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Program Description

Here's your opportunity! Submit your 90 second verbal pitch videos to be considered to pitch during the ISA Virtual Pitch Panel on May 18, 2023. Past industry panelists have included execs from Warner Bros., MGM, Zero Gravity, 1993, SAGindie, Lit Entertainment Group and more. Several ISA Pitch Challenge winners have gained representation, had meetings with execs and had script materials requested after pitching at the event. 

 

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View the International Screenwriters’ Association 2023 Annual Transparency Report in association with the Women of Color Unite Transparency Initiative.

Deadlines and Fees

Final
Apr. 05, 2023
TV Pilot Pitch
Standard Fee
$0
ISAConnect Fee
$0

Program Benefits

REGISTER FOR THE PITCH PANEL EVENT: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/isas-pitch-panel-tickets-607874558167

 

3 Grand Prize Winners

Pitching Live to Industry Pros

    • Three writers will be selected to pitch to a panel of industry executives from top companies.
    • The industry experts will provide quality feedback and invaluable exposure in a friendly, constructive environment during the ISA Virtual Pitch Panel.
    • Consideration for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate
    • Final Draft 12 Screenwriting Software (Newest Version)
    • 1-Year ISAConnect Membership.

Finalists

Industry Exposure

    • Finalists will be promoted, and their work will be seen! We will showcase the Finalists in the ISA newsletter, website and social platforms in an effort to promote them and their work.

 

Success Stories

Pitch Challenge Winner Crystal Harris is now managed by Matt Prater of Citizen Skull Productions after meeting him at the Pitch Panel.

MGM Executive, Sandino Moya, requested materials from two Pitch Challenge winners.

Gramercy Park Literary Manager, Mitchell Bendersky requested materials from two Pitch Challenge winners. 

All three season one Pitch Challenge Winners secured a meeting with a top Literary Manager.

 

Partner Mandates Include:

*4-Quadrant Kids & Family

*Half-Hour Comedy

*Action/Comedy

*Romantic Comedy

*Horror/ Comedy

*Horror

*Thriller

*Drama

 

Panelists

Past panelists have included executives from these companies and projects.
This season's panelists to be announced.

Feedback Options

Script Notes

$39

1st 20 Pages Notes

ISAConnect $29

Snapshot of Your Script at a Glance

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    A one-page examination focused exclusively on the 1st 20 pages.

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    Provides a snapshot of how your work is received at a glance.

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    Perfect for writers looking to enrich their character intros, tighten their first act, and hook readers with a clear style.

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    Reflects the "1st 20 only" reading that occurs in the early rounds of certain contests and at development studios.

$69

Full Script Notes

ISAConnect $59

Improve Your Characters & Dialogue

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    Up to three pages of notes covering your entire screenplay.

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    Refine your work's characters, dialogue, plot, structure, and formatting.

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    Receive actionable criticism to expand upon your narrative's existing strengths and identify any potential concerns.

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    Fine-tune your project before submitting to agents, managers, and development executives.

$99

Deep Dive Notes

ISAConnect $89

Detailed Analysis of Your Script

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    Four pages of extensive notes covering your entire screenplay.

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    Elevate your script with a deeper analysis and guidance toward a production ready project.

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    Longer, more specific breakdowns of specific elements allow for unique insights into your writing style related to your characters, dialogue, plot, structure and formatting.

Development Evaluations

$199

General Evaluation

ISAConnect $149

Elevate to a Production-Ready Script

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    Up to 5 pages of extensive notes covering your entire screenplay.

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    Develop and expand upon early drafts or rewrites to dissect problem areas to elevate your script to its final draft.

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    Receive a breakdown of each of your script’s fundamental elements.

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    High-scoring screenplays are considered by the Development Team for acceptance onto the Slate.

$599

Marketability Evaluation

ISAConnect $499

Approve Your Pitch and Presentation

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    Sharpen your script’s marketability, improve overall presentation and develop your pitch for agents, managers and producers.

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    Full Script Read by Felicity Wren, ISA's VP of Development, Co-VP of Development with Creative Screenwriter Productions.

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    Recorded phone consultation (45-60 mins)

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    Consideration for the ISA Development Slate

$599

Executive Level Evaluation

ISAConnect $499

Appeal to Studio Execs & Showrunners

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    A full review of your script with brainstorms and notes on Concept, Character Development, Structure, and Page Work.

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    Full script read by Max Timm, ISA's Director of Education, Co-VP of Development with Creative Screenwriter Productions.

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    Recorded phone consultation (45-60 mins)

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    Consideration for the ISA Development Slate

*Feedback is provided by the ISA and does not affect program judging.

Announcement Dates

Winners

May 02, 2023

Sponsored by

Final Draft

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the announcement date?
Winners Announced: May 2, 2023

When is the ISA Virtual Pitch Panel?
The ISA Virtual Pitch Panel will take place on May 18, 2023.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/isas-pitch-panel-tickets-607874558167

Are the pitches in person?
During Covid and/or until further notice, all pitches will be virtual. 

Do you accept submissions via snail mail?
No. In an attempt to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online submissions via the ISA website.

Do I have to submit a pitch for an already completed script?
Yes, we would like you to be able to field questions regarding your story have the ability to send the script, if requested by an executive.

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.

Must my co-writer be present for the pitch?
This is a personal decision between you and your writing partner, however pitching duos have had great success in the past and we always encourage a well-thought out, cooperative pitch by both 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 need to submit a logline? Synopsis?
Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO

Do you accept short screenplay pitches?
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 genres do you accept?
We accept all genres. We understand projects can be categorized in many genres. 

Do you accept features, 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 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 pitch proposal?
You sure can. Just remember that the script for each must be complete upon entry.

Will entering early increase or decrease my chance of being a finalist?
Entering early will neither increase or decrease your chance of being chosen.

How will I know if you received my entry?
You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately upon completing form. If you do not, please email us here: [email protected]

What if my script is optioned or sold after I submit to the ISA Pitch Challenge?
That's ok! If you are selected, you may still participate in the pitch panel event for some valuable practice and feedback, as long as doing so does not conflict with your agreements.

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 the script and the pitch are in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.

Any other questions feel free to email us here: [email protected]

Rules

  • Final Deadline: April 5, 2023 - Announcement: May 2, 2023 - ISA Virtual Pitch Panel: May 18, 2023
  • All writers from all countries are welcome to submit, but all scripts and pitches must be submitted in English.
  • Script must be the original work of the submitting writer and may not be encumbered by any third party.
  • Original TV Pilots only are accepted. Anything else, including but not limited to features, short scripts or web series, novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, documentaries, and/or spec scripts for existing TV series are not eligible. Script submissions must be an original teleplay.
  • Screenplays adapted from the submitting writer's own self-published books, plays, or other source materials are eligible if the writer retains all rights to the work.
  • Adaptations from other works are permissible provided the writer has written permission by the owner to adapt the material.
  • Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
  • Each writer may submit no more than 2 entries.
  • Applicants must submit materials online only.
  • Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
  • The writer understands that it is his/her sole responsibility to register material to be submitted with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
  • ISA Pitch Challenge Winners and Finalists understand and accept that the ISA will be free to use his/her name, likeness, and voice for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
  • Writers retain the rights to their screenplay.
  • Applicants are non-exclusive to ISA and may submit their screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
  • We do not accept erotic genre submissions.
  • No transfer, substitution or cash equivalent for prizes is allowed.
  • Length requirements are as follows - TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.
  • ISA is not responsible for any applicant errors or omissions on any submitted application materials.
  • You accept without reservation that the submitted logline, screenplay and pitch video will be reviewed by ISA staff and/or panel of industry judges for evaluation and that any one of these employees, or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to the submitted material. The applicant hereby waives any claim that the ISA, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the submission, logline or screenplay.
  • By submitting to the ISA TV Pilot Pitch Challenge, your email address will be added to the contest database as well as the International Screenwriters' Association newsletter for weekly updates, contest promotions and other notifications. You may unsubscribe at any time. 
  • It is our full intention to fulfill all prizes as posted. However, due to an unlikely event, act of God or other, we reserve the right to update or edit prizes.
  • To submit your materials and be considered you must agree to the rules.

Contact Information

[email protected]

8479223967

8581 Santa Monica Blvd

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

90069

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