Currently accepting submissions.
Keep or Destroy is proud to sponsor New York New Stories.

  • …a script competition in its 5th Year seeking submissions in the following categories: Feature and Short Films, TV/Web Pilot. This competition is sponsored by Keep or Destroy.

    New York New Stories is dedicated to discovering and celebrating the work of screenwriters from all backgrounds and all levels of experience. Our mission is to elevate unique and creative stories that are ready to be told. With sponsorship from Brooklyn based production company Keep or Destroy, New York New Stories will award quality, original work and connect the winning screenwriter with a professional network of producers and filmmakers in order to produce their screenplay.

    *NOTE* Scripts DO NOT have to be set in New York, from New York-based writers or New York centric in any way whatsoever.

    NYNS Official Rules

  • Feature Length- Grand Prize Award Winner (1) will receive: a cash prize of $750, detailed coverage, a feedback and development meeting with Keep or Destroy and select industry professionals, and a pitch deck and line budget consultation.

    Short Project-Grand Prize Award Winner (1) will receive: $500*, Live table read of screenplay workshopped by professional actors, development meeting with industry professionals, and an opportunity to have your script produced by Keep or Destroy. Open to TV/Web Pilots and Short Films

    Short Project- RUNNER UP (1) will receive: Live table read of screenplay workshopped by professional actors, detailed feedback and a development meeting with Keep or Destroy. Open to TV/Web Pilots and Short Films

    *NOTE* For Feature Scripts with Coverage/Feedback: Every submitted project will receive feedback within 30 days of their submission. Feedback will include: numerical scores for: Premise, Plot, Character, Dialogue, Setting, and Overall. Each script will also receive a written evaluation on the strengths, weaknesses and prospects of the screenplay. This detailed coverage is invaluable to any writer looking to take their script to the next level.

    *Short Project monetary prizes may be awarded in the form of in-kind donations. See official rules for judging criteria and submission details.

  • 2022

    Grand Prize Winner - Bathroom Break by Dave Canning [produced by Keep or Destroy, 2023]

    Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Going Native by Ian Trutt

    Runner Up (Narrative Short) - En Memoria by Roberto Fatal and Ali Meyers-Ohki

    2021

    Grand Prize Winner - Mancha by Nicole Mejia [produced by Keep or Destroy & Netflix, 2022]

    Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Sex&Magic by Carolyn Page

    Runner Up (Narrative Short) - What’s Grandad by Ivy Johnson

    2020

    Grand Prize Winner - Lenny’s Luck by Colin Pierce

    Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Night Nurse by Laura Mitchell

    Runner Up (Narrative Short) - The Thermometer by Bill Liggins

    2019

    Grand Prize Winner - Samurai Sword by Stanley Sievers [produced by Keep or Destroy, 2020]

    Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Light-Skin Lightning and the ToyBoy by Thomas F. Ray

    Runner Up (Narrative Short) - The Squirrels in the Attic by Rachel Thomas Medwid