BlueCat Screenplay
Frequently Asked Questions
Submission Process
We do not accept paper copies of scripts. We only accept PDF files.
We suggest using Google or Final Draft's help feature for conversion assistance.
Unfortunately, we're not able to accept substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts.
Yes, provided the script currently meets eligibility requirements.
Each script must be submitted separately at this time; please only upload one PDF file per entry.
Please only submit your pilot script. Do not send any other accompanying materials.
Fees & Payment
Fees and deadlines are available on the Rules and Guidelines page.
The script analysis is complementary to the submission.
We do not provide waivers.
We only accept payments through PayPal.
The only way to pay for the competition is through PayPal. If submitting through PayPal is an issue, please contact us.
Yes, we accept payments from a party other than the applicant.
International Submissions
Yes, we welcome screenwriters from around the world to participate in our competition.
Yes, we welcome short screenplays from around the world.
No, all entry fees must be submitted in U.S. dollars.
No, we only divide screenplays into features, pilots and short categories, not by region.
The Fellini Award winner is selected from the main applicant pool; a separate application is not required. Winning both the grand prize and the Fellini Award is not permitted.
Yes, all scripts from any category (feature, pilot or short) are eligible for the Fellini Award.
No, arrangements accommodate winners regardless of location.
No, the Fellini Award is given to the top screenwriters currently residing outside the U.S.
No, you do not need to register your screenplay anywhere else.
Formatting & Requirements
The Rules & Guidelines are available on the Rules and Guidelines page of our website.
Details are specified in the Rules and Guidelines document.
No, the title page is not counted towards your page count.
Industry-standard formatting is encouraged.
No, we do not require submitted scripts to have a title page.
Yes, screenwriters may include their name and contact information on their title pages.
We recommend using the standard font for a screenplay: 12 point Courier.
No, we do not have strict formatting requirements regarding the placement of page numbers.
We prefer submitted scripts not to be production drafts.
We prefer that the submitted scripts be finished works; it is not advisable to submit a partial screenplay.
No, we do not require a logline and/or synopsis for entries.
Eligibility
No, writers of all ages are encouraged to enter our competition.
No, all entrants must pay the entry fees for their screenplays.
We welcome submissions from screenwriters at all levels of experience – from beginner to veteran.
Yes, we accept scripts from writers of all ages.
Unfortunately, we do not offer discounted fees for the Screenplay Competition.
Yes, we allow screenplays with more than one author.
No. If a submitted screenplay has been optioned, produced or purchased at any point before the end of the judging period, that screenplay is ineligible.
Yes, you are more than welcome to submit your screenplay again.
Yes, all entrants who have paid for a valid entry will still receive their analysis.
Yes, if you successfully raise the money through Crowd Sourcing, your screenplay is ineligible for our competition.
Yes. If a screenplay is produced in any way prior to the announcement of our winners for the current year, it becomes ineligible to win our competition.
No. To be eligible for our competition screenplays cannot have been optioned, purchased, or produced at any time prior to the announcement of our current year's results.
No. Past winners of the BlueCat Screenplay Competition are unable to enter the competition again in future years in any category.
Yes, you may submit your screenplay under a pen name.
No, it will not disqualify you.
Names of screenwriters cannot be changed on submissions or upon resubmission.
Analysis & Results
Story, Characterization, Dialogue, Description, Clarity, and Originality.
Information is available on the Rules and Guidelines page.
The schedule appears on the Rules and Guidelines page.
All results will be posted on our website and sent out via our newsletter.
BlueCat does not own the rights to the screenplays, so we do not have the authority to distribute the scripts.
Yes, all screenwriters who submit to the BlueCat Screenplay Competition maintain the rights to their works.
No, submitted screenplays are only accessible to the reader assigned to that specific screenplay and our staff.
No, however, we do recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.
Genre & Adaptations
We accept and welcome all genres. There are no genre restrictions for any category.
Yes, we accept screenplays for animated films.
All scripts submitted to BlueCat are processed and judged in the same manner, regardless of genre.
We judge writing excellence and craft within chosen genres, believing quality work rises above genre distinctions.
Yes, we accept and welcome adapted screenplays. However, screenwriters who wish to submit an adapted screenplay must possess all rights to the source material or use source material in the public domain.
No, screenwriters must own all rights to the source material.
Yes, we allow screenplays adapted from works in the public domain.
No, all screenplays must be original works and the sole property of the applicant(s).
We reserve the right to ask for verification that you own all the rights to the source material of an adapted work.
Yes, screenplays based on true stories and historical events are eligible for our competition.
Multiple Submissions
Yes, writers may submit as many screenplays to our competition as they would like.
Yes, writers may submit into as many categories as they like.
No. We will only accept one version of the script as a regular submission.
Outside Competitions
Eligibility depends on whether it won first place, not finalist status.
Yes, our Rules and Guidelines state, “Screenplays...that has previously won any contest, competition, grant, lab, fellowship, mentorship, reading or award of any kind, are not eligible.”
Yes. Our rules state...that has previously won any contest...are not eligible. This includes previous screenplay drafts.
Yes, scripts winning other competitions prior to BlueCat’s awards announcements become ineligible, though analysis remains available.
Simultaneous submissions are permitted; disqualification occurs only if the script wins elsewhere before BlueCat’s announcement.
No. Our rules state that scripts that have previously participated in any lab are ineligible for the competition.
We hope to encourage screenwriters to continue writing and create new work.
Readers
All entries submitted to BlueCat are given one written analysis that guarantees its reading.
Workshops
Yes, we encourage screenwriters of any level – from beginner to veteran – to attend our workshops.
Yes, a workshop may sell out in regards to full registrations, but the regular registration option is always available.
Yes, short screenplays can be submitted to our workshops.