BENEFITS OF PROPOSAL SYSTEM

The benefits to writers from submitting under the proposal system include:

Reduced Cost, Time, & Effort--the initial application costs less and takes less time and effort to submit given the fewer pages to print and copy and the lighter package to mail.

Focus and Feedback--the phased submission process allows the writer to focus fully on each element when needed, creating subsequent elements with the benefit of feedback from Contest administrators (whose interest it is to provide the highest quality material to the Hollywood producer-judges). This is particularly helpful for creating the very best first 20 pages of the screenplay, so critical to the success of any motion picture project, saving effort on the remaining pages until necessary.

Delayed Writing--those who work well under pressure of deadlines, or would prefer the option of submitting proposals for projects yet completed, may find adequate time is provided to finish a screenplay when requested.

Project Emphasis--the proposal of movie projects emphasizes the importance of gaining producer interest in one's screenplay, and seeing the script itself as a proposal to make a movie; the author as the architect of a motion picture project. It also requires the development of effective marketing tools, a query letter, a brief synopsis, and twenty pages that ignite interest. These tools come into play later in the competition when producers show interest in projects.

Greater Opportunity to "Sell" Project--The cover letter gives author(s) an opportunity to "sell" their project(s) and their own qualifications. The synopsis is also a chance to highlight the storyline succinctly, a story that a reader might miss otherwise.

Hope for Longer Scripts--Authors of longer scripts, that might turn off readers and judges just by their length, have an opportunity to "sell" the projects first, then, either submit them once interest has been established, or take the added time to slim them down.