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Rules

Screenplay/Teleplay Competition Rules & Regulations

General Rules

  • The Screenplay/Teleplay Competition is only open to writers who do not earn a living writing for television or film.
  • Screenplays/Teleplays must not have been optioned or sold prior to October 18, 2008.
  • Screenplays/Teleplays must be the original work of the applicants. If based upon another's life story, applicant(s) must attach a statement attesting to their rights to make such adaptations. Neither the Festival nor its jurists investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant's statement of authorship or rights.
  • Screenplays/Teleplays that have previously reached the Semifinalist level and beyond are not eligible for resubmission.
  • If a submission involves two or more writers as applicants, the award will be divided equally among them.
  • Applicants may submit more than one screenplay/teleplay in any chosen category. Each entry requires an application, payment and script (excluding the Sponsored/ Sci-Fi Award - no additional script will be required).
  • We strongly suggest that applicants register or copyright their screenplays/teleplays with the Writers Guild of America, East (www.wgaeast.org/script_registration).
  • Submissions must be accompanied by a $40 (screenplay - early deadline), $50 (screenplay - late deadline), or $30 (teleplay) submission fee PER ENTRY and a completed entry form including authors' original signatures. Please do not send a photocopy of your signature. Make checks or money orders payable to “Austin Film Festival.”
  • Any Drama or Comedy Screenplay to be considered for the Sponsored Award must be accompanied by an additional $20 submission fee PER ENTRY.
  • Any Drama or Comedy Screenplay to be considered for the Sci-Fi Award must be accompanied by an additional $20 submission fee PER ENTRY.
  • Awards are based on overall merit of the entries. Judges reserve the right not to grant an award.
  • The Teleplay Competition welcomes all spec scripts for any currently airing network or cable program, although no pilots scripts we be accepted.
  • If you are entering your script into both Comedy and Drama categories please include two copies of your script.

Sponsored Award Rules

  • All rules listed above apply.
  • Must be an adult-themed, character-driven drama or comedy with a budget of under 10 million dollars.
  • Screenplays must be entered in either Drama or Comedy categories for consideration.
  • Must indicate submission on entry form.
  • A $20 submission fee must be included PER ENTRY.

 Sci-Fi Award Rules

  • All rules listed above apply.
  • Screenplay must be entered in either Drama or Comedy categories for consideration.
  • Must indicate submission on entry form.
  • A $20 submission fee must be included PER ENTRY.

Format Rules

  • Screenplays/Teleplays should be formatted according to current industry standards.
  • Consult any popular screenwriting or teleplay writing text for assistance in following standard guidelines for format.
  • Font size must be 12 point and in Courier type.
  • Scripts must be narrative feature length (approximately 90-120 pages).
  • Pages must be numbered in the top right hand corner
  • Pages should be two or three hole punched, bound between cardstock covers and fastened by two or three metal brads.
  • Pages may be double-sided
  • Only the TITLE of the screenplay should appear on the front stock cover (legibly written or typed)
  • A second title page with all contact information (TITLE, AUTHOR, AUTHOR'S ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, E-MAIL ADDRESS, and a TWO- OR THREE-SENTENCE SYNOPSIS) should be included but kept separate from the script. The author's name must not appear elsewhere in the script to preserve anonymity in judging process.
  • NO REVISISIONS OR MISSING PAGES WILL BE ACCEPTED ONCE ENTRY HAS BEEN RECEIVED

Returns and Acknowledgements

  • Screenplays/Teleplays will not be returned under any circumstances.
  • Please include a self-addressed, stamped postcard for each submission if you wish acknowledgement of the receipt of your screenplay/teleplay.
  • For information on awards, prizes, and success stories, please visit www.austinfilmfestival.com.
  • For any questions regarding the screenplay, teleplay, or film competitions, please call 1-800-310-FEST or e-mail info@austinfilmfestival.com.


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