London International Screenwriting Competition (3)

Festival start: 18 August 2020      Festival end: 18 August 2020

Note: structured reader feedback will be passed on to writers for all scripts entered into the LSC.

Just how do you get an agent in the competitive world of screenwriting? Two key methods are: (i) give your screenplays a compelling opening; (ii) build a CV with screenwriting competition wins.

"Screenplays have to be read by somebody, and in most cases the reader...knows whether the screenplay is of any worth within those first pages...At the beginning of a screenplay, you’ve only got about 10 pages..." (Michael Schilf of TheScriptLab.com). Here are more links to expert comments on how important the first 10 pages are: http://www.londonswc.com/?page_id=77

“There is a lot of luck in this business, but there is plenty you can do to increase the possibilities of your luck, which is being in the right place at the right time, getting involved in competitions...” (Jean Kitson, MBA)

The London International Screenwriting Competition is a regular event that focuses on what gets your scripts read by agents in Hollywood or Soho: the first 10 pages. Winning the LSC is about making an impact FAST with your opening. If you think your script can catch the attention of the pros (who regularly have to deal with hundreds of scripts), then you've got a good chance of winning LSC, and vice versa. All you need to submit is the first 10 pages of your feature or TV script (or in the case of a short script, a maximum of 10 pages). They will be evaluated by, amongst others, professional readers and award-winning screenwriters.

NOTE: You can submit feature, TV or short scripts of any length, but only the first 10 pages will be judged.

Cash Prizes: 125$

Precise prize levels will be based around number of entries each month, so may go up and down:

Winner: £100 / $120
Finalists: Names announced on londonswc.com
Semi-Finalists: Names announced on londonswc.com

All of the above have the option of having their script hosted on londonswc.com

Screenwriters retain all control and copyright over submitted material. Scripts must be submitted in standard screenplay format and font (small fonts and margins will be disqualified). Entry fees are non-refundable. Entrants may submit more than one script but must pay a separate entrance fee for each.

NOTE: You can submit scripts of any length, but only the first 10 pages will be judged.