Welcome to the inaugural East Bay Film Society Screenwriting Competition, where the art of storytelling meets a deep appreciation for film history. This esteemed competition invites writers from all backgrounds to delve into the rich tapestry of cinematic heritage while crafting original screenplays that resonate with timeless themes and narratives.

Event Details:

Theme: Honoring Film History
Objective: To celebrate and pay homage to the diverse legacy of cinema through compelling screenplays that reflect an appreciation for film history.

Categories:
1. Classics: Screenplays that capture the essence of classic Hollywood or other significant periods in film history.
2. Modern Classics: Stories that explore contemporary themes with a nod to influential films and movements.
3. Genre: Screenplays that reimagine or pay tribute to specific genres or cinematic styles that have shaped the history of film.

Competition Structure:
- Submission Phase: Writers submit their screenplays, embracing the challenge of integrating elements of film history into original narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. ALL SUBMISSIONS WILL RECEIVE WRITTEN FEEDBACK FOR THEIR ENTRY.
- Judging Panel: Esteemed judges from the film industry will evaluate submissions based on creativity, historical accuracy (where applicable), storytelling ability, and adherence to the theme of honoring film history.
- Prizes: Winning screenplays in each category will receive awards, recognition, and opportunities for feedback from industry professionals on getting their project to the Greenlight phase.
- Award Ceremony: An exclusive online event honoring the winners, featuring script readings, discussions on the intersection of history and storytelling, networking opportunities with industry insiders, and celebrations of cinematic creativity.
Award Ceremony to include:
Meet & Greet with local filmmakers, judges, and contestants.
Award Presentation
Live Table Read of 1 lucky winner (as voted by our judges)
(Awards Ceremony will be simulcast on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person)

Why Participate:
- Creative Exploration: Delve into the rich legacy of cinema and explore how historical influences can enrich contemporary storytelling.
- Industry Exposure: Gain recognition and exposure within the film industry through awards and networking opportunities.
- Cultural Preservation: Contribute to preserving and celebrating the cultural significance of film history through your creative vision.

Submission Guidelines:
- Submissions must be original works that demonstrate a clear appreciation and understanding of film history.
- Screenplays should be crafted to engage and resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring the spirit of the chosen category.
- Detailed submission guidelines, including formatting requirements and deadlines, will be available on the competition’s official website.

Join us for the East Bay Film Society Screenwriting Competition—an opportunity to weave the threads of film history into captivating narratives, celebrate cinematic heritage, and connect with fellow writers and filmmakers passionate about the art of storytelling. Embrace the challenge, honor the past, and shape the future of cinema through your unique voice and vision.

Awards & Prizes

ONE OVERALL WINNER WILL RECEIVE: A filmed Table Read of the entire script. Hear your words read by real Hollywood actors!

ALL AWARD-WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Full Script Coverage w/ Notes
- Logline Suggestion
- Greenlight Trajectory: Advice on how to get your script made.

ALL ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE DETAILED FEEDBACK ON THEIR SCRIPTS

Categories:

Classics: Screenplays that capture the essence of classic Hollywood or other significant periods in film history.

Modern Classics: Stories that explore contemporary themes with a nod to influential films and movements.

Genre: Screenplays that reimagine or pay tribute to specific genres or cinematic styles that have shaped the history of film.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility:
- The East Bay Film Society Screenwriting Competition is open to all individuals.
- Submissions must be original works of the entrant(s), and co-written entries are permitted as long as all co-writers are credited.

2. Submission Guidelines:
- Screenplays should be formatted according to industry standards.
- Feature-length screenplays should typically range from 80 to 120 pages.
- Short screenplays should not exceed 30 pages.
- Submissions must be in English.
- Each entrant may submit multiple screenplays, but each screenplay requires a separate entry fee and submission.

3. Theme & Categories:
- Submissions must align with the theme of "Honoring Film History."
- Categories include:
- Classics: Screenplays that capture the essence of classic Hollywood or other significant periods in film history.
- Modern Classics: Stories that explore contemporary themes with a nod to influential films and movements.
- Genre Tributes: Screenplays that reimagine or pay tribute to specific genres or cinematic styles that have shaped the history of film. (Please indicate which Genre you are submitting to.)

4. Originality and Rights:
- All submissions must be original works of the entrant(s), adapted entries are permitted as long as all works are listed and accredited.
- By entering the competition, entrants affirm that their work does not infringe upon any copyrights or intellectual property rights.
- Entrants retain all rights to their screenplays.

5. Judging and Selection:
- Submissions will be judged based on creativity, historical accuracy (where applicable), storytelling ability, and adherence to the competition's theme.
- The judging panel will consist of industry professionals appointed by the East Bay Film Society.
- Decisions of the judges are final and binding.

6. Prizes:
- Winners in each category will receive awards, recognition, and opportunities for feedback from industry professionals on getting their project to the Greenlight phase.
- Specific prizes and awards will be detailed closer to the competition's award ceremony.

7. Notification and Awards Ceremony:
- Finalists and winners will be notified via email.
- An online awards ceremony will be held to honor winners, featuring script readings, discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of cinematic creativity.

8. Entry Fees:
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- Fees will be specified on the competition's official website and are subject to change at the discretion of the East Bay Film Society.

9. Publicity and Promotion:
- By entering the competition, entrants grant the East Bay Film Society the right to publicize and promote their names, likenesses, and the titles of their submissions for promotional purposes without further compensation.

10. Acceptance of Rules:
- Submission to the East Bay Film Society Screenwriting Competition constitutes acceptance of these rules and terms.

11. Modifications:
- The East Bay Film Society reserves the right to modify or update these rules and terms at any time, with notification provided to entrants via the competition's official channels.

12. Contact:
- For inquiries regarding the competition, including submission guidelines and eligibility, please contact eastbayfilmsociety@gmail.com or visit the competition's official website.

By submitting your screenplay to the East Bay Film Society Screenwriting Competition, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these rules and terms. We look forward to receiving your creative contributions and celebrating the art of storytelling with you.
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  • Arthur Tiersky

    Big thanks to the EBFS for their delightful and very professional live reading of my script "I'm in a Screenplay". These folks are as nice as could be, were very communicative, have some terrific actors in their arsenal, and unlike many contests, genuinely care about putting together a good show. I love the specific categories they chose that reflect a true love of film, both past and present. Having won or placed in over 100 contests in the last few years, I believe I can state authoritatively that this one of the few worth your (more than reasonable) investment. Bravo, folks!

    November 2024
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