Screenplay Competition Questions

Q: What is script registration, and why is it mandatory?
A: Slamdance only wants to look at copyrighted material. All writers should be concerned with protecting their work. Copyrighting can be as easy as sending yourself a copy in a sealed envelop, and as all-inclusive as registering with the WGA. We accept all forms of registration and copywriting.

Q: Can I enter the same script two years in a row?
A: We encourage screenwriters to resubmit, but we also want you to use our coverage service and edit your script. Your script should be as tight as possible before you resubmit.

Q: Can I send multiple scripts in one package? And can I pay for multiple scripts on one check, money order or credit card authorization form?
A: Yes. Send all your submissions in one package, but include separate applications. You can pay for everything with one form of payment.

Q: What kind of scripts are you looking for? If my screenplay is very unconventional or experimental will it be overlooked?
A: We are always looking for outrageous scripts that do not follow the rules! Look at the top ten from the past ten years; we have awarded everything from epic period pieces to low-budget indie gems.

Q: Can I also enter other competitions?
A: Definitely. We encourage you to get your script into the hands of as many people as possible. Because we are for first-time writers only, we are a good competition to start with. There is a section of the FAQ below, dedication to competitions we endorse.

Q: Does Slamdance sell or trade e-mail lists?
A: No, we do not. Please include your e-mail because we contact quarter-finalists and semi-finalists by e-mail before the official announcement. You have the option to stay off of our e-mail list and will not be contacted after the competition is over.

Q: Do you accept adaptations?
A: Yes. Generally you must own or acquire permission to the rights to another person's work before you can sell it. There are a few exceptions, such as 'Public Domain' (you have to look into the legalities of this).

Q: What format/font should I use?
A: Stick with Courier 12 point. This is industry standard, and every script you write should be in this format.

Q: My script is really, really long - at least 200 pages. Bigger is better, right?
A: No. Feature length screenplays should be between 90 and 120 pages; short screenplays between 5-50 pages (and please number the pages). For every page over 120 pages, you will be charged $1 per page. EDIT. Edit for grammar, exposition and excess. While there are a few exceptions, scripts should be as tightly edited as possible. Screenplays over 150 pages will be disqualified from the writing competition.

Q: What if my check bounces?
A: Checks returned to us for whatever reason will incur a standard $25 fee on top of the original entry. It may take up to a week for your check to be deposited (depending on when it arrives in the office), so keep that in mind.

Q: Can I call to check if my script has arrived yet?
A: No. Please do not call the Slamdance office to check if your script has arrived. Include a self-addressed stamped postcard for delivery confirmation.

Teleplay Competition Questions

Q: What is a Teleplay? And what is the difference between an original pilot and a “spec” script for an existing show?
A: A teleplay is another way of saying “television script”. We are only interested in the first episode of an original series or the first hour-length episode of a miniseries. We are not looking for “spec” scripts for existing shows.

Q: When you say to submit additional story ideas with subplots and resolutions, are you looking for any particular length? Or any particular number of them?
A: You can include as many additional storylines as you like, and the descriptions should be short, no longer than 10 lines.

Short Competition Questions

Q: What is the advantage of entering a short?
A: The winning short will receive a cash prize, and will be highlighted at the Slamdance Film Festival award show in Park City. Writing short screenplays is a great way to showcase your talent and use as a piece of sample

Q: Who is looking for shorts at Slamdance?
A: Slamdance is a great place to submit short scripts because our festival screens roughly 40 short films a year, and those filmmakers are always on the lookout for new projects.

Q: What are the page requirements for a short screenplay?
A: Short screenplays can be as short as five pages, and as long as 59 pages. We accept all shorts length screenplays that fall in between these page requirements.

Coverage Questions

Q: What is coverage?
A: Coverage is written feedback that is a blunt, honest reaction from a reader that reads hundreds of scripts a year and wants to help you avoid the common pitfalls of screenwriting. The aim of every piece of coverage is to constructively help you develop your script into a final draft.

Q: Who are your readers?
A: Our readers are comprised of Slamdance alumni, past winners, filmmakers, journalists, playwrights, screenwriters and other writing professionals, some of whom also do development coverage for major studios.

Q: What is the advantage of submitting early?
A: Check out the deadlines. The sooner you submit, the sooner you will receive your coverage. The coverage will not indicate if your script has moved on, but it will give you a sense early on, of the scripts strengths and weaknesses (in the eyes of one reader).

Q: What if I am extremely unhappy with the coverage I receive?
A: Please let us know by e-mailing screenplay@slamdance.com. We will review the coverage, and work with you to solve the problem. In most cases that means getting someone else to read it at a discounted price (there are no refunds).

Q: How long should I wait until I call about missing coverage?
A: Two weeks. If there is a delay, we will let you know ahead of time. Except when you request rushed coverage. In those cases e-mail screenplay@slamdance.com right away.

Q: What should I do if I get the wrong coverage?
A: Please e-mail screenplay@slamdance.com right away.

Q: Am I able to contract the reader who did my coverage?
A: Yes. Please e-mail screenplay@slamdance.com and we will forward your message on to the reader, and they will respond directly to you.

Technical Questions

Q: Why do I have to create a "slamdance.com" account?
A: The purpose of opening an account is that so you can save and update your applications (or multiple applications) without losing them, and so that our office staff don't have to enter your information by hand. We've had a lot of people who filled out their application and then lost it before they could finish and print it out. It's also a way for us to make sure that only legitimate users can submit information to our database, and makes it easier for people who do multiple submissions to avoid retyping.