ACT ONE’S 2nd ANNUAL

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR.

The Act One Script Competition seeks scripts that exhibit the mastery of craft combined with unparalleled beauty and depth. The winning and finalist scripts will best exemplify the Act One keynotes: Artistry, Professionalism, Meaning and Spirituality.

ARTISTRY

  • Writing communicates a fresh and unique voice
  • Characters are well developed and multi-dimensional
  • Plot is clear and offers an appropriate amount of twists, set-ups and payoffs.
  • Writing style is entertaining for the reader.
  • Writing style effectively incorporates literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, theme, and subtext.

PROFESSIONALISM

  • Scripts are properly formatted.
  • Story structure fits the story.
  • Material is producible and suggests an appropriate budget for its scope.

MEANING

  • The content of the story respects the intelligence of the audience and offers it something to chew on.
  • The content points to universal and relatable themes.
  • The content of the story offers truth or insight into the human condition.

SPIRITUALITY

  • Characters exhibit an inner journey as well as exterior.
  • Spiritual content is handled with honesty and integrity.
  • Content points to “something more” happening in the story and suggests spiritual concepts, such as faith, hope, truth, goodness, and purity.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Although Act One is a Christian non-profit organization, script submissions do NOT require overtly Christian content, and people of all backgrounds are encouraged to enter.

** Entry fees may be applied toward an Act One Script Consultation of choice at any time. (90 day expiration from the date of notification)

The winner will be selected by a select group of industry professionals, including development executives, writers, agents, and producers.

Dates & Cost
  • Early Bird Deadline:  May 1, 2012 • $35.00 Entry Fee
  • Regular Deadline: June 1, 2012 • $45.00 Entry Fee
  • Late Deadline: July 1, 2012 • $55.00 Entry Fee
  • Extended Deadline: August 1, 2012 • $65.00 Entry Fee
Notification Dates
  • Quarterfinalists:  September 15, 2012
  • Semi-finalists: October 15, 2012
  • Finalists: November 15, 2012
  • Winner: December 15, 2012
PRIZES

Quarter-finalists:

  • Named on our website
  • Discounted script consultation of choice

Semi-finalists:

  • Named on our website
  • Discounted script consultation of choice

Finalists:

  • Named on our website and promotional materials
  • Scripts read by top production companies and agents
  • Free Extensive Script Consultation

Winner: (1 script)

  • $5,000 cash prize
  • Named on our website and promotional materials
  • Free Extensive Script Consultation and Phone Conference
  • Script will be read by top production companies and agents
GENERAL RULES
  • All scripts must be written in English, 85-130 pages in length, and formatted properly (The Hollywood Standard by Chris Riley will be the reference).
  • Only feature length scripts will be accepted.
  • Only screenwriters who have made less than $25,000 on a single script or a combination of scripts are eligible. This does not include prize money from other contests.
  • Contestant grants Act One the right to publish contestant’s name, script name, and logline in conjunction with the contest and future contests.
  • Scripts that are or have been optioned, sold, or produced are not eligible.
  • The contest does not imply any offer or guarantee of scripts being optioned or bought.
  • Please register each submitted script with the US Copyright Office or the Writer’s Guild of America; Act One will not be liable for any failure to do so.
  • Act One alumni are encouraged to apply, but no special preference will be given in the judging process. Any Act One alumni who progress to the quarter-finalist stage or above will be indicated on published materials with a star next to their name. Names will not be revealed to the judges until final decisions are made at each round.
  • Act One Staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter.
  • The title page of the script will be removed for judging to prevent any potential bias on the basis of name, sex, or geographic location. All entries will be anonymous to the judges.
  • Writers may submit multiple scripts for consideration.
Submit your screenplay here!

Winner of the 2011 Script Competition

CONTEMPT by Marko Kuo