About the Contest

Guidelines & Judging

ACCEPTED ENTRIES

- Scripted television series (EX: Modern Family, The Wire, Fringe)

- Reality series or game show format (EX: Deal or No Deal, Survivor, Dog the Bounty Hunter)

- Original mini-series

- Webseries pitches intended to be adapted for cable or network television

Written or video submissions accepted. For written pitches:

- Anything from a two-sentence logline to a 3-5 page treatment. Longer treatments also accepted, but please do not send full-length scripts. Pitches may be emailed direct to idea@scriptpipeline.com.

- Longer submissions are judged the SAME way as short ones, so whatever length you think is best for your story. You can include a title and genre, but only the idea itself is critiqued.

For video pitches:

- Submit a link to the video after registration by e-mailing idea@scriptpipeline.com. We also recommend Posterous to upload videos and send a private link. Whichever method is easiest.

- Videos can be any length, but remember, shorter is typically better. Web series are also accepted, but our judges will only review the first episode and any supplemental pitch materials.

JUDGING

Judges are comprised of our full-time readers and industry partners, including active managers and producers, as well as Script Pipeline executives. Ideas are graded almost exclusively on originality and marketability.

Prizes, Deadlines and Results

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

- $1,500 cash

- Meetings with producers and development executives from Paradigm and Benderspink to discuss potential development.

- Consultation sessions with Script Pipeline executives to get your TV premise ready for circulation.

- Exposure to additional production companies and industry contacts looking to develop TV material specific to your winning premise.

RUNNERS-UP

- Consultations and personal sessions with Script Pipeline's development team to fine-tune the TV concept for potential circulation ($500 value).

PRIZES

- 20 Five-Year Memberships to Script Pipeline's Writers Database, a screenwriter resource tool ($2,000 value)

- 5 consultations with a Script Pipeline analyst ($1,000 value)

DEADLINE: 6.15.2013

Competition Rules

Standard competition agreement.

And these general rules:

- Concept must be for a scripted or unscripted television series, reality show (including game shows), or mini-series.

- Adaptations from your own published or produced work (e.g. a graphic novel) are accepted.

- It is highly advised that you register your concept with the WGA prior to submitting, however it is not required. Script Pipeline will NOT share your idea with anyone unless you are chosen as a finalist AND give us explicit permission to do so.

- Previous Script Pipeline writers (Workshop, contest winners, etc.) are welcome to submit.

- Goes without saying, but the concept must be WHOLLY ORIGINAL and not based on an existing series, even if you have the most amazing spin on The Walking Dead--think of your own post-apocalyptic zombie series. Specs may be submitted to our TV Writing Competition.

FAQ/Contact

How should I format my entry? We'll accept anything from a logline (as brief as a sentence) all the way up to a full treatment. We'll also review video pitches through a private link or as an attached file. Usually, the best entries are a one-page synopsis or breakdown of your story, highlighting the unique elements of the pitch especially.

Previous winners and runners-up have sent everything from a 10-word logline, to a 2-minute video pitch, to a longer treatment with graphics and illustrations, so it's really up to you. Whatever format you prefer that best exemplifies your idea.

Will I be disqualified for a formatting reason? No. If for some reason we can't open the file, or there's an issue with the entry itself, we'll contact you immediately, and you'll be able to re-send.

If I win, do I need the completed TV pilot or series bible ready? Not at all. If you do, fantastic, but it won't affect the outcome of the contest. We're looking for original, unique concepts, no need to have a completed TV script.

Do you want a specific type of genre? Format? No genre restrictions--anything you want to pitch is fine, live-action or animated. Although we are looking for commercial, high-concept ideas. The next Breaking Bad or Mad Men would do just fine.

Can I submit more than one idea for the same fee? Is there a limit to the number of submissions? There is no limit to the number of entries. Each idea, however, is a separate entry fee.

What if the idea is from my existing script or novel? Am I still eligible? Yes. As long as the idea is original (i.e. your own creation) and intended to be a TV show or mini-series.

I have a reality show idea based around a celebrity. Is that ok? Unless you’re the celebrity, or have that entity’s written consent, then no. Plus, it’d be tough to compete against a Kardashian. . . .

Is my idea protected? No one outside of Script Pipeline's small team of judges will review your pitch/idea. For the winner, we will not send out their winning idea until we have their consent.

If I win, will my travel costs be reimbursed? How will the meetings with the companies work? The writer will cover any travel costs if the meeting is in person. However, meetings with the companies will likely be conducted over the phone if the winner isn’t living in Los Angeles.

Is the competition open to international entrants? Yes, anyone meeting the criteria can enter.

Any other questions on the contest? Confused on how to submit? No problem: shoot us an email at idea@scriptpipeline.com.

Contest Directors: Chad Clough / Matt Misetich
Email: idea@scriptpipeline.com

Script Pipeline
1304 N. Highland Ave. #272
Hollywood, CA 90028

Industry requests for the winning TV concepts should email industry@scriptpipeline.com.

Deadlines and Prizes

GRAND PRIZE

$1,500 cash