Q: When are the deadlines?
Mega-Early: May 29th
Early: June 19th
Regular: July 10th
Final: August 7th
Q: When are the announcement dates?
Quarter-Finalists: September 4th
Semi-Finalists: September 11th
Finalists - Top 10: September 25th
Grand Prize Winner &. Runner Up: October 2nd
Q: Will the Table Read be held in person or virtually?
A: The Table Read will be held live in Hollywood, CA.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Paypal and all major credit cards.
Q: Can I mail a copy of my Screenplay, Submission Form and Payment?
A: No, we’re sorry. We only accept online submissions and payments at this time.
Q: Should I include my contact information on my title page?
A: Yes, but it does not affect judging either way if you forget to include it.
Q: Who will be reading my screenplay/judging the contest?
A: The final panel of judges will be comprised of members of the Los Angeles Film Community, including but not limited to producers, managers and established writers.
Q: Will you fly me to Hollywood if I win?
A: The Feature/Pilot Grand Prize winner will receive coach airfare and accommodations resulting in a three-night stay.
Q: When will the Table Read be scheduled for the Grand Prize Winner?
A: The showcase reading will be held in November 2025, following the Grand Prize Winner and Runner Up announcement. If the final date as selected by TRMS does not work for the winner, TRMS will not provide any cash value matching for the non-accepted airfare and hotel, or movie ticket expenses turned down by the winner. We will be as flexible as possible, but the ultimate decision resides solely with TRMS.
Q: How does the Grand Prize Winner participate in the Table Read itself?
A: You are invited to collaborate with the producer and director as we cast, rehearse and record scenes from your winning screenplay or you can sit back, relax, and observe. Either way, this is a tremendously valuable experience that will greatly inform your writing.
Q: Do I maintain the rights to my screenplay?
A: YES, you retain all the rights to your screenplay. Table Read My Screenplay seeks to support and empower writers, rather than claim their hard work for ourselves. If we select your script for recognition, you agree to grant us the right to hold a live Table Read and promote your success, but the script itself is still yours.
Q: Do I need to submit a Synopsis?
A: Synopses are not required, and are not considered during the judging process.
Q: Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
A: Yes, you may use whatever name you wish, understanding that this is the name TRMS and the ISA will use to promote your script, should you win.
Q: Does my screenplay have to be registered with the Writers’ Guild or another organization?
A: No, but we do recommend registering your work with the WGA West, the Library of Congress Copyright office or other similar organization in your country. It’s really easy and a VERY smart thing to do.
Q: Is an adaptation of a published novel or other work written by someone else eligible?
A: You must have the legal rights to adapt the book to enter your screenplay. Either the original work must be in the public domain, or you must have the author’s permission to adapt it. Spec scripts without written permission will not be considered.
Q: Can I send you a revised copy of my script?
A: Once we have received your entry, you have 24 hours to contact us about any replacements you need to make. After the 24-hour period is through, NO script revisions will be accepted FOR ANY REASON. If you would like to enter a revised version of your screenplay, you may do so as a new entry.
Q: What stops you from taking my idea and developing it yourself?
A: Our panel of judges is comprised of respected industry professionals, and they have no intention of stealing your material. If you make it to the Finalist round, your work will be seen by these professionals, which in turn, gets you one step closer to getting your screenplay produced. You can sit at home and protect your ideas all day long hoping for that one right person to come along, or you can get your work out there and show us what you’ve got!
Q: What’s the minimum/maximum required page length?
A: Guidelines for suggested page lengths:
Features: 70 to 120 Pages
TV Pilots: 20 to 70 Pages
Q: My Feature script is over 120 Pages. Will I be disqualified?
A: Scripts that run over suggested page lengths will not be disqualified; however, extra pages can affect everything from pacing to structure to marketability, so we would advise you to get your script as close as possible to where the industry expects it to be.
Q: Will I be charged more if I go over 120 pages?
A: The entry fee does not change. However, if you purchase feedback, we will need to invoice you $1 per page above 120 for the Reader, who will receive every cent of the additional fee.
Q: Can I enter two scripts in one document?
A: You may enter up to four scripts per entry, but all scripts MUST be in their own individual PDF document.
Q: Can I submit an episode from my series besides the Pilot for consideration?
A: We would advise against this, as our judges consider all TV episodes as if they are the first in the series. No one would read a film script that starts on page 20.
Q: Does the choice of genre matter in my submission?
A: Yes, but only to determine what your goal is for your work; ie, if you submit your script as a Comedy, we would expect it to be funny. All genres are in competition with one another, and there are no genre-specific prizes.
Q: Can multiple scripts from one writer place in the Semifinalists list?
A. Yes, some writers may have more than one script reach the Top 100. Table Read My Screenplay is interested in promoting scripts as well as writers, and as such we choose the Top 100 scripts that we receive to move on to the Semifinals.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
Q: I don’t live in the United States—am I still eligible?
A: Yes, we accept International entries, but all submissions must be in English.
Q: My country currently cannot do business with the US so I cannot pay; may I receive a waiver?
A: Unfortunately, at this time we cannot grant waivers.
Q: Will you pay for my flight even though I don’t live in the US?
A: Table Read My Screenplay will pay up to $1,500 for an international flight, and up to $800 for a domestic flight.
Q: If I choose not to fly or stay in your hotel, is there a cash equivalent?
A: No. If you decide not to utilize the flight or hotel, they are simply forfeited.
