Welcome to the Inaugural Zavala Screenplay Competition, Presented by BTIXist Productions!

BTIXist Productions (pronounced "B-T-I-Exist) a proud Latino-owned video production company rooted in the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Zavala Screenplay Competition!

Open to all categories and stories, we invite anyone to share their original works with us, in the hope of discovering narratives that resonate, challenge, and inspire.

This is more than just a competition; it's a partnership. At BTIXist Productions, we believe in working closely with the winner, not just providing a film budget, but also offering resources, equipment, music production, graphic design, and a platform to produce a film that aligns with our mission and values. Submit your screenplay to the Zavala Screenplay Competition and be part of this new movement!

Made in Texas.

Awards & Prizes

1. Production Grant: The winner will receive a production grant of $1,000 to be used exclusively for the production of a short film based on their winning screenplay. The grant will be disbursed in three stages as outlined in the Grant Agreement.

2. BTIXist Productions Credit: The completed short film will be presented as "A BTIXist Productions Film" or "In Association with BTIXist Productions" in the opening or closing credits.

3. Equipment and Facilities: Subject to availability, the winner will have access to BTIXist Productions' film equipment and facilities for the production of their short film. The specific equipment and facilities will be determined in consultation with the winner and outlined in the Grant Agreement.

4. Original Soundtrack (Optional): If needed, BTIXist Productions will provide a custom soundtrack created specifically for the winner's short film.

5. Post-Production Services (Optional): If requested by the winner, BTIXist Productions will provide professional editing and post-production services to help finalize their short film.

6. Graphic Design Package (Optional): If requested by the winner, BTIXist Productions will provide a comprehensive graphic design package for the short film, including character posters, a film poster, and other promotional materials.

7. Promotion and Distribution: The completed short film will be marketed under the BTIXist Productions banner, including promotion on our website, social media channels, and at industry events..

These awards and prizes are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the competition rules and the Grant Agreement, which the winner will be required to sign before receiving any prizes or production support.

Rules & Terms

1. Participants must submit a screenplay betwen 20 to 30 pages in length, formatted according to standard industry guidelines.

2. Each screenplay must be an original work, not previously produced, and must have been written after January 1, 2020.

3. There is a non-refundable entry fee per screenplay. Participants may submit multiple screenplays, each requiring a separate entry fee and submission.

4. Screenplays must be submitted in PDF format.

5. All submissions will undergo an initial screening to ensure they meet the basic submission criteria. Screenplays that do not comply with the submission guidelines will be disqualified.

6. Prize: The winner of the screenplay competition will receive a production grant of $1,000 to be used exclusively for the production of a short film based on their winning screenplay.

7. Eligibility: The competition is open to screenwriters from all countries and locations.

8. Production Grant: The production grant will be disbursed in three stages: 40% upon signing the grant agreement, 40% upon providing proof of commencement of principal photography, and the remaining 20% upon submission of the completed short film and final report.

9. Grant Agreement: The winner must sign a grant agreement with BTIXist Productions outlining the terms and conditions of the prize, including the requirement to use the funds solely for the production of the winning short film within 12 months of receiving the initial grant payment.

10. Production Budget and Timeline: Within 30 days of being notified of their win, the winner must submit a production budget and timeline outlining how they plan to use the grant funds.

11. Progress Reports: The winner must provide BTIXist Productions with regular updates on the progress of their short film, including any changes to the budget or timeline.

12. Local Partner: BTIXist Productions reserves the right to partner with a local film organization or production company in the winner's country to help oversee the production and ensure the grant funds are used appropriately.

13. Final Report: Upon completion of the short film, the winner must submit a final report to BTIXist Productions, including a financial accounting of how the grant funds were used and a copy of the completed short film.

14. Credits: The completed short film must include two credits acknowledging BTIXist Productions as the production company and Brandon Delgado, as a producer.

15. Ownership: The winner retains ownership of their short film, but grants BTIXist Productions the non-exclusive right to screen the film and use it for promotional purposes related to the screenplay competition.

16. Participants retain all rights to their submitted screenplays. However, the winner agrees to grant BTIXist Productions exclusive rights to the produced film, including but not limited to distribution, promotion, and exhibition rights.

17. Participants are responsible for ensuring their work does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others and agree to indemnify BTIXist Productions against any legal claims arising from such infringement.

18. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.

19. The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the competition rules, terms, and timeline as necessary. Any changes will be communicated to participants through the competition website and email notifications.

20. Participation in the competition constitutes agreement to the rules and terms as outlined, including the use of the participant's name, screenplay title, and synopsis for promotional purposes related to the competition without additional compensation.

21. By entering the competition, participants agree to abide by its rules and terms, including the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding.