Objective

The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging writing talent. We welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world. A unique feature of the competition is providing constructive feedback for every entrant. In addition to this, we also offer a more intensive coverage service for a supplementary fee. Now in our twentieth year, we have a history of highlighting talented, independent screenwriters and introducing them to the entertainment industry. All of our readers approach scripts differently, but in general we are looking for originality and promise in a work. As an organization, we strive to foster an independent spirit among new writers and filmmakers. We've established a strong track record through our competition successes and are committed to continuing our pursuit to champion outstanding new work.

Our competition consists of four categories. Awards are given to the top three scripts in each category. In addition to that, Slamdance will present the Grand Prize for the best screenplay, regardless of category.

• Feature
• Short
• Horror
• Original Teleplay

Deadline/Entry Fees

See website for other category entry fees.

COVERAGE FEES (In addition to the submission fees):
Standard Coverage (returned within 2 months): +$80
Express Coverage (returned within 21 days): +$120

Notification: September 18th, 2017 - Announce Quarter-Finalists - in no particular order. September 25th, 2017 - Announce Semi-Finalists - In no particular order. October 2nd, 2017 - Announce Top 12 scripts - In no particular order. October 11th, 2017 - WGAW Party for Finalists - Announce Winners.

Rules

1. Screenplays must not have been previously optioned, purchased or produced.
2. Screenplays must not have received awards from other competitions over $500.00 at the time of entry.
3. Screenwriters who have had previous feature screenplays produced and distributed by non-independent means are ineligible.
4. Screenplays must be in English, formatted in 12-point courier font.
5. Don't cheat in an effort to keep the page count to 120 or less. We will notice and ask that the extra fee be paid for screenplays in excess of 120 pages. As a standard rule, 1.5" left, 1" right and 1" top and bottom is a good one.
6. To enter the Slamdance Screenplay Competition you must agree to its Terms and Conditions.
7. The Slamdance Screenplay Competition Readers' decisions are final.
8. Teleplays must not have been previously optioned, purchased or produced.

1. In the event of multiple writers, list all additional co-writers. Please note Slamdance divides awards equally among co-writers.
2. Slamdance is not responsible for screenplays or coverage stolen or lost in transit
3. For screenplays longer than 120 pages, fifteen dollars is added to the regular entry fees.
4. Cover pages are optional. If you decide to use one, it would ideally include just a title, author name, WGA registration number and Copyright information.

Awards

A total of $16,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners this year.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $8,000 in cash.

The winners of the Feature, Horror, Original Teleplay and Short categories will receive $2,000 in cash, each.

The top three screenwriters in each category will receive prize packages that include Festival Passes good for all screenings and parties at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah (January 2018)

The top three screenwriters in the Feature and Horror category are eligible for membership in the Writers Guild of America's Independent Writers Caucus.

The winning Horror Feature and winning Feature screenplays will receive $2,500 in legal services from Pierce Law Group, LLP.

The top three screenwriters in each category will receive merchandise from the Slamdance SHOP (T-shirts, beanies, etc.).

The top three screenwriters in each category will be included in the 2018 Slamdance Film Festival program which is distributed to industry professionals in Park City and year round.

Production companies, studios, top agencies and managers request to read our top scripts.