Frequntly Asked Questions
What is it exactly that I will win if my screenplay is selected?
The winning screenwriter will win $25,000 in cash. In addition, the winner will also receive prizes and their screenplay will be turned into a feature length motion picture. You as the winning screenwriter will be credited as the screenwriter, be flown out to the set during the shooting of the film and you and a significant other will be flown to the premiere of the film and given the red carpet treatment.
I live in another country besides the U.S.A. Can I still enter the contest?
Of course! Pubfilms receives script submissions from all over the world. All you need to do is follow submission guidelines as stated in the rules, and make sure that your entry fee is in U.S. dollars. Should your script win, remember that the $25,000 will be given in U.S. dollars. Also remember that the awarded transportation to and from the set and premiere are subject to you acquiring a passport. Pubfilms can not guarantee anyone’s entry into the United States.
How many scripts may I enter?
The more the merrier. In fact the more scripts you enter the higher probability of you winning. Multiple entries will be separated to give the writer the opportunity to have each script viewed and voted upon separately.
Does my script have to be formatted?
Yes. All scripts should follow standard industry formatting guidelines, these guidelines are available in any number of screenwriting publications and on a variety of screenwriting websites as well. All scripts uploaded should be in a PDF format. Handwritten scripts are ineligible. All scripts must be for feature length films. Short scripts or teleplays are not eligible to win as the winning script will be turned into a feature length film. Make sure to keep copies of your work, as scripts will not be returned.
Can I submit a screenplay that is an adaptation of previously written work?
Adaptations of previously written work are not acceptable. The only exception to this rule would be if the writer had adapted his/her own unpublished work. Material adapted from a previously published source to which the author has secured the rights, such as a novel, short story, or play, is eligible.
How can I protect my script?
All applicants must register their scripts with the Writer’s Guild of America, west or through the U.S. Copyright Office.
Who will read my script?
The competition’s winner is chosen by the Public so the script with the most votes will win. The people who can read and vote on your script are people who become members of Pubfilms.com, a free website.
How are online submissions read?
All screenplay submissions will be posted on our website on your personal “myPub” page. We will also feature screenplays on the front page of the site. All submissions will be viewable.
If I win screenplay contest, do I get to direct the film?
No, unless you win the Director’s competition.
If I win, do I lose any rights to my screenplay?
Upon receiving the $25,000, the winning screenwriter will release the rights to Pubfilms with the possibility of contracts for subsequent rewrites. Pubfilms will produce your script into a feature length film.
How will the winner be determined?
Round 1
Screenplays will be sorted by the highest ranked scripts. Voting will be done by the members of Pubfilms. The top 150 scripts will move onto round 2.
Screenplays will be sorted by the highest ranked scripts. Voting will be done by the members of Pubfilms. The top 150 scripts will move onto round 2.
Round 2
Pubfilms and industry professionals will select 25 scripts from the top 150 ranked films. Once again, voting will be done by the members of Pubfilms. The three scripts with most votes will go to the final round.
Pubfilms and industry professionals will select 25 scripts from the top 150 ranked films. Once again, voting will be done by the members of Pubfilms. The three scripts with most votes will go to the final round.
Round 3
Voting will be done by the members to determine the winning script.
Voting will be done by the members to determine the winning script.
Rating vs Voting
Rating
Ranking will happen prior to any voting. Rating will be done by Pubfilms' members. The Pubfilms rating system is based on a 5 star rating in intervals of half stars. The rating system is part of a formula to rank screenplay submissions.
Ranking will happen prior to any voting. Rating will be done by Pubfilms' members. The Pubfilms rating system is based on a 5 star rating in intervals of half stars. The rating system is part of a formula to rank screenplay submissions.
Voting
Voting will begin with Round 1 of the Screenplay competition. Pubfilms' members will be able to vote "yes" or "no" for every submission. They will not be able to vote more than once per submission.
Voting will begin with Round 1 of the Screenplay competition. Pubfilms' members will be able to vote "yes" or "no" for every submission. They will not be able to vote more than once per submission.
How long will my script be on the internet?
For as long or as short as you like.
Do I have to submit a video with my submission?
No, but we really, really, really encourage you to do so. Treat the video submission as if you were pitching your story to a studio. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Do I have to write a logline?
Yes
Do I have to write a synopsis?
Yes
Do I have to write a treatment?
No, however, this give you the opportunity to showcase your story and writing style.
When I try to log in to my account I get a message that tells me my account
has been disabled. How do I enable my account?
After you sign up for Pubfilms, an email is sent to the email address you used to register. Sometimes the email gets directed to your junkmail box. Check you junkmail box to see if the email is there...if it is not, contact enableaccount@pubfilms.com and we will resend the email.