Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of screenplays may I submit? What are you looking for?

We encourage submissions from all genres. No particular genre has an edge. Our winner could be a typical mainstream movie, or a horror movie about mutant rutabagas or a romantic comedy based on the life of Ivan the Terrible. What our judges are looking for is a great story, compelling characters, and sharp dialogue. Submit your best work without regard to genre or budget.   

May I submit an adaptation of a previously written work or similar material?

Unlike some of our previous contests, the EXPO Screenplay Contest does accept adaptations, on one of two conditions: a) that the work is in the public domain, or b) that the author has the right to use the material and can provide written proof thereof. A good adaptation is just as hard to find as an original work, and we feel that these scripts should be given a shot.  

Does submitting electronically hurt my chances, as paper is the industry standard?

Electronic submission is now Hollywood's industry standard.  Your script can be reviewed much faster by every interested party and forwarded from one exec to another much faster.  In other words, it is a big advantage to submit electronically.  

May I submit more than one script to the contest?

Yes! Feel free to enter one script, or twenty—we'll read them all! Because judging is a subjective process, multiple submissions will be distributed to different readers to make sure that each script has an equal chance.  Because judges evaluate each script separately, you must pay the same entry fee for each script.  Best opening prizes if offered:  Every script submitted by any "best opening" deadline is eligible for this prize. A single writer could conceivably win more than one "best opening" prize.   

Can I enter my screenplay in multiple categories?

Yes!   

I’ve made changes to the original script I sent you.  Can I submit my revised version instead?

Will there be an extension? Your contests seem to do that every year.

Possibly, but DO NOT count on it, and we will make it costly to be tardy.

Yes, we do often sometimes extend deadlines.  However, as we promised to those who submit on time, it costs more to enter late.  We strongly encourage an on-time work ethic--you'll need to be on time as a working screenwriter.   We don't like the extensions game.  

However, our contests are not richly endowed by wealthy sponsors.  Entrance fees have to pay for the prizes, the judges, and our contest staff.  And a high proportion of entrants choose to enter late each year.  So rather than turn away those who want to write late, we often do extend -- at a higher price.   See this page.

Are there discounts for submitting multiple scripts?

No, but in a way, yes: Instead of offering multiple script discounts, we offer a discount for early entry, a regular-deadline price as low as possible, and slightly higher price for those who need extra time because that extra time makes it necessary for us to bring in extra help. So you can save the most by entering your most finished scripts early, and achieve the same savings as you would with a multiple-script discount.

Why an early-script discount instead of a multiple-script discount?   Most writers wait until late in each contest to submit.  Submitting multiple scripts right at the deadline puts a terrible strain on judges.  So submit your most finished/polished scripts early, and use the contest period to work on that great script you want to rewrite.  

I live in another country. Can I still enter the contest?

Of course!  We encourage submissions from all over the world. All submissions should be in English, and all funds should be payable in U.S. funds, either by money order or credit card.

I have sold/optioned a script before, and/or I have an agent/manager. Am I still eligible?

Absolutely! However, because the contest is geared toward offering access into the world of screenwriting, we do have to limit applicants to those who have made less than $25,000 on feature options or sales in the past three years.

If you learn of a violation of this contest rule, it should be reported to:    customer.service@creativescreenwriting.com

Does my script have to be formatted? How long should my script be?

Scripts will not be disqualified based on formatting, but keep in mind that the purpose of this contest is to provide a foot in the door to a professional writing career. Good script formatting will not only make your script easier to read, but it's also something every writer needs to know. Traditionally, scripts are 90-130 pages in length. Scripts that are over 125 pages require an extra $10 entry fee.

How do I submit my script?

Online is best by far because it is de facto industry standard.  However, scripts can be submitted in two ways:
•  Print out a copy of the submission form and mail it to us with the entry fee, release form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and your script. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send along a self-addressed stamped postcard, which will be mailed back as soon as your script is processed.

•  Online submissions must be in either Movie Magic, Final Draft, or Adobe PDF format. Rich Text Format (RTF) and Microsoft Word (.doc) and other word processor formats are specifically forbidden.* THE FILE MUST HAVE A TITLE PAGE. In PDF format, it must be the first page of the file. Printed scripts must be in English, printed single- or double-sided on 3-hole white paper with the pages numbered and with the title (for TV specs include name of show), name of writer(s) and contact information on the title page. Font must be 12-point Courier, Courier New or Courier Final Draft. Feature screenplays must be between 85 and 140 pages and in standard spec screenplay format, fastened with 2-3 brads with (optional) blank cardstock covers. Teleplays for hour-long series must be between 50-70 pages. Teleplays for half-hour shows must be between 25 and 55 page (more than 40 only if double-spaced dialogue).

Hard-copy submissions must contain eligible scripts(s), a signed, initialed and completed application, entry fee (check, money order or credit card information), and, if you want notification that we have received your materials, a self- addressed, stamped postcard with the name(s) of your script(s). Hard-copy submissions must be sent (USPS, UPS, Federal Express, etc…) via a delivery method that does not require a signature. If paying by check, make your check payable to "Creative Screenwriting."  Online submissions must contain eligible script (as a Movie Magic, PDF, or Final Draft file), valid credit card information and a valid email address. Confirmation of receipt of online submissions will be done only via automated email at the time of submission.  It is the sole responsibility of the entrant to ensure that emails from "@creativescreenwriting.com" can pass through your spam filter.

When is the last, final deadline for script submissions?

Barring extensions, scripts must be postmarked before or submitted online by the official deadlines posted on the Rules page.

How do I protect my script?

We recommend that all scripts be registered with the WGA or copyrighted through the U.S. Copyright Office. Keep in mind that many ideas are similar, and Creative Screenwriting is not responsible for scripts with similar storylines.

Who will read my script? How does the judging work?

All scripts will be judged by a panel of experienced industry readers. Our judges have read for a variety of production companies, studios, agencies, and distinguished coverage services. The top ten percent of our entries will go on to the quarterfinal round, in which senior readers will narrow the field down to ten finalists. Our senior readers will each read the top ten scripts to decide on the final three, and the First Prize winner.

When will winners be notified?

Shortly before Sept. 15, 2011, the opening of the 2011 Screenwriting Expo.

What do I win? What does “Access” mean?

Breaking into the world of screenwriting is no easy task. By “access” we mean our way of giving a few talented writers a push in the right direction. In fact, we have significantly increased your access opportunities with this year's contest.  See the page http://screenwritingexpo.com/access/html for full details.

Confused: Still have questions: Contact Matt at customer.service@creativescreenwriting.com