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RULES

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Submission Deadlines and Announcements

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  • Competition Opens – July 1, 2022

  • Early Deadline – August 1, 2022 – $25

  • Regular Deadline – September 1, 2022 – $35

  • Final Deadline – October 1, 2022 – $45

  • Written Feedback - $85 extra

  • Finalists (Top 10) and Winner Announced – November 1, 2022

 

Written Feedback Option

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Written feedback may be added to any entry  for an additional $85. The feedback consists of at least one page of notes focused on what the script does well, as well as areas of possible improvement, and helpful suggestions. All feedback is written by Head Judge Tim Schildberger and will be delivered after the Semifinalists are announced and before January 15, 2022.

 

Regarding Your Entry

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  • 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 Finalist 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 Shorts or Write LA winners 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 Shorts 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 also acceptable, but not required.

  • All entrants retain complete ownership of their scripts.

  • An entry should consist of an original short film (maximum 25 pages). No TV Pilots are 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 through FilmFreeway or Coverfly. Scripts sent by mail or email are not eligible.

  • Any genre is welcome. No genre  will be given preference.

  • Adaptations are permissible provided that 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

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  • By entering Write LA Shorts, 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 therein may be similar or identical to other material already received and/or developed by one or more of the judges.

  • By entering Write LA Shorts, 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 Finals or beyond.

  • Write LA Shorts winners give permission to Write LA to audio and video record their script, and to be responsible for casting, shooting, and editing of the 'reading'. Winners also agree to the final film produced by Write LA to be to shown at short film festivals that reach an agreement with Write LA in calendar year 2023 only. Write LA holds no ownership claim on the script, or the completed film, and at no stage has authorization to seek to profit from the completed film.

  • By entering the Write LA Shorts 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 Shorts. 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 Shorts 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.

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