These are people who can truly open doors for undiscovered writers.
EVALUATION PROCESS
Your script is judged anonymously. When you enter the contest your script will be assigned a number, and the Judges will identify your entry by title and number only. Most importantly, in each round of competition our Judges are assigned scripts based on their personal interests and expertise, so your screenplay will always be evaluated by people who truly understand and appreciate the type of material you’ve written.
Read more about the various levels of competition:
JUDGING CRITERIA
Scripts are evaluated on a 10-point scale. The Judges assign scores of 1 to 10 for each of these elements:
PREMISE/CONCEPT: The idea behind the story. What the movie is about. The “hook.”
PRESENTATION: Standard spec screenplay or teleplay format (12 pt. Courier font, correct margins, etc.), as well as spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage.
STRUCTURE: The framework of the script. Effective use of three-act (most common), odyssey, linear, or non-linear story progression.
PLOT: The actions, events, conflicts, and turning points that propel the story forward. How the story unfolds (points for originality/unpredictability).
PACING: The timing of the action, unfolding of plot elements, and pace of character development.
CHARACTERS: Personalities that are distinctive, compelling, multi-layered, and unpredictable. A protagonist and antagonist with clear and active goals.
DIALOGUE: Voices that are natural, succinct, and unique to each character. Use of language that effectively reveals character and moves the story forward.
THEME: The underlying message of the story as revealed through plot, dialogue, and visual elements.
STYLE/TONE: Overall quality of the writing. Tone that is appropriate to the material and narrative that is distinct, cinematic, and effectively conveys the mood or “feel” of the movie.
MARKETING POTENTIAL: Audience appeal and box office potential.
If you’d like a deeper understanding of our judging process, please check out The Insiders’ Guide to Screenwriting. In this groundbreaking ebook, ten industry execs who serve as Judges for the PAGE Awards contest explain in detail how they evaluate scripts for the contest and for their various studios, agencies, and production companies.
NOTIFICATION DATES
The list of scripts advancing in the competition will be posted on the following dates:
QUARTER-FINALISTS: July 15
SEMI-FINALISTS: August 15
FINALISTS: September 15
WINNERS: October 15
Prize packages will be sent to the winning screenwriters within six weeks of the final announcement.
Would you like to find out what the Judges think of your script?
Find out how you can get Judge’s Feedback…