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Program Description

Let US take YOU to HOLLYWOOD!

Not only will we fly you to Hollywood to experience the town as an award-winning screenwriter but we'll set you up with one of the most invaluable tools every writer must use before production of their feature or pilot, a live table read! As an integral part of the creative process, you'll meet with the director, assist in casting actors, participate in the rehearsal and more, culminating in the live performance. You'll learn more about your script than any notes you've received by seeing your work performed live by professional actors, led by a working director. The Grand Prize Winner will also receive $1500, flight and accommodations in Hollywood and consideration for the ISA Development Slate which includes introductions to agents, managers and producers.

 

TABLE READ DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED:

Director, Writer and DGA Latino Committee Co-Chair - Regina Ainsworth

Born of the theatre as an actress, dancer, writer and director, Regina has successfully transitioned her love of movement and character driven storytelling to filmmaking. Her passion for amplifying authentic experiences that can inspire positive social change is what drives her activism in both her leadership and cinematic worlds. 

Ainsworth spent a year amongst West End productions in London, and upon returning stateside, began directing regional theatre. With an eye toward directing episodic television, she landed a job at Warner Bros. Television. WBTV was her film school, as she worked with and observed over 120 productions, including Arrow, The Leftovers, Blindspot, Pretty Little Liars, and Westworld. It was after auditing the WBTV Director’s Workshop (a program she helped launch), that she became a freelance independent director.  Ainsworth was most recently selected for Netflix’s Episodic Directors on the Rise Program led by Paris Barclay. 

As an award-winning filmmaker, Regina’s work has resonated internationally. Selected credits include two episodes of indie series Linked by Love, the sci-fi indie darling Recombined (based on the YA SciFi Tankborn Trilogy novels), and Unveiled, a magical realism proof of concept, exploring final moments of love and the tough transition from this world to whatever is next. 

Regina is the DGA Latino Committee Co-Chair Emeritus, Co-Founder of los directores, a Guild-level collective of Latino directors and director’s team, founder of the DGA Latino Summit, and a member of the Television Academy Directors Peer Group.

 

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View the International Screenwriters’ Association 2023 Annual Transparency Report in association with the Women of Color Unite Transparency Initiative.

Deadlines and Fees

Mega-Early
May 02, 2024
Early
May 23, 2024
Final
June 27, 2024
Feature
Standard Fee
$29
$39
$59
ISAConnect Fee
$24
$34
$54
Television
Standard Fee
$29
$39
$59
ISAConnect Fee
$24
$34
$54

Program Benefits


GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Gain exposure with directors, producers and other industry pros through a live Table Read performance of your script, consideration for the ISA Development Slate, executive meetings and more.

  • $1500 Cash 
  • Trip to Hollywood - Flight and accommodations
  • Table Read Performance - Experience a live staged reading of your script with a professional director and actors.
  • ISA Development Slate Consideration - Development Slate writers are championed to top agents, managers and producing contacts. 
  • Meeting with an Industry Pro - Meet with one of ISA's Industry Partners.
  • Meeting with ISA Development Execs - Receive access to our industry contacts' current mandates plus development of a personalized producer outreach plan.
  • Scriptation - 1-Year Scriptation Subscription
  • Two 1-Hour Sessions with Suzanne Gundersen of ScreenwriteNOW - Suzanne mentors screenwriters and industry creatives to clear the path that lets their writing flow. 
  • 16-Year Copyright - Provided by Creators Vault
  • 12-Month ISAConnect Membership - Access to the most comprehensive platform for screenwriters. 


TOP 10 FINALISTS

  • ISA Development Slate Consideration
  • Script Studio - Copy of the ultimate writer's toolbox
  • Scriptation - 3-Month Scriptation Subscription
  • 1-Hour session with Suzanne Gundersen of ScreenwriteNOW
  • 10-Year Copyright Provided by Creators Vault
  • ISAConnect Membership - 6 months full access to the most comprehensive platform for screenwriters. Learn More
  • Consideration for Grand Prize

 

Success Stories

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SUMMER AT CHARLOTTE'S Optioned and Currently in Post-Production

Kaisha Bicknell - Screenwriter
Development Slate writer Kaisha Bicknell optioned her original script, SUMMER AT CHARLOTTE'S to Princ Films and, after completing filming in August, the project is currently in post-production in collaboration with Trilight Entertainment.
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Grand Prize Winning Screenplay WHAT'S LEFT OF US Optioned.

Rae Jones - Screenwriter
Through an introduction made by the ISA Development Team, ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch in 2023 Rae Jones, met with award-winning director Flo Baumann, who loved her script and agreed to work on it with her. It is slated for production in 2023.
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Optioned by Bruce Cohen, Bretten Hannam attached to direct

Seth Michael Donsky - screenwriter
Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen (Milk, Rustin) optioned Stardusk before the strikes and is now moving to put the production together. 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominee Bretten Hannam (Wildhood! on Hulu) has attached to direct. The script is now going out to talent.
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Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize Winner - Electric Peak Optioned

Eric Maus - Screenwriter
A producer in LA requested to read a few of Eric Maus' screenplays. He decided to give him the Table Read My Screenplay Genre Award Winning Script ELECTRIC PEAK. He loved the concept and for the last six months, they have been working together to pitch it to studios.
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Feature Optioned

Marni Sullivan - Screenwriter, Script Consultant
Development Slate writer Marni Sullivan's contained psychological thriller feature, CONFIDANT, was optioned by a major production company.
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From Development Slate to Development Exec

Desa Larkin-Boutte - Screenwriter
ISA Development Slate writer Desa has joined the ranks of Third Rail Productions, recently formed in conjunction with Sony Pictures Entertainment. She will act as the Junior Development Executive under the new banner.
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Bernadett Belinda York Accepted into 2024 ISA Development Slate!

Bernadett Belinda York - Screenwriter
Bernadett Belinda York invited into esteemed ISA Development Slate upon successful interview with VP Felicity Wren and Shayna Weber. The award-winning, queer-identified female writer will receive a year-long membership and mentorship with the ISA team. The Development Slate champions unique voices and presents their projects to producers, studio execs, literary...
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ODIUM optioned

Annika Pampel - screenwriter
Annika Pampel was invited on to the ISA Development Slate, after winning Table Read My Screenplay - Hollywood with her screenplay ODIUM. This same screenplay has just been optioned and is slated to go into production in 2022.

Table Read Winner Success

Shopping Agreement

Recent winner Emily Wahlund's project TWO IN A MILLION was put on a shopping agreement with Creative Screenwriter Productions, leading to further development meetings with Academy Award winning producer Lisa Bruce.

ISA Development Slate Invitation

Kirk Weddell was discovered by the ISA after being selected as the Table Read Horror/Sci-Fi Genre Winner and was invited onto the ISA Development Slate.

Staffed By Major Networks

After winning TRMS, Elaine Loh was announced as one of ISA's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch. She has since been accepted into the HBO Access Writers Program, and staffed on the reboot of GOSSIP GIRL for HBO Max. 

Gained Representation

Since winning TRMS, Derek Asaff has been signed by Lee Stobby Entertainment and was accepted into the Universal Writers Program. His competition-winning script THE WHEELMAN was optioned to Sony and Original FiIm.

Premiered at Cannes

Denise Meyers Table Read-Winning script, THE DARK OF NIGHT, directed by Robin Wright and starring Sam Rockwell and Leslie Bibb, is now a film and had its red carpet premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Produced

Annika Pampel was invited on to the ISA Development Slate after winning Table Read My Screenplay - Hollywood with her screenplay ODIUM. ODIUM is slated to go into production in 2024. Annika will also be making her directorial debut.

Table Read Director Announced

Table Read Hollywood will be directed by Regina Ainsworth - Director, Writer and DGA Latino Committee Co-Chair.

Her credits include WESTWORLD, THE LEFTOVERS, ARROW, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, and BLINDSPOT.

ISA Development Slate

The Grand Prize Winner will be considered for invitation 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 Available

Announcement Dates

Quarter-Finalists

Aug. 08, 2024

Semi-Finalists

Aug. 22, 2024

Finalists

Aug. 29, 2024

Grand Prize

Sept. 12, 2024

Sponsored by

Script Studio Creators Vault International Screenwriters Association Screenwritenow

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are the deadlines?

Mega-Early: May 2nd- $29
Early: May 23rd - $39
Final: June 27th - $59

Q: When are the announcement dates?

Quarter-Finalists: August 8th
Semi-Finalists: August 22nd
Finalists - Top 10: August 29th
Grand Prize Winner: September 12th

Q: Will the Table Read be held in person or virtually?
A: The Table Read will be held live in Hollywood, CA. 

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Paypal and all major credit cards.

Q: Can I mail a copy of my Screenplay, Submission Form and Payment?
A: No, we’re sorry. We only accept online submissions and payments at this time.

Q: Should I include my contact information on my title page?
A: Yes, but it does not affect judging either way if you forget to include it.

Q: Who will be reading my screenplay/judging the contest?
A: The final panel of judges will be comprised of members of the Los Angeles Film Community, including but not limited to producers, managers and established writers.

Q: Will you fly me to Hollywood if I win?
A: The Feature/Pilot Grand Prize winner will receive coach airfare and accommodations resulting in a three-night stay.

Q: When will the Table Read be scheduled for the Grand Prize Winner?
A: The showcase reading will be held in fall 2024, following the Grand Prize Winner announcement. If the final date as selected by TRMS does not work for the winner, TRMS will not provide any cash value matching for the non-accepted airfare and hotel, or movie ticket expenses turned down by the winner. We will be as flexible as possible, but the ultimate decision resides solely with TRMS.

Q: How does the Grand Prize Winner participate in the Table Read itself?
A: You are invited to collaborate with the producer and director as we cast, rehearse and record scenes from your winning screenplay or you can sit back, relax, and observe. Either way, this is a tremendously valuable experience that will greatly inform your writing.

Q: Do I maintain the rights to my screenplay?
A: YES, you retain all the rights to your screenplay. Table Read My Screenplay seeks to support and empower writers, rather than claim their hard work for ourselves. If we select your script for recognition, you agree to grant us the right to hold a live Table Read and promote your success, but the script itself is still yours.

Q: Do I need to submit a Synopsis?
A: Synopses are not required, and are not considered during the judging process.

Q: Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
A: Yes, you may use whatever name you wish, understanding that this is the name TRMS and the ISA will use to promote your script, should you win.

Q: Does my screenplay have to be registered with the Writers’ Guild or another organization?
A: No, but we do recommend registering your work with the WGA West, the Library of Congress Copyright office or other similar organization in your country. It’s really easy and a VERY smart thing to do.

Q: Is an adaptation of a published novel or other work written by someone else eligible?
A: You must have the legal rights to adapt the book to enter your screenplay. Either the original work must be in the public domain, or you must have the author’s permission to adapt it. Spec scripts without written permission will not be considered.

Q: Can I send you a revised copy of my script?
A: Once we have received your entry, you have 24 hours to contact us about any replacements you need to make. After the 24-hour period is through, NO script revisions will be accepted FOR ANY REASON. If you would like to enter a revised version of your screenplay, you may do so as a new entry.

Q: What stops you from taking my idea and developing it yourself?
A: Our panel of judges is comprised of respected industry professionals, and they have no intention of stealing your material. If you make it to the Finalist round, your work will be seen by these professionals, which in turn, gets you one step closer to getting your screenplay produced. You can sit at home and protect your ideas all day long hoping for that one right person to come along, or you can get your work out there and show us what you’ve got!

Q: What’s the minimum/maximum required page length?
A: Guidelines for suggested page lengths:

Features: 70 to 120 Pages
TV Pilots: 20 to 70 Pages

Q: My Feature script is over 120 Pages. Will I be disqualified?
A: Scripts that run over suggested page lengths will not be disqualified; however, extra pages can affect everything from pacing to structure to marketability, so we would advise you to get your script as close as possible to where the industry expects it to be.

Q: Will I be charged more if I go over 120 pages?
A: The entry fee does not change. However, if you purchase feedback, we will need to invoice you $1 per page above 120 for the Reader, who will receive every cent of the additional fee.

Q: Can I enter two scripts in one document?
A: You may enter up to four scripts per entry, but all scripts MUST be in their own individual PDF document.

Q: Can I submit an episode from my series besides the Pilot for consideration?
A: We would advise against this, as our judges consider all TV episodes as if they are the first in the series. No one would read a film script that starts on page 20.

Q: Does the choice of genre matter in my submission?
A: Yes, but only to determine what your goal is for your work; ie, if you submit your script as a Comedy, we would expect it to be funny. All genres are in competition with one another, and there are no genre-specific prizes.

Q: Can multiple scripts from one writer place in the Semifinalists list?
A. Yes, some writers may have more than one script reach the Top 100. Table Read My Screenplay is interested in promoting scripts as well as writers, and as such we choose the Top 100 scripts that we receive to move on to the Semifinals.

TRAVEL QUESTIONS

Q: I don’t live in the United States—am I still eligible?
A: Yes, we accept International entries, but all submissions must be in English.

Q: My country currently cannot do business with the US so I cannot pay; may I receive a waiver?
A: Unfortunately, at this time we cannot grant waivers.

Q: Will you pay for my flight even though I don’t live in the US?
A: Table Read My Screenplay will pay up to $1,500 for an international flight, and up to $800 for a domestic flight.

Q: If I choose not to fly or stay in your hotel, is there a cash equivalent?
A: No. If you decide not to utilize the flight or hotel, they are simply forfeited.

Rules

  • This competition is open to anyone except all employees, directors, associates, and immediate families of the Table Read My Screenplay Competition.
  • We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified submissions be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on script-related factors alone.
  • Promotional discounts offered may only be utilized at the time of submission and no partial refund for a promotional code may be issued after an entry has been officially submitted.
  • Promotional discounts or waivers offered may not apply on all submission platforms (i.e. ISA, Film Freeway).
  • Once material has been entered, no substitutions of new drafts or corrections will be considered past 24 hours from original submission time and date. After this time the writer may fill in an entry form and pay the appropriate entry fee to submit any script revisions or changes as many times as they like up until the deadline.
  • The writer understands that feedback can take up to 90 days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the contest.
  • TRMS Grand Prize winners from previous seasons may only submit to a contest city outside of the city in which they won and may only submit with a new screenplay.
  • TRMS 2nd-10th Place Finalists may submit again with a completely different screenplay. Those who have placed as a top 10 (2nd-10th place overall) winner three times with three different screenplays in two different cities (3 in each city for a total of 6 placements) are ineligible to submit in any future contest season.
  • Adaptations from other works are permissible provided the writer has the original author's written permission to adapt the work.
  • Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible, however the writer is responsible for the legalities of this.
  • Collaborative work is eligible; the writers are responsible for the distribution of the contest prize(s).
  • Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
  • The work or submitted material must not be in a current option agreement, or may not have been previously sold or produced for profit.
  • Writer understands and accepts without reservation that he/she is an independent contractor and that the contest administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments on prize money to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
  • Writer understands that it is his/her sole responsibility to register material with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writers Guild of America West or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
  • Recommended length of work:
    Feature – (70 – 120 pages), TV Pilots – (10 – 60 pages)
  • If a screenplay is submitted for feedback and is over 120 pages, an additional fee of $1 per page will apply and the contestant will be contacted and billed separately for the extra, or only the first 120 pages will be read.
  • All entries must be received by Final Deadline. TRMS reserves the right to extend the contest deadline up to 90 days.
  • TRMS is not responsible for late, lost, unacceptably formatted, corrupt, or incorrect submissions.
  • Contestants may submit their screenplay to any other person, contest, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
  • Contestants retain all rights to their screenplay, subject to the terms and agreements contained herein.
  • TRMS will only accept submissions if the writer assures us that to the best of their knowledge they are the sole originator of the idea and that they have the legal right to submit it for judging to TRMS.
  • The writer understand that their logline and / or screenplay will be reviewed by our employees and/or our panel of Industry Judges for evaluation. The writer also understands that any one of these employees or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to the submission and hereby waives any claim that TRMS, its employees or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the submission logline or script.
  • No agreement for compensation, other than the TRMS prizes listed, has been implied.
  • If the writer wins an ISAConnect membership, the membership will auto-renew after the free term if they do not cancel it, and they will be billed the regular monthly fee.
  • TRMS intends to submit the Finalists to respected producers with the writer's permission, which will be granted upon clicking the ‘I have Read and Understand the Contest Rules’ button. The writer can withdraw from this process at any time.
  • When the writer's screenplay, application, and payment have all been received, they will be notified by email only. If the writer's email address changes, it is their responsibility to let us know.
  • By entering this contest and in the event the writer / their screenplay places in the competition, they understand and accept that TRMS will be free to use their name and likeness for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
  • If the writer is a GRAND PRIZE Winner, they agree to give TRMS permission to post their video or audio Table Read on its web site.
  • All contest participants understand and agree with the following:
  • TRMS reserves the right to award a cash prize, at its discretion. A Grand Prize Winner is under no obligation to accept the associated prizes but will not be awarded or owed a cash replacement upon electing not to move forward with prizes offered. This includes local winners.
  • International flight not to exceed $1,500. Domestic flight not to exceed $800. There is no cash reimbursement for flights that cost more than the limit nor will there be a disbursement of the difference for flights that are less than the $1500 / $800 limit.
  • TRMS may develop a series or documentary style program based on the inner workings of the contest and the production resulting there from. TRMS reserves the right to contact contestants with offers to participate in any such production. Contestants are under no obligation to participate therein.
  • Contest applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.
  • There are no refunds for submissions at any time for any reason.
  • TRMS has the right to change or add to the prizes at any time, without notice, and/or substitute prizes of equal or lesser value.
  • There are no refunds for submissions at any time for any reason.
  • Additional rules may be amended at the sole discretion of TRMS.
  • By submitting to this contest, the writer's email address will be added to the contest database as well as the International Screenwriters' Association newsletter for weekly updates, contest promotions and other notifications. The writer may unsubscribe at any time.
  • It is our full intention to fulfill all prizes as posted. However, due to any unlikely “force majeure” event (whether an act of God or otherwise), we reserve the right to update or edit prizes in our sole and absolute discretion, including, without limitation, the right to move any prizes and/or packages to an online format.
  • By selecting ‘I have Read and Understand the Contest Rules’ on the entry page and submitting, the writer agrees to all of these rules.

Contact Information

Info@TableReadMyScreenplay.com

8581 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA

90069

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