Frequently asked questions
WHY SHOULD I ENTER YOUR COMPETITION?
Event Horizon Films creates opportunities for you make industry connections and establish yourself as an award-winning writer. It is incredibly difficult for an emerging writer to break into the industry. For a studio or production company to even consider reading a writer's work, they need to be first vetted by a talent agent or literary manager. Our readers are working professionals at the top representation companies. They provide validation for quality work, giving you the opportunity to be recognized or even signed. EHF also offers winning writers a variety of industry-advancing prizes, such as networking events, professional consultations, pitch opportunities, travel packages, media exposure and even production deals.
AM I ALLOWED TO ENTER THE COMPETITION UNDER THE CURRENT WGA WRITERS' STRIKE?
At Event Horizon Films, we stand with the WGA to support our writers! Compliant with WGA guidelines, the competition will remain open for writers to continue to submit and get their scripts in front of top representation companies, however, no production deals will be allowed until after the strike has been lifted. We will not partner with any struck companies nor send any script submissions to struck companies. For more information on the writers' strike, visit www.wgacontract2023.org.
WHAT IS YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH THE DALLAS INTERNATION FILM FESTIVAL?
Event Horizon Films, a production company with offices in Dallas, New York and Los Angeles, hosts the annual screenplay competition for the Dallas International Film Festival. By partnering with DIFF, we are able to provide a valuable range of festival resources to help writers network, improve craft and advance industry exposure. We want to ensure that writers interested in DIFF receive the full attention and benefits deserved for their quality work.
ARE YOU PARTNERING WITH ANY OTHER FILM FESTIVALS?
We have hosted screenwriting competitions for the Dallas International Film Festival, the International Sports Film Festival and the New York Dumbo Film Festival. We consider each film festival partnership on a case-by-case scenario. To discuss potential sponsorships or partnership opportunities, contact EHF at www.eventhorizonfilms.com.
WHAT TYPE OF SCRIPTS DO YOU ACCEPT?
EHF accepts feature screenplays, pilot scripts and short scripts in any genre. Adaptations are accepted only if the original works are public domain or if the writers hold the film and TV rights. Scripts that have been produced or are currently in production will not be accepted. See rules and regulations for other restrictions and requirements.
DO YOU ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES?
Yes, we accept entries from all countries sanctioned eligible for USA commerce by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Scripts must be written in English. See rules and regulations for other restrictions and requirements.
WHICH WRITING PROGRAM SHOULD I USED TO DRAFT MY SCRIPT?
There are many screenwriting programs available for screenwriters. Any program is accepted as long as the text follows industry standards on formatting. All scripts must be submitted as a PDF. See rules and regulations for requirements.
DO I NEED TO REMOVE MY NAME FROM THE TITLE PAGE?
We allow the writer the option to choose. While most competitions keep all writers anonymous, our goal is to expose writers to professional filmmakers to help build connections. We want our agent and manager readers to know the person behind the script. After all, reps are looking to invest in the person, often more so than the script. Writer names are removed from scripts that advance beyond the preliminary rounds.
DO I NEED TO COPYRIGHT MY SCRIPT?
​
It is not a requirement, but it is always highly recommended to protect your intellectual property. You may file an official application with the US Copyright Office or register your script with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Please refrain from inserting copyright information onto the script and watermarking pages.
WHEN CAN I SUBMIT MY SCRIPT?
Updates on competitions and deadlines are available on www.eventhorizonfilms.com and on our platform partner, Coverfly, at www.coverfly.com.
HOW MANY SCRIPTS CAN I ENTER?
You may enter as many scripts as you like. This is an industry that loves the phrase, “what else you got?” It’s a good idea to have all your scripts vetted and ready to send on a moment's notice.
DO I NEED TO LIST ALL THE WRITERS INVOLVED ON THE ENTRY FORM?
That is for you to settle with your collaborators. Just know that all writers listed on the application need to sign it and any prize money will be equally split between all writers listed on the application.
I MADE EDITS TO MY SCRIPT - - CAN I RESUBMIT IT?
A script is never finished until it's on the big screen. We get that. You may resubmit a script as many times as needed before the final deadline. The full cost of admission will apply for each submission. You will not receive any complimentary resubmissions, nor shall any money be refunded from previous script submissions. Scripts that have placed 1st or 2nd in a previous EHF competition will not be accepted.
WHY IS THERE A FEE FOR SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS?
Event Horizon Films commissions professional readers at major representation companies to read and evaluate every script. There are simply too many submissions to ask readers to volunteer their time. Any additional proceeds go toward the cost of prize packages, marketing efforts, staffing fees and charity donations to partner film festivals.
WHY ARE THERE MULTIPLE DEADLINES AND PRICES?
Event Horizon Films commissions professional readers who are currently working at major representation companies. Availability is limited. Late submissions create a bottle neck, burdening readers with a high volume of scripts on a tight turnaround time. By offering early deadlines, we are able to relieve some strain off the readers, while benefiting writers with more affordable rates.
HOW LONG IS THE SCREENWRITING COMPETITION OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS?
Competitions last between 3-12 months depending on the timing of the festival, the number of applicants and outside factors that might impact submissions. Updates on competitions and deadlines are available on www.eventhorizonfilms.com and on our platform partner, Coverfly, at www.coverfly.com.
WHY WAS THE DEADLINES FOR THE SCREENWRITING COMPETITION EXTENDED?
There could be one or many reasons for a deadline extension, such as an unexpended submission increase, requests from readers or partners for more time, a need for higher quality submissions or outside social, political or economic factors that might impact submissions. Be sure to subscribe to the EHF mailing list at www.eventhorizonfilms.com or follow us on social media for updates.
DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT PAYMENTS THROUGH PAYPAL?
Event Horizon Films partners with PayPal for all purchases. Writers may also opt to pay with a credit card by entering the competition through our platform partner at www.coverfly.com.
I AM HAVING TROUBLE SUBMITTING; WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Fill out the contact form at www.eventhorizonfilms.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
WILL I RECEIVE NOTES ON MY SCRIPT?
Script notes are one of the greatest resources for writers, validating your work and providing helpful feedback for any improvements. Upon submission, each script is sent directly to professional readers, who work at WME, CAA, Zero Gravity, Authentic Talent + Literary Management, GVA Talent Agency, Innovative Artists and other top talent agencies and management companies. Using a 1-10 grading scale, the readers evaluate the strength of the script’s plot, characterization, conflict, originality, style, dialogue, pacing and market potential, as well as provide their overall impression. Writers can also opt to receive 2 pages or 5 pages of written notes to provide more context on these categories from their agency/manager reader for an additional fee. Once winners are announced, prizes will be issued and all writers who entered the competition will be emailed their score cards and written coverage (if purchased) within the next 90 days.
WHERE DOES MY SCRIPT GO AFTER SUBMISSION?
Upon submission, each script is sent directly to professional readers, who work at WME, CAA, Zero Gravity, Authentic Talent + Literary Management, GVA Talent Agency, Innovative Artists and other top talent agencies and management companies. Using a 1-10 grading scale, the readers evaluate the strength of the script’s plot, characterization, conflict, originality, style, dialogue, pacing and market potential, as well as provide their overall impression. Based on these total scores, scripts in the top 30 percent advance as quarterfinalists and receive another round of evaluations from new readers. Scripts that elevate to the top 10 percent advance as finalists and are sent to Academy Award-, Golden Globe-, Emmy Award-winning and blockbuster filmmakers for the final round of judging and to select the winners. Once winners are announced, prizes will be issued and all writers who entered the competition will be emailed their score cards and written coverage (if purchased) within the next 90 days.
WHEN ARE WINNERS ANNOUNCED?
Updates on competitions and deadlines are available on www.eventhorizonfilms.com and on our platform partner, Coverfly, at www.coverfly.com.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE WON?
An email will be issued during each notification date to announce the advancing scripts. Winners will receive additional emails with information on prizes and opportunities. Be sure to subscribe to the EHF mailing list at www.eventhorizonfilms.com or follow us on social media.
WHY WAS THE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE SCREENWRITING COMPETITION DELAYED?
There could be one or many reasons for an announcement delay, such as an unexpended submission increase, requests from readers or partners for more time or outside social, political or economic factors that might impact the competition. Be sure to subscribe to the EHF mailing list at www.eventhorizonfilms.com or follow us on social media for updates
CAN I SUBMIT MY SCREENPLAY TO OTHER COMPETITIONS?
Yes. The writer retains all script rights.
HOW DO I GET A MANAGER/AGENTS TO SIGN ME?
Write several very good screenplays! EHF readers are always looking for first access to compelling new scripts to bring to their companies. A huge benefit of our competitions is that you don't have to win for an agent or manager to see your script and sign you. Winning the screenplay competition increases your chances of being signed, but there are never any guarantees in this industry. Continue writing quality screenplays and leverage your EHF victory to pitch as many reps as appropriate.