Objective

A new kind of screenplay competition presented by LA Screenwriter and LiveRead/LA.

Write/LA is dedicated to helping writers improve their craft so they can find success in the ultra-competitive world of screenwriting. We will be awarding three writers of either feature or television projects the opportunity to come to Los Angeles to improve their craft, experience the industry (which means meeting people currently working in it), and have their work celebrated at an exclusive live read gala.

Why are we different? We’re tired of contests that promise big breaks but don’t deliver. The only way to succeed in this business is mastering your craft. That’s why we focus on helping writers who are on the cusp improve their skills, gain exposure to real people in the industry, and see their words come to life through a a one-of-a-kind live read event.

Deadline/Entry Fees

Expired. Previous Deadline: 09/02/2018

WinningScripts Pro $5 Off Coupon

Notification:

Quarterfinalists (Top 50) Announced – November 1, 2018;
Semi-finalists (Top 20) Announced – November 15, 2018;
Finalists (Top 8) Announced – December 1, 2018;
Winners (Top 3) Announced – December 7, 2018

Grand Prize Experience – January 2019

Rules

Written Feedback Option – $55

Written feedback may be added to any entry for $55. The feedback will consist of one page of notes focused on what the script does well and areas of possible improvement with helpful suggestions. All feedback will be written by experienced Industry professionals, including Head Judge Tim Schildberger (who will approve ALL feedback). All feedback will be delivered after the quarterfinalists are announced on November 1, 2018, and before December 15, 2018.

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 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.
• 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 also acceptable, but not required.
• 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 at the Film Freeway site. 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 from other works are permissible provided that the writer has permission to adapt the work. Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
• Any script currently under option or previously optioned or sold is NOT eligible.
• Collaborative work is eligible. By submitting, writing teams acknowledge that all members of the writing team agree to these terms and conditions.
• Do not include resumes, pitches, synopses, casting suggestions, letters, or other supporting documentation with your submission. Judges will not receive 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, LiveRead/LA, and LA Screenwriter are not eligible for the competition.

Regarding the Grand Prize

For each grand prize winner, Write/LA will pay for airfare to Los Angeles (up to $500 USD) and one hotel room for the grand prize experience scheduled for January 2019. Transportation while in Los Angeles to all scheduled Write/LA events will also be provided, along with all meals. If any winning writer cannot get to Los Angeles for less than $500, the winner will be responsible for any travel costs in excess of $500. If a grand prize winner lives outside of the United States, he or she will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas and/or passports to enter the country. Write/LA will work with the winners to book flights, where possible. If a winning writer lives in the Los Angeles area, no cash equivalent for the airfare or hotel room will be provided. If a writing team is selected, only one $500 airfare and hotel room package will be awarded. The writing team will be responsible for determining how they will share the prize, and only two writers will be allowed to share the hotel room. Up to four members of winning writing teams will be allowed to participate in the grand prize screenwriting workshop and live read gala event.

The grand prize screenwriting workshop will be a private workshop open only to the winning writers. Other people in attendance may include professional actors (for table reads throughout the workshop), select members of the Write/LA staff, and Industry Insiders.

The Boilerplate Stuff

• By entering Write/LA, you acknowledge and agree that contest judges receive numerous submissions of ideas, stories, and scripts, and that your entry and the ideas and stories embodied in it may be similar or identical to other material already received and/or developed by one or more of the judges.
• By entering Write/LA, you understand that Write/LA, LiveRead/LA, and LA Screenwriter will be free to use your name, script title, and logline for promotional purposes without additional consideration should you qualify for the Quarter Finals or beyond.
• Write/LA winners give permission to Write/LA, LiveRead/LA, and LA Screenwriter to audio and video record their live read gala script reading for use on websites and social media platforms.
• 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 the Write/LA contest. You further agree that your screenplay is owned by you (and co-author(s)).
• The entrant shall indemnify and hold harmless Write/LA, LA Screenwriter, and LiveRead/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.

Awards

Three winners will receive round-trip domestic airfare to Los Angeles and three nights accommodation at iconic Hollywood hotel, The Standard, in January 2019. When in LA, they will have breakfast with Industry Insiders, participate in an intensive two-day writing workshop led by Head Judge and experienced script consultant Tim Schildberger, and have up to 30 pages of their winning script read by professional actors on stage at an invite-only gala.

Quarterfinalists (Top 50) will receive exclusive discounts to future LiveRead/LA events and competitions, have their name published on the Write/LA, LiveRead/LA, and LA Screenwriter websites, and receive two complimentary tickets to the invite-only live read gala.

Semi-finalists (Top 20) will also receive a feedback phone call from Head Judge Tim Schildberger, a professional logline polish from Angela Bourassa (founder of LA Screenwriter), and their polished logline posted on the Write/LA, LiveRead/LA, and LA Screenwriter websites.

Finalists (Top 8) will also receive written feedback from a working Industry Insider and VIP status at our gala event, including an onstage presentation.