Click HERE to read general information about the competition.

Click HERE to read the rules for submitting to the competition.

Click HERE to read the judging procedures/guidelines.

Click HERE to read the FAQ.

The Just Effing Screenwriting Competition prefers online entries submitted via Withoutabox.com, which provides cost-saving, paperless submission to film festivals around the world. Withoutabox’s internet-only submission platform features online applications via one master entry form, online fee payments, press kits, and the option to use Secure Online Screeners, an economical, eco-friendly, and secure alternative to traditional hard-copy DVD submissions. Fill out one master entry form and take advantage of quick entry, extended deadlines, and powerful submission management tools. There’s no extra cost to you, and by submitting, you’ll join Withoutabox’s global filmmaker community and stay in the loop about international exhibition opportunities. Click to submit your film today!

2012 Screenwriting Competition
First Round Reader/Judging Guidelines

Scripts will be considered without personal prejudices and preferences. If, for any reason, a reader feels unable to be objective about a script, the script shall be given to a different judge.

Before judging, scripts will be screened to ensure compliance with the contest rules. Each script must:

  • Be written in English
  • Be between 90 and 120 pages
  • Adhere to industry standard screenwriting format
  • Be an original feature script. Adaptations of previously written work are not acceptable, unless:
    • The writer has adapted his/her own unpublished work, or;
    • The writer is adapting a story in the public domain;
  • Be the sole work of the screenwriter/screenwriting team (of no more than two people).

All screenplays adhering to contest rules will be judged at least twice in the first round, and graded on a scale of 1 – 10 in the following categories:

  1. PREMISE: Is the premise unique and uniquely entertaining?
  2. READABILITY: Is the script formatted correctly, with a bare minimum of typos, homonyms and other errata? Is the writing efficient and clear?
  3. CHARACTER/DIALOGUE: Are the characters interesting and compelling? Are they three-dimensional? Is the dialogue natural and entertaining?
  4. STRUCTURE: Is there a solid beginning, middle and end? Are the turning points paced in a satisfying, compelling and surprising way?
  5. THEME/COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Is the script universally resonant? Does it have an audience? Does it bear the market in mind?
  6. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Is the writing effing entertaining? Does the writer have a voice? Is there compelling conflict? Are there high stakes?

Judges will give a temporary score to each script after 15 pages. If the script is averaging less than four points in each category after 15 pages, the judge will not be required to complete the script. Each script is guaranteed two reads, regardless of the first score received.

Judges are required to accompany each score with a written explanation of their grade.

Scores will provide the guidelines for deciding which scripts continue in the competition, but the ultimate decisions will be at the judges’ discretion.