Nantucket Film Festival - Tony Cox Screenplay Competition
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About
For 30 years, the Nantucket Film Festival has celebrated screenwriters and helped give life to thousands of stories that have impacted countless audiences around the world.
Our Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions recognize emerging writers in four unique categories: Feature Screenplay, Short Screenplay, Episodic 60 Minute, and Episodic 30 Minute.
Finalists in each category are considered by accomplished jury members, receive wide industry recognition, and are invited to attend Nantucket Film Festival which provides cash prizes for winners and hosts events with prominent industry guests.
The winner of the Feature Screenplay Competition will have the honor of attending Almanack Screenwriters’ prestigious October Colony, a month-long writer’s retreat with mentorship on Nantucket during the month of October.Prices & Deadlines
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Jan 9th
Regular
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Feb 13th
Final
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Mar 6th
Extended
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Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition
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$60.00
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$80.00
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$95.00
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Tony Cox Short Screenplay Competition
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$40.00
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$60.00
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$75.00
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Tony Cox Episodic Screenplay (30 Min) Competition
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$40.00
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$60.00
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$75.00
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Tony Cox Episodic Screenplay (60 Min) Competition
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$50.00
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$70.00
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$85.00
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Benefits
Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions:
These four awards total $5,000 in cash, in addition to several other prizes. The winner of the Feature Screenplay Competition is invited to participate in a month-long writer's retreat on Nantucket in October through our sister organization, Almanack Screenwriters.
Feature Screenplay Competition:
This prize recognizes an emerging feature screenwriter with a unique voice and a compelling story who demonstrates a commitment to writing for the screen. The winner will be selected by a jury led by Almanack Screenwriters.
Winner Receives:
* A position in the October Colony, Almanack Screenwriters’ month-long, all-expenses-covered writer's retreat on Nantucket;
* $2,500 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* VIP Festival Pass to all events;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom-bound copy of the script;
* Name inclusion in a press release and on the Festival website as a competition winner and finalist.
Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are selected from a pool of 10 semi-finalists and determined by the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival, in conjunction with our partner, Almanack Screenwriters.
FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* Name inclusion on the Festival website as a competition finalist.
Our semi-finalists are recognized as one of the top 10 screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top 10 semi-finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.
SEMI-FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* Name inclusion on the Festival website as a competition semi-finalist.
QUARTER-FINALISTS:
*All initial submissions undergo a blind review process conducted by a committee of experienced readers. Quarter-finalist scripts and complete applications are then evaluated in an open review by a selection committee comprised of Nantucket Film Festival and Almanack Screenwriters staff. Finalists will be judged by a jury of industry professionals.
Feature Screenplay Submission Requirements:
Full screenplay
Standard feature length (80-125 pages); additional page fees apply over 125 pages.
Screenplay must be in English using standard US format only
Screenplays may not have already been produced or be in active production
Title and Logline
Bio (up to 300 words)
Personal Statement (up to 500 words):
This is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your voice, and the state of your writing career.
The retreat nature of the October Colony does not allow us to consider co-written screenplays.
Adaptations are accepted, but official documentation of rights to the material must be available upon request.
While it is not mandatory that screenplays have an official copyright, NFF strongly encourages writers to register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information.
Short Screenplay Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging short screenplay as the best from the pool of submissions each year. The jury, which reviews the top three finalists to determine a winner, is composed of professional filmmakers and film industry professionals with original and diverse points of view.
WINNER RECEIVES:
* $500 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Name inclusion in the press release and on the Festival website as a competition winner and finalist.
Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.
FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* Name inclusion on the Festival website as a competition finalist.
Episodic Screenplay (60 Min) Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging original 60 min episodic pilot as the best from the pool of submissions each year. The jury, which reviews the top three finalists to determine a winner, is composed of writers, producers, actors, or executives from the TV industry with original and diverse points of view.
WINNER RECEIVES:
* $1,000 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom-bound copy of the script;
* Name inclusion on the Festival website as a competition finalist and winner.
Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.
FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Name inclusion on the Festival website as a competition finalist.
Episodic Screenplay (30 Min) Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging original 30 min episodic pilot as the best from the pool of submissions each year. The jury reviews the top three finalists to determine a winner and is composed of writers, producers, actors, and executives from the TV industry with original and diverse points of view.
WINNER RECEIVES:
* $1,000 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom-bound copy of the script;
* Name inclusion on the Festival website as a competition finalist and winner.
Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.
FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Name inclusion on the Festival website as a competition finalist.
Writer Success
Announcements
Rules
At the program's request, Coverfly will automatically remove your title page for you if you include one when submitting to this program.
MAKE SURE TO READ ALL ELIGIBILITY AND OTHER RULES BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR SCREENPLAY.
FEATURE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Screenplays must be standard feature length (80-125 pages) and standard US format only; an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 125 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to arrange for payment for page overage fees;
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
* While it is not required that screenplays have an official copyright, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that ALL PRIZES ARE AWARDED TO A SINGLE WRITER ONLY - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer; and only a single space is provided in the Almanack Screenwriters writing retreat, even if the winning screenplay was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by the entry deadline.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through Coverfly.
* Screenplays must have a title page that includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay will be DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission.
ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment via Coverfly's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* An additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 125 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make payment arrangements, or submit on Coverfly.
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 23, 2025.
IMPORTANT:
* The Feature Screenplay winner is expected to participate in the Almanack Screenwriters retreat in October 2025.
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we require the following credit to be included within the completed film's credits: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition.”
SCRIPT ANALYSIS OPTION:
* Analysis will be sent to the entrant approximately within 4-6 weeks after confirmation of your submission;
* Our Script Analysis readers come from our Screenplay Competition readers committee and are selected for their breadth of knowledge and experience in reading screenplays (at least five years professionally). The author of each analysis is kept anonymous and is therefore not available to speak by phone regarding your analysis. You may reach out to our programming staff at submissions@nantucketfilmfestival.org to discuss any questions you may have regarding your analysis after its receipt;
* All submissions received for the Script Analysis Option will be considered alongside all other submissions for the Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition.
* Script Analysis is not available via FilmFreeway. Instead, please visit our Coverfly page for more information.
SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Short screenplays must be 40 pages or shorter; an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 40 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to make payment arrangements. If you have any issues please submit them on Coverfly (TBD);
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
*While it is not required that screenplays have an official copyright, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that all prizes are awarded to a single writer only - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer, even if the winning screenplay is written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by the entry deadline.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
*Screenplays must be uploaded through Coverfly.
* Screenplays must have a title page that includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of screenplay WILL BE DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission.
ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment made through Coverfly's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* An additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 40 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment, or if you have any issues please submit on Coverfly.
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 23, 2025.
IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we require the following credit to be included in the completed film: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Short Screenplay Competition.”
EPISODIC SCREENPLAY (60 MIN) COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Must be an original pilot script. We do not accept spec scripts for spinoffs of existing shows. Must be the FIRST EPISODE ONLY;
* Electronic copy of your submissions MUST INCLUDE a season and/or series synopsis. One paragraph total summary is preferred; one page total summary is the maximum.
* Scripts must be standard episodic television length (45-60 pages for 60 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 60 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to arrange for payment for page overage fees;
* We do not accept scripts/treatments for reality TV shows;
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
* While it is not required that screenplays have an official copyright, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that all prizes are awarded to a single writer only - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer, even if the winning pilot was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by the entry deadline.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through Coverfly;
* Screenplays must have a title page that includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of screenplay will be DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission.
ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment made through FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* A $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 60 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make payment arrangements; Festival staff will be in contact to make payment arrangements. If have any issues please submit them on Coverfly.
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 23, 2025.
IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we require the following credit to be included on screen for the pilot: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Episodic Screenplay Competition.”
EPISODIC SCREENPLAY (30 MIN) COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Episodic pilot scripts of any genre may be submitted;
* Must be an original pilot script. We do not accept spec scripts for spinoffs of existing shows. Must be the FIRST EPISODE ONLY;
* Electronic copy of your submissions MUST INCLUDE a series and/or season synopsis. One paragraph total summary is preferred; one page total summary is the maximum.
* Scripts must be standard episodic television length (25-4 pages for 30 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 40 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to arrange for payment for page overage fees;
* We do not accept scripts/treatments for reality TV shows;
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
* While copyrights are not mandatory for submitted screenplays, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that all prizes are awarded to a single writer only - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer, etc, even if the winning screenplay was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with the submission fee paid, by the entry deadline.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through Coverfly;
* Screenplays must have a title page that includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of screenplay WILL BE DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission;
ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment made through FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* An additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 40 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make payment arrangements. If have any issues please submit through Coverfly.
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 23, 2025.
IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we ask for the following credit to be included on screen for the pilot: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Episodic Screenplay Competition.”
TERMS:
I acknowledge and agree as follows:
1. I have read, understood, and complied with all eligibility requirements of the categories for which I would like this film/screenplay to be considered;
2. To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true;
3. This film/screenplay is not subject to litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;
4. I am duly authorized to submit this film/screenplay to the Festival and its Competition;
5. By entering your work in the Nantucket Film Festival, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing, and/or transmitting your submission file(s) for our internal review;
6. I hold the Nantucket Film Festival harmless from damage to or loss of my film print to or from the Festival or otherwise during the Festival's possession of the film. I certify that I hold all necessary rights for this submission and accept the regulations of the Nantucket Film Festival.
7. The Nantucket Film Festival has the right to change any information contained in this document (including Festival dates, venues, events, presentation format, awards, and eligibility requirements) without further notice.