BlueCat TV Writing Competition

About BlueCat TV Writing Competition

Since 1998

Our Story

The BlueCat TV Writing Competition extends BlueCat's 27-year commitment to discovering writers into the world of television. We read every pilot submitted, deliver written feedback on every entry, and introduce our winners to the managers and agents looking for the next great TV voice. Whether you're writing a prestige drama, a half-hour comedy, a limited series, or something that defies categorization — we want to read it.

The BlueCat Screenplay Competition was founded in 1998 with a simple belief: every screenplay deserves a real read. For over 27 years, we've been dedicated to discovering and developing writers at every stage of their career. We've delivered personalized written feedback to over 25,000 writers. Our winners and finalists have been signed by UTA, CAA, WME, and Verve, and have gone on to write for Only Murders in the Building, True Detective: Night Country, Pretty Little Liars, The Morning Show, and more.

Our Founder & Judge

About Gordy Hoffman, Founder & Judge

Gordy Hoffman founded BlueCat in 1998 and remains its sole judge. His screenplay Love Liza, starring his brother Philip Seymour Hoffman, won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. He directed A Coat of Snow, which premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival, and his short film Dog Bowl premiered at Sundance and screened at over 50 festivals worldwide.

Gordy has taught screenwriting at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, and has led workshops across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and England. He is a proud member of the Writers Guild of America.

Gordy personally approves every BlueCat reader and oversees the entire feedback process. His philosophy is simple: write the story that scares you, write honestly, and don't worry about getting it right — worry about getting it true.

Who Reads Your Script

Our Readers

BlueCat readers are carefully selected and personally approved by Gordy Hoffman. They are working writers, development professionals, and film school graduates who bring genuine craft knowledge and empathy to every pilot they read. Each reader is trained to provide constructive, specific feedback that helps you develop your script — not just evaluate it.

Track Record

Why Writers Trust BlueCat

  • 27+ years of operation — one of the longest-running writing competitions in the world
  • 25,000+ scripts read with written feedback delivered
  • Transparent process: one reader per script, carefully assigned
  • Judge is a produced, award-winning screenwriter and WGA member
  • Alumni writing for top TV shows and signed at every major agency
  • Writers retain all rights to their work, always

Ready to Submit?