FAQ
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This competition is unique among all screenplay contests because the writer can resubmit their script after having completed any number of rewrites, at no extra cost.
We have set up the competition to follow the studio/network development process where a script is submitted, the writer receives 6+ pages of notes provided by a top-notch script consultant, and the script is then rewritten and resubmitted until it is in its best form.
We want to HELP you win this competition and entrants can work closely with a script consultant to get them across the finish line!
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Yes. We have been in the entertainment industry for 30+ years and have extensive contacts throughout film and television. As all winners and many semi-finalists can attest to, we will make sure that key decision makers, agents, managers and producers receive their screenplays or television pilots. We work closely with our winners to identify who would be the best career-makers and do our best to get the script to that person.
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Revisions and resubmissions are the main reason we created this competition. We want you to have the opportunity to use our script consultants’ expert feedback to help you rework your script and resubmit it (at no additional cost!) so it has the best chance to win The Finish Line Script Competition.
You can purchase a comprehensive set of consultation notes (using the same script consultant throughout the process, just as though you were getting notes from a producer) as many times as you like until the submission period ends.
When you have rewritten your script and want to resubmit, you have two options. The first is to purchase another set of notes to keep working on new drafts and get a feeling of where your consultant thinks your script stands. The second option is to simply email us your new draft at info@finishlinescriptcomp.com labeled as a new draft and this will be the draft we judge off of. This draft can be switched out at no additional cost until the final resubmission deadline.
After quarter-finalists are announced, those still in the competition can continue to receive as many consultations as they like until that phase of the competition ends. The same process occurs in the semi-finalist period. Competition and industry judges evaluate the final scripts, and they choose the Grand Prize, Tier 1 and Tier 2 Winners.
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The best chance of winning is by submitting the best script possible. There is no guarantee that a winner will be chosen from those who use our script consultants, but we believe their experience will help improve your script and your chances to win should you take advantage of their expertise.
Ultimately, the writing is up to you, but we will help you get your script ready to show to managers, agents, producers and executives. Your script will leave this competition in better shape than when it came in.
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No notes or re-submissions are required. If you feel your script is the very best it can be, then you can enter simply by paying the basic entry fee.. However, film and TV are the ultimate collaborative arts, and as the most successful screenwriters will tell you, every screenplay can be improved, particularly with input from qualified experts.
We offer extremely reasonable rates for script consulting services and re-submission, it may be worth your while to see if we can help you! However, again, notes or re-submission aren’t required, just available, and you can choose to take advantage of this service at any time you wish.
The Fundamentals of the Script Competition:
Entering the Competition
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You need to submit an original feature film screenplay, short film script or television pilot in PDF format, complete the online application form and submit an entry fee.
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Finish Line is open to all screenwriters and television writers – beginners to those with more experience – with the exception of anyone who has earned $50,000 or more as a writer in the previous year. The script must be written by the person (or team) who enters the competition.
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Enter Finish Line by clicking on the entry buttons throughout the site or by visiting either Filmfreeway or Coverfly.com links to access the application materials online. Once you’ve established an account on one of these sites, you need to complete an application form, pay the entry fee and upload your script in pdf format.
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You can enter as many screenplays , short film scripts or television pilots as you wish. Each entry requires a separate online application form and entry fee. Note: If you write as a team, only one application is needed, listing the two (or more) of you as the script’s writers.
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There is no minimum, but be aware that the WGA states that 70 pages constitute the minimum number of pages for a feature film. If you are submitting your script as 'entry only' there is no maximum number of pages. However, if you request notes we will charge $1.00 per page over 125 pages. This payment can be made directly to us through PayPal or Venmo. Please get in touch through the Contact page for information.
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The entry fees go towards paying our script consultants and other administrative costs.
Eligibility, Adaptations and Collaborations
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All submissions must be in English. You can come from any country in the world, as long as you can submit your material in English as written by yourself. Whether you come from Tibet, Tennessee or Tujunga; we want to see your writing!
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Yes, if the WGA member has not sold this material, they are allowed to enter. However, the applicant must not have earned more than $50,000 in the previous year as a writer in order to qualify for entry.
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If you enter the competition without choosing script consultation notes, your script will be read by our top readers when it is received and will be given internal notes based on overall story/character/writing craft factors. Three readers will read each script. Judges will have no idea if the script was revised or if notes were provided. The work is judged on its final merits, solely.
If you purchase script consultation notes, a reader will be assigned to you and will go through the script from front to back and give notes on the script as a whole and on individual needs.
You will receive 6+ notes for this process. You can then resubmit your new draft as soon as it’s ready and either receive more notes or make that re-submission your final entry. (see early question/answer on how to resubmit).
You may use your script consultant for notes, new drafts and re-submissions as many times as you like before the deadline. Quarter-finalists and semi-finalists may receive script consultation notes until the deadline to submit their final version.
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No. Please submit your script with only the title and date on the front page. Please do not include names, representatives, addresses, emails/phone numbers, or anything that might identify you. We will have your information when you submit your entry, but the readers, script consultants and judges won’t know who wrote the submission.
Format and Presentation
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We accept ALL genres except erotica. We are looking for the best writer out there with the best written script.
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You will receive an email receipt of confirmation once your script and application have been submitted and paid for. This is a guarantee that your script has been received.
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Read the rules before filling out the form. Please don’t misspell anything that prevents us from getting in touch with you. Add info@finishlinescriptcomp.com to your e-mail address book.
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The PDF file can be no larger than 1.0 MB.
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Adaptations are not eligible unless you are adapting your own book or play to screenplay or pilot form. We are interested in who YOU are as a writer, YOUR ideas and characters and we want to help you find YOUR voice, not someone else’s. we do accept material inspired by another well known story. Historical screenplays or pilots are eligible.
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While there is no precise format common to all screenplays written by professional screenwriters there are certainly general standards.
If you follow the format described in any number of screenwriting or television writing guides, you should be in good shape.
