About Us

The Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Contest has been created by Craig James Pietrowiak a Chicago born filmmaker now living in Hollywood, California. Craig had been writing, producing and acting in independent films for years before deciding to launch the International Screenwriter's Association , a resource website for screenwriters. He created the site because he appreciates the hard work that screenwriters put into their screenplays and wanted to provide these writers all the tools necessary to improve their career. This contest is another extension of this philosophy. Craig knows how difficult it is to get your 'foot in the door' of the Hollywood system. With this Contest, he hopes to find undiscovered but talented screenwriters and get them closer to fulfilling their ultimate dream by meeting and learning from Top Hollywood Producers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the producers I'll meet if I win the Grand Prize?
Coming into the class, you should know that we will be meeting with production companies who have made movies. Some of them are headed by well-known actors, some are seasoned studio execs and yet others have just made their first big deal with the studios. For more details, go to here.

Who is in charge of this contest?
Craig James Pietrowiak of the International Screenwriting Association.

Do you accept entries via snail mail?
No. In attempt to be green, we’re not accepting Hard Copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online entries and online payments via paypal only.

Do I have to enter my script as a PDF?
You don’t have to but it is preferred. We accept these other formats: Final Draft, Word doc. and Movie Magic Screenwriter.

Can I include my title page WITH contact information?
Yes. We actually prefer that you include your title page with name and contact info but it does NOT affect the judging process either way.

Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
Yes.

Does my script have to be registered?
No BUT 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, always, even if you win the Grand Prize!

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?
Logline: YES! Synopsis: NO!

What categories and genres make up the TOP 10?
There will be 9 features screenplays, one from each genre plus 1 Pilot, the best pilot, chosen from all genres submitted.

What elements of the logline are taken into consideration during the judging?
Above all things, ORIGINALITY! Does your logline make me, the judge, want to read your script?

What if I re-write my logline, can I change it?
No. Once you’ve entered a script you can’t ‘change’ your logline. But you can enter a NEW logline to an existing entry for only $10. Each entry will be judged individually so if you’re having second thoughts or your new logline came to you in a dream, we recommend you re-enter it. You can do this as many times as you like. You simply have to pay the $10 fee each time.

Why would I enter a NEW logline for a script I already entered?
As you know a writer is never done polishing his material. Not every pitch works the first time you draft it. If you haven’t sold your script based on the logline yet, why not try to refine your pitch? We urge you to try a number of different loglines. Producers want to be WOW’d, they want to be intrigued and putting your best foot forward doesn’t always come from your very first effort. If you continually re-write your script, why aren’t you refining your logline, the first thing a producer typically sees?

Do I have to pay the FULL entry fee for a NEW logline?
No. Once you’ve entered a screenplay you can add NEW loglines as many times as you like for only $10. We intentionally kept the price low so that you can try and try again.

Do you accept ‘short’ screenplays?
No, not at this time.

What's the minimum/maximum required page length?
Features: 80 - 130 pages. TV Pilots: 30 - 70 pages. Shorts: under 40 pages.

My screenplay is longer than 130 pages. Will it be disqualified?
No but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages.

What genres do you accept? And can I enter in more than one?
We prefer you pick ONE genre that most represents your script. If you’d like to enter your script in multiple genres, then you will have to pay for the additional entry.
ACTION/ADVENTURE – ANIMATION/FANTASY – COMEDY – DRAMA - FAMILY – HISTORICAL – HORROR - SCIENCE FICTION - THRILLER

Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts, or spec scripts for existing TV series?
No, we’re sorry we do not. We accept ORIGINAL feature length screenplays, short scripts and TV pilots only.

Can I submit an adaptation of a book or play?
Absolutely, as long as you have full rights to the material and are the author.

Can I submit more than one screenplay?
You sure can! And each time you do, you can save $10. Just email us here for the discount code: Info@EmergingScreenwriters.com

If I enter my screenplay in more than one category do I get a discount?
You can enter your screenplay in as many categories as you like, and Yes, you’ll receive $10 off for each additional entry.

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.

Will entering early increase or decrease my chance of winning?
Entering early will neither increase nor decrease your chance of winning, but it will save you money!

How will I know you received my script?
You will receive an email confirmation, within 48 hours, confirming your entry. If you do not please email us here: Info@EmergingScreenwriters.com

Do you accept re-writes, or corrected versions of my script? What if I make a mistake and sent the wrong one?
We’re sorry but once you submit your screenplay we cannot accept a new copy, unless you ordered feedback. Then you CAN resubmit a re-write by January 31st. (Email us for info on how to re-submit) Otherwise, please be VERY careful to enter the correct version. If you make a legitimate mistake, and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here: Info@EmergingScreenwriters.com

What if my script is optioned or sold after I enter the contest?
As long as your script was not optioned or sold prior to the date you submitted it to the contest, you are still eligible for an award.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter the contest?
You sure can and we look forward to reading your work. Please just make sure it’s in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.

Does Paypal accept currencies other than the American Dollar?
Yes! Paypal is set up to exchange most currencies into the American Dollar. Please visit www.Paypal.com if you have any concerns.

When will I receive my FEEDBACK?
Your Feedback will be emailed to you within 45 days of submitting your script, usually much sooner. If you NEED it faster, you can pay a rush fee of $20. Please email us the request and we will bill you..

Any other questions feel free to email us here: Info@EmergingScreenwriters.com