The 22nd Annual Fade In Awards, bringing you nine specifically tailored contests for 2018. Submit a script, web series or short to the Fade In Awards Thriller Contest. Twenty-one years experience jump-starting the careers of aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers, by first mentoring then introducing them to some of the most important industry contacts of their lives. Fade In Award winners have gone on to both sign with major Hollywood talent agencies ICM, UTA, CAA, WME and have their winning screenplay/teleplay made into feature films and television shows (e.g., The Blacklist, Hard Powder (2018), Blades of Glory, Adam, Office Christmas Party, If Only).
The Blacklist Executive Producer/Creator Jon Bokenkamp calls his decision to enter the Fade In Awards, “The most important moment in my career.” “When CBS Studios producer Todd Nelson encouraged me to submit, my inclination was to say, ‘No.’ I remember thinking there was no way I could afford it. But my script Preston Tylk won and got me an [CAA] agent. It was huge for me.” Bokenkamp went on to work with Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry on Taking Lives and Perfect Stranger, respectively.
The Fade In Awards Thriller Competition is open to aspiring screenwriters and television writers of screenplays and teleplays, and filmmakers of both web series and short films. Judges are looking for compelling, genre-bending material (e.g., Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Political, Action, Tech) grounded, character-driven, elevated and written in a unique voice or filmed with an attention to detail.
The Fade In Awards deliver by working closely with finalists to make sure their contest submission gives them the best chance at launching their filmmaking career. That’s why Hollywood’s A-list buyers and reps call the Fade In Awards one of the best screenplay contests and short film competitions in the world.
Grand Prize
Exclusive Hollywood Pitch Fest pass
$1,000 towards airfare & accommodations
1st Place
$500 Cash
+25 Greenlightmymovie submissions ($750 value)
2nd Place
$250 Cash
15 Greenlightmymovie submissions ($450 value)
1. Electronic entries must be accompanied by the following:
Completed official entry form.
An entry fee, as specified for each contest, in U.S. dollars if entering before the Early Deadline; an increased entry fee, as specified for each contest, in U.S. dollars if entering after the Early Deadline but before the Final Deadline.
One completed, original screenplay, teleplay or short script in standard industry format (with a fully-executed title page) submitted as a PDF; Or, link to one web series episode or short film. NOTE: You may enter as many times as you like. However, each entry must be made online separately with a separate entry form and entry fee, as indicated above. Applications will only be accepted online. Submitted material will not be returned.
2. Submissions must be an original work of the applicant/writing/directing team and not based, in whole or part, on another author’s work (unless underlying material is in public domain or underlying rights are in applicant’s possession).
3. Fade In Awards are open to filmmakers worldwide and thus are not limited to only U.S. entries. All entries must be in English or, if submitting video, subtitled.
4. Writing and directing teams are welcome to apply. If selected as finalists, both team members will determine how the applicable prize will be divided/shared.
5. Submissions may not be under option or with attachment(s) at the time of entry nor at the time the material is chosen as a Finalist or Grand Prize winner. If said submission has been optioned or sold during the judging period, the contestant will automatically be disqualified.
6. Judging consists of two rounds: Semifinals and Finals. Applicants will be notified of their advancement at FadeinAwards.com on the Notification Dates.
7. Applicant understands creative revisions may be required prior to setting up meetings/marketing to Hollywood buyers and representatives and therefore agrees to the process as outlined by the Fade In staff. Applicant also understands that if chosen as a finalist it is a requirement to sign both a general release and a W-9 tax form to receive all prizes.
8. Fade In reserves the right to grant less than or no awards, at its sole discretion, if a lesser number of, or no entries meet the submissions requirements and/or industry standards of excellence.
9. Fade In reserves the right to revoke or disqualify any finalist for a) breach of these terms, b) unprofessional behavior, as deemed by Fade In staff.
10. We have No Refund Policy.