The True Story Showcase recognizes scripts, books, & stage plays in any genre that feature a story based on, or inspired by, true events.

== SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ==

SCREENPLAYS
*Feature film screenplays - up to 150 pages
*Television scripts - up to 90 pages
*Short scripts - up to 25 pages
*Stories in any genre
*Produced or unproduced

BOOKS, MANUSCRIPTS & SHORT STORIES
*Fiction or narrative nonfiction
*Any length
*Stories in any genre
*Published or unpublished

STAGE PLAYS
*Any length
*Stories in any genre
*Produced or unproduced

TITLE PAGE IS REQUIRED
Must include:
*Title
*Name(s) of writer(s)
*If an adaptation, also include the title & writer(s) of the source material

Note: The True Story Showcase is conducted exclusively online.

WINNER - One (1) Winner will receive:
*$3,500 cash prize
*Winner Laurel

OFFICIAL SELECTIONS - Stories chosen as Official Selections will receive:
*Official Selection Laurel

*Entrant(s) must be 18 years of age or older.
*All entries must be in English.
*All entries must be submitted in PDF format. No exceptions.
*Scripts/manuscripts/plays must be in standard format. No exceptions.
*Both produced and unproduced scripts/plays are eligible.
*Both published and unpublished books/manuscripts are eligible.
*Both represented and non-represented writers are eligible.
*Teams of writers are eligible.
*Stories that have previously won a competition are eligible.
*Substitutions of corrected pages, revised material, or new drafts, are accepted.
*We DO NOT offer deadline extensions.
*We DO NOT offer fee waivers or discounts.
*WE DO NOT RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR FEE WAIVERS, OR DISCOUNTS, OR DEADLINE EXTENSIONS.
*We DO NOT offer individual feedback on submissions.
*All submission payments are final. We do not provide refunds.
*By submitting a story you confirm that you own the rights to the material submitted.
*By submitting an adapted story, you confirm that you have permission from the copyright-holder or the material is available in the public domain.
*By submitting a story you confirm that you have read and agree to our eligibility and rules.
*Judges decisions are final.

== FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ==

Can I submit a story to the True Story Showcase that is inspired by true events but not a completely true story?
Yes. The True Story Showcase accepts stories that are “based on a true story” or "inspired by true events".

Do I need to include a title page with my submission?
Yes. A title page is required.

What information do I need to include on the title page?
The title page MUST include:
*Title of Story
*Name of Writer(s)
*Contact information is optional (and not required)
*For adapted stories, also include: Based On [Title and Writer]

What format do you accept for submissions?
All entries must be submitted in PDF format. No exceptions.

Do I have to include a Copyright or WGA registration number with my submission?
No, it is not required.

Do you accept international submissions?
Yes, we welcome international writers. All submissions must be in English.

Can I enter more than one story in a showcase?
Yes, multiple submissions are accepted. Each submission requires a separate entry.

Can I submit a story under a pen name?
Yes. If you use a pen name, be sure to include and indicate your pen name on the title page.

If I rewrite my story after entering the showcase can I submit my new draft?
Yes, new drafts of submitted stories are accepted without additional fee prior to the close of submissions.

Can I send a paper copy of my story to your mailing address?
No. We do not accept paper copies.

Is there a way I can enter the showcase for free? Do you provide fee waivers for writers with financial hardships?
No, we do not offer fee waivers of any kind.

What if I change my mind about entering the showcase after making payment, can I receive a refund?
No, we do not offer refunds for any reason. No exceptions. Be sure to carefully read and verify your submission meets all criteria prior to entry.

Where does the money go for the entry fee?
Entry fees are used to pay professional readers, administrative expenses, and platform costs.

Does the entrant retain rights to the submitted story?
Yes, entrants retain all the rights to their works.

If I win will I have to assign any rights to story, or any percentage of sales or future profits?
Absolutely not. Entrants retain all the rights to their works. Neither Ink & Cinema nor its readers, judges or sponsors will attach themselves to your material as a condition of you being designated a winner, nor will we demand any percentage of any sales you make as a result of entering or winning a showcase.

Can anyone have access to the story once submitted?
No, submissions are only accessible to the assigned reader, judges, and our staff. Ink & Cinema owns no rights to the submitted material and will not distribute your project publicly in any way.

How will you use my contact information?
Rest-assured, we will never sell or rent your contact information to anyone.

Who are your readers ?
All of our readers have significant experience and credentials in the industry. They have worked for production companies, studios, managers, publishers, agents, and talent.

How can you guarantee my submission will be reviewed and receive a fair chance?
Rest-assured all entries are carefully considered.

Can I talk with a reader or judge about my submission? Do you provide notes or feedback?
The showcases do NOT offer feedback or notes of any kind on individual submissions.

When will I receive notification about my submissions placement in the showcase?
All entrants will receive notification of their placement in the showcase, with a link to the announcement page via email once a winner has been selected (see "Notification Date" in the "Dates & Deadlines" section).

When will I received my recognition laurel?
“Official Selection” and "Winner” laurels are distributed after judging is complete and winners have been announced. Winners receive a “Winner” laurel. Official Selections receive an “Official Selection” laurel. You will receive an email with a link to access and download the online laurel.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Terence Fisher

    Thank you all for taking the time to read my work. This has been a journey and so far mostly positive reviews. I haven't written in 30 years. And to be recognized as a writer feels great!

    October 2024
  • Bev Gandara

    It is an honor to have my novel, Concrete Wings selected by True Story Showcase, a well-respected and important competition.

    July 2024
  • No overall exposure from any movie production companies to consider my book to script movie offers. Why?

    July 2024
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Hi Wadell:

    I'm sorry to learn you expected Ink & Cinema to provide exposure for your project to movie production companies, and therefore wrote a negative review because you expected a different experience. Ink & Cinema does not pitch scripts or books to production companies for non-winning projects designated as Official Selections. The competition - which has been running for more than 10 seasons and maintains a near 5-star review from submitters - prides itself on transparency, and clearly states the awards and benefits. Currently, the competition rewards one winner a cash prize to help sustain, or kickstart their writing career. As the competition is conducted entirely online, there are no networking or hospitality opportunities. For guidance pitching your story for film development, you may wish to consider reviewing the article "7 Ways to Sell Your Story (Script, Book, Stage Play or Podcast) to Hollywood", along with our other resources, on the Ink & Cinema website.

  • The incredible story of the JU-52 IFR pilot is a true story from WW2. - Let the TANTE-JU fly.

    July 2024
  • A great experience all around! I highly recommend this contest.

    June 2023