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Creative World Awards (CWA) discovers and advances talented screenwriters, helping them garner the exposure and recognition they need to propel their projects forward.
At CWA, finalists get first looks from some of the most sought after companies in the industry such as Lionsgate/Mandate International, Inferno Entertainment, Morgan Creek and more.
PRODUCTION AWARD: The Grand Prize Winner also receives the opportunity to have a short adaptation of their winning feature script produced by CWA in conjunction with The Moving Image Xchange. The film gets a guaranteed premiere at the Richmond International Film Festival.
More than $30,000 in cash & prizes, including a possible production opportunity to help the writer extend their industry credits.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER – $3,000 cash PLUS the opportunity to have their winning script produced into a short film. CWA in conjunction with The Moving Image Xchange Productions, will produce a short film version of the script to help generate interest for the feature script. PREMIERE: The short film will then get a guaranteed premiere at the Richmond International Film Festival, giving the writer an official imdb credit. If CWA or the winner choose to forgo this option, the winner receives an additional $1,000. Plus, the GPW also receives:
Q. What do I need to enter the competition?
A. An original feature film screenplay or short film or teleplay, a signed application with release form, and a US$ entry fee. Please check the prizes and deadlines page for appropriate cut off dates for all respective entry deadlines. *NOTE: Entrants are offered the Judge's Scorecard and a brief summary of notes for $30. If you would like to forgo this option, select 'entry only' at the time of check out.
Q. When are the application forms available?
A. Mid November through mid-June.
Q. How do I enter the competition?
A. CWA is 100% green. You can enter the full application online (this includes your application/release form, paid entry fee via PayPal's secure site, and script submission). Alternatively, you may send a money order if you prefer to pay by mail, however, you must still complete the application and release form online.
To begin the online application, click on ENTER NOW or go to the online application on the Creative World Awards contest page and follow the instructions. For first time entrants, you will need to create a user name and password, which will then guide you through the application process. After you have completed your online application, you can check back by logging onto our website to see if your full application requirements have been met.
As always, we encourage everyone to go green and submit all requirements online. If you do choose to pay with money order by mail, follow the same initial process of filling out the online application/release form, and once you are done with that section, select the alternative route to pay by postal. You may send a money order by the appropriate deadline of entry to the address below:
Creative World Awards
4712 Admiralty Way, #268
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Q. As a foreign citizen, I have difficulty obtaining United States dollars. May I use a check in my own currency to pay the entry fee?
A. Entry fees must be paid with either a credit card through our online system or a money order by mail. With the online application system, entrants may use any major credit card to pay the required entry fee.
Eligibility, Adaptations and Collaborations
Q. Who can enter the competition?
A. Any screenwriter 18 years or older.
Q. Can collaborative teams enter this competition?
A. Yes, if the team consists of exactly two writers who are equal partners in all aspects of the creation of the script. Please note, however, that each collaborator must fill out and sign the online application release form.
Q. Are citizens of countries other than the United States eligible?
A. Yes. Any writer who writes in English and meets the other eligibility requirements is welcome to enter the competition.
Q. Do you accept short screenplays, features, and teleplays?
A. Yes.
Q. What's the minimum/maximum required page length for features?
A. Approximately up to 120 pages, however, a script will not be disqualified based on length.
Q. Does that mean that an 85 or 130 page script will be disqualified?
A. No. We include the word “approximately” in the competition rules to allow for some flexibility, however, generally 90-120 pages is the preferred industry standard where possible. *Please note: If an entrant orders a script analysis or judge's highlights, a $1 per page fee applies if the script is at 125 pages or more.
Q. What elements of the script are taken into consideration during the judging?
A. The judges take into consideration how well your screenplay depicts the following: Structure (Distinguishable Act I, II, & III), Plot, Characterization, Dialogue, Style/Description, Clarity, Originality, and Marketability.
Q. Does my script have to be registered?
A. No, however, you should always make it a priority to copyright your work. You can register your work very easily through the Writers Guild of America (WGA) website or the Library of Congress copyright office.
Q. Does the writer maintain rights to their screenplay?
A. Yes, the writer maintains full rights of their screenplay.
Q. Do I need to submit a synopsis?
A. No, only a 2-4 sentence logline.
Q. What genres do you accept?
A. We accept and welcome all genres, and each script will be judged according to its own genre category.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. All major credit cards or US money order.
Q. Is an adaptation of a published novel eligible?
A. No, not unless the novelist and screenwriter are one in the same and/or the screenwriter has full legal rights to original material.
Q. Can I make a change to a submission?
A. Only if you send in your revised draft and then pay a $45 resubmission fee. If you would like to resubmit, email us at info@creativeworldawards.com to complete processing of the new script. Once the new script is submitted and the $45 fee paid, your revised script will be considered a new submission.
Q. How will I know you received my script?
A. You will receive an email confirming that your entry has been received. Please note: We suggest you try to submit all materials together at one time. If you would like to check the status of your application, you can also log into the website.
Q. What type of script files do you accept?
A. Adobe Acrobat (.pdf file) is preferred, however, we will also accept Final Draft and Word doc. If you have Movie Magic, please convert to a PDF before uploading your file.
Q. What information do you want on the title page?
A. Please only include the title of your project. You may include your WGA registration number if applicable (Please do not include your name or contact information anywhere within the body of your script).
Q. Does my script have to be formatted?
A. Yes. All font should be 12 pt courier and it should follow the standard industry format. Handwritten scripts will not be accepted under any conditions. Also, make sure to keep copies of your work as scripts will not be returned.
Q. If I win a prize, do I lose any rights to my screenplay?
A. No. The writer retains the rights to their screenplay.
Q. How does the Grand Prize Winner Short Production Award work?
Following the close of the season, the Grand Prize Winner will be given a choice to either receive $1,000 additional cash prize money, or elect to use that $1,000 as payment in full for writing a short version of their winning feature script (the short script will be ten pages or less). If Creative World Awards (CWA) produces the short script, it will be used by CWA as a tool to help promote the Grand Prize Winner’s feature script, and also give the writer imdb credit once it premieres at the Richmond International Film Festival. The Grand Prize Winner agrees that if they elect to forgo the additional $1,000 cash and instead choose to use that money as payment in full for their writing contribution on the short film production, that The Moving Image Xchange LLC and CWA will have full ownership of the produced film, however, the writer will still retain full ownership of their feature script. The short production will have no impact on the ownership of the writer’s feature length script; the writer will maintain complete ownership. The Grand Prize Winner also understands that should they elect to use the additional $1,000 for payment in full for writing the short version of the script rather than as cash, that they are responsible for working with the CWA Co-Founders in a timely manner to create the content of the short script. The Moving Image Xchange and CWA may elect not to produce the script if the writer does not meet the deadlines in a timely fashion. CWA Co-Founders will work with the writer to develop the short script in the months of September and October, with a tentative shoot date set for December each year. The film will then premiere at the Richmond International Film Festival in February, and be used by CWA for promotional purposes on the writer’s and contest’s behalf. Producing the short script is at the sole discretion of CWA and The Moving Image Xchange, LLC. Should CWA and The Moving Image Xchange elect not to produce a short version of the Grand Prize Winner’s feature script, the Grand Prize Winner will still receive the additional $1,000. If the Grand Prize Winner consists of more than one writer, it is up to the writers to split the additional $1,000 between them.Q. Who will read my script?
A. The first round of judging is done by readers that are hand selected, highly qualified industry professionals. If your script advances beyond the preliminary round, it will then be read by multiple industry professionals who will determine which scripts advance to the semifinalist and finalist rounds. The top three in each category will be read by leading industry executives not only for potential consideration, but also to help determine the winners of the 2013 Creative World Awards. All decisions of the judges are final.
JUDGING SCORECARD & BRIEF NOTES (Tier One)
Offered to CWA entrants, you can receive the judge’s scorecard and their brief notes (about a page of notes on your script’s overall strength and weaknesses). This option is available to order for an additional $40 at check out.
Delivery: Notes are returned 4-6 weeks after they are ordered with the writer’s entry.
Please note: A $1 per page fee applies if your script is 125 pages or more.
JUDGE’S HIGHLIGHTS (Tier Two)
Offered to CWA entrants, you can receive the judge’s scorecard plus the Judge’s Highlights (about 2 pages of notes on your script’s overall strength and weaknesses). This option is available to order for an additional $75 at check out.
Delivery: Notes are returned 4-6 weeks after they are ordered with the writer’s entry.
Please note: A $1 per page fee applies if your script is 125 pages or more.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS (Tier Three/Highest Level of Coverage)
Offered to CWA entrants, you can receive a 6-8 page comprehensive script analysis that includes the Judge’s scorecard and extensive development feedback covering such elements as identifying and analyzing story arcs, plot development, premise, character development, dialogue critiques, and tightening all critical elements to produce the most potential market value for your script. This development coverage option is available for an additional $160 at check out.
Delivery: All coverage orders are delivered back to the writer 4-6 weeks after the writer’s entry is placed.
Please note: A $1 per page fee applies if script is 125 pages or more.
Q. What do I need to enter the competition?
A. An original feature film screenplay or short film or teleplay, a signed application with release form, and a US$ entry fee. Please check the prizes and deadlines page for appropriate cut off dates for all respective entry deadlines. *NOTE: Entrants are offered the Judge's Scorecard and a brief summary of notes for $30. If you would like to forgo this option, select 'entry only' at the time of check out.
Q. When are the application forms available?
A. Mid November through mid-June.
Q. How do I enter the competition?
A. CWA is 100% green. You can enter the full application online (this includes your application/release form, paid entry fee via PayPal's secure site, and script submission). Alternatively, you may send a money order if you prefer to pay by mail, however, you must still complete the application and release form online.
To begin the online application, click on ENTER NOW or go to the online application on the Creative World Awards contest page and follow the instructions. For first time entrants, you will need to create a user name and password, which will then guide you through the application process. After you have completed your online application, you can check back by logging onto our website to see if your full application requirements have been met.
As always, we encourage everyone to go green and submit all requirements online. If you do choose to pay with money order by mail, follow the same initial process of filling out the online application/release form, and once you are done with that section, select the alternative route to pay by postal. You may send a money order by the appropriate deadline of entry to the address below:
Creative World Awards
4712 Admiralty Way, #268
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Q. As a foreign citizen, I have difficulty obtaining United States dollars. May I use a check in my own currency to pay the entry fee?
A. Entry fees must be paid with either a credit card through our online system or a money order by mail. With the online application system, entrants may use any major credit card to pay the required entry fee.
Eligibility, Adaptations and Collaborations
Q. Who can enter the competition?
A. Any screenwriter 18 years or older.
Q. Can collaborative teams enter this competition?
A. Yes, if the team consists of exactly two writers who are equal partners in all aspects of the creation of the script. Please note, however, that each collaborator must fill out and sign the online application release form.
Q. Are citizens of countries other than the United States eligible?
A. Yes. Any writer who writes in English and meets the other eligibility requirements is welcome to enter the competition.
Q. Do you accept short screenplays, features, and teleplays?
A. Yes.
Q. What's the minimum/maximum required page length for features?
A. Approximately up to 120 pages, however, a script will not be disqualified based on length.
Q. Does that mean that an 85 or 130 page script will be disqualified?
A. No. We include the word “approximately” in the competition rules to allow for some flexibility, however, generally 90-120 pages is the preferred industry standard where possible. *Please note: If an entrant orders a script analysis or judge's highlights, a $1 per page fee applies if the script is at 125 pages or more.
Q. What elements of the script are taken into consideration during the judging?
A. The judges take into consideration how well your screenplay depicts the following: Structure (Distinguishable Act I, II, & III), Plot, Characterization, Dialogue, Style/Description, Clarity, Originality, and Marketability.
Q. Does my script have to be registered?
A. No, however, you should always make it a priority to copyright your work. You can register your work very easily through the Writers Guild of America (WGA) website or the Library of Congress copyright office.
Q. Does the writer maintain rights to their screenplay?
A. Yes, the writer maintains full rights of their screenplay.
Q. Do I need to submit a synopsis?
A. No, only a 2-4 sentence logline.
Q. What genres do you accept?
A. We accept and welcome all genres, and each script will be judged according to its own genre category.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. All major credit cards or US money order.
Q. Is an adaptation of a published novel eligible?
A. No, not unless the novelist and screenwriter are one in the same and/or the screenwriter has full legal rights to original material.
Q. Can I make a change to a submission?
A. Only if you send in your revised draft and then pay a $45 resubmission fee. If you would like to resubmit, email us at info@creativeworldawards.com to complete processing of the new script. Once the new script is submitted and the $45 fee paid, your revised script will be considered a new submission.
Q. How will I know you received my script?
A. You will receive an email confirming that your entry has been received. Please note: We suggest you try to submit all materials together at one time. If you would like to check the status of your application, you can also log into the website.
Q. What type of script files do you accept?
A. Adobe Acrobat (.pdf file) is preferred, however, we will also accept Final Draft and Word doc. If you have Movie Magic, please convert to a PDF before uploading your file.
Q. What information do you want on the title page?
A. Please only include the title of your project. You may include your WGA registration number if applicable (Please do not include your name or contact information anywhere within the body of your script).
Q. Does my script have to be formatted?
A. Yes. All font should be 12 pt courier and it should follow the standard industry format. Handwritten scripts will not be accepted under any conditions. Also, make sure to keep copies of your work as scripts will not be returned.
Q. If I win a prize, do I lose any rights to my screenplay?
A. No. The writer retains the rights to their screenplay.
Q. How does the Grand Prize Winner Short Production Award work?
Following the close of the season, the Grand Prize Winner will be given a choice to either receive $1,000 additional cash prize money, or elect to use that $1,000 as payment in full for writing a short version of their winning feature script (the short script will be ten pages or less). If Creative World Awards (CWA) produces the short script, it will be used by CWA as a tool to help promote the Grand Prize Winner’s feature script, and also give the writer imdb credit once it premieres at the Richmond International Film Festival. The Grand Prize Winner agrees that if they elect to forgo the additional $1,000 cash and instead choose to use that money as payment in full for their writing contribution on the short film production, that The Moving Image Xchange LLC and CWA will have full ownership of the produced film, however, the writer will still retain full ownership of their feature script. The short production will have no impact on the ownership of the writer’s feature length script; the writer will maintain complete ownership. The Grand Prize Winner also understands that should they elect to use the additional $1,000 for payment in full for writing the short version of the script rather than as cash, that they are responsible for working with the CWA Co-Founders in a timely manner to create the content of the short script. The Moving Image Xchange and CWA may elect not to produce the script if the writer does not meet the deadlines in a timely fashion. CWA Co-Founders will work with the writer to develop the short script in the months of September and October, with a tentative shoot date set for December each year. The film will then premiere at the Richmond International Film Festival in February, and be used by CWA for promotional purposes on the writer’s and contest’s behalf. Producing the short script is at the sole discretion of CWA and The Moving Image Xchange, LLC. Should CWA and The Moving Image Xchange elect not to produce a short version of the Grand Prize Winner’s feature script, the Grand Prize Winner will still receive the additional $1,000. If the Grand Prize Winner consists of more than one writer, it is up to the writers to split the additional $1,000 between them.Q. Who will read my script?
A. The first round of judging is done by readers that are hand selected, highly qualified industry professionals. If your script advances beyond the preliminary round, it will then be read by multiple industry professionals who will determine which scripts advance to the semifinalist and finalist rounds. The top three in each category will be read by leading industry executives not only for potential consideration, but also to help determine the winners of the 2013 Creative World Awards. All decisions of the judges are final.
