RULES:
By submitting to TheBlkScript Inaugural Screenplay List, you agree to follow its rules and guidelines.
ELIGIBILITY:
Submitted scripts must be original and not previously optioned, purchased, or produced.
If a screenplay becomes optioned or purchased during the judging period, it is no longer eligible to be listed and must be withdrawn from the selection process.
Scripts submitted must not have won awards from other competitions over $1,000.
Screenwriters whose feature screenplays have been produced and distributed by non-independent means are ineligible.
Screenwriters earning over $50,000 annually from film or TV screenwriting are not eligible.
Adaptations of other written works are not accepted unless the writer owns the rights or the original work is in the Public Domain.
Only original TV series pilots will be accepted; no spec scripts at this time.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Scripts MUST be in PDF format; 12-point courier font and in English.
The cover page is not included in the overall page count.
Indicate on the cover page if the script is based on a true story.
No revised pages will be accepted once submitted, and newer versions require a separate entry.
TheBlkScript is NOT liable for lost or stolen screenplays or coverage during transit.
Upload entries by the specified deadline.
No refunds will be issued.
JUDGING
TheBlkScript's script review has a multi-stage judging process.
In the first round, individual readers evaluate all submitted scripts based on specific criteria.
If a script receives a high enough score, it advances to the next round, where it is read and scored by multiple readers.
The top-scoring scripts from this round become quarterfinalists.
Quarterfinalists are further evaluated by multiple readers to determine semifinalists.
The semifinalist scripts are discussed at a deliberation session where readers review and score each one to determine finalists and eventual list selections.
If a script does not make it into the quarterfinals, it will not advance to further stages of the competition.
TheBlkScript provides basic coverage to all entrants, but the coverage does not include judging decisions or scores.
Only those selected are notified of their placement in the competition, but all entrants are encouraged to check TheBlkScript's website and newsletter for announcements.
TheBlkScript's readers' decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Multiple authorship is allowed, and if a co-written script wins an award, the prize money will be divided equally among the writers.
PLEASE PROTECT YOUR WORK
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). You will maintain full rights to your screenplay at all times. TheBlkScript does not claim any ownership over your works.
COVERAGE
Everyone who submits a screenplay to our listing will receive concise Coverage from our readers. The object of our Coverage Service is to provide you with constructive criticism about your work. The coverage includes a logline, genre suggestion, and a detailed analysis outlining the strengths and weaknesses of your screenplay. The Coverage is very brief and basic compared to the extensive notes provided with our Coverage Service, which is available for an additional fee.
ADD-ON COVERAGE
TheBlkScript's Standard Coverage service is designed to provide you with comprehensive and actionable feedback about your screenplay. Our coverage includes a brief plot synopsis, followed by an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of your screenplay. In addition, our readers offer recommendations for your next steps, including potential media, films, screenplays, production companies, and agencies to be aware of. You'll also receive words of wisdom from our experienced readers.
TheBlkScript's coverage service gives you invaluable insight into the mind of a reader who reads hundreds of independent screenplays each year. Our readers' goal is to assist you in refining your submission so that it can advance in the competition and impress agents, managers, and producers.
The Standard Coverage is typically available within two months from the time you submit your work, and it provides you with a roadmap for how to improve your screenplay and increase its chances of success.
EXPRESS COVERAGE
If you are on a deadline and need coverage ASAP, our Express Coverage will help! It will be available within 21 days from the time you submit.
OUR READERS
TheBlkScript’s Readers are industry professionals and all have a combination of the following qualifications: professional coverage background, production and development background, and/or are professional writers, playwrights, and journalists. All Readers’ Competition decisions are final.
CONTACT US:
If you have any problems while submitting, or any questions about the submission process just e-mail theblkscript@gmail.com.
