satireprod
Superstar
Yeah, placing in a few contests can draw attention to you and your script. Just be selective in the ones you pick bc it can pricey submitting them
The Coli's Screenwriting/Filmmaking Thread [Share tips, etc]
- Thread starter CEITEDMOFO
- Start date
Yeah, placing in a few contests can draw attention to you and your script. Just be selective in the ones you pick bc it can pricey submitting them
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
Have a few questions about contests:
-Do you send in a PDF of your script?
-Is the fee straight up as advertised? Or are there other bullshyt charges?
-Whats the verdict on adult animated shows being picked? If it’s funny enough, Do they have a decent chance at being a finalist?
anything else I should know?
-Do you send in a PDF of your script?
-Is the fee straight up as advertised? Or are there other bullshyt charges?
-Whats the verdict on adult animated shows being picked? If it’s funny enough, Do they have a decent chance at being a finalist?
anything else I should know?
I’m so glad that this thread popped up, because I’ve came up with two short film ideas that can become full fledged motion pictures if people are showing interest, but and I need help with screenwriting books and things to watch/learn & gain inspiration. Any tips?
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier.
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
satireprod
Superstar
Typically you can send in your script in Pdf form, with the cover page having the title of your script (without your name, to avoid bias)
Normally in a good competition, the price is what it is. Although if you make it to another round and want detailed feedback (optional) they may charge an extra fee. But like I said you dont have to get it.
3rd question I'm not to sure of.
steadyrighteous
Veteran
Yeah, most if not all want PDFs. The good and really official ones usually do it through their site where you attach/upload your file, but some ask you to submit via email.
Always read the Terms and Conditions. Again, the really good and official ones have very clear Terms and Conditions in plain language so you know exactly what they want in terms of fees or rights.
I don’t know about adult animation - I assume if it’s good enough it’ll get picked. If you’re not sure and don’t wanna risk paying for an entry, shoot them an email and ask beforehand.
Make sure you read Terms and Conditions! I told a story earlier in the thread about a contest I almost entered where the Ts and Cs said if my script got shortlisted the competition would have an option on my script for a year or something without having to pay for it. I didn’t enter obviously.
Drew Wonder
Superstar
to add to what @satireprod and @steadyrighteous said, in general the only 2 screenwriting contests that can get you some industry attention are Austin and Nicholl. Those are the two most prestigious ones though Nicholl has a heavy bias for serious dramas.
Other contests are moreso confidence boosters if you place well or just ways to get feedback.
The contests I’ve submitted to have been Austin, Nicholl, WeScreenPlay, Page, Screencraft and Set in Philadelphia. Screencraft and Page both have specific genre categories you can submit to so you don’t have to deal with genre bias
Screencraft actually has an animation contest but the deadline is tonight
Animation Film and TV Screenplay Contest - ScreenCraft
Page has a “Family Film” category which includes scripts for animated films
My advice? Submit to Austin, Nicholl and either Page or Screencraft this year. If you don’t place in any of them then I’d move on from submitting to anything else as it would likely just be a waste of money. If you place high in any of them then it’s a great indicator that your script can do well in other contests.
Avoid any contests sponsored by Film Freeway, typically they’re a ripoff. And avoid any contest that charges over $100 but has prize money of less than $500 and claims the winners get “access to industry insiders” or something vague like that. Most likely a rip-off or scheme for some indie filmmaker to finance their film
Also, remember, the only 2 contests that will really give you industry attention (ie. contact with potential managers or agents) if you place well in them are Austin and Nicholl although winning any contest will at least give you a better chance of getting your script read if you tell the person you’re submitting it to that you won a contest
Lastly, don’t get too bent out of shape if you don’t place well, a lot of times it’s a matter of personal taste. I’ve had scripts that I didn’t think were that great place higher than scripts that I thought were much better.
Let me know if you have any other questions
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
What’s the issue with putting your name on it?
Anyways, thanks, guys. Appreciate the replies.
Im aiming for Austin. Not sure if I read about Nicholl in the top 8 contests article from a site posted a few pages back.
I still need to “finalize” the script. I ended up adding more to the intro scene yesterday.
Only because it didn’t feel long enough. 
satireprod
Superstar
What’s the issue with putting your name on it?
Anyways, thanks, guys. Appreciate the replies.
Im aiming for Austin. Not sure if I read about Nicholl in the top 8 contests article from a site posted a few pages back.
I still need to “finalize” the script. I ended up adding more to the intro scene yesterday.
It just depends on what competition it is. For some contests, not putting your name on the script avoids biases (atleast somewhat). Anyway, I entered the Austin Film Festival last year (Got into the 2nd Round Top 20%) That's also another contest where you're not supposed to put your contact info on there either to remain anonymity in the judging process. General practice, you should probably try to register it with WGA, just to have proof (for yourself) of execution.
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
Kinda stupid since people entering aren't known. My paranoid side makes me think it's an easy way to steal ideas.
Also, do you pay with a paypal account? or can I use a card? I'd rather use a store bought debit card to pay.
satireprod
Superstar
If you're talking about the "prestige" competitions Austin, Nicholls, etc, it's not unheard of for semi-known writers to enter. A lot of people have gotten recognition/deals that stemmed from placing in those contests. But more than that, it's mostly to keep judges honest from giving their friends/family potentially softer critiques.Kinda stupid since people entering aren't known. My paranoid side makes me think it's an easy way to steal ideas.
Also, do you pay with a paypal account? or can I use a card? I'd rather use a store bought debit card to pay.
I normally just use a card
Drew Wonder
Superstar
What’s the issue with putting your name on it?
Anyways, thanks, guys. Appreciate the replies.
Im aiming for Austin. Not sure if I read about Nicholl in the top 8 contests article from a site posted a few pages back.
I still need to “finalize” the script. I ended up adding more to the intro scene yesterday.
I wouldn’t submit anything to a contest until it’s as good as you can possibly make it. I’m talking a MINIMUM of 4 drafts/rewrites. If you want some feedback, do a script swap on here or with someone on reddit screenwriting. If you have some extra cash, WeScreenPlay is a good professional service.
But yeah, if you submit anything that you’re not mostly satisfied with at that point then you’re pretty much wasting your money
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
I'm kind of satisfied with it. I just didn't feel like the intro scene was long enough. For the most part every other scene fine. I'm still going over it to see if I wanna add anything else, any errors, or if I like the wording.
