05/11/2010
Write of Passage Screenwriting Contest
CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2nd Annual Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition
Top scripts compete for cash, prizes and Hollywood introductions
(producer Ralph Winter, "X-MEN Origins: Wolverine") and expert
critique from writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order,"
"Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken").
Selected Scripts are eligible to be produced by veteran producers for
the 9th Annual 168 Film Project and may screen at the 168 Film
Festival (April, 2011).
All entries will be written in 168 hours, based on a foundational
scripture, (theme TBD). Entry Deadline: Oct. 11th, 2010. Writing week
is Oct. 18-25, 2010.
Entry Fee: $35 (early bird special, $30, 168 members $25 until August
1st, 2010). Winners will be announced in November 2010.
Write of Passage Screenwriting Contest: F.A.Q.
The Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition is unique. Writers
compete for introductions to and feedback from Hollywood pros and
cash. Write of Passage utilizes participants called "Regional
Competition Producers" (RCP's) to judge the first round of the
competition. Think of them as Development Executives. RCP's compete
for introductions to Hollywood pros and producer credits. Write of
Passage will complement the 168 Film Project, allowing the best
writers a chance to be seen onscreen. Screenplays should show
authentic characters, not caricatures in redemptive, thought-provoking
stories that honor God.
Q: Will the 168 assign specific foundational verses or does the writer
choose the verse? A: 168 supplies the verse based on the same theme
that will be used for this year's 168 Film Project.
Q: Can I write as a team?
A: You can write by yourself or with partners.
Q: How do I interface with my RCP, I live in Russia?
A: Your RCP may be thousands of miles away and thus, he/she will use
email. If possible, teams will meet face-to-face and/or talk by
phone. If you live a long distance from each other, you can also use
programs like Skype which are free. (www.skype.com)
Q: How many screenplays may I enter?
A: As many as you like, but you must pay one entry fee per script.
Q: What's in it for Regional Competition Producers (RCP's)?
A: RCP benefits are: Your name goes in the program book. You are the
point person for a new creative community invigorated by your
leadership. You learn how to motivate and encourage a creative team
to achieve excellence. Your sense of story develops in amazing ways.
IF YOUR WRITER WINS: You are introduced as part of the creative team
to producer Ralph Winter. You get an Executive Producer credit if
your movie gets made. RCP is perhaps better described as Regional
Development Executive. This is excellent practice for those working
towards a career in story development.
Q: Do RCP's get free tickets for the 168 Film Festival?
A: Yes. RCP's attend the 168 Film Festival on us and get VIP treatment.
Q: What's in it for writers?
A: The winner gets the cash and a meeting with Producer Ralph Winter
(X-MEN), VIP treatment and Awards. Top 3 writers get Awards and
feedback from Writers/Producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order,"
"Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken"). Regional
Finalists (top 33%) and Finalists (top 20) are named in the 168 Film
Festival Program Book. Your script rating helps in marketing you. If
made, you get a writing credit and input on rewrites for the film.
Q: Do Write of Passage films compete with "168" entries?
A: No. They'll be screened in the Write of Passage Spotlight. They
may compete with each other.
Q: Can writers just submit scripts to the 168 Office?
A: No, you must work through your RCP.
Q: What if I don't like the RCP who is assigned to me?
A: I'm sorry, but we will not reassign writers unless there is an
extreme situation. It's an important skill to learn to be flexible
and be able to work with all sorts of people.
Q: Do I have to make all the changes my RCP suggests?
A: No, they are just there to help and suggest. You are in control of
your script so in the end write the script you want to make. But remember the RCP will also judge the first round, and if your RCP thinks something about your script is
really lacking...they most likely will still feel that way when they judge your script. As a writer, you will learn that sometimes a client or producer will ask you to make changes that you think are detrimental. Choose your battles wisely.
Q: How many scripts will be made into short films at the 168 Film Project?
A: We don’t know. Money is usually the limiting factor. We hope at least a few
will get made.
Q: How important is it for me to integrate the theme and verse into the
script? A: Very important. In fact it's so important that if you
choose not to do this, your script will not be a finalist.
Q: Can I submit a script I've already written?
A: No you cannot. This is a speed screenwriting competition. Everyone
will write with the same restrictions.
Q: What are the steps in the contest? Give me an overview.
1. Potential RCP's apply for the Regional Competition Producer position
2. Writers pay $35/$30 for 168 members, & enter contact info on the web.
3. You will get a confirmation
4. Assignment of Regional Competition Producer (RCP) by Oct. 11th
5. Your verse is sent Oct. 18 at 5pm (your time). ONLY THEN can you
begin writing.
6. You will send drafts to the RCP for critique per your agreed schedule
7. The RCP judges and sends entries to the finals in L.A.
8. Finalists are judged and announced in November 2010
9. 168 Film Project Veteran Producers bid on scripts they want to produce
10. Write of Passage Spotlight Screenings at the 168 Film Festival, April 2011
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