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Pavaline Short Script Competitions FAQs
BASICS
Where can I find the eligibility requirements and the complete contest rules?
How often do you run your contest?
Can I enter if I’m not a Pavaline member?
Does my script have to be a specific genre?
Does my script have to be in a particular format?
Is there a minimum and/or maximum page length?
Will there be feedback?
How much does it cost to enter?
Do the entry fees go toward covering the production of the winning script?
My short script includes children/animals/expensive stunts. Is that a problem?
If my name doesn’t appear in my script, how will my script be tracked?
My script is only 5 pages long. Why do you need a logline?
ELIGIBILITY
I don't live in the US. Can I still enter the contest?
I have an agent/am an optioned screenwriter/have sold a script. Can I still enter?
I already won your contest once. Can I enter again?
JUDGING, TRACKING, NOTIFICATION, AND PRIZES
Who judges the contests?
How does the judging work?
How many finalists are there?
If I am a finalist, what happens then?
When do you notify the winners?
How do you notify the winners?
Will you produce the winning script exactly as is?
The script I am submitting is part of a writing team.
I'm part of a writing team. If we win, will you fly us both to New York?
My short script is set in the rain forest/the desert/Paris. If I win, will you fly me to those locations for the shoot?
If I win and you produce my film, can you guarantee that it will screen at film festivals or otherwise garner attention?
If you make my film, will I get IMDb credit?
Where can I find the eligibility requirements and the complete contest rules?
Please click here for a full list of rules and regulations.
How often do you run your contest?
Every two months by rotating genre. Keep checking the website for the deadlines in the genres you're interested in.
Can I enter if I’m not a Pavaline Community Network member?
When you enter our contest, you automatically become a basic member. Basic membership is free and you will have to pay the full fee to submit material to
Pavaline Studios through Pavaline.com. Professional members automatically receive a 25% discount on
all services, including competition entries.
Does my script have to be a specific genre?
Since our contests are themed, your script has to fit the genre you are entering.
Does my script have to be in a particular format?
Yes, your script should be in standard entertainment industry script format.
See the Script Format Guidelines for details.
Is there a minimum and/or maximum page length?
Yes. Your script should be at least 5 pages and no more than 20 pages in length.
Will there be feedback?
No, sorry. If you’d like feedback, you can submit your scripts to our highly experienced readers
in our development department for coverage. Visit our Open Submissions page for details.
How much does it cost to enter?
The entry fees are currently as follows:
Basic members
$9.99
Pro Members
$7.49 (25% off)
Do the entry fees go toward covering the production of the winning script?
No, the entry fees have nothing to do with the cost of producing the winning script. They are simply there to help offset the significant
administrative and reader costs associated with running the contest.
My short script includes children/animals/expensive stunts. Is that a problem?
Concentrate on writing the best story you can, keeping in mind that yes, there are budget limitations. If your script knocks our socks off, we'll find a way to film it.
If my name doesn’t appear in my script, how will my script be tracked?
Your script is assigned a number in our database that serves to identify your script. We keep records of everyone who has accessed your script through Pavaline during the competition.
My script is only 5 pages long. Why do you need a logline?
Loglines make it easier for us discuss scripts without having to rely solely on the title. Loglines help ensure that we’re all on the same page—and talking about the same script.
I don't live in the US. Can I still enter the contest?
Yes, we welcome submissions from other countries. Please keep in mind however that:
- your script must be in English,
- you yourself should speak and write English well enough to be able to participate in development meetings,
- your entry fee must be paid online and in US dollars.
I have an agent/am an optioned screenwriter/have sold a script. Can I still enter?
Yes, as long as you own all rights to the script you are entering and it is
not currently under option or has been sold and you agree to our Competition Release. If during the course of the contest your script is optioned or sold, you must notify Pavaline immediately.
I already won your contest once. Can I enter again?
Yes you can enter again. In fact, we encourage you to enter as often as you like.
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JUDGING, TRACKING, NOTIFICATION, AND PRIZES
Who judges the contests?
The judging panel is made up of Pavaline's development team, readers who have collectively read thousands of scripts, and other industry experts.
How does the judging work?
Judging is anonymous and occurs in three phases. Scripts are judged and scored on elements such as plot, character, themes, dialogue, originality, etc. Finalists are notified after the second phase. The script with the highest score after the third and final phase of judging is declared the grand prize winner. Second and third place are awarded to the next-highest scoring scripts.
How many finalists are there?
At least ten. In the event of a tie, we include all ties up to 15 scripts.
If I am a finalist, what happens then?
If you are a finalist, you will be notified after the second phase of judging. You will also be contacted for a brief interview to determine if the rights to your material are still available and cleared and verify your information and eligibility. If everything checks out, your script will advance to the next phase of judging.
When do you notify the winners?
The winners will generally be notified about two months after the contest deadline.
If you entered a contest with a deadline of March 31, you should hear from us around July 1st.
How do you notify the winners?
Winners will be notified personally, by email and telephone. All participants and Pavaline Network Members will be notified of the contest results by email. Results will also be posted on the website.
Will you produce the winning script exactly as is?
It depends. We make our selections based on our belief in a writer's talent and his/her unique voice. Nevertheless, we believe the resulting film should accurately represent our winning writer's talent at the highest level possible. If needed, we work with our winner to develop the script to its fullest potential before production.
The script I am submitting is part of a writing team.
Please be advised that you may be contacted to verify all writing team members
I'm part of a writing team. If we win, will you fly us both to New York?
No. Pavaline can only award prizes to one writer per script. But your partner is welcome to come along at his/her expense.
My short script is set in the rain forest/the desert/Paris. If I win, will you fly me to those locations for the shoot?
Yes. Keep in mind we have limits on travel expenses and lodging. However for production needs, we will consider options that best represent locations without having to go over budget.
If I win and you produce my film, can you guarantee that it will screen at film festivals or otherwise garner attention?
We are committed to finding new talent and showcasing the films we produce. We will do our best to promote our winners through our established relationships with film festivals and other distributors.
However, film festivals make their selections independently of us. Therefore, we can not promise that your film will be accepted for screening at a particular festival.
If you make my film, will I get IMDb credit?
IMDb credit is based on projects that have been or are clearly going to be distributed. We will certainly submit each produced project for consideration on IMDb, but it is IMDb that decides to include or not include a listing.
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