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Write LA
Write LA
2024
Reads in Coverfly
Active Since 2017
3 Winners are read by Literary Managers, and win $500 cash! Helpful Prizes for Semifinalists. A competition run by writers who help launch careers.
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This season has closed, but there's a new season open now!

About

Our top 5 get read by Literary Management Companies, and our Finalists have signed with Managers and been optioned thanks to us! This year, it could be you!


"The Write LA competition helped give us the exposure we needed to create valuable connections in the industry. Few screenwriting competitions are worth your time, this is one of them. "

             - Mads Gauger & Christan Leonard - Write LA Finalists, 2021


We partner with highly regarded Literary Management Companies who read and consider our top 5.

We also help you become a stronger writer. Our finalists receive a free copy of the latest Final Draft screenwriting software thanks to our sponsor Final Draft.

Our fifteen semi finalists receive a free online class from Script Magazine and The Writer's Store, a free screenwriting book courtesy of Michael Wiese Productions, a free eco-friendly notebook and pen thanks to 'Decomposition' by Michael Rogers, and free written feedback from our co-founder and Head Judge, screenwriter and author of the popular screenwriting book "The Audience and You", Tim Schildberger.


"Write LA is the most pro-writer screenplay competition I've ever experienced."

                - Susan Marks - Write LA Finalist, 2023


You can also get written feedback directly from Tim Schildberger. He is a highly respected script coach who works with people at all stages of their writing career. He does all the feedback personally - we guarantee it!


"Winning the 2022 Write LA competition offers the most valuable prize for any writer trying to break in: access. Write LA promised finalist scripts would be read by managers at reputable companies, and it delivered. This contest has led to several general meetings, and I am eternally grateful to Tim and the Write LA family for these connections."

- Andrea Turner - Write LA Finalist - 2022


We are open to writers around the world. Feature screenplays and TV pilots are accepted - any genre - and are judged together.

We look forward to reading your work!



Benefits

Our Prizes:

The Top 5 Finalists receive…
- Reading and consideration by leading Literary Management companies, including Zero Gravity Management and Fourward.
– A copy of Final Draft Screenwriting Software courtesy of Final Draft
– A screenwriting book courtesy of Michael Wiese Productions
– An eco-friendly notebook and pen courtesy of Decomposition by Michael Roger
- An on-demand webinar courtesy of Script and The Writer’s Store

The 15 Semifinalists receive…
– A screenwriting book courtesy of Michael Wiese Productions
– An eco-friendly notebook and pen courtesy of Decomposition by Michael Roger
- An on-demand webinar courtesy of Script and The Writer’s Store
– Written feedback on your script from Head Judge Tim Schildberger

Writer Success

2024 Honorable Mentions on Coverfly

See Other Placements

Announcements

Sep 15th
Top 5 Finalists

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.

Written Feedback Option

• Written feedback may be added to any entry at a rate of $100. The feedback will consist of one page of notes focused on what the script does well and areas of possible improvement including helpful suggestions. All feedback is written by Head Judge Tim Schildberger. All feedback will be delivered after the Semifinalists are announced and before December 1, 2024.

Important Dates:
Semifinalists announced September 1, 2024.
Finalists announced September 15, 2024.

Regarding Your Entry

• All entries must be electronically submitted by midnight Pacific time on or before the respective deadline.
• Write LA is open to anyone worldwide 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.
• Previous entrants who reached the Semifinalist level or above may not submit the same script or a new draft of the same script again. Such entrants may enter new scripts or scripts that did not advance in previous years.
• Previous Write LA Winners/Finalists are not eligible to win again.
• Any script that has been worked on in a personal coaching capacity with Head Judge Tim Schildberger is NOT eligible for entry. Writers may enter other scripts not previously read/coached by Tim.
• Initial judging of Write LA is done BLIND. The entrant’s name, address, phone number, or any other identifying information should NOT appear on the title page or any other page of the script. The title page should only include the title of the script or show and the title of the episode, if applicable. Placing a Library of Congress or WGA registration number on the title page is acceptable, but not required.
• All entrants retain complete ownership of their scripts.
• An entry should consist of an original feature film screenplay (maximum 120 pages) or teleplay (maximum 70 pages). Speculative television scripts (i.e. an episode of The Simpsons) are not eligible. All scripts must be written in English. Scripts should be in standard screenplay format and font (Courier 12) and submitted as a PDF file. Scripts sent by mail or email are not eligible.
• Any genre is welcome. No genre or format (feature, half hour, or hour) will be given preference. Feature and television scripts will be judged together.
• Adaptations are permissible provided the writer has permission to adapt the original work. Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
• Any script currently under option or previously optioned or sold is NOT eligible. If a script is optioned or sold during the judging process, the writer(s) must notify Write LA and will be withdrawn from the competition at that point, but the writer(s) will retain any contest placement earned up to the time of the option or sale.
• Collaborative work is eligible. By submitting, writing teams acknowledge that all members of the writing team agree to these terms and conditions. Writing teams also acknowledge that any prizes won must be shared by the writing team.
• Do not include resumes, pitches, synopses, casting suggestions, letters, or other supporting documentation with your submission. Judges will not review these materials.
• Entrants may submit multiple entries. Each submission must include its own unique script and entry fee.
• Once an entry has been submitted and payment has been processed, no refunds will be issued. No revisions or re-submissions will be accepted.
• Affiliates, employees, and family members of the readers, judges, and staff of Write LA, are not eligible for the competition.

The Boilerplate Stuff

• By entering Write LA, you acknowledge and agree that contest judges, and the Management Companies who have agreed to read the 5 Finalist scripts receive numerous submissions of ideas, stories, and scripts, and that your entry and the ideas and stories embodied therein may be similar or identical to other material already received and/or developed by one or more of the judges/companies. Also, being read by a Management Company in no way implies an obligation for that company to represent or assist the writer. There are no assumptions, guarantees, or promises of representation included with the reading.
• By entering Write LA, you understand that Write LA, will be free to use your name, script title, and logline for promotional purposes without additional consideration should you qualify for the Semifinals or beyond.
• By entering the Write LA competition, you agree that you have read the rules and conditions of the contest and that you have the authorization to submit your screenplay to Write LA. You further agree that your screenplay is owned by you (and co-author(s)).
• The entrant shall indemnify and hold harmless Write LA, its employees, contractors, agents, and Write LA judges from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, and/or publicity to the screenplay entered.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.