Rules and Guidelines
Please read the following Rules and Guidelines carefully:
- All scripts should be written in English and submitted electronically via our online entry form in one of the following formats: .PDF (preferred), Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Microsoft Word, Rich Text Format, or Text.
- All Entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
- Entry in the competition is void where prohibited by law.
- Judges and employees who work for the New York Screenplay Contest are not eligible to enter the competition, nor are their affiliates or immediate family members.
- Screenplays written by up to five people may be entered in the contest. Only one entry fee is required for such entries. All writers' names should be listed on the online entry form. All writers must authorize submission of the entry. By submitting online to the New York Screenplay Contest, all writers authorize the submission. If a screenplay is written by multiple authors, all cash awards will be split equally between the writers. If a screenplay is written by multiple writers, prizes will be divided at the writers' discretion.
- Entrants to the New York Screenplay Contest retain all rights to their screenplays.
- The competition is not responsible for submissions that are lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, and we cannot return scripts once they have been submitted. Please retain an original copy of your screenplay.
- Once a script has been entered into competition, we will not accept substitutions or revised drafts. If you wish to submit a revised draft of your script, you must enter it as a new submission.
- The New York Screenplay Contest will not share your screenplay with anyone except the official judges of the competition.
- By entering the New York Screenplay Contest, you represent that your entry is your original work, and does not infringe on the copyright or other rights of other people.
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- Submissions must be the original work of the applicant. Entries may be adapted from the applicant’s own work.
- Decisions of the Judges are final and may not be disputed. The Judges will adhere to our screenwriting contest guidelines and standard judging criteria; however, the contest and its administrators may not be held responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of the Judges.
- You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claim made by you or any third party due to or arising out of project(s) you submit, transmit or make available to our awards competition.
- The New York Screenplay Contest reserves the right to make any necessary changes to deadlines, dates, rules, and scheduling.
- By submitting a project to the New York Screenplay Contest, you agree that you have read, understood, and agree to all of the Rules and Conditions and that you are duly authorized to submit your project to competition.
Script Guidelines
Before you submit your script, please make sure you review the following guidelines. To make the best impression on the judges please follow the professional guidelines.
- All scripts must be submitted in English.
- Scripts should be written in standard screenplay or teleplay format. If submitted electronically, submit in one of the following formats: PDF (preferred), Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Microsoft Word, Rich Text Format, or Text.
- Scripts should be standard length
- Full-Length Features: 70 - 140 pages
- Short Film Scripts: under 70 pages
- TV Drama Pilots: 25 - 70 pages
- TV Sitcom Pilots: 25 - 45 pages
- Stageplays: 5 - 75 pages
- Treatments: 1 - 10 pages
- Concepts: 1 - 5 pages
If you have a question that is not answered above, please contact us by email using our customer service form. A representative will reply to you within 24 hours.
Happy writing and good luck!