WINTER - SPRING 2009 CONTEST:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS THERETO:

(To enter, click at left or see the bottom of this page)

What kind of screenplays can I submit? What are you looking for?

We encourage submissions from all genres.  No particular genre has an edge.  Our winner could be a typical mainstream movie, or a horror movie about mutant rutabagas or a romantic comedy based on the life of Ivan the Terrible. What our judges are looking for is a great story, compelling characters, and sharp dialogue. Submit your best work without regard to genre or budget.  

Can I submit an adaptation of a previously written work or similar material?

Unlike some of our previous contests, the AAA Screenplay Contest does accept adaptations, on one of two conditions: a) that the work is in the public domain, or b) that the author has the right to use the material and can provide written proof thereof. A good adaptation is just as hard to find as an original work, and we feel that these scripts should be given a shot.

Can I submit more than one script to the contest?

Yes! Feel free to enter one script, or twenty—we'll read them all! Because judging is a subjective process, multiple submissions will be distributed to different readers to make sure that each script has an equal chance. 

Will there be an extension?  Your contests seem to do that every year.

Possibly, but DO NOT count on it, and we will make it costly to be tardy.  

Yes, we do sometimes extend deadlines.  However, as we promised to those who submit on time, it costs more to enter late.  We strongly encourage an on-time work ethic--you'll need to be on time as a working screenwriter.   We don't like the extensions game.  

However, our contests are not richly endowed by wealthy sponsors.  Entrance fees have to pay for the prizes, the judges, and our contest staff.  And a high proportion of entrants choose to enter late each year.  So rather than turn away those who want to write late, we often do extend -- at a higher price.   See this page.

Are there discounts for submitting multiple scripts?

No, but in a way, yes:  Instead of offering multiple script discounts,  we offer a discount for early entry, a regular-deadline price as low as possible, and slightly higher price for those who need extra time because that extra time makes it necessary for us to bring in extra help.  So you can save the most by entering your most finished scripts early, and achieve the same savings as you would with a multiple-script discount.

Why an early-script discount instead of a multiple-script discount?   Most writers wait until late in each contest to submit.  Submitting multiple scripts right at the deadline puts a terrible strain on judges.  So submit your most finished/polished scripts early, and use the contest period to work on that great script you want to rewrite.  

I live in another country. Can I still enter the contest?

Of course!  We encourage submissions from all over the world. All submissions should be in English, and all funds should be payable in U.S. funds, either by money order or credit card.  

I have sold/optioned a script before, and/or I have an agent/manager. Am I still eligible?

Absolutely! However, because the contest is geared toward offering access into the world of screenwriting, we do have to limit applicants to those who have made less than $8,000 on feature options or sales.   

If you learn of a violation of this contest rule, it should be reported to Pasha McKenley  -- aaacontest@creativescreenwriting.com

Does my script have to be formatted? How long should my script be?

Scripts will not be disqualified based on formatting, but keep in mind that the purpose of this contest is to provide a foot in the door to a professional writing career. Good script formatting will not only make your script easier to read, but it's also something every writer needs to know. Traditionally, scripts are 90-130 pages in length. Scripts that are over 125 pages require an extra $10 entry fee.

How do I submit my script?

Online is best by far because it is de facto industry standard.  However, scripts can be submitted in two ways:
•  Print out a copy of the submission form and mail it to us with the entry fee, release form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and your script. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send along a self-addressed stamped postcard, which will be mailed back as soon as your script is processed.
•  Use our online system and submit your script as a .PDF, .RTF, Movie Magic Screenwriter, MS Word, or Final Draft file (.FDR). Online submissions will be confirmed via e-mail.

When is the last, final deadline for script submissions?

Barring extensions, scripts must be postmarked before or or submitted online by Midnight Sunday night, May 3, 2009.

How do I protect my script?

We recommend that all scripts be registered with the WGA or copyrighted through the U.S. Copyright Office. Keep in mind that many ideas are similar, and Creative Screenwriting is not responsible for scripts with similar storylines.

Who will read my script? How does the judging work?

All scripts will be judged by a panel of experienced industry readers. Our judges have read for a variety of production companies, studios, agencies, and distinguished coverage services. The top ten percent of our entries will go on to the quarterfinal round, in which senior readers will narrow the field down to ten finalists. Our senior readers will each read the top ten scripts to decide on the final three, and the First Prize winner.

When will winners be notified?

Barring delays (which do happen), semifinalists will be notified and posted on the website within 45 days after the contest closes, or earlier if judges can complete their work earlier.  Barring delays, finalists will be announced within 15 days after that, and the winner will be chosen no later than 15 days after that.  So if there were no delays and no extensions, the 2009 announcement dates would be:

• Semifinalists by June 18 2009
• Finalists by July 3, 2009
• Final winners, July 18, 2009

If the contest were to be extended two weeks, add two weeks to the above.

What do I win? and What does “access” mean?

Breaking into the world of screenwriting is no easy task. By “access” we mean our way of giving a few talented writers a push in the right direction. In fact, we have signficantly increased your access opportunities with this year's contest.  See the page http://creativescreenwriting.com/aaa/access.2009.html for full details.

Other questions?

For complete rules, please consult the official AAA Screenplay Contest rules page.

Confused? Concerned? Lost? Please feel free to contact contest coordinator, Pasha McKenley  -- aaacontest@creativescreenwriting.com

AAA Contest Sponsors Include 
These Organizations:
  
    (To be announced)