Basically here's all we need: two copies of your television screenplay (or short film), the entry fee, and a completed application (tv, treatments, & shorts application, tv, treatments, & shorts synopsis, and tv, treatments, & shorts release). The television screenplay or short film must not have been sold or optioned at the time of submission.  See our tv, treatments, and shorts entry rules if all you are looking for is an outline of the the submission process.

Where can I get my application?

Applications can be printed from our website, downloaded, or you can contact the American Accolades by mail or email for a hard copy. When requesting by mail, please include a stamped, self addressed, business sized envelope to:

American Accolades TV, Treatments, & Shorts
2118 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 160B
Santa Monica, CA 90403

When is the American Accolades entry deadline and what does it cost to enter?

FINAL  DEADLINE: 
Entries must be post-marked by January 7, 2006  / Fee $50

All payments should be made by check or money order, payable to: American Accolades/TV & Shorts.

All artists who compete automatically receive new application forms for subsequent competitions.

May I enter more than one screenplay or short?

Yes. Applicants submitting more than one screenplay or short must use separate application forms and include separate entry fees for each screenplay or short in competition.

May I use any form of delivery service?

Yes, as long as your package is postmarked or arrives on or before the deadline.

May I use foreign currency to pay the entry fee?

No, only payments in US dollars. International writers should pay their fee with US cash or money order.  If you send cash, do so at your own risk. 

How should I choose a competition?

Be aware that some competitions are not run by professionals. Check the credentials of the Director of the competition you are considering. Also, sometimes the location of the competition might give you a hint about its credibility. Competitions based in film-making towns are more likely to expose your material to Hollywood insiders who know the business.

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Eligibility

Artists from all countries are eligible as long as the screenplay being submitted has not been sold or optioned at the time of entry.  Applicants must be 18 years old or older at time of entry.

Yes, and encouraged if it helps your artistic process. The drawback is that all prize winnings must be split between collaborators. If you are collaborating on a project, please note that all artists must sign the American Accolades TV & Shorts application.
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Format Guidelines, Presentation, and Submission Tips

VHS Tapes / DVD's:   applicable to short film entries only:

VHS tapes / DVD's for short films should include the artist's name, address, email, and the title of the short.  VHS/DVD must be compatible with American machines.  If the film is in a  language other than English, be aware that the judges viewing the material may not understand it. Subtitles are encouraged for non-English shorts. All shorts are welcome:  animated, silent, live action, etc. There is no minimum or maximum length requirement. 

Screenplays must be written in English!

Most screenplays that are sold resemble each other in format. Make sure your material falls within acceptable formatting boundaries.  

Research screenwriting formats described in "how-to" books. Consult your library or buy a book or two on television screenwriting. 

Don't cheat your margins. Stay within 1 to 1.25 inches on all sides. If you cheat, professionals will notice.

Font Style and Size: The industry standard is Courier 12-point, but similar fonts are acceptable. If your font is too big or too small, your screenplay will have the appearance of being too short or too long, even if it falls within page limits. Whatever font you use, make it one that facilitates a fast read.

Proofread your screenplay. Avoid senseless mistakes that might pull your reader's attention from the story, such as typos, punctuation, or grammatical errors.  Spell check.  

Double-check your pages. Be certain your pages are there and in order. Photocopy machines and human error will hurt your chances of winning if part of your screenplay is missing.

Page Length

Page length varies according to the format you are submitting.  Screenplays that are too long or too short may be considered unprofessional by judges. This is especially true for television because shows need to squeeze into time slots.

How should my script be bound?

It should be photo-copied on 3-hole paper and then secured with two metal fasteners called "brads." Brads are metal fasteners commonly used within the film industry to bind scripts together. See photo below: 
 

Can I bind my script in any other manner?

Yes, but brads are the industry standard.

Script Covers

Covers are not necessary. They are a style preference that you can use if you like.

Write your screenplay title on the spine of the script

If your screenplay is thick enough, write the title of the script on the spine.  This helps us find your screenplay.  This is NOT something  you do when submitting the screenplay to professionals, such as agents, networks, etc.  It is for the competition only:

What identifying information do I place on the screenplay title page?

Type the title, author name(s), draft date, and your contact information (address, phone, email, etc.) on the title page. If it is WGA registered, include that information. If you have an agent or manager, you can include that information if you desire. This title page will be pulled off and filed away before your material is sent to judges. This protects all writers from name, gender, and any other form of potential bias. Do not include any other identifying information anywhere else on the screenplay.

What happens to scripts that aren't formatted correctly?

All entries will be scored. You could submit a novel or a handwritten screenplay on toilet paper if you like. We'll let common sense be your guide with this issue.

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Judges and the Judging Process

Entries are evaluated, scored and discussed. Top entries are advanced to new judges in subsequent rounds. The better the material, the more attention it will get. Proceeding up the chain increases your chances of making professional contacts. The winners will be determined by our Finalist Judges. These industry professionals will discuss entries with the highest scores. Voting will ensue and the winners will be contacted by mail, telephone, and/or email.

Who are the judges?

The American Accolades does not reveal its judges by name, but the people judging may include network executives, producers, actors, writers, managers, agents and/or professional readers. The farther your material advances, the more likely it is to be observed by high-profile Hollywood professionals.

How do I advance?

Based on our judging criteria, your ranking/scores determine how you advance. While it is more complex than this, essentially your scores are added together and the screenplays and shorts with the highest scores move ahead.

Once I've submitted my entry, will I ever have an opportunity to resubmit a newer revision?

No, this is not fair to other contestants, nor to the judges. However, if the deadline is not behind you, you can reapply (i.e., submit with a new application and fee). In this case, you will have both versions of the same entry being judged in the competition. Of course, there is always next year...

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Judging Criteria

What is the judging criteria?

The American Accolades provides its judges and readers with score cards containing guidelines for assessment. We do not reveal our scorecard information to our contestants, but we do provide feedback on your material.  While any competition is not 100% accurate, essentially the best entries will win based on our criteria. We feel confident saying that because each finalist will have their entry reviewed by multiple judges, all of whom must like the material enough for it to advance.

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Yes, of course. Artists should always be in the business of selling themselves.

Congratulations! Selling your material is an achievement we want all of our contestants to experience. This will not prevent or improve your chances of winning our contest. We look forward to hearing about American Accolades' artist success stories.     

There are many services that offer screenplay analysis for writers such as The Academy Writers Clinic. See our links page for more examples of companies that offer these services.

The American Accolades is a competition, not an evaluation service. Judges are not obligated to provide feedback to writers. This keeps the cost of competition to a minimum. However, the American Accolades TV, Treatments, & Shorts will attempt to provide every screenwriting entry with some broad-stroke feedback.