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Please review the following information before submitting. Once you are ready, return to the main writing page and fill out an online application.

Click here to return to the main writing page and begin the online application submission process.

OVERVIEW

  • The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to new writers. We accept screenplays in every genre, on any topic from every country around the world. Our mission is to bring attention to the most talented emerging screenwriters and introduce them to the industry.
  • If you have any problems while submitting, or any questions about the submission process just e-mail screenplay@slamdance.com

TIMELINE

  • February 20, 2008 Accepting Submissions
  • March 10, 2008 First Early Announcement Submission Deadline
  • March 31, 2008 Early Submission Deadline
  • April 21, 2008 Second Early Announcement Submission Deadline
  • June 2, 2008 Final Submission Deadline
  • All submission deadlines are postmarked, which means they need only be in the mail by the above dates. Deadlines will not be extended, however, individual deadline extensions can will be granted upon request, just e-mail screenplay@slamdance.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • August 20, 2008 Round II Announcement
  • September 22, 2008 Quarterfinalist Announcement
  • October 1, 2008 Semifinalist Announcement
  • October 22, 2008 Top Ten Announcement

EARLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • To find out if your screenplay has made it the second round of consideration before August 20th we offer a special early announcement option for an additional fee (see below for more information).
  • May 1, 2008 First Early Announcement (for scripts submitted by March 31st that request this service)
  • May 23, 2008 Second Early Announcement (for scripts submitted by April 21st that request this service)

ENTRY FEES

  • $40 Base Fee

ADDITIONAL FEES

  • +$1 Per page in excess of pg. 120
  • +$15 Early Announcement

COVERAGE FEES

  • +$50 Online Coverage Service Available in 1-2 months

RUSHED COVERAGE FEES

  • +$80 Online Coverage Service Available in 1-2 weeks (do not combine with above Coverage Fee)

SECOND READER OPTION

  • To guarantee that a second reader reviews your script, we give you the option to ensure an extra read (see below for more information)
  • +$25 guaranteed second reader (without coverage)
  • +$60 second coverage from a different reader
  • +$90 second rushed coverage

DISCOUNTS

  • -$5 Students
  • -$5 International Submissions
  • -$5 Multiple Scripts (per script)

RULES

  1. Screenplays must not have been previously optioned, purchased or produced
  2. Screenplays must not have received awards from other competitions over $500
  3. Screenwriters who have had previous feature screenplays produced and distributed by non-independent means are ineligible
  4. Screenwriter/s must read and agree to the Competition Release Form on the online application page be considered at any level of competition
  5. Screenplays must be in English, formatted with 12-point courier font
  6. We only accept checks made out to Slamdance that drawn funds from an American bank and Money Orders or Traveler's Checks in US funds. To pay by credit card, enter your credit card information on the online application
  7. Checks returned to us for whatever reason will incur a standard $25 fee on top of the original entry fee that must be paid, even if you choose to pull your script from the competition
  8. Screenplays will be charged a processing fee of a $1 per page in excess of 120 pages
  9. Screenplays must be copyrighted or registered material

GUIDELINES

  1. After reviewing all the rules and guidelines, return to the main page and begin the online application submission process.  Make sure to decide ahead of time how you would like to submit your material: you can (a) pay online and upload and electronic copy of your screenplay, (b) pay online and send in a hard copy script, or (c) send us a check or money order with your hard copy script
  2. If you submit a hard copy screenplay, please include a printed copy of your online application, and attach a cover page that includes the services that you have paid for (coverage, 2nd Reader option, Early Announcement option, etc.)
  3. For your own anonymity, we suggest not including your name or contact information anywhere bound inside the screenplay
  4. In the event of multiple writers, please list all additional co-writers when filling out your online application, but providing contact information from a singular primary contact; awards will be divided equally among co-writers
  5. When submitting a hard copy screenplay, we prefer that screenplays be bound using standard brass brads. However, we still accept unbound screenplays, scripts printed on A4 paper, etc. but ask that you try and hole punch your submission
  6. When submitting a hard copy screenplay, you may choose to include a self-addressed stamped postcard for delivery confirmation. Do not call the Slamdance office to confirm the arrival of your script. Whether you submit a hard copy or upload an electronic copy, an automated e-mail will be sent upon the arrival and completion of the submission process
  7. When submitting a hard copy screenplay, you may include multiple screenplays in the same mailing, and pay for multiple screenplays using one payment.
  8. If you choose to upload an electronic submission, we ask that the submission be in PDF format.  If that is not possible, we will also take .txt, .rtf or even Word documents that are under 1MB
  9. Slamdance is not responsible for screenplays or coverage stolen or lost in transit

Online Feedback


Everyone who submits a script to Slamdance will get a response from our readers that includes a log-line & genre suggestion and an indication of the strongest and weakest categories. Feedback is minimal compared to the extensive notes provided with our Online Coverage Service. To view a sample of the feedback provided for every entry, use this link: Sample Feedback.

Online Coverage Service


Slamdance Online Coverage is broken up into five different catagories. It includes a comprehensive story breakdown/concept summary and goes on to address "what works", "what doesn't work" and "how it can be improved". These three categories are the heart of the coverage and should be used for further revisions. The final category is to give the screenwriter an idea of "what is the next step" in their writing career. This will address media, films, screenplays, production companies and agencies they should be aware of as well as any words of wisdom from an industry professional. Slamdance coverage will give you insight into the mind of a reader who reads a few hundred screenplays a year and will assist in crafting the submission into something that can advance in any competition and impress agents, reps, and producers. Online Coverage will be available within one to two months from the time you submit. The earlier you submit, the sooner you will receive coverage. An e-mail will be sent to the address that you provide when the coverage is available. To learn more about our year round coverage service click here. 

Rushed Coverage


Online coverage will be available within one week of arriving in the Slamdance office. All of the above details apply to the Rushed Coverage Service. The cost is in addition to the base fee: ($40) plus an additional $80. Do not include the fee for basic coverage service ($50). An e-mail will be sent to the address that you provide when the coverage is available. To view sample coverage use this link: Sample Online Coverage Service

Early Announcement


Select this option if you would like to know the status of your submission before the official announcement of our Semifinalists on August 20, 2008. If you submit by February 25, 2008 and pay the additional fee (+$15) you will be informed of your status on April 4, 2008.  If you submit by April 21, 2007 and pay the additional fee (+$15) you will be informed of your status on August 20, 2008.

Second Reader Option


We encourage you to select the multiple reader option. Based on the comments and score of the first reader, a percentage of scripts will go on to be read multiple times for finalist contention. But to guarantee that a second reader reviews your script, we give you the option to ensure an extra read. Keep in mind that quality scripts will be read multiple times regardless of the additional fee.

Script Registry


We want to protect your work and the integrity of our competition. To register your script with the Writers Guild of America, west, visit www.wga.org or call (323) 782-4500. Registering your screenplay with the Guild secures your work with the world's leading intellectual property registration service. You can register your work 24 hours a day online, by mail or in-person at the WGAw headquarters in Los Angeles.

Selection Process


The first two readers will determine whether the screenplay will be passed on to the second round of the competition. Over half of the screenplays submitted make it to Round Two. From those screenplays, the top 200 will be chosen as Quarterfinalists. Then fifty semifinalists will be selected and ultimately the top 10 will be announced at the Writers Guild of America in September.

Scoring Details


Screenplays that are submitted to the Slamdance Screenplay Competition as well as our Online Coverage service are judged using five technical categories: Character, Dialogue, Story, Structure, and Originality. We also use what is called a "Sparky" score that is meant to gauge the reader's emotional response. These scores are used to determine what scripts make it the quarter & semifinals and the top ten, as well as focusing the critique on the areas in need of the most revision. Please note that number scores will not be revealed to the screenwriter, nor will the score sheet ever be available for review. 

Slamdance Readers


Slamdance Readers are all industry professionals and all have a combination of the following qualifications: professional coverage background, production/development executors, fellow competitions readers, professional writers, writers assistants, Slamdance alumni filmmakers and screenwriters, playwrights and journalists.

Past Winners

See a list of winners from the past Screenplay competitions (1996-present) including loglines, contact information and pictures from the Award Ceremony. Click here to check it out.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $7,000
  • The top ten screenwriters will receive Final Draft screenwriting software
  • The top ten screenwriters will receive a year subscription to Script Magazine
  • Selected material will be read On Stage in Los Angeles, New York and Park City
  • The top ten screenwriters will receive prize packages that include Festival Passes good for all screenings and parties at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah (January 15-23, 2009)
  • The top ten screenwriters are eligible for membership in the Writers Guild of America's Independent Writers Caucus
  • The top ten screenwriters will receive merchandise from the Slamdance Shop
  • Production companies, studios, agencies and managers request to read our top scripts

Send All Scripts To:


Slamdance Screenplay Competition
5634 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

If You Have Questions:


Phone: (323) 466-1786
Fax: (323) 466-1784
Email: screenplay@slamdance.com