Screenplay Contest Rules & Guidelines

A different kind of contest, looking for a different kind of script.

As you think about or prepare to enter our competition, you may be wondering if there are ways you can give your script an edge. The answer is, yes, there are, and you will find them below! But before that, please know that at Packed House Pictures we respect both the artist and the craft of screenwriting. The following are guidelines, but in the end, be true to yourself. Write the script YOU want to create and tell the story that YOU want to tell.

Let us be clear. We want to make the winner's script into a feature motion picture with a theatrical release.

Basic Rules

You (and your writing partner, if applicable) must be the sole owner and creator of this work. We will not accept works based on IP you do not explicitly own!
Your script should be properly formatted. It doesn’t matter if you use screenwriting software or not. (though that helps… a lot!) But scripts that are not formatted properly will not advance.
Your script should be submitted as a PDF. No other document formats will be accepted.
Your script should include a standard cover page, with title and author. If you are a repped writer, you must include your agent and manager information.
Your script must be written in English.
While we have every intention of making a feature film, if for whatever reason we are unable to raise enough money to make the movie, or if none of the scripts entered reach a quality of storytelling high enough to merit production, then the winner will be selected by traditional judging and will be awarded a cash prize of $1,000 USD.
All fees related to screenplay submissions are non-refundable.

Specific Guidelines

Budget: Being an independent production company using crowdfunding to finance the production of the winning script, we need to keep the budgets reasonable. Your script should be one that could be produced as a film at a cost somewhere between $1M and $2M USD. Keeping your locations, cast, special effects and set pieces in proportion with these targets will make your script stand out!
Genre: You may submit any genre you desire, but something to bear in mind - at the budgets we’re looking at, some genres fare better than others. Horror, comedy, and contained thrillers often hit this sweet spot.
Style: As with the genre, you may submit works of any style, tone, or mood. But as we are looking to produce these films and hopefully continue to produce films this way, focus on making your scripts ENTERTAINING first and foremost. Movies that make us think and feel are always better served if they are FUN in the process.

What Doesn't Matter?

Anything else! It doesn’t matter to us if this is your first script or fiftieth. It doesn’t matter what race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith, or political bent either you or your characters are. At Packed House, we want to make well-written, entertaining movies. Period.

Changes to These Rules & Guidelines

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Rules & Guidelines at any time. If a revision is material We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at our sole discretion, but we're reasonable human beings.

By continuing to participate in one of our screenwriting competitions after any revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms. If you do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, just stop using the website and don't enter our screenwriting competition.

Questions & Contacting Us

If you have any questions about these Rules & Guidelines, you can contact us by clicking here.

If you have any other questions, our FAQs are quite helpful. You can find those by clicking here.

Last updated: January 20, 2025