FilmShift is committed to advancing the craft of screenwriting as well as the progress of independent screenwriters themselves through our annual screenplay competition.

We accept both feature-length and short film scripts of all genres and styles that tell strong and original stories. Both professional and Student writers are encouraged to submit their work to compete for a variety of prizes and awards. Students should go to our Student page to learn more and to submit their work.

Student: Feature: $30, Short: $25; Short: $35; Feature: $45 (by February 8, 2010)

Student: Feature: $35, Short: $35; Short: $40; Feature: $50 (by June 1, 2010)

Student: Feature: $60, Short: $45; Short: $55; Feature: $65 (by August 2, 2010)

1. FilmShift accepts screenplays from any genre.
2. Screenplays must be the original work of the author(s.)
3. Screenplays must be registered by the WGA and/or copyrighting your material with the Library of Congress.
4. Upon request, writers entering the Student category must provide valid proof of matriculation at an accredited High School, university, or college.
5. Writers entering the Student category who are under 18 years of age, must have a parent or legal guardian sign their entry form.
6. Multiple entries from the same writer(s) will be accepted as long as a signed entry form and corresponding correct entry fees are included with each entry.
7. Multiple authors credited on the same screenplay are accepted. If the screenplay wins an award from FilmShift, it is up to the authors themselves to divide the prizes/award as they see fit.
8. Once a screenplay has been submitted, no further revisions or drafts will be accepted unless you choose to resubmit the work with a new entry fee.
9. Screenplays must be written in English and be in the correct industry-standard format.
10. If you choose to send a hard copy rather than a computer file, screenplays must be printed on white paper and bound with either 2 or 3 brads.
11. Screenplays submitted will not be returned to the author(s)Please include a self-addressed, stamped postcard for each submission if you wish acknowledgment of the receipt of your entry.
12. By submitting your screenplay to The FilmShift Festival, you attest that you have read and understand these Guidelines and Rules, hold all necessary rights to submit the script to the contest, and are authorized to grant and does hereby grant said rights to The FilmShift Festival.
13. The organizers of the FilmShift Film Festival and Screenplay Contest reserve the right to rule on cases not covered by these rules and regulations.
14. Selection for screenplay awards will be determined no later than one month prior to the festival. Writers will be notified of their status by email, whether their screenplay(s) was accepted into the festival or not.
15. The Participation Agreement contained on the official Festival Entry Form must be signed, or ''checked'' if using the online version. Please note that signing or checking the participation agreement is legally binding.

Scripts entered into competition in The FilmShift screenplay competition are eligible to win cash and prizes along with our Shifty Awards.

We present Shifty Awards for screenplays in the following categories:

Best of Competition

First Place
Our First Place winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a 6 month listing in Inktip's industry newsletter. The cash prize will be provided by Filmshift and Inktip generously donated the listing.

Second Place
Our Second Place winner will receive a copy of Final Draft screenwriting software and a 12-month Script P.I.M.P Database subscription. Both prizes were generously donated by the respective companies.

Third Place
Our Third Place winner will receive a 12-month subscription to Script magazine and a 12-month Script P.I.M.P Database subscription. Both prizes were generously donated by the respective companies.

Fourth Place
Our Fourth Place winner will receive a 12-month subscription to the Script P.I.M.P Writers Database.

Fifth Place
Our Fifth Place winner will receive a 12-month subscription to the Script P.I.M.P Writers Database.

Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention Certificates of Merit will be given to a handful of screenplays at the discretion of the festival.

The Shifty Uplifty Award
Presented to screenplays that uniquely inspire and uplift through the art of film. This award is also given to screenplays that best exemplify the ideal that we should treat all people with respect, understanding, and compassion. (As compassionate as we are, we will award no more than 5 screenplays in this category in order to maintain the value of the awards.)

The Shifty Lime Time Award
Presented to screenplays with particularly creative support of the ''Green'' and/or 10% Shift revolution. (As compassionate as we are, we will award no more than 5 screenplays in this category, in order to maintain the value of the awards.)