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Program Description

 An Unparalleled Table Read Experience

A professional table read is one of the most important tools to gain insight into your script. This is how Oscar-winning writers tighten their story, sharpen their dialogue and fine-tune pacing, character and other important elements of their latest projects. As the Grand Prize Winner of TRMS you will meet with and discuss your feature or pilot with an experienced director, then trained actors will perform excerpts of your award-winning script for a live audience online.

Plus, you'll receive $1,000 cash and other prizes including having your project presented to agents, managers and producers through the ISA Development Team. Past winners have been staffed, premiered at Cannes and been nominated for an Oscar among other successes. The Top 10 Finalists will receive $500 cash each and be considered for Grand Prize.

 

 

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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
Dec. 21, 2023
Early
Jan. 11, 2024
Regular
Feb. 22, 2024
Final
Mar. 28, 2024
Feature
Standard Fee
$19
$39
$49
$69
ISAConnect Fee
$19
$34
$44
$64
Television
Standard Fee
$19
$39
$49
$69
ISAConnect Fee
$19
$34
$44
$64

Program Benefits

Grand Prize Winner

  • $1000 Cash - In addition to the Top 10 Prize Money
  • Table Read - Experience a virtual table read of your script workshopped by a professional director and actors.
  • Roundtable with Industry Executives - Participate in a roundtable Q&A discussion with the director, actors an industry exec following your table read.
  • Script Shared with Our Industry Contacts such as Max, Disney+, LuckyChap, CAA, ABC Signature, MGM and more.
  • Meeting with an ISA Development Executive
  • Two 1-Hour Sessions with Suzanne Gundersen of ScreenwriteNOW - Suzanne mentors screenwriters and industry creatives to clear the path that lets their writing flow.
  • Industry Insight - Receive access to our industry contacts' current mandates plus development of a personalized producer outreach plan.
  • 16-Year Copyright provided by Creators Vault
  • 1-year Scriptation subscription
  • 12-Month ISAConnect Membership
  • Connect with industry pros, submit to paid writing gigs and more.
  • Script Studio - Receive Script Studio's Hollywood Hits Volume 1
  • Designed Movie Poster for Your Script
  • Featured Interview on Film Inquiry
  • Plus Top 10 Prizes

Top 10 Finalists

  • $500 Cash Each 
  • ISA Development Slate Consideration - Development Slate writers are championed to top agents, managers and producing contacts. 
  • 1-Hour session with Suzanne Gundersen of ScreenwriteNOW - Suzanne mentors screenwriters and industry creatives to clear the path that lets their writing flow. 
  • Script Studio - Copy of the ultimate writer's toolbox, Script Studio
  • 10-Year Copyright provided by Creators Vault
  • Consideration to be Shared with Industry Contacts such as Max, Disney+, LuckyChap, CAA, ABC Signature, MGM and more. Learn More
  • Film Inquiry 1-Year Membership
  • 3-month Scriptation membership
  • Consideration for Grand Prize - 1 of the 10 Finalists will be selected as the Grand Prize Winner

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SUCCESS STORIES

Script Produced - After winning Table Read My Screenplay, Annika Pampel was invited onto the ISA Development Slate and named a Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch. It was announced in Deadline that Annika's film ODIUM is slated to shoot in January, produced by Markeba Media Group and Ardvella Entertainment. Annika will also be directing and making her directorial feature debut. 

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.  She was recently promoted to Story Editor on Dynasty for the CW.

TRMS Winner Gains 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.

 

Table Read Winner Success

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.

Winning Short 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. 

Hired After Table Read Event

After attending her winning table read, ROTU Entertainment hired Shane Elizabeth to write a script for their VR game and serve as a Script Supervisor during production. She was also hired by Datura Studios to write a biopic feature.

Script Produced

After winning Table Read My Screenplay, Annika Pampel was invited onto the ISA Development Slate and named a Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch. It was announced in Deadline that Annika's film ODIUM is slated to shoot in January, pro

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 Option

Announcement Dates

Quarter-Finalists

Apr. 24, 2024

Semi-Finalists

May 09, 2024

Top 10

May 16, 2024

Grand Prize

May 23, 2024

Sponsored by

Script Studio Creators Vault International Screenwriters' Association Screenwritenow Film Inquiry Scriptation

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

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

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept all payments through PayPal, however you do not need a PayPal account to use it. Once you are taken to the payment page, you can select “Pay by Credit/Debit Card.”

Q: Do you accept check or money order by mail?
A: No; all payments must be made through our website.

Q: I would like to mail you a hardcopy of my script. How can I do that?
A: In an effort to maintain a green company, we only accept screenplays and teleplays through our website or one of our partner websites (the ISA, Coverfly, FilmFreeway).

Q: Should I include my contact information on my title page?
A: If you choose to do so, you may include your contact information on the title page, but it does not affect judging either way if you choose not to include it.

Q: Who will be reading my screenplay/judging the contest?
A: The final panel of judges will be comprised of screenwriting and other industry professionals, including but not limited to producers, managers and established writers.

Q: When is the Table Read?
A: The table read will be held in Summer of 2024.

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 an online 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. 

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: Can I make changes to my genre or logline?
A: Yes, you may change your listed genre or logline at any time; simply e-mail us at info@tablereadmyscreenplay.com and let us know about the change. Once the contest is closed, we will not be able to make any changes.

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 Semi-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: Can TV Pilots actually win the Grand Prize?
A: Yes, Features and Pilots compete for the same prize, and we judge each on its own merits within its medium; TV Pilots have won in the past.

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 two 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: No, but it is helpful information for the readers and judges to give context to your script.

Q: The genre of my script is not an available choice; how should I enter?
A: You should choose the genre that is most closely associated with your script – if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us at info@tablereadmyscreenplay.com. That said, we will not consider scripts for documentary, erotica, reality TV or musicals.

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

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.

Rules

  • This contest is open to anyone except all employees, judges, directors, associates, and immediate families of the TABLE READ MY SCREENPLAY (TRMS) Competition.
  • The writer is under no obligation to participate in the contest and understands that it is not a guarantee or expectation of employment.
  • We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.
  • Up to two scripts may be entered on one entry form. Additional scripts can be entered through an additional entry form.
  • 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.
  • All entries are judged by real, live people who have been trained to do so. No AI is used in the judging process.
  • Once material has been entered, no substitutions of new drafts or corrections will be considered after 24 hours from original submission time and date have passed. After this time the writer may complete a new entry form and pay the appropriate entry fee to submit a revised version of their script.
  • Loglines may be changed once during the competition by e-mailing info@tablereadmyscreenplay.com with a revised logline; the writer must include the Title and Date of the original submission in the body of the e-mail along with the logline.
  • Feedback is a separate service with an additional fee, and unless specifically part of a promotion, is not an expected part of any entry. Feedback is in no way tied to contest placement.
  • The writer understands that feedback, whether paid or received as part of a promotion, can take 90 days or more to be returned, and may not be received before the end of the contest. TRMS will make all attempts to return feedback as soon as possible.
  • TRMS does not provide notes and/or scoring with every entry.
  • Grand Prize Winners from previous TRMS seasons may submit again, provided the contest city is not the same for which they previously won, and they must submit a new screenplay to be eligible.
  • Those who have placed as a Top 10 or Category Winner three times with three separate screenplays are ineligible to submit in any future contest season.
  • If two or more of a writers scripts place in the same prize category, they will be eligible for only one set of those prizes.
  • International writers are eligible to participate in the contest, as long as their participation is not prevented by law in either country.
  • Adaptations from other works are permissible provided the writer has written permission to adapt the work from the original source.
  • Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible, however the writer assumes all responsibility assuring copyright status.
  • 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 script and any related materials must not be in a current option agreement, and/or may not have been previously sold or produced for profit.
  • The writer understands and accepts without reservation that they are an independent contractor and that the contest administrators and sponsors are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments on prize money to any government agency, at any level, be it local, state, or federal.
  • The writer understands that it is their 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.
  • The writer must retain at least one copy of the submitted material and understands that any material we receive cannot and will not be returned under any circumstances.
  • Script Length Guidelines: Feature – (70 – 120 pages), TV Pilots – (20 – 70 pages)
  • Scripts longer than recommended length will still be considered for the contest and will not be disqualified.
  • If a screenplay is submitted for feedback and is over 120 pages, an additional service fee of $1 per page will apply; the writer will be invoiced separately for the fee. If the writer does not wish to pay an additional fee, the Feedback Reader will be instructed to read the first 120 pages only.
  • 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, and may not be able to honor such entries.
  • The writer may submit their screenplay to any other person, contest, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
  • The writer retains all rights to their screenplay, subject to the terms and agreements contained herein.
  • The writer assures that to the best of their knowledge they have the legal right to submit it for judging to TRMS.
  • The writer understands that their logline and/or screenplay will be reviewed by ISA and TRMS 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 those contained in scripts they read, and hereby waives any claim that TRMS, its employees or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of their submission logline or script.
  • No agreement for compensation, other than the TRMS prizes listed, has been implied.
  • Confirmation of entry will be received once a script is submitted with an entry form and completed with an entry fee through our payment vendor. The writer must provide a valid e-mail address with entry; if an email address should change after submission, it is the writer’s responsibility to let us know.
  • The writer understands that the ISA and TRMS will be free to use their name, likeness and voice for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration, should the writer make it past the first round.
  • All winners agree to give permission to the ISA, TRMS and other sponsors for associated contest audio and video recordings of the Table Read and other events to be used on websites and social media platforms.
  • TRMS reserves the right to award a cash prize at its discretion. The 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.
  • 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 the writer with offers to participate in any such production. The writer is under no obligation to participate therein.
  • All Grand Prize, Top 10 and Semifinalist choices are made at the express decision of TRMS, and once made are considered final. The writer agrees to 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.
  • 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.

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