08/21/2009
Write of Passage Screenwriting Contest: F.A.Q.
The Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition is now OPEN FOR ENTRIES. Writers compete for introductions to and feedback from Hollywood pros and $1,000 cash. Write of Passage utilizes regional participants called "Regional Competition Producers" (RCP's) to judge the first round of the competition. 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.
Signups are Aug. 20 - Oct. 18, 2009. Writing week is Oct. 19-26,
2009. Submissions ($35 per writer/$30 for 168 members) must be no more than 12 pages and will be based on a supplied, scripture with the theme: "Hearing God."
Winners will be announced in November 2009.
Q: Should I expect some hiccups in the first year for Write of Passage?
A: Yes. One can never anticipate all the challenges, in a new venture. Please be patient with us and know that we are working diligently to make it an awesome experience!
Q: Will the 168 assign specific foundational verses or does the writer choose the verse? A: 168 supplies the verse based on the theme: "Hearing God." This is 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 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 to download and use. (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 are a (or THE) 168 point person in your area. You learn how to motivate and encourage a creative team to achieve excellence. Your sense of story develops in amazing ways. IF YOUR TEAM WINS: You get an introduction to Ralph Winter (X-MEN Producer). 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 development.
Q: Do RCP's get free tickets for the 168 Film Festival?
A: Yes. RCP's earn free tickets & VIP treatment as follows: Recruit a minimum of eight (8) writers for your team and get one (1) free All Fest Pass, 15 writers, wins two (2) Passes, 30 writers, wins four (4) Passes, 40 writers wins 6 Passes. Recruit 50 writers: win a free entry to the 168 Film Project, (four) 4 VIP All Fest Passes and a 168 Film Festival shout-out. Prize levels are not cumulative.
Q: What's in it for writers?
A: The winner gets $1,000 cash and a meeting with Producer Ralph Winter (X-MEN), VIP treatment and Awards. Top 3 writers get VIP treatment, Awards and feedback from Writer/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" entrys?
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 with a local RCP first.
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 that needs to be dealt with. In Hollywood you will often work
with people who you don't always see eye-to-eye. It's an important skill to
learn to be flexible and be able to work all sorts of people.
Q: Do I have to make all the changes my RCP suggests?
A: No, they are just there to help. 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 you progress in your craft as a writer, you will learn that
many times a client or producer may ask you to write something into the
script that you may think will "hurt" the piece. If you want to keep your
job you will just need to make the change and please the client or producer
and put your ego on the shelf.
Q: How many scripts will be made into short films at the 168 Film Project?
A: Being this is our first year, it's hard to tell. 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, you're 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 where everyone
will write the script with the same restrictions.
Q: What are the steps in the contest? Give me an overview.
1. RCP's apply for the Regional Competition Producer : RCP's Click here
2. Writers pay $35/$30 for 168 members, & enter contact inf Writers Click Here
3. You will get a confirmation
4. Assignment of Regional Competition Producer (RCP) by Oct. 18th
5. Your verse is sent Oct. 19 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. Finals are judged and awards are announced in November 2009
9. 168 Film Project Veteran Producers bid on scripts they want to produce
10. Write of Passage Spotlight Screenings at the 168 Film Festival, March 26-27
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