East Bay Film Society Screenwriting Competition

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

2. Submission Guidelines: Screenplays must be formatted to industry standards. Feature-length scripts should typically range from 80 to 180 pages. Short scripts should not exceed 30 pages. All submissions must be in English. Each entrant may submit multiple scripts, but each screenplay requires a separate entry fee and submission.

3. Themes & Categories: Submissions must align with one of this year’s competition categories:

1. Classic Hollywood — Capture the style, spirit, and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Scripts may evoke the elegance, drama, and cinematic techniques of the era — or transport us to another time entirely. If your script feels like it belongs in a different era, submit it here.

2. Breaking Boundaries — Challenge conventions and innovate with bold, original storytelling. Push the limits of form, subject matter, or genre with fresh, fearless ideas.

3. Local Legends — Celebrate the people, places, and stories of the East Bay and/or California, highlighting local themes with universal resonance.

4. Wild Card — Any script, any genre, any style — if it deserves to be read, it belongs here.

Please indicate which category you are submitting to on your entry form.

4. Originality and Rights: All submissions must be original works of the entrant(s). Adapted works are permitted only if the writer holds the rights or the source is in the public domain, with proper attribution. By entering, entrants affirm their work does not infringe upon any existing copyrights or intellectual property rights. Entrants retain all rights to their screenplays.

5. Judging & Selection: Submissions will be judged on creativity, storytelling ability, originality, and how well they align with their chosen category. The judging panel will consist of industry professionals appointed by the East Bay Film Society. All judging decisions are final and binding.

6. Prizes: Winners in each category will receive awards, recognition, and professional feedback to help move their script toward production. One overall winner will have their script performed in a filmed table read with Hollywood actors. Specific prize details will be announced closer to the award ceremony.

7. Notification & Awards Ceremony: Finalists and winners will be notified by email. The Awards Ceremony will be held online and will include script readings, discussions, networking opportunities, and a celebration of storytelling. The event will be simulcast on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.

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

9. Publicity & Promotion: By entering, participants grant the East Bay Film Society the right to promote their names, likenesses, and script titles for marketing and publicity purposes, without additional compensation.

10. Acceptance of Rules: Submission to the competition constitutes acceptance of these rules and terms.

11. Modifications: The East Bay Film Society reserves the right to modify or update these rules at any time, with notice provided through the competition’s official channels.

12. Contact: For questions about the competition, eligibility, or guidelines, please email 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 agree to abide by these rules and terms. We look forward to seeing your creative vision come to life — and celebrating storytelling with you!