Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the contest?
The New American Screenplay Contest is the only non profit short Screenplay contest which will produce the top winner in the short category, submit them all to the most appropriate festivals. The Feature Film Screenplay Grand Prize Winner receives a $500 cash prize and possible option. The New American Screenplay Contest encourages both emerging and established screenwriters.
What are the prizes?
PRIZES
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Short: (5 to 40 minutes)
Grand Prize Grand Prize winner:
- produced with a budget up to 100K
- submitted to acclaimed film festivals
- distributed to producers partnering with The New American Screenplay Contest
- winner receives 10 DVD copies of finished film
– meeting with Hollywood literary agent
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1st runner up First Runner up receives:
– filmmaker package/ basic product suite from Sony Creative - $125 value
- screenplay distributed to agents and producers partnering with The New American Screenplay Contest
- Free one year Inktip registration - $120 value
2nd Runner up 2nd Runner Up receives Creative Screenwriting Magazine subscription - $29.95 value
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Feature: (80 to 120 minutes)
Grand prize Grand Prize Winner receives:
- $500 cash prize
- 1 year option for production through The New American Screenplay Contest and its partners
- Full filmmaker package from Sony Creative Software - $125 value
- Script distributed to agents and producers partnering with The New American Screenplay Contest
- Meeting with Hollywood Literary Agent
- Subscription to Creative Screenwriting Magazine - $29.95 value
- Free one year Inktip registration - $120 value
- Final Draft 8 software– $249.00 value
1st and 2nd Runners Up receive:
- Creative Screenwriting Magazine subscription - $29.95 value
- Free one year Inktip registration - $120 value
- Distribution of script to Hollywood literary agents and managers working with The New American Screenplay Contest
What are the Submission Deadlines?
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| |
Entry Fees |
Postmarked or submitted online through "Without a Box" by: January 15, 2010 |
$35 |
Postmarked or submitted online through "Without a Box" by: February 15, 2010 |
$40 |
Postmarked or submitted online through "Without a Box" by: March 15, 2010 |
$45 |
| Postmarked or submitted online through "Without a Box" by: April 15 , 2010 |
$50 |
Withoutabox EXTENDED DEADLINE: April 30, 2010 |
$55 |
Extended Deadline April 30, 2010!
No entries will be received after April 15, 2010
How Do I Submit my Screenplay?
New American Screenplay Contest prefers online entries submitted via Withoutabox.com,which provides cost-saving, paperless submission to film festivals around the world.
Withoutabox’s internet-only submission platform features online applications via one master entry form, online fee payments, press kits, and the option to use Secure Online Screeners, an economical, eco-friendly, and secure alternative to traditional hard-copy DVD submissions. Fill out one master entry form and take advantage of quick entry, extended deadlines, and powerful submission management tools. There’s no extra cost to you, and by submitting, you’ll join Withoutabox’s global filmmaker community and stay in the loop about international exhibition opportunities.
Click to submit your film today!
Who do I make the submission check out to?
We only accept submissions through WithoutABox.com
Who will select the winners?
The New American Screenplay Contest winners will be selected by a panel of industry judges, including the staff of Circus Theatricals.
When will the winners and finalists be announced?
The three winners and top-ten finalists will be announced around June 1, 2010.
How will I learn whether I'm the winner or a finalist?
The winners and top-ten finalists will be contacted directly by Circus Theatricals in April, 2010.
May I submit a revised version of my entry?
We do not accept revisions, as noted in the Official Rules.
Can I base my screenplay on other works?
Screenplay submissions must be the original work of the entrant(s). Adaptations and material based in any way on other media for which the author does not have the rights will be disqualified.
How can I confirm that my entry was received?
You can keep track of your submission through WithoutABox.com
Do you provide notes, coverage, or feedback to screenwriters?
No, not this year.
Are citizens of countries other than the United States eligible?
Yes. However, screenplay submissions must be in the English language and will be protected only under U.S. copyright law.
Can I enter more than one screenplay to the contest?
Yes, but please note that each screenplay submission requires a separate entry form and a separate entry fee.
Can I enter the same script from a previous year's contest?
Of course, but it is advised to submit a new script, unless the previously submitted script has changed drastically.
Should I include a title page and, if so, what should be on it?
There is no need to include a title page as submissions are read blindly and identified only by assigned tracking numbers. However, entries submitted with a title page will still be accepted. We'll simply remove that information from the script before giving it to a reader.
Should I include a logline or synopsis?
It is entirely up to you.
Can I submit a screenplay adapted from another work?
The screenplay submissions must be the original work of the applicant and may not be based, in whole or in part, on any other work for which the writer does not own rights. An entry may be adapted from the applicant's original work, works in the public domain, and from works to which the author owns all film rights—this should be noted in the entry form. If the script is based on a true story, historical or contemporary, that should be noted in the entry form.
What is the U.S. Motion Picture industry standard screenplay format?
You may consult any number of screenwriting books or screenwriting software. You may also refer to our guide to standard screenplay format, which is in the Screenplay section of the member area of this site.
Please do your best to ensure that your screenplay is formatted correctly. Proof your screenplay for typos and spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Please make certain that your pages are properly numbered.
What is the average length of short screenplays?
We accept short screenplays that are over five minutes in length.
How do I copyright my work?
You are responsible for ensuring copyright of your work. For answers to all U.S. copyright questions (e.g., about procedures, fees, etc.), consult the Library of Congress's copyright website at www.loc.gov/copyright.
If I win, who will direct my short film?
Your short film will be directed by a "name" Hollywood director. It will be in sure hands.
If I win, who will act in my short film?
Circus Theatricals will cast the short films with professional Hollywood actors, many who are recognizable names and faces from TV, Film and Stage.
Why is the nonprofit company called Circus Theatricals? Are you a Circus?
We get asked this question alot! No, we are not a circus, although we do find ourselves often juggling many projects at once! Seriously, when Jack Stehlin founded the company, he wanted to find a way to honor his family, which is made up of several generations of circus performers in Australia, the U.K., and here in the United States. Jack's Uncle Con Colleano was a famous wire walker. Jack's mother Kitty and her three siblings were a famous juggling act who performed center ring with the Ringling Brothers, and were often seen on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Circus Theatricals Foundation is a Los Angeles-based non-profit theatre company which is branching out into the productions of short films. Since we are dedicated to supporting, encouraging, mentoring, and promoting emerging artists, the short screenplay contest seemed like a natural fit.
With all other questions, please e-mail us: jeannine@circustheatricals.com
