Well-written thrillers are always an excellent way for writers to show Hollywood pros a combination of commerciality, unique voice, and a clear understanding of effective feature film narrative. We're here to break down the walls between your talent and the industry pros looking for the next great thriller writer!
Companies considering our winners and top finalists include Grindstone Entertainment Group (a subsidiary of Lionsgate), MadHorse Films, Magnet Management, Zero Gravity Management, and Morningstar Films.
WINNERS:
- $300 in prizes
- Full winning script sent to Hollywood literary representation and production companies
- Included in annual Best of Competition spotlight in industry newsletter with a featured bio on the writer and the winning screenplay
- Free Script Listing package from our sponsors at InkTip, where additional producers can find your project
- 10 Free Pitches to Industry Insiders on VPF
RUNNER-UP:
- $100 in prizes
- Featured logline sent to Hollywood literary representation and production companies
- Considered for annual Best of Competition spotlight in industry newsletter with a brief bio on the writer and the winning screenplay
- 5 Free Pitches to Industry Insiders on VPF
ALL TOP FINALISTS:
- Loglines sent to Hollywood literary representation and production companies
- 3 Free Pitches to Industry Insiders on VPF
Can I enter a script that was submitted to other contests or festival screenplay competitions?
Yes.
Can I enter more than one script?
Yes.
Can I enter if I've won a previous Breaking Walls contest?
Yes, but only with a different script. We won't allow the same script to win repeatedly but the writer continues to be eligible.
Can I enter if I live outside of the United States?
Yes, as long as your script is written in English.
Can I enter a script that's longer than 160 pages?
This is not recommended. All else aside, it's generally accepted that scripts over our maximum page count very likely need to be tightened up - especially one that's meant to be a thriller. Most producers and reps prefer thriller scripts that are concisely written - quick and punchy yet intensely visual. Visual doesn't mean flowery and over-descriptive. It's not a novel. It'd usually be in your best interest to cut it down if your thriller currently exceeds our maximum page count.
How do I format my script?
We recommend using screenplay software such as Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Celtx, or Fade In to write and format your script. The default layouts for screenplays are typically accepted throughout the industry. Specs in recent years have strayed on a few things (like the occasional uses of bolded sluglines) but as an unproduced writer, your safest bet is to stick with the established standards in formatting and just let your writing show your unique voice.
Are novels, short stories, stage plays or teleplays allowed?
No. This is a screenwriting competition for feature scripts only. If you've written an adaptation of existing source material, please make sure you can prove you own 100% of the rights to the source material (or verify that the source material is public domain under US Copyright Law at the time of entry.)
I've changed the script since entering. Can I enter a revised draft?
We may allow this on a case-by-case basis. In general, we recommend that you proofread your entry draft and make sure it's the draft you'd like to enter. We are under no obligation to accept any revisions.
If my script is optioned or sold after I enter, is it still eligible?
Yes. As long as it wasn't optioned or sold at the time you entered it, it will still be eligible. However, please notify us if your script has entered any sale or option agreement so that it can be omitted from being sent to production companies. It may still be considered by managers or agents.
Do you take any kind of ownership or rights over the screenplays entered into the contest?
No. The script will still be your intellectual property to control, sell and option.
If I sell or option the script after entering it into the contest, will you take a percentage of profits?
No. We'll only facilitate the exposure of winning scripts and finalist loglines to working professionals in the industry - we will not take any kind of percentage or ownership in doing so.
If I won a previous round of the Breaking Walls contest, can I enter again?
You, as a writer, are still eligible to enter future rounds. To be fair to other entrants, however, your winning script cannot be entered again.
Can I enter an action-thriller or horror-thriller script?
We're open to thrillers of all kinds including ones that overlap with other genres, such as horror (ex. DEVIL) and action (ex. TAKEN). Thrillers are driven by tension, suspense, excitement and anticipation so if the meat of your story fits that description, there's a good chance it fits the genre.
Can I enter a script that was submitted to other contests or festival screenplay competitions?
Yes.
Can I enter more than one script?
Yes.
Can I enter if I've won a previous Breaking Walls contest?
Yes, but only with a different script. We won't allow the same script to win repeatedly but the writer continues to be eligible.
Can I enter if I live outside of the United States?
Yes, as long as your script is written in English.
Can I enter a script that's longer than 160 pages?
This is not recommended. All else aside, it's generally accepted that scripts over our maximum page count very likely need to be tightened up - especially one that's meant to be a thriller. Most producers and reps prefer thriller scripts that are concisely written - quick and punchy yet intensely visual. Visual doesn't mean flowery and over-descriptive. It's not a novel. It'd usually be in your best interest to cut it down if your thriller currently exceeds our maximum page count.
How do I format my script?
We recommend using screenplay software such as Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Celtx, or Fade In to write and format your script. The default layouts for screenplays are typically accepted throughout the industry. Specs in recent years have strayed on a few things (like the occasional uses of bolded sluglines) but as an unproduced writer, your safest bet is to stick with the established standards in formatting and just let your writing show your unique voice.
Are novels, short stories, stage plays or teleplays allowed?
No. This is a screenwriting competition for feature scripts only. If you've written an adaptation of existing source material, please make sure you can prove you own 100% of the rights to the source material (or verify that the source material is public domain under US Copyright Law at the time of entry.)
I've changed the script since entering. Can I enter a revised draft?
We may allow this on a case-by-case basis. In general, we recommend that you proofread your entry draft and make sure it's the draft you'd like to enter. We are under no obligation to accept any revisions.
If my script is optioned or sold after I enter, is it still eligible?
Yes. As long as it wasn't optioned or sold at the time you entered it, it will still be eligible. However, please notify us if your script has entered any sale or option agreement so that it can be omitted from being sent to production companies. It may still be considered by managers or agents.
Do you take any kind of ownership or rights over the screenplays entered into the contest?
No. The script will still be your intellectual property to control, sell and option.
If I sell or option the script after entering it into the contest, will you take a percentage of profits?
No. We'll only facilitate the exposure of winning scripts and finalist loglines to working professionals in the industry - we will not take any kind of percentage or ownership in doing so.
If I won a previous round of the Breaking Walls contest, can I enter again?
You, as a writer, are still eligible to enter future rounds. To be fair to other entrants, however, your winning script cannot be entered again.
Can I enter an action-thriller or horror-thriller script?
We're open to thrillers of all kinds including ones that overlap with other genres, such as horror (ex. DEVIL) and action (ex. TAKEN). Thrillers are driven by tension, suspense, excitement and anticipation so if the meat of your story fits that description, there's a good chance it fits the genre.
Click "UPGRADE AND SAVE" after completing
the entry form to redeem.
(If you have posted a Writing Gig, please click the red GIG REQUESTS button to view your submissions. If you are a writer and want to be considered for the TOP 25, you must be an ISAConnect Member)