Spaulding Production's
Canadian Invasion Screenplay Competition
Spaulding Productions Canada is a production company that is dedicated to helping emerging artists.
We are looking to add to our production slate which means the winners in each category WILL get optioned** and a signed letter of intent to put your screenplay on Spaulding Canada's production schedule which includes development. Don't let the name fool you. This competition is open to writers around the globe. We are only accepting scripts written in English at this time.
** Option agreement will be based on format, genre and stage of script development
Features - (90 - 120 mins) Any Genre
First prize
-Screen play optioned for one year.
-Letter of Intent to add your production to our schedule
-A direct line to a Spaulding Productions Canada producer for future pitches.
A script production package which includes:
-A project budget created by a line producer
-A professional pitch deck if one does not exist
Second prize
-A direct line to a Spaulding Productions Canada producer for future pitches.
A script production package which includes:
-A professional pitch deck if one does not exist
Third Prize
A direct line to a Spaulding Productions Canada producer for future pitches.
Dead lines – Feature Films Early June 15 - $40 Regular July 6 - $45 Extended July 27 - $65 Dead lines – Television Pilots Early June 15 - $30 Regular July 6 - $35 Extended July 27 - $45
TV Pilots - (Half hour or one hour) Any Genre
First prize
-Screen play optioned for one year.
-Letter of Intent to add your production to our schedule
-A direct line to a Spaulding Productions Canada producer for future pitches.
A script production package which includes:
-A project budget created by a line producer
-A professional pitch deck if one does not exist
Second prize
A direct line to a Spaulding Productions Canada producer for future pitches.
A script production package which includes:
-A professional pitch deck if one does not exist
Third Prize
-A direct line to a Spaulding Productions Canada producer for future pitches.
Deadlines and Fees - Features
Early Deadline - June 15 - $40
Regular Deadline - July 6 - $45
Extended Deadline - July 27 - $65
Deadlines and Fees - Television Pilots
Early Deadline - June 15 - $30
Regular Deadline - July 6 - $35
Extended Deadline - July 27 - $45
Detailed Feedback - $100
A detailed 2-3 page review will be provided. Itemized feedback will include plot points, character development, dialogue review, marketability and basic budget estimate.
Announcements
Top 20 - Laurels Provided
Announced September 7
Top 10 - Laurels Provided
Announced September 14
Winners - Laurels and Contracts
Announced September 21
Finalists and winners will be posted here and contacted directly.
How will your script be judged?
Judges will assess each script based on the overall quality and specific components detailed below, ensuring a fair and consistent evaluation process.
1. Overall Quality
Description: The script’s ability to deliver a cohesive, engaging, and impactful story.
Evaluation Criteria:
Does the script captivate the reader from beginning to end?
Is the narrative compelling, emotionally resonant, and thematically clear?
Does the script demonstrate a high level of polish and professionalism in its execution?
2. Fundamental Components
Description: The strength of the script’s core elements, including dialogue, plot, structure, and character development.
Evaluation Criteria:
Dialogue
Is the dialogue authentic, purposeful, and distinct for each character?
Does it advance the plot and reveal character without being overly expository?
Plot
Is the plot clear, engaging, and logically developed?
Are there meaningful stakes, conflicts, and resolutions?
Structure
Does the script follow a clear and effective narrative structure (e.g., three-act structure, non-linear storytelling)?
Are pacing and scene transitions smooth and purposeful?
Characters
Are the characters well-developed, relatable, and memorable?
Do characters have clear motivations, arcs, and growth throughout the script?
3. Concept Marketability/Producibility
Description: The script’s potential for commercial success and feasibility of production.
Evaluation Criteria:
Does the concept appeal to a specific audience or have broad market potential?
Is the script feasible to produce in terms of budget, locations, cast size, and special effects?
Does the concept align with current industry trends or offer a fresh take with commercial viability?
4. Originality
Description: The uniqueness and creativity of the script’s concept, themes, and execution.
Evaluation Criteria:
Does the script offer a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, or a unique voice?
Does it avoid clichés or predictable tropes unless used intentionally and effectively?
Is the story distinct from existing works in its genre or medium?
5. Writing Style
Description: The quality and effectiveness of the writer’s voice, tone, and technical execution.
Evaluation Criteria:
Is the writing clear, concise, and evocative, with appropriate tone for the genre?
Does the script adhere to industry-standard formatting (e.g., proper screenplay format)?
Are descriptions vivid yet economical, enhancing the reader’s visualization without overwriting?
Judging Process
Judging Panel: Scripts will be evaluated by a panel of judges with expertise in screenwriting, film production, or related fields.
Blind Review: To ensure impartiality, scripts will be anonymized during the judging process.
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Additional Notes
Scripts must adhere to competition rules (e.g., page length, genre, submission format) to be eligible for judging.
Judges will consider the script’s intended medium (e.g., feature film, short film, TV pilot) when evaluating marketability and structure.
These guidelines aim to reward scripts that demonstrate exceptional storytelling, creativity, and potential for production while maintaining a fair and transparent evaluation process.