So I've entered plenty of screenplays into festivals and contests, most of which are Film Festivals with Screenplays as a sub category. I've been selected as Official Entry in a bunch, and semi finalist/finalist in a few. However, I've never been able to attend, seeing as most of them are through Film Freeway. Some are somewhat reputable, others mom and pop style that I question whether or not they exist. But I digress. My question is what becomes of a screenplay in these Film Festivals? Obviously, the Films are shown. But are the screenplays given staged readings? Are they complied in some database? Or are they simply listed in a program of some sort? Just curious.
Screenwriting : Screenplay's in Festivals: what becomes of them? by F. Aaron Franklin
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If you place well or win, you'll likely appear on a Web page somewhere. Depending on the contest, you'll get some sort of prize if you place highly enough. If there's were a staged reading of a winner at some festival, you'd definitely learn about that on the festival's Web site (I doubt that's common). As for a database? No, but you'll be placed on the festival's mailing list in perpetuity. :) It might be worth asking why you're submitting to these contests... Like, what is your goal? If it's money, look for contests with decent prizes (keeping in mind you're an extreme longshot to win). If it's industry exposure you're looking for, stick to the big five (or so) that will actually provide that (keeping in mind you're an extreme longshot to win). But placing as a Semi-Finalist in the Wichita International Independent Video Festival Screenplay Contest is not going to be worth the $30 entry fee. (With apologies to the Wichita International Independent Video Festival if such a thing actually exists.)
I don't know about the scripts, but many of the winners of screenplay competitions like Page and Nicholl and some of the television/cable network contests have gone on to work in the Cinema and Television/Cable industries.
Nothing happens to the actual screenplay. They have a panel of judges who determine which scripts place and which don't. They send out the awards and prizes and that's pretty much it. Your script is not on display anywhere.
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Nothing happens with the script is correct. It's really important to attend the fests as you can. You never know who you'll meet or who might be interested in or perfect for your project. This is a relationship-based business. Attend, be friendly and interesting, hand out some really nice cards. Work really hard to ensure that less than half your spoken sentences begin with first person pronouns.
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I use them to get feedback and for fun. Most have no value to a producer or agent. If you are constantly winning it may be a rep builder. But it is a massive industry of well intentioned people. Some places use it to build a tourist base. Research Dungog Film Festival Aussie town of a few hundred. The Dungog has been running for years. I am attending the Manchester in March, but only because I am in the UK at the same time.
Win the Tracking Board contest. Brooklyn Weaver will sign you on the spot. (His company is sponsoring).