What Happens Next?

18 December, 2014

For scripts that tease the reader into wondering

What Happens Next?

Again and again

The more times the better

Often scripts with wonderful ideas, characters, and situations face the chopping block early in development because they have been written in a way that allows the audience to get ahead of the storyteller. The AWG is calling for unproduced scripts which demonstrate a writer's excellent ability to withhold and dispense information with intriguing effect i.e. scripts that are structured in a way that keep the audience wanting to know What Happens Next?.

The writer who raises the most captivating ? will be rewarded with the opportunity to ask the same question - What Happens Next? - but this time with respect to the best pathway for the script’s ongoing development i.e. the writer will be given a choice of the following prizes:

• 20 hours of mentoring with an esteemed and like minded writer; or
• 20 hours of script-consultation with an accomplished dramaturg; or
• 20 hours of script editing with an experienced script editor.

The winner will also receive:

• Automatic induction into the AWG Pathways Program;
• The latest version of Final Draft Scriptwriting Software;
• An opportunity to have their script read by several international and Australian leading producers, theatre companies, talent agents with similar creative interests; and
• Up to 20 hour access to the AWG ‘Deal Runner’ contract negotiation service for this project.

What Happens Next? is open to entries written for all platforms: cinema, television, main stage, small stage or cross-platform.

COMPETITION GUIDELINES:

To be eligible writers need to be a current financial member of the AWG and own all the rights to the project.

ENTRIES for round one must include:

• A one page synopsis;
• The first 12-15 pages of the script; and
• A one page outline of the project’s development history and description of which prize pathway is the most necessary for it to progress to the next stage of development.

JUDGING PROCESS:

An industry panel will judge the competition. In the first round the judges will select a long-list by assessing the work. In the event your project is long listed you will be required to deliver the full script within 5 business days. From there, a new panel will select a short-list.

The entrants will be judged based on the following criteria:

• The quality of the work presented;
• The ability of the writer to withhold and dispense information with intriguing effect;
• Innovative and pragmatic plan for the next stage of script development;
• Excellence in craft and skill.

Please note: Entries for this competition have now closed and judging is underway. Announcements will be made as soon as possible.