DeKalb Filmmakers Club

Screenwriting Competition

This month we will complete a screenplay competition. Submissions open to all aspiring screenwriters. Read below for details or email bennettm@dekalblibrary.org.

Find handouts and other resources on the DeKalb Filmmakers Club webpage.

No registration required.

Screenplay Competition Guidelines November 2024

The DeKalb Filmmakers Club will provide an educational and non-commercial opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters to complete a project through a “Screenplay Competition” on November 30, 2024.

Aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers will submit screenplays for a competition under set guidelines. 

All participants will vote on the screenplay they like the most. The winning screenplay will be produced and developed during Spring 2025 sessions with a May 2025 target shooting date.

Submission Guidelines

Entries will not be considered if they do not meet the following submission guidelines:

1. Entries should be original fiction narrative screenplays. No adaptations of pre-existing materials. Submissions must be original and unpublished.
   Special Note: Any submission created using AI software will not be considered original and will be disqualified.
2. Entries should be 5 pages maximum.
3. Entries should take place in no more than two locations maximum that can be shot in a DeKalb County Public Library branch.
4. Entries’ subject matter should meet a G, PG, or PG-13 rating standard.
5. Each entry must be accompanied by a cover page that includes: Title of story; Writer’s name; and Email Address. These will be redacted when undergoing judging process. No one except a librarian will see this information. 
6. Submit entry as a PDF using Courier font and screenplay formatting. Screenplay formatting resources can be found here: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/brilliant-script-screenplay-format/. We recommend these free screenplay software applications: Highland 2 for Mac; Trelby for PC and Mac; YouMeScript for Google Drive/Chromebook
7. Only online submissions accepted. One submission per writer only.

For questions email bennettm@dekalblibrary.org 
All submissions must be received by November 29, 2024 at bennettm@dekalblibrary.org

Competition and Judging Process

• All accepted entries will receive a table-read by readers and participants during the Filmmakers Club meeting on Saturday, November 30, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• All participants will receive a “Judging Sheet” to complete anonymously and will score 0-5 for Overall Quality.
• The competition host will tally “Judging Sheets” scores and share final results before the end of the session. 
• The host will allow supportive feedback for all screenwriters. 
• The winning screenwriter will receive a “Screenplay Agreement” to complete and return by January 1, 2025.

Submission Agreement

In submitting a screenplay entry for competition, you agree…

• To grant DeKalb County Public Library permission to have your original screenplay read in public for educational and non-commercial purposes by participants; 
• To grant DeKalb County Public Library permission to have your original screenplay considered for production by participant vote; 
• To grant DeKalb County Public Library non-exclusive rights to your screenplay, including the right to produce your screenplay into a short film for educational and non-commercial purposes by the “Filmmakers Club.”

Terms and Conditions

By submitting a screenplay to DeKalb County Public Library, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. By submitting a work to us, you guarantee that this is your original screenplay. You will retain ownership of your screenplay; but by submitting a screenplay, you agree to grant DeKalb County Public Library rights to produce an expression of video and sound recording of this screenplay with a “Written by” credit. Submitting your screenplay does not guarantee that your entry will be approved for production.

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