Writer's Block Oakland is a new Film and Television writers program designed to highlight the Black experience in the Bay Area and throughout the African Diaspora.

MISSION:

Is to provide creative spaces that will cultivate and guide a cohort of writers through the process of removing challenges that have kept them from completing their Film or TV Series and getting it sold, produced or distributed.

VISION:

Our vision Is to have three original projects come from each cohort to either be sold, produced or distributed to major film companies, television networks and digital platforms.

CORE VALUES

Our core values is to create authentic, inspiring, informative, and positive images that represent the Black experience and the African Diaspora with truth, dignity and pride.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Writer's Block Oakland is designed as a six month intensive film and television writers program that will meet once a month for six months. We plan to meet every second Sunday of the month starting June 9, 2019 and completing November 10, 2019. Writer’s Block Oakland submission process begins April 15th and will close Saturday, May, 18th at 10PM. Participants will be selected to be apart of a cohort and must agree to complete the entire project/s (feature film, pilot episode, or three short film scripts) in order to participate. Each session will start at 5 PM to 8 PM at our Oakland location. If you’re accepted into the program, their is a $30 reservation fee to secure your seat which will go towards food, supplies, and location.

For Any Questions Please Email Us At: WritersBlockOakland@gmail.com

Rules & Terms

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

All screenplays/teleplays (collectively, “Scripts”) submitted must be in English.
Scripts must not have been optioned or sold prior to submission.
Applicants may submit more than one Script in any chosen category. Each entry requires its own application and script. Writer’s Block reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any ineligible entries.

Originality and Permissions;

INDEMNITY

Scripts must be the original work of the applicant(s). If based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.

BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, THE APPLICANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE COHORT, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Additional Information

No revisions or missing pages will be accepted once an entry has been received.
Judges reserve the right not to grant admission.

We strongly suggest that applicants copyright their materials with the U.S. Copyright Office (www.copyright.gov) and/or register their screenplay/teleplay with the Writers Guild of America, East (www.wgaeast.org/script_registration) or Writers Guild of America, West (www.wga.org/registration/index.html). Please consult an attorney regarding any questions about these.

FEATURE SCREENPLAY SUBMISSION RULES

All General Rules listed above apply.
The Feature Screenplay portion is only open to writers who do not currently earn a living writing for film or television.
Submit a full treatment (15 pages max) and the first 6 pages of your script.
May submit visual references as well. Not required.

SHORT SCREENPLAY SUBMISSION RULES

All General Rules listed above apply.
The Short Screenplay submission is only open to writers who do not currently earn a living writing for film or television.
Short screenplays that have already been produced are ineligible.
Short screenplays are open to any narrative genres.
Please submit 3 different short screenplay ideas.
Each short screenplay needs its own treatment.
Submit first two pages for each screenplay idea (6 total pages).

PILOT SUBMISSION RULES

All General Rules listed above apply.
The Pilot submission is only open to writers who do not currently earn a living writing for film or television.
The Pilot Submission does not welcome spec scripts for any currently airing network or cable program.
Please submit show bibles and/or treatments for the pilot submission.

GENERAL PROGRAM RESULT FORMAT RULES

Screenplays should be formatted according to current industry standards.
To follow standard guidelines for format, consult any popular screenwriting or teleplay writing text for assistance.
Font size must be 12 point and in Courier type.
Feature Screenplays will result in approximately 90-120 pages in length.
Short Screenplays will result in 5 – 40 pages in length.
Pilots will be the appropriate length depending on the format. The recommended length for single camera sitcoms is approximately 22-40 pages and 45-70 pages for single camera one-hour programs. The recommended length for multi-camera sitcom pilots is approximately 52-58 pages.
Pages must be numbered in the top right-hand corner.

SUBMISSIONS FORMAT:

Scripts & Treatments must be emailed to WritersBlockOakland@gmail.com in PDF format and under 5MB.

Only the TITLE of the screenplay should appear on the front cover page.
The author’s name, contact information, or any other information that may reveal the identity of the writer(s) must not appear anywhere in the script in order to preserve anonymity in the judging process.

Selected Scripts

Writer’s Block has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: i) identities of readers or judges; ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted material; and/or iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.

Except as explicitly stated, no representations or guarantees are made regarding the feedback or comments provided, or the quality thereof. The opinions of the readers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Writer’s Block. Writer’s Block explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by Writer’s Block or by its readers and sponsors.
Acceptance notifications will be sent out on May 18th, 2019. The judges’ decision is final.