non-returnable
• Entry fees are non-refundable

Judging:

• Panel of industry professionals and judges
• All selections are final; no appeals process

Contact: Email or message PANO Network through their website