Rules and Terms
What formats do we accept?
All scripts must be submitted in English. All entries must be uploaded in PDF format.
How do I pay my submission fee?
Entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Entry in the competition is void where prohibited by law. Entries only accepted via FilmFreeway.
Can judges or team members submit to HSF?
Judges and team members of HSF are not eligible to enter the competition, nor are their affiliates or immediate family members.
Can multiply writers of one screenplay enter?
Screenplays written by up to four people may be entered in the contest. Only one entry fee is required for such entries. All writers' names should be listed on the online entry. All writers must authorize submission of the entry. If a screenplay is written by multiple authors, prizes will be divided at the writers' discretion.
Will I retain the rights to my screenplay?
Entrants to the HSF retain all rights to their screenplays.
Can I submit revised versions of my screenplay?
Once a script has been entered into competition, we will not accept substitutions or revised drafts. Under absolutely no circumstances will substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entry screenplay(s) be made. Screenplays will not be returned.
Will my screenplay be kept private?
Yes, HSF will not share your screenplay with anyone except the readers and official judges of the competition.
Does my work need to be my original?
By entering HSF, you represent that your entry is your original work, and does not infringe on the copyright or other rights of other people.
Can I receive a refund on my entry fee?
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Can I post a hardcopy submission by mail?
We do not accept hardcopy submissions my mail.
Can I submit adapted work?
Submissions must be the original work of the applicant. Entries may be adapted from the applicant's own work.
How will I know the results of the competition?
Notification of winners and official finalists will be sent by email and posted on our website. It is the responsibility of the winners to redeem any prizes allotted to them by the HSF or our sponsors.
How long does my feature screenplay need to be?
Please read the category requirements, screenplays longer than the page length stated will not be accepted.
Can I enter more than 1 screenplay?
There is no limit to the number of screenplays you may submit.
What if my screenplay has been previously optioned or produced?
Scripts submitted to the competition must NOT have been previously optioned, purchased or produced at the time of entry. If a submitted screenplay becomes optioned, produced or purchased between the time of submission and the end of the judging period, that screenplay will no longer be eligible.
Screenplays submitted under a pen name will be immediately disqualified.
Screenplay titles cannot be changed upon resubmission under any circumstances.
Do you need to accept HSF Terms and Conditions?
To enter the HSF you must agree to the Terms and Conditions.
How do I protect my script?
To protect your script, we strongly suggest you register your work with the Writers Guild of America, West (www.wga.org or call 323.782.4500) and the US Copyright Office (http://www.copyright.gov).
