Q: Why do I have to pay to enter?

A: In order to ensure that the competition is sustainable from year to year and can provide entrants with the chance of winning cash prizes, it is necessary to help underpin the prize fund.  Wherever possible additional funding is sought to provide writers' with more opportunities to buy themselves more freelance writing time, with a view to develop their craft or create new writing opportunities - however there is no restiction on what the prize money is to be used for, holidays, car maintenance, or pizza's - the choice is yours. The cost of the feedback report is very time consuming and therefore has to be factored into the entry fee. 

As a footnote, last year none of the judges took any payment for giving up their time to read any of the scripts, or attend any of the online or face to face meetings to discuss the script choices.  They are a dedicated group of successful writers who are committed to encouraging aspiring or emerging writers.

Q: What can I expect for my entry fee?

A: The chance to have my script read by three different sources:  1) Lucy Vee is not only a qualified script reader who is frequently used by a variety of film companies and organisations, but is also a successful writer, represented by the Blake Friedman agency, who understands the importance of receiving constructive feedback on the merits and opportunities of a script narrative 2) My synopsis and treatment read by a selection of trusted film production companies who are actively looking to work with the writer and develop a script for film entry - whilst this is not a guarantee of entry, if a script meets the interests of a production company they will contact the writer for further discussions 3) This year's patron and judges will read the entries 4) An opportunity to be shortlisted for one of the cash prizes 5) The six shortlisted finalists in both categories, will receive a free ticket to one of the Prequel or Sequel to Cannes film networking events  6) A legitimate and honest opportunity to have my work read and know that it will be treated with respect and integrity.

Q: Who are the organisers?

A: Rosie Jones from Creative Thoughts Productions, is a writer, founder and organiser of the successful Prequel and Sequel to Cannes Film Networking events.  She understands the importance of receiving professional feedback on your work by the industry professionals', who know what screen developers and producers are currently scouting for.

Q: Are multiple entries accepted

A: As long as they meet all the entry requirements laid out in the official terms and conditions, and are accompanied by one entry form per script along with individual payment per script - Yes, definitely...

Q: What is an Industry format script?

A: Look at the layout of a film script on the BBC Writersroom Script page, or download an example from one of the well-known films like Jaws for example, from one of the free script websites, or visit your local research library who will help you to source a script example.  The guideline is: one page of film script format is approximately one minute of running time; hence 10 pages for the short film script competition and 96 pages for the feature script competition.

Q: What if I want to make an amendment after submission?

A: No amendments can be made, no correspondence can be entered into and the judges decision will be final.

Q: Why can't I enter a script that has won a previous prize?

A: This competition is designed to generate fresh new and original writing that hasn't seen the light of day elsewhere.