How can you prevail in screenplay contests? Unfortunately, there isn’t a secret recipe. (I apologize for bursting your bubble.) But after reading contests for years, I’ve discovered certain important things authors may do to improve their scripts’ chances of receiving high marks, moving forward, and, yes, even winning!
It’s crucial to comprehend how scripts are often rated in contests before we get started. Plot, character, writing style, topic, narration, spelling/grammar, presentation, marketability, and other areas are all rated numerically in many top screenwriting competitions. Each category is given a point value by readers, and screenplays that receive more points than a certain threshold move on to the next round. The contest judges often select finalists and winners after reading the scripts with the highest scores.
We’re up to speed now, so let’s explore how you might improve your score and chances of winning.
Submit Your Script to the Appropriate Contests
Screenplay contests are not all made equal. A few are more well-known than others. While some concentrate on identifying stories and voices from marginalized groups, others search for the next big commercial success. Some concentrate on particular genres, such humor, action, or horror. Some people are only interested in stuff that is religious, spiritual, or inspirational. Every tournament has a separate set of requirements.
Finding contests that are interested in your kind of content is a crucial first step in winning one. Entering your high-concept horror script into a competition that seeks out inspirational, spiritual tales is pointless. Doing your homework is crucial in order to avoid wasting time or money on contests that aren’t a good fit for your script.
Before submitting, it’s also beneficial to learn the judging standards for each contest. In fact, several contests, including The Academy Nicholl Fellowships, specify their requirements beforehand for authors to evaluate. Finding out the categories a contest utilizes for judging might provide insight into the preferences of that contest and what is required to move on in the competition.
Pass in every judging category.
Make careful to do a revision pass especially for each of the judging categories for the contests you’re participating, if you can obtain them. In terms of story, structure, character, topic, writing style, presentation, etc., this is an excellent method to ensure that your script is as strong as it can be. Passing for the general categories mentioned above can still improve your script and raise its chances of success even if you are unable to obtain the contest’s particular requirements.
With every pass, consider if the plot is coherent and well-paced. Does the script’s structure make sense and enable the character or characters to go on a journey? Are the characters vibrant and three-dimensional? Is my messaging pertinent, and do I have a thematic thread that connects the story? Are my main characters embarking on a deep and meaningful journey? Is my writing clear and interesting? Are my tabs, margins, fonts, and other elements set to industry standards? (Usually, using screenwriting software will do that for you.)
Observe the rules and regulations of the competition.
I’ve been reading for a writing contest for a number of years, and it’s really severe about writers adhering to its topic matter and page count requirements. Unfortunately, the supplied item is rejected if it does not conform. Certain contests, such as that one, have more lenient rules regarding page length, while others have more stringent requirements. The problem is that you won’t be able to tell which contests are open and which aren’t. Adhering to the suggested page lengths and any further particular instructions, such font, margins, etc., is the safest way to ensure that your script won’t be rejected right away.
Check your script for errors or, better yet, have someone else do it.
The only aspect of a screenplay that a writer can completely control is how it is presented. The readers of your contest and their level of interest in your narrative are beyond your control. You have no influence over whether you move to the next round or the scores a reader assigns you. However, the level of polish your script appears when submitted is something you can and should manage.
A badly written screenplay not only detracts from presentation and spelling/grammar ratings, but it also reflects poorly on the writer. Why take the chance that your failure to proofread would prevent you from moving on to the next round? The best course of action is to get your script reviewed by a reliable friend, family member, fellow author, or proofreading service. When you’re so accustomed to seeing your own words on the paper, it might be difficult to see your own mistakes. Reading your script aloud to yourself is a great way to identify mistakes if you don’t have anyone else who can assist. If there are any grammatical or syntactic errors, you will immediately see them when you read it aloud, saying each word. The Assign Voices and Speech Control features of Final Draft allow the application to read your script out loud as well.
Take Part in Contests That Provide Feedback
Some contests include optional feedback that you may include with your submission, or feedback that is included in the entry cost. Receiving reader comments may be quite beneficial for figuring out how your script is received and what changes you can do to make it better in the future.
Edit your script and send in the best draft you can.
Being the only arbiter of the caliber of your work may be difficult, and writing can be a solitary endeavor. So why not become a member of a writers’ group? It’s a terrific method to meet others who have similar interests to your own, and before submitting your work to contests, you may acquire a number of candid feedback on various versions.
Take note that I just mentioned “multiple drafts”! Due to a contest deadline, it is never a good idea to submit an unfinished script or first draft. Time and money are wasted putting things together only to be able to enter, even if deadlines are excellent motivators. Before entering contests, make sure your script has been carefully reviewed by writers’ groups, writer pals, or by a professional reviewer (such as a professional writing consultant or a reliable coverage service).
Enter a Number of Reputable Contests
Find out which contests can help you grow in your job. Reputable production firms, producers, agents, and executives who will either judge the scripts or read the winners are the ones you want to pick. You should enter a small number of contests that are a good match for your story, but don’t submit your script to every one of them. You never know what may win another tournament if it doesn’t make it to the next round.
