2024 Scriptwriting Competition
Judge - Laura McNichols

We're delighted to announce the appointment of Laura McNicholas as this year's judge of our annual scriptwriting competition.
Laura established and runs 925 Productions in Dublin. The 925 slate includes the feature film SPILT MILK currently shooting with the support of Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and RTE.
The 925 drama slate includes THE LIBERTIES and HONESTLY both developed with the support of Screen Ireland and YES! developed with RTE - these are all now financing, and the horror/ comedy feature film THE MOUNT which is in late stage development with the support of Screen Ireland.
Laura is currently taking part in the Creative Leaders 2024 programme with Creative Skillset. A member of Screen Producers Ireland - she is also an alumni of TorinoFilmLab SeriesLab and the Rotterdam IFF Producers Lab.
Laura: "I am delighted to have been invited to judge the script entries for the Shark Short Film Scriptwriting Award. This free to enter competition is an incredible opportunity for emerging writers to create a script with a specific brief in mind. Recent winners at the Shark Short Film Awards have gone on to secure funding from other competitions and to then have them produced.
In crafting a short film script you can show how you can tell a story in an original and creative way that can be used in TV and on-line content for advertising, product placement and branded content"
Laura will be assessing the entries, received from all around the world during December 2023. The shortlist will be announced on 19th January and the winner on 5th February. The £1000 prize and coveted Black Shark trophy will be presented at our Short Film Awards screening & Presentation Day at the iconic Everyman Theatre in London's Hampstead on 15th February