Closed for entries.
2 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
Grand Prize Winner - Standard Sci-Fi or Fantasy
$1000 Cash
Grand Prize Winner - Genre-Busting Sci-Fi or Fantasy
$1000 Cash
Finalists Top 10 & Semi-Finalists Top 100
Both Grand Prize Winners Receive a
Custom Poster by an Award-Winning Designer
Movie posters are not just for produced works. Along with other supporting elements like lookbooks or one-pagers, posters can draw attention to your script or concept and provide a much needed visual element to catch the eye of industry pros seeking new projects and give you a leg up on the competition. The two Grand Prize winners will receive a custom poster (worth $550) designed by Liz Sweeney, an award winning graphic designer currently working at one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. She has created key art designs and ad campaigns for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters as well as indie cult classics.
DEVELOPMENT SLATE
Over 80 scripts have been produced or optioned + 60 writers have been repped.
Both Grand Prize Winners will be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate for a full year of support. The ISA Development team works tirelessly to promote writers and their scripts, and as a result, many have signed with top agents, managers and/or had their scripts optioned or purchased. There is no faster path to breaking in.
HIGHLY RATED FEEDBACK AVAILABLE
When You Enter This Competition
NOTES
Normally $39
NOTES
Normally $69
Normally $199
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Semi-Finalists
May 24, 2022
Finalists
Jun 14, 2022
Grand Prizes
Jun 28, 2022
What are the announcement dates?
Quarter-Finalists: May 3, 2022
Semi-Finalists: May 24, 2022
Finalists: June 14, 2022
Grand Prizes: June 28, 2022
How can I be considered for the Grand Prize - Genre-Busting placement?
All entries will automatically be considered for both the Grand Prize - Standard Sci-Fi or Fantasy and Grand Prize - Genre-Busting Sci-Fi or Fantasy.
What if I'm not sure if my script is a Genre-Busting Sci-Fi or Fantasy?
That's ok! Submit anyway, because you could win the Grand Prize - Standard Sci-Fi or Fantasy. If our judges feel your script is a genre-busting Sci-Fi or Fantasy, you may be considered for that grand prize instead.
Will one Feature writer and one TV Pilot writer be chosen?
No, TV Pilots and Features run together. We are looking for the best writers overall, so feel free to submit both types of scripts as one writer.
Do you accept submissions via snail mail?
No. In an effort to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online submissions and online payments via the ISA website. This includes all major credit cards.
Do I have to submit my script as a PDF?
Yes, and if you aren't sure how to create a PDF, our staff is happy to help.
Should I include my title page with my screenplay?
Yes, you should include your title, your name, telephone number and email address.
Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
Yes.
Can I submit with a co-writer?
Yes. Prizes will be issued per project, not based on the number of writers.
Does my script have to be registered?
No, but we DO recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.
Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?
Yes, always!
Do I receive feedback with my submission?
You can order feedback for an additional fee. Choose your FEE TYPE to make your feedback selection at the bottom of the submission form.
- 1st 20 Pages: $29
- General (Up to 3 Pages of Notes): $59
- Development Evaluation: $99
When will I receive my feedback?
Your feedback will be emailed to you within 90 days of submitting your script, usually much sooner. Feedback is separate of contest judging.
Can I re-submit a rewrite or corrected version of my script if I haven't ordered feedback?
No, you must submit your screenplay as a new submission for the price of the current deadline fee.
What if I make a mistake and send the wrong script?
If you make a legitimate mistake entering and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here, and we'll send you instructions on replacing your screenplay: GenreContest@Emerging Screenwriters.com
Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?
Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO
Do you accept short screenplays?
No, not at this time.
Will my screenplay be accepted if it’s not in the traditional format?
Scripts should be written in standard spec screenplay or teleplay format, set in 12-point Courier font. Scripts should be standard length.
What's the minimum/maximum permitted page length?
Features: 70 - 120 pages. TV Pilots: 10 - 70 pages.
My screenplay is longer than 120 pages. Will it be disqualified?
No, but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages.
If I'm over 120 pages and receiving feedback, will my full script be read?
A $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 120 pages (not including the Title Page) on feedback orders, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.
What genres do you accept, and can I submit with more than one?
We accept sci-fi or fantasy screenplays and genre-busting sci-fi or fantasy screenplays. All genres are welcome, as long as your script could also be considered a sci-fi or fantasy.
Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts, documentaries or spec scripts for existing TV series?
No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL narrative feature length screenplays and narrative sitcom or hour-long TV pilots only.
Can I submit an adaptation of a book or play?
Absolutely, as long as you have full rights to the material and either are the author or have a written agreement with the author allowing this script to be written and marketed.
Can I submit more than one screenplay?
You sure can, and there's a discount if you enter them all at once. Check the fees at time of entry.
Will entering early increase or decrease my chance of being a finalist?
Entering early will neither increase nor decrease your chance of being chosen, but it will save you money!
How will I know if you received my script?
You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately upon completing the entry form and payment. If you do not, please email us here: GenreContest@Emerging Screenwriters.com
What if my script is optioned or sold after I submit?
As long as your script was not optioned or sold prior to the date you submitted, you are still eligible.
I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter?
Yes, and we look forward to reading your work. Please just make sure it’s in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.
(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)