Screenwriting : NetworkISA by Pattana Thaivanich

I haven't, but in general, get a copyright for your screenplay, or register with Writers Guild. Most contests will even recommend you do this before submitting. Main warning I have is beware of covers from any competition, and don't take rejection too seriously. Initially I assumed comments were from judges, but some aren't even industry professionals (you can usually spot them but it's a waste of time and money if you had to pay extra). I've gotten great ones too. So maybe I'm saying with the right precautions and frame of mind, can't hurt? Others might not agree lol!

It depends on what your motivation is to enter. A free competition isn't generally carry much weight in the industry - few do. However, you might be in it purely for the validation which is fine.

A registered copyright claim with the Library of Congress is what you need in terms of protection and paper trail. WGA registration should only come second to that and doesn't bring the same level of protection.

Pattana, I'm a Network ISA member.

I joined up a couple of years ago, and until last year, I took advantage of the offer to enter ISA's free contests.

Never been a quarterfinalist...and I stopped entering contests altogether because I came to realize what I've been writing resonates more easily with fellow Stage 32 members and with fellow Script Revolution members than with contest judges. (I'm very happy if what I've come up with earns the support of other writers...fellow moviegoers, fellow Internet users, and fellow TV viewers.)

At least being on ISA has helped me get stuff out to the producers the platform has a liaison with. Haven't had a sale yet...but I'm still plugging away.

Thanks for posting this, and I wish you all the VERY BEST, Pattana! (Hope you have real success with ISA!)

Pattana:

I would definitely enter. It's free! I was just a quarter-finalist for their Genre competition. Have fun and good luck!

It's free & who knows what happens then - I bet not much/nothing. Make sure you understand what they mean by 'free' and make sure it's not a free offer to lure you down a deep dark economic hole. Keep your eyes open & good luck.

NSA Association contests are legit and are not trying to lure anyone. https://www.networkisa.org/contest. If you want their written feedback you will pay extra but it's only an option.

I use NetworkISA, but I haven't entered the free contests. I thought about it.

It can't hurt to enter, and it softens the blow if you want to pay for the evaluation.

If you're looking for an ego boost than go for it. If you're looking to get your script under the eyes of producers and industry professionals, you're wasting your time. Of the 8 years I've been a screenwriter I've yet to see anyone's scripts produced through NISA.

If for nothing else, the pitching experience at NISA will help you learn and build confidence. The prizes are pretty good too for a freebie. They are legit and I always steer my screenwriting students to that site.

Recently there is a free contest called ISA Diversity Initiative, Launchpad for underrepresented writers. It should be interesting to see the outcome. Good luck, everyone!