American Zoetrope, Francis Ford Coppola's production company, has extended the final deadline for its 15th annual screenplay contest to October 1, 2017, 11:59:59 PT. American Zoetrope promotes its competition as a way to find and promote new, innovative voices in cinema. A group of professional readers read each script, and the final winner is chosen by Francis Ford Coppola himself. The grand prize winner receives a $5,000 prize.
When asked what the readers are looking for in the scripts, Zoetrope says, "The readers are looking for a screenplay with the best story and execution—regardless of genre or budget requirements. We seek original voices whose work will contribute to the quality, diversity, and longevity of contemporary cinema."
Zoetrope will send the top ten finalist scripts to several top agencies and management companies for consideration for representation, including:
- William Morris Endeavor
- CAA
- The Gersh Agency
- Exile Entertainment
- ICM
- Oasis Media
- UTA
- The Radmin Company
- Prolific Entertainment
- Energy Entertainment
- Dontanville/Frattaroli
Martin Sheen in 'Apocalypse Now'Credit: Zoetrope Studios
The top ten scripts will also be considered for option and development by many major production companies and studios, including:
- American Zoetrope
- Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Fox Searchlight
- Sony Pictures Classics
- IFC Entertainment
- Paramount Classics
- Verisimilitude
- Lionsgate
- Icon Pictures
- Lleju Productions and Films
- Second and 10th
- Working Title
- Dimension Films
- Frelaine
- Michael London Productions
- Hope for Film
- Kulture Machine
- Number 9 Films
- Folo Films
- Pretty Pictures
- Roserock Films
- Benderspink
- Astrakan Films
- Industry Entertainment
- Anonymous Content
- Jim Wedaa Productions
- Robert Evans Company
- Fortis Films
- Jean Doumanian Productions
- Agape Media International
- FX
- Ziskin Productions
To apply, you can submit your screenplay here by Oct. 1, 11:59:59 pm PT. The final entry fee is $50. Be sure to check out the official rules and the FAQ for all of the details before you apply.
Source: American Zoetrope
