FICTION PODCAST COMPETITION RULES
General Eligibility
- All Fiction Podcast ( “Scripts”) submitted must be in English.
- Scripts must not have been optioned, sold, or distributed prior to October 24, 2024. Applicants must notify Austin Film Festival (“AFF” or the “Festival”) of any changes in status following submission.
- Scripts that have been produced are only eligible if
- More than one season has not been released to the public
- The show is produced independently and is not controlled by, under exclusive license to, or financed by any major podcast production company or network.
- Scripts that have reached the Semifinalist level or above in previous years within any of the Austin Film Festival Competitions are not eligible for resubmission.
- All submissions must be accompanied by the appropriate submission fee PER ENTRY and if submitting by mail a completed entry form including authors’ original signatures. Please do not send a photocopy of your signature. Make checks or money orders payable to “Austin Film Festival.” Only US money orders will be accepted.
- AFF reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any ineligible entries, without a refund.
Originality and Permissions; INDEMNITY
- Fiction Podcasts must be the original work of the applicant(s). If based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, the applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation or rights agreements to the Festival. Neither the Festival nor its jurists investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.
- BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, THE APPLICANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE FESTIVAL, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Additional Information
- If a submission involves two or more writers as applicants, the monetary prize and any reimbursements will be divided equally among them and only one Typewriter Award will be provided.
- Once an entry payment has been received we cannot provide a refund. If a payment is disputed by an entrant for any reason, the entrant may be subject to any transaction fees or similar amounts incurred by AFF in connection with the dispute.
- No revisions or missing pages will be accepted once an entry has been received.
- Awards are based solely on the overall merit of entries. Judges reserve the right not to grant an award.
- We strongly suggest that applicants copyright their materials with the U.S. Copyright Office (copyright.gov) and/or register their screenplay/teleplay with the Writers Guild of America, East or Writers Guild of America, West. Please consult an attorney regarding any questions about these.
FICTION PODCAST RULES
- Applicant must submit a SINGLE PDF file containing the following:
- 1-3 fictional scripted episodes, totaling no more than 90 pages in length. Each script must be submitted as part of the same PDF file
- An outline for the full series (1-3 pages)
- Podcast scripts must not have been optioned, sold, or distributed prior to October 24, 2024
- Podcast scripts must be the original work of the applicant – spec episodes of existing shows will not be considered
- No revisions or missing pages will be accepted once entry has been received
- We strongly suggest that applicants register or copyright their material before submitting
- FORMAT:
- Podcast scripts should be formatted with the following in mind: a fictionalized, purely acoustic performance for broadcast via the internet or radio with no visual component. Fiction podcasts may include styles of drama, comedy, fictional documentaries, or more.
- Podcast scripts must be 3-30 pages in length per episode
- Scripts should be formatted according to a traditional screenplay or radio play.
- Font size must be 12 point and in Courier type
- Pages must be numbered in the top right-hand corner
- Scripts must be in PDF format under 5MB
- Only the TITLE of the script should appear on the front cover page.
The author’s name must not appear anywhere in the script in order to preserve anonymity in the judging process
MAILED-IN SUBMISSIONS FORMAT:
- Pages should be two or three-hole-punched, bound between cardstock covers and fastened by two or three metal brads.
- Pages may be double-sided.
- Only the TITLE of the screenplay should appear on the front stock cover (legibly written or typed).
- A second title page with all contact information (TITLE, AUTHOR, AUTHOR’S ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, E-MAIL ADDRESS, and a BRIEF SYNOPSIS) should be included but kept separate from the script. The author’s name must not appear elsewhere in the script in order to preserve anonymity in the judging process.
- Payments made with a check are subject to our Bounced Check Policy: If we receive a returned check from our bank for a payment you made, you will be invoiced for the original amount of the check plus a $25 bank fee. The payment of the invoiced amount will be due within 30 days of the invoice date. We will not re-submit the original check, nor will we accept another check for re Repayment must be made by money order or cashier’s check.
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS FORMAT:
- Scripts must be in PDF format and under 5MB.
- Only the TITLE of the screenplay should appear on the front cover page.
The author’s name, contact information, or any other information that may reveal the identity of the writer(s) must not appear anywhere in the script in order to preserve anonymity in the judging process.
Selected Scripts and Winners
AFF has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: i) identities of readers or judges; ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted material; and/or iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.
Except as explicitly stated, no representations or guarantees are made regarding the feedback or comments provided, or the quality thereof. The opinions of the readers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of AFF. AFF explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by AFF or by its readers, judges, and sponsors.
Winners will be announced on October 26, 2024. The judges’ decision is final.
Winners receiving cash prizes are solely responsible for payment of all applicable local, state, and federal taxes.
RETURNS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- Scripts will not be returned under any circumstances.
- Please include a self-addressed, stamped postcard for each submission if you wish for acknowledgment of the receipt of your screenplay/teleplay (mailed-in entries only).
- Online submissions will receive a confirmation email.
- Notification letters will be sent by postal mail by mid-September. Semifinalists will be contacted by phone around this time.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the Fiction Podcast Script Competition, please contact us at screenplay@austinfilmfestival.com.
COMPETITION IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Returns and Acknowledgements
- Scripts will not be returned under any circumstances.
- Please include a self-addressed, stamped postcard for each submission if you wish acknowledgement of the receipt of your screenplay/teleplay (mailed-in entries only).
- Online submissions will receive a confirmation email.
- Notification letters will be sent by postal mail by mid-September. Semifinalists will be contacted by phone around this time.
More Questions?
For general questions check out our FAQ and Rules.
If more help is needed, please reach out to screenplay@austinfilmfestival.com or call us at 512-478-4795.