If you're currently working on a comedy script, now might be the time to put your head down get that baby done, because ScreenCraft's 2014 Comedy Script Contest is now officially open for early entries. This year is a little special, in that they've opened it up to short screenplay entries, as well as included some major comedy producers and execs (Funny or Die, Happy Madison) on the jury. So, if you're itching to get your screenplay in front of some people who could potentially get you some exposure, continue on to find out how to enter.
This is ScreenCraft's second year of running the contest, and they've certainly outdone themselves with this lineup of judges and consultants. Here's a list of this year's jury:
- Mark O’Connor, producer at Green Hat Films (The Hangover, Project X, Due Date)
- Alex Plapinger, executive at Montecito Picture Company (I Love You Man, Up in the Air, Old School)
- Billy Wee, executive at Happy Madison
- Dave Rath, manager at Generate (clients: Patton Oswalt, Kyle Kinane)
- Joe Farrell, executive at Funny Or Die
- Sean Covel, producer (Napoleon Dynamite)
- Taylor Benzie, manager at Kaplan/Perrone
- Ben Mekler, staff writer at Nerdist Industries
As I said before, ScreenCraft is taking both feature-length (less than 130 pgs.) and short (less than 20 pgs.) screenplays. The winner in the feature category will receive $1,500, introductions to producers, managers, and agents, and a one-one-one phone consultation with screenwriter David Mandel, who has worked on comedic projects like The Dictator, Seinfeld, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The prize for best short comedy script is $1,000 and a chance to talk about your project over the phone with Funny or Die exec Joe Farrel. If you don't win the top prize, never fear! Semi-finalists in all categories will still receive a free 1-year subscription to the collaborative screenwriting software, WriterDuet Pro.
The cost of entry is $29 for features and $15 for shorts, but that's only if you enter by May 15th -- and you can enter as many screenplays as you like! The contest is open to everyone worldwide, as long as they're 18 or older -- however, all scripts must be in English.
Writing comedy is difficult, and if you're in need of a little bit of help, we've written posts in the past that may help you develop your story and find your comedic voice. (Check them out here and here.)
So, whether you have a black or blue comedy, a mockumentary, or maybe a Shakespearian farce set in the Old West, consider entering it into ScreenCraft's Comedy Script Contest.
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