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Program Description

Attend the 2024 Sundance Film Festival as the Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize Winner! 

With a professional table read during the Sundance Film Festival, the Grand Prize Winner will gain insight into their script from a working director and trained actors as it is rehearsed and performed, then showcased for a live audience. Past winners have been staffed, premiered at Cannes and been nominated for an Oscar among other successes.

 

 

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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

Early
Aug. 24, 2023
Regular
Sept. 28, 2023
Final
Nov. 09, 2023
Feature
Standard Fee
$29
$49
$69
ISAConnect Fee
$24
$44
$64
Television
Standard Fee
$29
$49
$69
ISAConnect Fee
$24
$44
$64

Program Benefits

Grand Prize Winner

  • $1,000 Cash
  • Trip to Park City - Flight and accommodations to Park City during the Sundance Film Festival 
  • Table Read - Experience a table read of your script with a professional director and actors in front of a live audience. 
  • ISA Development Slate Consideration - Development Slate writers are submitted to agents, managers & producers.
  • Two 1-Hour Sessions with Suzanne Gundersen of ScreenwriteNOW - Suzanne mentors screenwriters and industry creatives to clear the path that lets their writing flow.
  • 12-Month ISAConnect Membership - Access to the most comprehensive platform for screenwriters.
  • 16-Year Copyright provided by Creators Vault
  • Scriptation - 1 year license of Scriptation industry Pro - a premium toolkit which unlocks all the advanced features Scriptation has to offer.
  • Professionally Designed Poster
  • Script Studio 's Hollywood Hits- Scene by scene breakdowns and analysis of popular Hollywood movies to use with Script Studio screenwriting software.


Top 10 Finalists

  • ISAConnect Membership - 6 months full access to the most comprehensive platform for screenwriters.  
  • Script Studio - Copy of the ultimate writer's toolbox, Script Studio 
  • 1-Hour Sessions with Suzanne Gundersen of ScreenwriteNOW - Suzanne mentors screenwriters and industry creatives to clear the path that lets their writing flow.
  • 10-Year Copyright Provided by Creators Vault
  • Scriptation - 3-month license of Scriptation industry Pro - a premium toolkit which unlocks all the advanced features Scriptation has to offer.
  • 1-Year WrapPro Membership - $150 value provided by The Wrap 
  • Consideration for Grand Prize - 1 of the 10 Finalists will be selected as the Grand Prize Winner

Meet the Director

Ria Pavia

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Ria Pavia is a director, writer and acting/dialogue coach. Her film directorial debut, Second Team, nabbed 16 awards at various prestigious festivals, wrapping up at the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes this year. 

Table Read Winner Success

Elaine Loh, TRMS Winner Staffed By Major Networks

TRMS Winner, Derek Asaff Gets Representation for THE WHEELMAN

Denise Meyers' 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.

Shane Elizabeth Hired After Table Read Event

Annika Pampel's film ODIUM is slated to shoot in January

Top Rated Competition

“Winning Table Read…changed the trajectory of my career and amplified my hard work in ways both wonderful and unexpected. I’ve pushed deep into the space where my writing goals have been – I found some amazing representation at Magnet Management and been hired to write two TV movies.” ~R.B. Ripley (TRMS New Orleans)

Grand Prize Winner

To be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate where our team will get you and your script in front of producers, agents and managers. 

Over 80 scripts from ISA Development Slate writers have been produced, optioned or sold.

Feedback Offers

Announcement Dates

Quarter-Finalists

Dec. 05, 2023

Semi-Finalists

Dec. 14, 2023

Finalists

Dec. 28, 2023

Grand Prize

Dec. 28, 2023

Sponsors and Associations

International Screenwriters' Association The Wrap Creator Screenwritenow Script Studio Scriptation

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Q: When are the deadlines?
A: Early: August 24th, Regular: September 28th, Final: November 9th

Q: When are the announcement dates?
A: Quarter-Finalists: December 5th, Semi-Finalists: December 14th, Finalists - Top 10: December 28th, Grand Prize Winner: December 28th

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: How may the prizes be affected by the WGA or SAG/AFTRA strikes?
A: Table Read My Screenplay is not a WGA signatory, but we support the strikes and all writers and actors. We are confident that the strikes will come to a conclusion before Sundance 2024, but in the case that they do not, prizes are subject to change in compliance with strike rules.

Q: Will you fly me to Park City, UT 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 during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. 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: Can we pass the Sundance Film Festival tickets on to someone else?
A. No, the film tickets are forfeited if you decide not to attend the festival.

Q: Is this contest affiliated with the Sundance Film Festival?
A: TRMS is not affiliated with the Sundance Film Festival.

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 and rehearse 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.
  • Those that receive free feedback are not eligible to receive a free resubmission, which comes as an option with purchased feedback, unless otherwise noted in a promotion.
  • Eligible resubmissions will be honored in the succeeding contest.
  • Table Read My Screenplay cannot guarantee feedback will be received within enough time to resubmit within the same contest.
  • 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 is declared a Semi-Finalist, 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, 2nd or 3rd Place overall winner (if applicable), 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.
  • TRMS is not affiliated directly with the Sundance Film Festival. Winner passes and access to the festival does not imply an association or additional access.
  • TRMS does not use any form of artificial intelligence software (“AI”) in connection with its provision of the Services including, without limitation, reviewing your screenplays, loglines and/or other content, which includes feedback.

Contact Information

info@tablereadmyscreenplay.com

8004715351

West Hollywood

90069

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