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Program Description

Compete in your own space!

Features & TV Pilots in 7 Genres with $25,000 in CASH Prizes

We’re looking for ALL emerging screenwriters! Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned writer ready to redefine your career, we can elevate you to the next level. We’re searching for the most authentic and unique scripts in seven broad genre categories. 

We want to read your best work, the script that represents your genuine talent!

Deadlines and Fees

Mega Early
June 30, 2022
Early
July 31, 2022
Regular
Sept. 08, 2022
Final
Oct. 27, 2022
Television (1/2-hour or 1-hour)
Standard Fee
$25
$39
$49
$69
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$34
$44
$59
Feature
Standard Fee
$25
$39
$49
$69
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$34
$44
$59

Program Benefits

Grand Prize Winner 
(Selected from 7 Genre Award Winners)

  • $10,000 Cash (Includes $2,500 from Genre Award)
  • Script Consultation with an ISA Executive ( 2 Meetings )
  • 1 Year ISAConnect with access to Writing Gigs and Industry Pros
  • 12 Year Copyright from Creators Vault
  • Prizes in all other categories

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Genre Award Winners
(7 Winners Selected from 7 Genre Categories)

_________________________________

Finalists (Top 10 of Each Genre)

  • 3 month ISAConnect with access to Writing Gigs and Industry Pros

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Semi-Finalists 

  • Digital Copy of "(Not Just) Another Book on the Craft of Screenwriting"

__________________________________

All Entrants

  • 1-Month Introductory ISAConnect Membership

 

Success Stories

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HARLEM HELL FIGHTERS by Jayson Crittenden awarded by Emerging Screenwriters

Jayson Crittenden - Screenwriter
After a record number of submissions, HARLEM HELL FIGHTERS by Jayson Crittenden was selected as a quarter-finalist in the Emerging Screenwriters Genre Screenplay Competition. Another humbling accomplishment for this remarkable true story.
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LEGACY chosen for Emerging Screenwriters

Danielle Erlich - Screenwriter
LEGACY and LUANA both came in as Semi-finalists or Top 25 Sci-fi/Fantasy Screenplays in The Emerging Screenwriter Gene Competition!!
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Julia Skikavich wins Grand Prize in Emerging Screenwriter Award

Julia Skikavich - Screenwriter
Julia Skikavich has won the Emerging Screenwriter Award in the 2019 Emerging Screenwriter Genre Screenplay Competition with SURVIVORS: B.S. taking the Grand Prize. The darkly funny, one-hour drama pilot also won the Drama category. The contest’s judges highlighted the writer’s unique voice, the script’s compelling characters, the world-building that gives...
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Ted Campbell's BLUE MOTEL Semi-Finalist Emerging Screenwriters Contest

Ted Campbell - Director, Screenwriter
Ted Campbell's crime thriller BLUE MOTEL is a Semi-Finalist in the Mystery category for Emerging Screenwriters Genre Screenplay Competition. BLUE MOTEL recently won the Grand Prize in the Your Script Produced screenplay contest.
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Chris Courtney Martin's PALE HORSE Emerging Screenwriters 5th Place.

Chris Courtney Martin - Screenwriter
Chris Courtney Martin's dark Thriller PALE HORSE has found even more success this contest season. On the heels of its Grand Prize win at this year's Urbanworld Film Festival, PALE HORSE finished as a top finalist at Emerging Screenwriters. This marks Martin's 5th finalist placement this year.
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Jeff York's PLAY DIRTY takes 3rd place in Emerging Screenwriters contest!

Jeff York - Screenwriter
Jeff York's PLAY DIRTY, a dark comedy about a junior high band nerd who employs ex-President Richard Nixon to help her win the band presidency, took 3rd place in the Emerging Screenwriters screenwriting contest on February 18th. It, along with his western adventure THE SCOUNDRELS CLUB, were both named top...

Industry Mentors

Motion Picture Talent Agent - Niki Montazaran

Niki Montazaran is a Motion Picture agent at WME, where she focuses her business on representing directors, writers, actors, and producers. 

Director - Star Victoria

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Star Victoria is a 2020 DGA jury award-winning director. Shedirected her first feature film in 2021 for A&E Networks/Lifetime called Lust starring Tank and Keri Hilson.

Director, Producer, Editor - Alrik Bursell

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Alrik Bursell is a freelance director/producer/editor who’s worked on feature films and corporate videos. He has directed seven short films including Strange Thing, which played a film festivals worldwide. 

President, Producer - Navid McIlhargey

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Navid Mcllhargey has been a studio executive and producer for over 20 years. He's worked on films such as BLACKHAWK DOWN, XXX, and ANGER MANAGEMENT.

Literary Manager, Producer – Lee Stobby

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Lee Stobby is a producer, literary manager, and principal of Lee Stobby Entertainment who has over 10 years of management and producing experience. 

Creative Executive - Braxton Rickert

Lee Stobby Entertainment

Showrunner - Craig Doyle

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Craig has been with GROWNISH on Freeform since its first episode as an EP and now serves as its Showrunner in its upcoming sixth season. Previously, he was a Co-EP on BLACKISH on ABC, a Co-EP on THE GREAT INDOORS on CBS and NBC’s UNDATEABLE.

Exciting Success Stories

FEATURE PRODUCED
Wendy Wilkins

WON BEST WRITING AWARD
Peres Owino

SHORT PRODUCED WITH ROBIN WRIGHT
Denise E Meyers

PRODUCED GLORIOUS ON SHUDDER
Jason Scott Goldberg

REPPED
Lucy Luna

Our Industry Partners Include

The winner of each genre category will be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, where the Development Team will get your script in front of top industry pros from companies like MGM, Gidden Media, ICM, plus ISA vetted literary agents and managers.

 

 

Development Slate Invitation

The Grand Prize Winner for Emerging Screenwriters will be invited onto the Development Slate!

Over 80 Scripts From Development Slate Writers Have Been Produced or Optioned and Over 60 Writers Have Been Repped. 

Feedback Options

Announcement Dates

Quarter-Finalists

Dec. 06, 2022

Semi-Finalists

Jan. 03, 2023

Top 10 Finalists

Jan. 24, 2023

Grand Prize

Feb. 07, 2023

Genre Winners

Feb. 07, 2023

Sponsors and Associations

International Screenwriters' Association The Story Farm

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the competition deadlines and announcements?

Deadlines
Mega Early: June 30th – $25
Early: July 31st – $39
Regular: Sept. 8th – $49
Final: Nov. 3rd – $69

Announcements
Quarter-Finalists: Dec. 6th
Semi-Finalists: Jan. 3rd
Finalists: Jan. 24th
Grand Prize Winner: Feb. 7th

Do you accept entries via snail mail?

No. In an attempt to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online entries and online payments via Paypal only. This includes all major credit cards.

Do I have to enter my script as a PDF?

Yes. We only accept scripts in PDF format.

Should I include my title page with my screenplay?

While you are welcome to include a title page with your title, author(s) name, telephone number and email address, the full title page is not required and will not have any effect on your placement.

Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?

Yes.

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!

When will I receive my feedback?

Feedback is completed in the order in which it is received and will be emailed to you within 90 days of your submission date.

What if I make a mistake and send the wrong script?

If you make a legitimate mistake entering and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here, and we’ll send you instructions on replacing your screenplay: Info@EmergingScreenwriters.com

What genres do you accept?

We accept all genres. We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. Please pick from the genre grouping below that best reflects your screenplay. You are welcome to enter in more than one genre, but another entry fee is required.

Action/Adventure
Comedy
Drama
Family/Holiday
Historical/Bio
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Suspense (Mystery/Crime /Thriller/Horror)

Can I enter in more than one genre?

You are welcome to enter in more than one genre, but an additional entry fee is required.

What if my script does not fall into one of the accepted genres?

We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. We offer what we think is a wide variety of “umbrella” genres which most scripts will fall under. Please pick from the genre that best reflects your screenplay. If your script is a Western, for example, you should decide if it best fits into the Action/Adventure category, or the Drama category (or whichever genre represents your script outside of Western). If your script is an animated film, does it fit into the comedy category, or the fantasy category? Since this is a genre competition, our professional readers will read and score your script in the context of which genre you submit it as, while of course also being aware that a script can be multiple genres at once.

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?

Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO

Do you accept short screenplays?

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. Common programs for this format include: Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, or Celtx. Scripts should be standard length. While your entry will still be fully considered if it is either formatted differently or longer or shorter than these specified page counts, for your own benefit we recommend that you adhere to the page length and formatting guidelines.

What’s the minimum/maximum required page length?

Features: 70 – 120 pages. TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.

My screenplay is longer than 120 pages. Will it be disqualified?

No, but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages.

If I’m over 120 pages and receiving feedback, will my full script be read?

If you order feedback, you will be charged $1 for each page over 120 pages. You will be emailed to discuss and billed separately, or you are welcome to just have your feedback done on the first 120 pages of your screenplay at the regular price.

Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts, musicals or spec scripts for existing TV series?

No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL feature length screenplays and 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 enter multiple scripts?

You may enter as many scripts as you like to this competition, but the submission process is limited to one script per transaction on the ISA.

Will entering early increase or decrease my chance of winning?

Entering early will neither increase nor decrease your chance of winning, but it will save you money!

How will I know if you received my script?

You will receive an email confirming your entry immediately upon submitting. If you do not, please email us here: Info@EmergingScreenwriters.com.

What if my script is optioned or sold after I enter the competition?

As long as your script was not optioned for a contract that is still in effect or sold prior to the date you submitted it to the competition, you are still eligible for an award.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter the competition?

International entries are absolutely welcome, but all scripts must be in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.

Does Paypal accept currencies other than the American Dollar?

Yes! Paypal is set up to exchange most currencies into the American Dollar. Please visit www.Paypal.com if you have any questions.

 

Rules

  • All writers from all countries are welcome to enter the competition; however, all scripts must be submitted in English, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
  • Emerging Screenwriters Grand Prize Winners and their screenplays are ineligible to enter into any future contest season.
  • If you receive 2nd – 6th place awards 3 times with 3 different screenplays, you will no longer be eligible to submit.
  • Scripts must be the original work of the author(s) and may not be encumbered by any third party.
  • Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.
  • Novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, and/or spec scripts for existing TV series are not eligible. Your script must be an original screenplay or teleplay.
  • Screenplays adapted from your own self-published books, plays, or other source material are eligible if you have retained all rights to your work.
  • Adaptations from other works are permissible, provided all rights have been secured to adapt the work.
  • Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
  • Collaborative work is eligible; the writers are responsible for the distribution of the competition prize(s).
  • Those that receive a free script feedback are not eligible to receive a free resubmission, which may come as an option with purchased script analyses or unless otherwise stated in a promotion.
  • You understand that a script analysis can take up to 90-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the contest.
  • Entries and payments are accepted online only. We’re GREEN!
  • Promotions must be used at the time of submission and will not be added to previous submissions.
  • Multiple entries are permissible and get a discount.
  • Once a script has been entered into the competition, we will only accept substitutions of new drafts or corrected pages if you contact us within 24 hours. After that, under no circumstances will we accept changes. If you wish to submit a revised draft of your script, you must enter it as a new submission and pay the appropriate entry fee.
  • Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
  • Competition applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.
  • You understand that it is your sole responsibility to register Material with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
  • Payments to be accepted via Paypal or through registrations on the ISA website. All major credit cards accepted.
  • By entering this competition, and in the event you are declared a finalist and/or winner, you understand and accept that Emerging Screenwriters and the ISA will be free to use your name, likeness and voice for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
  • You are under no obligation to participate therein.
  • You may submit your screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
  • If you submit to the Emerging Screenwriters Competition, you will retain all rights to your screenplay.
  • No agreement for compensation, other than the prizes, has been implied.
  • Prizes may be distributed in the rate of 1 package per person based on the highest placement and not per winning screenplay, depending on the request of the sponsor.
  • The cash prizes will be distributed 3 months from the date of the final announcement.
  • ISAConnect Membership prizes expire after 90 days and cannot be combined with a current free ISAConnect membership.
  • Decisions of the Judges are final and may not be disputed. The Judges will adhere to our competition guidelines; however, the competition and its administrators may not be held responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of the Judges.
  • Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 70-120 pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.
  • If you order a script analysis you may be charged separately $1 for each page over 120 pages, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.
  • Please do not enclose synopses, casting suggestions, letters, resumes or photos with your submission. They will not be forwarded to the Judges. However, standard supplementary materials, such as lists of recurring characters and future episodes, may be included with a TV Pilot submission. Email them to: Submissions@EmergingScreenwriters.com.
  • You understand that your logline and screenplay will be reviewed by our staff and/or our panel of Industry Judges for evaluation. You also understand that any one of the staff or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to yours, and you hereby waive any claim that the Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of your submission logline or screenplay.
  • You understand and accept without reservation that you are an independent contractor and that Competition Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
  • By entering the Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition, you agree to the rules.
  • For more inquiries, please email us at Info@EmergingScreenwriters.com

Contact Information

Info@emergingscreenwriters.com

8004725351

8581 Santa Monica Blvd

#438, West Hollywood, California

90069

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