Do I maintain copyright of my script?
Absolutely. Contest entry grants no power over your script to Reel Authors. Your script is your material, you maintain all rights and copyright.
What happens to my script?
On submission, your script will be allocated to an experienced reader who enjoys the respective genre. It will be read, assessed and entered into the contest.
If feedback/analysis has been requested then the reader will complete a scorecard and write a feedback/analysis report ('Standard' is approximately 400 words, 'Extended' is at least 800 words). The goal of the scorecard and report is to give guidance on how your script can be improved. Your feedback will include details of both the aspects of your script the reader liked, and the aspects they believe need additional work. Both will be emailed to you within thirty days.
How will the reader assess my script?
Your script will be assessed under various categories including character development, story line/plot, dialogue, style, originality and marketability.
Contest categories and genres
Scripts compete in three categories and six genres:
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Categories
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Genres |
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Screenplay |
Action/Adventure |
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Teleplay
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Comedy/Romcoms
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Short
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Drama |
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Sci-Fi/Fantasy
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Thriller/Horror |
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Family/Animated |
Teleplays can be original pilots or based on existing shows.
Contest timelines
Our International Break Out Contest will run every six months:
- Cycle 'A': October 1st to March 31st
- Cycle 'B': April 1st to September 30th
Each cycle will be a separate contest, the full cash prize pool will be given out per cycle (i.e. once every 6 months).
Contest announcements
Contest results will be posted on the
Results section of this website. All entrants will be informed of results posting by email.
Contest placings will include:
- Best Script Awards (one per category)
- Genre Winners (one per genre - screenplay only)
- Genre Finalists (screenplay only)
- Finalists (teleplay and shorts only)
- Semi-Finalists
- Quarter-Finalists
The Prizes
A cash prize of $1,500 will be awarded for the best feature film script, $500 will be awarded for the best teleplay. The prize for best short will be a non-cash certificate of recognition.
Announcements dates
Contest results will be announced in a staggered fashion within two months of contest deadline.
All entrants will be informed of results posting by email.
Do entrants have to reside in America?
No, we accept scripts from around the world but please ensure your work is in English.
Can I resubmit?
Post-submission, if you make changes to your script, we can only accept those changes as a new entry with the required entrance fee. After receiving their script scorecard and feedback/analysis report (if ordered), some writers may wish to submit a fresh draft. To pay for the re-reading, a new entrance fee will be required.
Resubmission is 100% optional. With an outstanding first attempt, you could well advance to the Finals (and win!) without having to resubmit.
Is a title page needed?
Yes, please include a title page with the script name, author(s) name(s) and contact email address(s).
What is a spec screenplay?
A spec script, also known as a speculative screenplay, is a non-commissioned unsolicited screenplay.
What formats are accepted?
We only accept scripts in Adobe PDF format. Please ensure your script conforms to the industry standard for spec screenplays. E.g. the font must be 12-point Courier, Courier New or Courier Final Draft; line spacing, formatting etc must follow the industry norm.
Numerous spec screenplay format guides are available on the web. You can find two here.
Can I submit my script in Microsoft Word or text file format?
No. Please convert your script to PDF format using for example the Save As PDF option in newer versions of Microsoft Word or a Print to PDF function (such as PrimoPDF, which is available for free).
Or use the excellent free file conversion website: ZamZar
Scripts in Microsoft Word and text file format are unlikely to fully abide by the format standards for spec screenplays. We highly recommend you switch over to professional screenplay writing software such as the excellent (and free!) Celtx.
How do I pay?
We use Paypal for secure payment processing. However you do not need a Paypal account. You can pay using your Paypal account or your credit or debit card (no Paypal account is necessary).
Does your site record my payment details (credit card etc)?
Absolutely not. All payments are handled through Paypal’s secure payment gateway.
Can Reel Authors help me get an agent/manager?
Landing a good agent starts with having a great script. Our feedback and industry orientated scorecard (if ordered) will help you to improve your work. Ranking highly in contests is viewed favorably by many agents and managers.
Are scripts adapted from a book, play, film or other existing material eligible?
Only if the book/play/film/other existing material is your original work and you maintain copyright.
The only exceptions to this rule relate to existing series teleplays in which case established characters, technology etc from the series can be used in your script entry.
Is a script based on historical events eligible?
Yes provided the information is in the public domain and you do not violate copyrighted material or another author’s work.
I’m worried about someone stealing my idea?
This is very rare in Hollywood. Our readers will not steal your idea.
What's different about this contest?
There are dozens of screenwriting contests on the web, many promise a lot but few deliver. Some offer $25,000+ prizes with the bulk of the "prizes" being web subscriptions to poor quality sites at massively marked-up prices.
Most charge between $40 and $50 for contest entry alone. When feedback/analysis is offered, it's usually priced at an additional $60 (or more) to your $40+ contest entrance fee.
Reel Authors is the only contest that guarantees your screenplay/teleplay/short will be read by someone who is passionate about your script’s genre. We also guarantee to keep our fees (both for contest entry and the optional scorecard and feedback/analysis report) ultra competitive. No other contest offers entry, an industry orientated scorecard and analysis/feedback for just $45.
In addition, our readers are either industry professionals or experienced script readers and reviewers. All can provide constructive and insightful guidance on your work.
Use of your contact details
We will only use your contact details for communication regarding this contest. Your details will not be sold or given to any other parties.
