Objective

$15,000 in Cash Prizes. $10,000 1st Place Cash Prize for Feature screenplays! The Vail Film Institute launched the Vail Film Festival Screenplay Competition in order to find and foster the next generation of the film world's most innovative and creative screenwriters. With the realization that every great film needs a great story, the festival is dedicated to supporting talented screenwriters by utilizing the resources of the Vail Film Festival to foster the winning screenwriters through networking opportunities, and film industry access. The festival awards prizes to the top six winners in both the feature and short screenplay categories. Attending filmmakers/producers have included Kevin Smith, Zach Braff, Luke Wilson, Harold Ramis, Edward Pressman (Wall Street, American Psycho), Christine Lubrano (IFC), Adam Kassen (81 Pictures), Rob Williams (Wellspring), Laura Bickford (Traffic), and many more.

Deadline/Entry Fees

Notification: February 22, 2019

Rules

1. You may enter as many scripts as you like, but each must be accompanied by a separate Entry and the required entry fee.
2. Entries must be written in English. The screenplay(s) must be original and unproduced at the time of submission. Optioned scripts are acceptable for entry.
3. Entries must be submitted online. ONLINE ENTRY: Online entry can only be accepted for screenplays submitted through Final Draft (.FDR or .FDS), Adobe (.PDF), or Microsoft Word formats.
4. All scripts must conform to standard screenplay format.
5. Scripts must be between 70-125 pages in length. All pages other than the first page should be numbered.
6. Judging is solely on the screenplay. Do not include the following information or materials as they will be disregarded: logline, synopsis, treatment, or any additional materials not specifically requested.
7. Script collaborations are allowed, however, each writer must sign the application form (space is provided on the form), and the work must be the sole and exclusive property of the collaborators.
8. Once a screenplay has been submitted, substitutions of new drafts WILL NOT be accepted under any circumstances.
9. Writer(s) retain ALL rights for their entry(ies) when entering our competition.
10. Adaptations are acceptable for entry in our competition only if you have all the appropriate and/or required approvals/waivers/permissions from any and all right holders. If you are unsure, please consult an entertainment attorney for your own protection

Awards

1st Place
1st Place Screenwriting Winner receives: $10,000 cash prize. Screenplay highly recommended and sent by the festival to established producers and agents. Designated Vail Film Festival Press Release to national media announcing the Screenplay Competition Winners, and listing the screenplay as the 1st place winner. Announcement as winner of the VFF Screenwriting Competition at the Official Awards Ceremony covered by national media. Announcement of winner in festival newsletter and listing on festival website and in Official festival program guide.
Cash Award Value: 10,000 U.S. Dollar
Value of Goods/Services: 15,000 U.S. Dollar

2nd Place
2nd Place Screenwriting Winner receives: $1500 Cash Prize. Screenplay highly recommended and sent by the festival to established producers and agents. Designated Vail Film Festival Press Release to national media announcing the Screenplay Competition Winners, and listing the screenplay as the 2nd place winner. Announcement of award in festival newsletter and listing on festival website and in Official festival program guide.
Value of Goods/Services: 3,000 U.S. Dollar

3rd Place
3rd Place Screenwriting Winner receives: $500 Cash Prize. Screenplay highly recommended and sent by the festival to established producers and agents. Designated Vail Film Festival Press Release to national media announcing the Screenplay Competition Winners, and listing the screenplay as the 3rd place winner. Announcement of award in festival newsletter and listing on festival website and in Official festival program guide.
Value of Goods/Services: 1,500 U.S. Dollar