The winner of the first Plaza Classic Screenwriting Competition will receive more than a $500 first prize and a table read of their winning entry. They also will receive Final Draft 12, the latest version of the movie industry’s premier screenwriting software.
The early bird deadline for the inaugural competition is fast approaching. Entrants have until 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 20 to submit their screenplays for $30.
The submission cost rises to $40 from May 21 through 11:59 p.m. June 13, with a late registration fee of $50 June 14 through 11:59 p.m. June 27. Coverage, or an analysis of the submitted screenplay, is available for an additional $15.
The competition, which is sponsored by the El Paso Film and Creative Industries Commission, is open to writers 18 years of age or older. Screenplays must be submitted in the PDF format only, and should include only the title on the cover sheet, not the writer’s name. The writer’s identity and contact information, as well as the logline for their screenplay, may be filled in on the submission form, which the judges do not see.
The winner will be announced on or around August 1 and will be awarded the $500 first prize at the conclusion of the Local Flavor film showcase and Local Flavor Awards, which start at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 4 in the Plaza Theatre. A free table read will be offered as part of this year’s annual Filmmakers Brunch on Sunday, August 7 in the El Paso Community Foundation Room.
Go to plazaclassic.com/screenwriting for details and the submission form.
