2021 SCREENPLAY COMPETITION RULES
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION TIMELINE
Submission window opens August 1st, 2021 12:00 AM PST and closes September 30th, 2021 at 11:59PM PST.
Winners will be notified October 31st, 2021 by 11:59PM PST.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
All screenplays (collectively, “Scripts”) submitted must be in English.
Scripts must not have been optioned, sold, or produced prior to October 31, 2021. Applicants must notify Trapped Film Festival (“TFF” or the “Festival”) of any changes in status following submission.
Only ONE script may be submitted per screenwriter. If more than one script is submitted, the first script submitted will be the only script eligible; all other entries will be automatically discarded. An eligible entry requires a completed entry form and PDF version of the script. If applicable, please provide any associated passwords to accessing the script PDF. Entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway, or manually submitted to exorscripts@trappedfilmfestival.com. TFF reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any ineligible entries.
ORIGINALITY AND PERMISSIONS: INDEMNITY
Scripts must be the original work of the applicant(s). If based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation or rights agreements to the Festival. Neither the Festival nor its jurists investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging and assuming all legal risk and liability associated with securing the necessary and any associated applicable rights.
BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, THE APPLICANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE FESTIVAL, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If a submission involves two or more writers as applicants, the screenwriters are considered one entity, and any monetary prize awarded will be divided equally among them. Monetary prizes are considered as, and distributed in, one lump sum.
No revisions or missing pages will be accepted once an entry has been received.
Awards are based solely on the overall merit of entries. Judges reserve the right not to grant an award.
We strongly suggest that applicants copyright their materials with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or register their screenplay/teleplay with the Writers Guild of America, East or Writers Guild of America, West. Please consult an attorney regarding any questions about these.
FEATURE SCREENPLAY AWARD RULES
All General Rules listed above apply.
Feature scripts that are currently in production, or have already been produced, are ineligible.
Feature length scripts are eligible for designated prize categories based on specific award level, as well as digital certificates and digital laurels.
EXTENDED SHORT SCREENPLAY AWARD RULES
All General Rules listed above apply.
Extended short scripts that are currently in production, or have already been produced, are ineligible.
Extended short length scripts are eligible for designated prize categories based on specific award level, as well as digital certificates and digital laurels.
SHORT SCREENPLAY AWARD RULES
All General Rules listed above apply.
Short scripts that are currently in production, or have already been produced, are ineligible.
Short length scripts are eligible for designated categories based on specific award level, as well as digital certificates and digital laurels.
GENERAL FORMAT RULES
Screenplays should be formatted according to current industry standards.
To follow standard guidelines for format, consult any popular screenwriting text for assistance.
Font size must be 12 point and in Courier type.
Feature Screenplays must be 80 - 120 pages in length.
Extended Short Screenplays must be between 25-80 pages in length.
Short Screenplays must be no longer than 25 pages in length.
Pages must be numbered.
NO REVISIONS OR MISSING PAGES WILL BE ACCEPTED ONCE ENTRY HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS FORMAT:
Scripts must be in PDF format and in English.
Only the TITLE of the screenplay should appear on the front cover page.
The author’s name, contact information, or any other information that may reveal the identity of the writer(s) must not appear anywhere in the script in order to preserve anonymity in the judging process.
Selected Scripts and Winners
TFF has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: i) identities of readers or judges; ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted material; and/or iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.
Except as explicitly stated, no representations or guarantees are made regarding the feedback or comments provided, or the quality thereof. The opinions of the readers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of TFF. TFF explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by TFF or by its readers, judges, and sponsors.
Winners will be announced online and notified via e-mail on October 31st, 2021. The judges’ decision is final.
Winners receiving cash prizes are solely responsible for payment of all applicable local, state, and federal taxes.
By submitting an entry to the TFF screenplay contest, you are agreeing to and accepting all terms and conditions as written.
QUESTIONS?
For the most up-to-date information about the Screenplay Competition, please visit www.trappedfilmfestival.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/trappedfilmfest. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at info@trappedfilmfestival.com.
COMPETITION IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.