Nantucket Film Festival - Tony Cox Screenplay Competition
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About
The Nantucket Film Festival® (NFF) was founded in 1996 to spotlight screenwriters and the art of screenwriting in cinema. From its conception, NFF has been dedicated to the notion that the screenwriter's contribution is at the core of filmmaking.
For 29 years Nantucket Film Festival has celebrated screenwriters and helped give life to thousands of stories … and story matters more than ever right now. Our Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions recognize emerging writers in four unique categories. Finalists in each category are read by accomplished juries, receive top industry recognition, and participate in a Film Festival focused specifically on screenwriting that includes cash prizes for all winners and events with prominent filmmakers. The winner of the Feature Screenplay Competition will be awarded a position in the prestigious October Colony, Almanack Screenwriters’ month-long writer’s retreat with mentorship on Nantucket.
Additional Year-Round Programming and Writer Services include ...
Nantucket Film Festival and Almanack Screenwriters established Screenwriter Sessions in 2021 to provide a uniquely enriching experience for screenwriters from all backgrounds.
These LIVE – not pre-recorded – online sessions provide one-of-a-kind intimate conversations and guidance from some of the foremost screenwriters working today. The Sessions include interactive writing workshops and feedback from a rich community of peers. Throughout the program, participants generate new screenplay ideas, develop works in progress, and hone their craft with personalized tips and inspiration from the best screenwriters in the world. Each year we bring together an intimate cohort of participants, encompassing a wide range of emerging to mid-career screenwriters. Since the very beginning of this initiative, we have promised a rich, diverse, and inclusive community of writers and speakers. Our guest speakers in the past have included Charlie Kaufman, Nancy Meyers, Ken Burns, Lulu Wang, Nicole Holofcener, Sian Heder, Patty Jenkins, Stella Meghie, and many more.
The 4th installment of Screenwriter Sessions will take place on Tuesday evenings this winter, from February 6 - March 5, 2024, and will feature guest screenwriters whose works range from acclaimed indie films like THE STATION AGENT and THE BIG SICK to this year’s audience favorite PROBLEMISTA, to Oscar-winning classics like SPOTLIGHT, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, and JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH.
Visit us at screenwritersessions.org to learn more or register or follow us.
Benefits
The awards and benefits of the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition are as follows, per category:
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. A jury led by Almanack Screenwriters will select the winner.
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.
"Almanack was an extraordinary and incredibly special month that has changed me in so many ways, some of which I'm still processing. It completely reshaped my relationship with writing and challenged me to reevaluate and recalibrate my understanding of the craft. Lydia and Bill have created a truly special place- a wonderfully warm and nurturing environment, where I felt my voice as a writer was given an opportunity to blossom and grow. The intimate space allowed for deeply soulful conversations and moments with my peers and mentors that were nothing short of inspiring- and I've left with memories I'll cherish forever, and friends and fellow writers I feel blessed to now know." - Michael Lei, author of THE RIFT.
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.
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.
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 comprised 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 a press release and on the Festival website as a competition winner and finalist.
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-minute 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 comprised 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.
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-minute 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 comprised 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.
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.
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 REQUIREMENTS AND RULES BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR SCREENPLAY.
FEATURE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Full screenplay
Standard feature length (80-125 pages); additional page fees apply over 125 pages
Screenplays 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.
Due to the structure of the October Colony, it 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.
- -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;
- -Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
- -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; only a single space is provided in the Colony, even if the winning screenplay was written by a team;
- -Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with the 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;
- The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
- Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.
IMPORTANT:
- The winner is expected to participate in the Almanack Screenwriters retreat in the month of October 2024.
- 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:
- The analysis will be sent to the entrant approximately within a month 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 individual 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 Script Analysis Option will be considered alongside all other submissions for the Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition.
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;
- -Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
- -While it is not mandatory 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 the entry fee paid, by the entry deadline.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
- Screenplays must be uploaded through Coverfly;
- Screenplays must have a title page which 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;
- The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
- Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.
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 (45-62 pages for 60 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 62 pages;
- -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 mandatory 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 entry deadline.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
- Screenplays must be uploaded through Coverfly;
- Screenplays must have a title page which 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 made through Coverfly's payment system;
- Entry fees will not be returned;
- A $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 62 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment;
- The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
- Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.
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:
- -Must be an original pilot script. We do not accept spec scripts for spinoffs of existing shows.
- -Must be the FIRST EPISODE ONLY;
- -An 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 (25-42 pages for 30 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 42 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 submission fee paid, by entry deadline.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
- Screenplays must be uploaded through Coverfly;
- Screenplays must have a title page which 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 42 pages;
- The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
NOTIFICATION:
- Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.
IMPORTANT:
- If a screenplay wins 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.”
- 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 screenplay to be considered;
- 2.To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true;
- 3.This screenplay is not subject to litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;
- 4.I am duly authorized to submit this 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 certify that I hold all necessary rights for this submission and accept the regulations of the Nantucket Film Festival.