Dallas International Film Festival's Screenwriting Competition
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The Broaden Your Horizons screenwriting competition is designed to inspire writers to keep writing. One great story simply isn't enough to advance in this industry. That is why we make the multiple submissions process easier and more affordable. Our winners also enjoy a cultural escape to work on their next big hit.
***Script to Screen Category*** Event Horizon Films is partnering with Torfoot Films, IdeaMan Studios and Litwin Law Group, PLLC, to finance, develop and produce the winning short script for a world premiere at the 2021 Dallas International Film Festival.
* Script submissions are limited to 10 pages and must be set in a single location.
* Stories featuring an adult only cast are encouraged.
* Submissions close early on Aug. 27.
DIFF's Screenplay Competition is currently accepting submissions for feature films, short films, and TV pilots. All entries, minus the Script to Screen category, are eligible for optional feedback from professional readers (highly recommended).
Benefits
Grand Prize:
- Writer's Enrichment Cruise
- 12 Month ISAconnect Membership
- InkTip Prize Package
- DIFF 2021 Star Pass
- Professional Consultation
- Virtual Pitch Fest Connections
Runner Up:
- 12 Month ISAconnect Membership
- DIFF 2021 Star Pass
- Virtual Pitch Fest Connections
Finalists:
- DIFF 2021 Star Pass
- Virtual Pitch Fest Connections
- DIFF 2022 Script Coverage
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Script to Screen Grand Prize:
- Production of their script
- Premiere of their film at DIFF 2021
Announcements
No announcement dates listed.
Rules
Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only, between the dates provided for each competition.
Entry fees will vary depending on each deadline. Please review the fees and dates of the competition via the submission page.
Optional feedback from a professional reader may be requested at the time of entry. Requests for feedback after an entry is submitted will not be accepted.
Feature screenplays must be a minimum of 75 pages and a maximum of 150 pages. Short screenplays must be a minimum of 5 pages and a maximum of 35 pages. Thirty minute pilots have a max page count of 35. One Hour pilots have a max page count of 65.
There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit.
Entries must be received on or before the deadline dates by 11:59PM Central Time, and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.
All submitted material must be original, and all rights must be wholly owned by the writer(s).
Material must be submitted by the writer. Material written by writing teams must be submitted by one of the writers, with consent of the other(s). All writers must be credited on title page.
If a writing team is chosen as a winner, prizes will be given to the person who submits the project. Each team is responsible for dividing or sharing the prize money.
Substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entered material will be allowed for a limited time with resubmission through Event Horizon Films. Please proofread your script carefully before submitting.
It is recommended that original material be registered with the WGA or The Library of Congress before submitting to any competition, however we do not require registration.
Contact info may be included on the cover page of the screenplay, however it is not required.
All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted to this contest remains with the original rights holders.
