Contests as deadlines

[ooktheowl]

Hi,

I'm starting a re-write of my screenplay, and would like to set some goals. I've found that screenplay contests give me hard deadlines that keep me to my goals.

I would like to have the next draft finished by March. Does anyone know of good contests with March deadlines (or April if no good March contests)? I was thinking of maybe two contests.

Also, I know Nichols is in March. My screenplay is a family animation, which doesn't seem to win the Nichols contest . . . well, ever. Do you think it's still worth applying (since I've heard that even quarter finalists and semi-finalists get calls)?

Ook

[CutteRug]

Ook,

I would say if you're entering any contests, let the Nicholl Fellowship always be at the top of your list.

And yes, I can speak from personal experience - sf's will get upwards of two dozen calls, mostly from managers and management/prodcos, which can be especially valuable if you have other scripts besides the contest-placing one.

It's worth the $35 for a plausible shot at reputable representation.

As for the genre concerns, check out Disney, and Chesterfield. They're both reputable and might be better for family/animation flicks. Sorry I can't remember their entry dates, but there's a great book called (aptly enough) "How to Enter Screenplay Contests and Win". Believe it or not, the book is a valuable resource.

Cheers,

Cutt-

[gregbeal]

The Nicholl deadline is May 1.

The entry fee is $30.

The animated script LETTER QUEST earned a Nicholl Fellowship for Doug Davidson in 2004. At least one other animated script has reached the Nicholl finals. Since so few animated scripts are entered, they actually have performed better than statistically expected over the years.

[CutteRug]

Originally Posted by gregbeal

The entry fee is $30

Ouch. Sorry Greg, for quoting it as $35. You'd think after 6 years of entering, I'd remember something that simple!

Cheers,

Adam

[Molly Maguire]

Originally Posted by CutteRug

As for the genre concerns, check out Disney, and Chesterfield.

Chesterfield hasn't been held for three years now.

-Mol

[CutteRug]

Originally Posted by Molly Maguire

Chesterfield hasn't been held for three years now.

LOL - I'm two for two!

/shutting up now/

Cutt-

[ooktheowl]

Originally Posted by gregbeal

The Nicholl deadline is May 1.
The animated script LETTER QUEST earned a Nicholl Fellowship for Doug Davidson in 2004. At least one other animated script has reached the Nicholl finals. Since so few animated scripts are entered, they actually have performed better than statistically expected over the years.

Originally Posted by CutteRug

Ook,

As for the genre concerns, check out Disney,
Cutt-

That actually is encouraging to hear about the animated script winning. It sounds like Nichills is definitely worth entering. Thanks so much for the advice & personal experience with it.

I have considered Disney, but I was worried about two things: (a) it is a "diversity" fellowship, and I'm a caucasian female, and (b) they seem to want you to drop what you're doing for that year, and - unlike Nicholls - will not wait until you graduate. I'm a Ph.D student, so I'd have to think twice about entering.

[Boobsie Malone]

Cart: meet horse.

Don't worry about whether you'll be able to do the Disney program, or Nicholl, or whatever, until you actually hear from them. Why not enter and just see how you do?