FAQ

Why do we ONLY accept electronic entries?

In the early years of the BlueCat Screenplay Competition, every entry was a “hard copy” screenplay, printed on paper and mailed to us via postal services.At first, it was exciting to see the piles and piles of screenplays. But every year, when it came time to recycle all those scripts, the thought in our minds grew louder: “Wow, this is a lot of paper!”

Shortly after we began to accept screenplays electronically, it became quite clear how much waste was created by BlueCat’s acceptance of paper entries.

Everyone knows the importance of respecting our natural resources, and we all love to write and read stories set on Earth and beyond. BlueCat is now asking all writers to join us as we strive to act responsibly as inhabitants of our home, this planet.

In light of this, BlueCat will no longer accept paper submissions. Join BlueCat in using the wonderful tools we have today to create and discover the stories we will see on the screen tomorrow! ENTRANTS MAY STILL PAY ENTRY FEE BY POSTAL MAIL, please follow the submission procedure for directions.

How do I convert my file into a PDF?

Click on this link to find out how.

What happens if I submit the wrong Screenplay File?

Under absolutely no circumstances will substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entry screenplay(s) be made. Screenplays will not be returned.

Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?

No.

Does my script have to be registered?

No. We do recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.

Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?

Yes.

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?

No.

Do you accept short screenplays?

Yes. We will be accepting Short Screenplays in the upcoming 2014 Competition. 

What’s the minimum/maximum required page length?

Features 75 – 125 pages.

What genres do you accept?

We accept and welcome all genres.

If submitted electronically, does my script get read on the computer screen or is it printed out?

Due to environmental concerns, electronic entries are not printed on paper.

How can you guarantee a script is even read and given an equal shot?

Two different readers will read each script, with each reader providing a full page of written analysis. See examples here.

What elements of the script are taken into consideration during the judging?

Story, Characterization, Dialogue, Description, Clarity, and Originality.

Where are the Rules & Guidelines?

Click here.

Why don’t you allow people to use pen names when submitting to the competition?

Due to abuses in the past whereby entrants were resubmitting submissions under various names, we no longer accept pen names.
 
 

Your contest details say, “Any screenplay submitted early and having received our early analysis can be resubmitted by November 15th, 2012 for the reduced fee of $40.”

What is “early”? What is the deadline to qualify for an “early submission” and “early analysis”?

Any screenplay submitted before the Regular Deadline of October 15th may be resubmitted by our Final Deadline of November 15th.

Regarding resubmissions for the screenplay contest: How many times can you submit the same screenplay for analysis before the final deadline of Nov 15th?

For example: If I submit on June 15th according to the schedule it looks like I’d get analysis by June 25th. So, I could make some corrections and re-submit on July 1st or August 1st and re-submit corrected versions perhaps one or two more times before the final entry deadline of Nov 15th?

Also, is it $40 per resubmission and one analysis (perhaps by the same reader – upon request)?

You can resubmit your screenplay as many times as you wish prior to our Final Deadline of November 15th. Each resubmission requires a $40 fee and will receive one analysis.

$43,000

IN AWARDS
Short & Feature Screenplays Eligible • All Entries Receive Written Analysis
(Submission Info)