Diverse Voices strives to provide a contest that is purely focused on promoting and encouraging diverse voices and stories. The contest encourages stories that are told from perspectives – through the author and/or characters – that are often underrepresented in Hollywood today. The contest accepts Features, TV Pilots, Web Series, and Shorts – we’re looking for underrepresented perspectives in any format.
Examples of great stories that have had fresh perspectives in film include: Hidden Figures, Fences, Harlots, Bridesmaids, F to 7th, Master of None, Mad Max Fury Road, Broad City, Parvaneh, Empire, and so many more.
PRIZES
- Grand Prize - $1,654 ($1,000 in cash, $654 in prizes) + Script Distribution to Managers, Producers, and Agents
- Honorable Mention by Category - $654 in prizes each
- Finalists (Top 20) - $69 in prizes each
Please note: All finalists will be asked to answer in roughly 250 words how their voice, experience, characters, or story represents a new and diverse perspective for Hollywood. If a script or writer falls within either of the following criteria, they qualify:
1.) Writers who have been shown to be under-represented by the WGA diversity report: ethnic minority writers, female writers, LGBT writers, writers with disabilities, and writers over 40.
2.) Stories starring characters that are generally untold because of the misconception that they don't perform well in the box office: ethnic minorities, women (especially in traditionally "male" roles), women over 40, LGBTQ members, senior citizens, faith-driven characters, or any stories that don't appear on the normal studio slate.
MORE INFO here.