Fund My Script

Frequently Answered Questions
Who should enter?
Anyone who has ever wanted to see his or her screenplay brought to life. The only requirement is a passion for storytelling and short script that you wrote. You have to take a chance to have a chance! That’s our motto.
Can I enter more than one screenplay in the competition?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of screenplays that you may enter. You must, however, complete a separate entry and release form for each screenplay and submit them with the required entry fee. Additional screenplays entered at the same time have a reduced entry fee of $40.
What will the film budget be?
We won’t be able to determine the budget until a winning screenplay is selected. There are too many variables involved in each individual script (genre, casting, locations, special effects, period piece, costumes, etc) to even give a ballpark figure. Indie Gems Films will go over any special requirements with the winning writer and lock down a budget. Our goal is to produce an amazing finished product. One that will hopefully jump-start your career in the film industry!
Will the winner get a copy of the completed film?
Yes! The best part of the prize is a finished film of the screenplay. That being said, the winner will receive a copy of the film and as an added bonus, Indie Gems Films will submit the film to the appropriate festivals.
Which film festivals will the film be entered into?
Of course we will enter the film into the key film festivals that will create the most buzz for your story. The appropriate film festivals will be chosen based on the genre of the winning script. But as the winner you will have a finished short film! That’s the best calling card you could possibly have!
Why is there an entry fee?
The main goal of the Fund My Script Program is to find incredible screenplays and the writers who create them. And to have the winning writer see his or her work on the big screen. This being the case, we would love to run a free competition but it is simply not possible. The entry fees help to offset the administrative and other considerable costs of producing the winning screenplay.
What payment methods are accepted for the entry fee?
You can pay by Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer or PayPal. There is a direct link on the on our entry page for you to pay by any of these means using a secure connection via PayPal.
Will you accept online submissions of my screenplay?
Yes! That is the ONLY form we will accept! You can submit your screenplay online through our secure Website as a PDF (adobe) file.
Why are you only accepting only online entries and not printed ones?
We are a GREEN company and in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, we have made the decision to only accept entries placed through our online entry form.
Why should I enter early?
Reading and fairly evaluating screenplays is a time intensive process. Don’t get us wrong, the readers will give each and every script the same consideration, but why not give the readers as much time as possible to read your screenplay.
When will the winners be notified?
Quarterfinalists will be notified by late January 2011. Finalists will be notified shortly thereafter according to the judges' schedules.
How will the winners be notified?
All participants will be notified of the results of the screenwriting competition by email. Quarterfinalists will be contacted by email and posted on our Website. Finalists will be contacted by email and posted on our Website. The top three prizewinners will be contacted by email and telephone.
Will you accept international submissions?
Yes, international screenplay submissions are welcomed. All submissions must be written in English and payment must be in US Dollars.
Does my screenplay submission have to fit within a specific genre or budget?
All genres are welcome. Screenplays are not judged on genre or budget, but keep in mind this is a SHORT – all entries must be under 20 pages.
Who are the judges?
Experienced readers read all screenplays. Finalists will be read and scored by different industry executives including literary agents, producers, managers and other top entertainment executives. We cannot disclose the names of the individuals on our judging panel. This protects the judges and competitors from any accusations of misappropriating the outcome of the competition.
What are the contest rules and regulations?
Please refer to our official rules and regulations page for the complete Fund My Script program rules.
Will I keep all rights to my screenplay if I enter or win the competition?
YES !!! Winning the competition does not have anything to do with the ownership or rights of your screenplay. The screenplay is YOURS and will remain YOURS.
If I have an agent, can I still enter a screenplay?
Yes. Having an agent does not preclude you from entering the Fund My Script Competition-- as long as you own the material outright and the screenplay is not currently under any options.
If I have optioned or sold a screenplay in the past can I still enter your competition?
Yes. The only rule is that the screenplay you submit may not be under option or sold at the time it is submitted to us. Screenplays that have been optioned in the past but have had the option expire with no resulting sale are also eligible.
If I am chosen winner, how will I communicate with Indie Gems Films during production?
Indie Gems Films LLC will stay in communication with you every step of the way during pre-production, production and post-production to ensure a polished finished film, one that will not only reflect our standard of excellence, but more important give you the best opportunity to show case your incredible talent!.
Of course you can contact us by email, phone, IM, or we can talk via SKYPE. We will set up a schedule in which both parties are available.
How do I get SKYPE?
It ‘s simple-- just go to www.skype.com and create an account. Once your account is created you will supply us with your SKYPE address and we will link us via their website.