April 13, 2005
Screenwriting contest announced
I've not been here that long really but already I see a pattern, when we post a piece of news about a movie in production or a possible sequel being written for a high profile franchise there follows some comments from various people who have a screenplay idea, or have already written something.
Well, it's time to step up guys, time to take a chance on that screenplay. Just today a company called XRayMedia have announced their first screenwriting contest, aptly called The Screenwriter Dig.
Your story, whether a movie script, television script, movie pitch or television pitch, can now put you in the limelight! Through The Screenwriter Dig, writers from all over the world are given the chance to have their screenplays, teleplays and television and film pitches read by noted Hollywood producer, Mark Canton and his creative staff.At the end of the contest, one of each type of contest entry will be chosen for further development and submission to a studio for production consideration. In addition, the top 10 finalists in each contest category will be awarded with a $1500 prize package.
The submitted scripts are judged by Producer Mark Canton who will decide the winners. You have until October 17th 2005 to submit your movie or television script or pitch.
See the full press release, check out the the rules, and bear in mind there is a small entrance fee. Good luck!
Posted by Richard Brunton at April 13, 2005 05:05 PM
Comments
Posted by: Joseph Simmons at April 13, 2005 05:27 PM
I can come out now and say it, I was working on a screenplay with my sister but "Mr and Mrs Smith" beat us to it, so that's my first screenplay down the drain. *cries*
I wish I had an archive of ideas even for a film pitch but it just doesnt come that often, I'll check this out Rich and let you know! *winks*
Posted by: Simone at April 13, 2005 06:05 PM
Honestly just curious: why post about this screenwriting contest and not about any one of the hundreds of others that happen every year?
Posted by: Luke at April 13, 2005 08:18 PM
So... the scripts will be judged by Mark Canton - producer of such hits as Red Planet and the Get Carter remake? Presumably the twist is that, if he chooses your script, you've lost...
Posted by: tom at April 13, 2005 10:38 PM
Oh come now Tom, he's actually made movies and has been paid for them, I would guess the screenwriters sending in their scripts haven't.
On that alone I would say he qualifies. Mind you, maybe there is another way the screenwriters could get their scripts made?
Posted by: Richard Brunton at April 14, 2005 03:45 AM
Ach, I was just being snarky. I've had a fairly good relationship with script competitions down the years (not film, TV), and they're definitely a good way for talented writers to get noticed - the key thing is not to think that anything beyond being noticed is guaranteed. The chances of anything you submit making it even a little way into development whilst still in a recognisable form isn't too good. It's a very small foot in a very big door... but that's a hell of a lot better than nothing.
I still say this guy's movies suck, though. :-)
Posted by: tom at April 14, 2005 05:13 AM
Hey Tom you are right though, his movies haven't been that great!
Luke, the reason is that I saw this competition and wrote the post about it. I haven't seen any other competitions since I've been writing here. Actually I've never seen any other competitions.
Feel free to list them if there are others running.
Posted by: Richard Brunton at April 14, 2005 01:19 PM
I don't think you should waste time and bits posting screenwriting competitions. Most of them are scams, anyway, including the ones that feature noted judges. Most are for-profit ventures, and while the winners get cash prizes, nothing really happens with their screenplays or aspiring careers in the field.
Posted by: Franklin at April 15, 2005 12:48 AM
Finally unknown screenwrites can get their work noticed without moving to Los Angeles.
I think I'll try at this, I've been working on a screenplay for about six months but this is the motivation I need to get my shit together and write it.