Scriptapalooza Television Writing Competition

Rules

• 1.  Any spec script from any existing television show, or any original television pilot will be considered. 
• 2.  Entered scripts may not have been previously sold.   
• 3.  Multiple entries are accepted, provided a signed entry form and appropriate entry fee is attached to each submission.  
• 4.  Multiple authorship is acceptable.  
• 5.  Scripts must be the original work of the author(s),18 or older.  
• 6.  Scriptapalooza recommends registering your script with The Library of Congress.  
• 7.  No substitutions of new drafts or corrected pages for script entries will be accepted under any circumstances.  
• 8.  Emailed entry must be accompanied by the following:   a.  Completed official entry form   b.  Entry fee   c.  Completed original script

• 1.  Submit scripts in English only.  
• 2.  Do not send originals.  Scripts will not be returned under any circumstances.  
• 3.  Please submit your entry with all your information on the cover page: The title, author's name, address, phone number and email address.  
• 4.  Body pages must be numbered.  
• 5.  Scripts must be in television standard format.  
• 6.  Entry in the competition is void where prohibited by law.

FAQs

Q.  I don’t live in the United States, can I enter your tv competition?

A.  Yes, you can enter the tv competition. You can submit your script by email and then 

     pay thru PayPal all on our website, please do not mail anything in by regular mail.

Q.  Do you offer feedback on entries?

A.  Yes, you can order feedback on your entry at the same time when you enter 

     the competition. The cost for feedback is only $110. Your feedback will be emailed to 

     you about 2-3 months after you submit.

      PLEASE NOTE: You cannot order feedback on Reality shows.

Q.  What does the feedback look like?

A.  When you order feedback, you will get:

     - Logline

     - Synopsis (of the entire script)

     - 4 to 5 pages of notes 

     Your feedback will include detailed notes on:

       • Premise

       • Structure

       • Character 

       • Dialogue

       • Setting

       • Pacing

       • Tone

       • Transitions

       • General Notes 

Q.  Hey, I’ve got a great Seinfeld episode I’ve written, can I submit it?

A.  We prefer you submit spec scripts of current TV shows.  That is the industry 

     standard.

Q.  I've written screenplays (not sold or optioned), but never TV.  Should I bother with TV?

A.  Well, considering if you write both the story and the script for a network episodic, 

     you can receive as much as $18,160.  One hour episodics are $26,710. (please refer 

     to the WGA website for current schedule of minimum payment)  We'd say it was worth

     checking out.  And besides, writing is writing, if you can follow a format and write 

     a screenplay, you can do the same with TV.

Q.  I'm confused, what does "a spec script of an existing show or a pilot" mean in terms 

     of what I can submit?

A.  You can submit an original concept for a series (pilot) or a spec script 

     on an existing show (one hour program or sitcom).  We give the writer 

     a choice in sending either one or both.

Q.  What is an example of an existing show?

A.  One hour drama - Castle, The Good Wife, Mad Men and Private Practice.

     Sitcom - Modern Family, Big Bang Theory and Community.

     Reality Show - The Bachelor, Project Runway and Real Housewives.

Q.  Are Reality Shows accepted?

A.  Yes, 33% percent of what you see on TV is now considered Reality TV.

Q.  But why do you give an option of a pilot or spec script of an existing show?

A.  We are letting the writer decide because he/she might have a great idea for a pilot 

     but no spec scripts on an existing show or vice-versa.  We are creating 

     more opportunities without leaving anyone out.

Q.  Can I submit to both?

A.  Yes, but a separate fee and entry form must be sent in for each.

Q.  Does my pilot/spec script need to be registered?

A.  We recommend registering your script with The Library of Congress. Please go 

     to www.loc.gov/copyright

Q.  How do I submit?

A.  Please fill out the application on our website and attach your script in either PDF, 

     Word or Text format. You can then pay by PayPal. 

     We do not accept scripts by regular mail. All entries must be emailed.      

Q.  What's the entry fee?

A.   $45 and $50

Q.  What's the deadline?

A.  The TV writing competition is a semi-annual one, so the deadlines are April and 

     October of each year. (check application for exact deadlines)

Q.  When are the winners announced?

A.  The winners are announced August 30 and February 15 of each year.

Q.  Can I submit to other competitions?

A.  Yes you can.

Q.  Do I get a confirmation that you got my script?

A.  After you fill out the application and attach your script, once you press SUBMIT, 

     we automatically get your script and application. You will receive an email notification from ISA.

Q.  Can I enter more than one script?

A.  Yes, but each script must have its own application and entry fee. 

Q.  Can I send the script FedEx, UPS or Registered Mail?

A.  No, we only accept scripts through this online application. 

Q.  I entered last year, but since have re-written the script, should I enter again?

A.  Yes, we do encourage writers to develop and improve their work.

Q.  Can I register online?

A.  The application process can be done online, please attach your script in PDF, 

     Word or Text format.

Q.  After I entered the competition, I changed my phone number or address, what do 

     I do to let you know?

A.  Please email us your name and script title with your new information, and we will 

     update our records.

Q.  Can I send in a new draft of the script, after I sent in the first one?

A.  Yes, you can. We now allow re-submissions. It only costs $30. Your second 

     submission will go to another judge...you cannot have the same judge reading both.

Q.  How can I pay the entry fee if I live outside of the United States?

A.  You can pay with credit card or PayPal if you have it. 

Q.  If I win, do you own the script? Does Scriptapalooza own the rights?

A.  No, you will retain all rights to your work. We are just a vehicle to get your script 

     into the right hands. Once your script is sold, you keep all the profits.

Q.  What will you do with my contact information that I give you?

A.  The information you give us will only be used by Scriptapalooza to contact you 

     directly or to update you on any upcoming deadlines. We do not sell or share your 

     email address with anyone. Cross our hearts!