What Sci-Fi scripts are acceptable?
All Sci-Fi screenplays and teleplays that are the original work of a none-professional screenwriter are acceptable. Your script can be 100% Sci-Fi or simply contain some Sci-Fi elements.
Your script may incorporate future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, paranormal abilities etc. It’s up to you.
Contest categories
Scripts will compete in one of two categories:
- Sci-Fi feature film screenplay
- Sci-Fi teleplay: original pilot or existing series
Do I maintain copyright of my script?
Absolutely. Contest entry grants no power over your script to Pulsar. Your script is your material, you maintain all rights and copyright.
What happens to my script?
On submission, your script will be allocated to an experienced script reader who enjoys Sci-Fi. It will be read, assessed and entered into the contest.
If feedback/analysis has been requested then the reader will write a feedback/analysis report ('Standard' is approximately 400 words, 'Extended' is at least 800 words). The goal of the report is to give guidance on how your script can be improved: it will include details of both the aspects of your screenplay the reader liked, and the aspects they believe need additional work. The report will be emailed to you within thirty days.
How will the reader assess my script?
Your script will be assessed under various categories including character development, story line/plot, dialogue, style, originality and marketability.
Contest timelines
The Pulsar Sci-Fi Screenplay Contest will run every six months:
- Cycle 'A': October 1st to March 31st
- Cycle 'B': April 1st to September 30th
Each cycle will be a separate contest, the full cash prize pool will be given out per cycle (i.e. once every 6 months).
Contest announcements
Contest results will be posted on the Results section of this website. All entrants will be informed of results posting by email.
Contest placings will include:
- Best Screenplay Award
- Best Teleplay Award
- Finalists
- Semi-Finalists
- Quarter-Finalists
The Prizes
A cash prize of $1000 will be awarded for the best Sci-Fi movie screenplay, $250 for the best teleplay.
Announcements dates
Contest results will be announced in a staggered fashion within two months of contest deadline.
All entrants will be informed of results posting by email.
Do entrants have to reside in America?
No, we accept screenplays from around the world but please ensure your screenplay is in English.
Can I resubmit?
Post-submission, if you make changes to your script, we can only accept those changes as a new entry with the required entrance fee. After receiving their script feedback/analysis report (if ordered), some writers may wish to submit a fresh draft. To pay for the re-reading, a new entrance fee will be required.
Resubmission is 100% optional, with an excellent first attempt, you could well advance to the Finals (and win!) without having to resubmit.
Is a title page needed?
Yes, please include a title page with the script name, author(s) name(s) and contact email address(s).
What is a spec screenplay?
A spec script, also known as a speculative screenplay, is a non-commissioned unsolicited screenplay.
What formats are accepted?
We only accept scripts in Adobe PDF format. Please ensure your script conforms to the industry standard for spec screenplays. E.g. the font must be 12-point Courier, Courier New or Courier Final Draft; line spacing, formatting etc must follow the industry norm.
Numerous spec screenplay format guides are available on the web. You can find two here.
I use Final Draft / Movie Magic Screenwriter, how do I output my script in PDF format?
Final Draft has a Save As PDF option. Under the File Menu, Movie Magic provides an Export to PDF feature.
Can I submit my script in Microsoft Word or text file format?
No. Please convert your scripts to PDF format using for example the Save As PDF option in newer versions of Microsoft Word or a Print to PDF function (such as PrimoPDF, which is available for free).
Or use the excellent free file conversion website: ZamZar
We highly recommend you switch from Word/text file format to professional screenwriting software such as the open source (and free!) Celtx.
How do I pay?
We use Paypal for secure payment processing. However you do not need a Paypal account. You can pay using your Paypal account or your credit or debit card (no Paypal account is necessary).
Does your site record my payment details (credit card etc)?
Absolutely not. All payments are handled through Paypal’s secure payment gateway.
Can Pulsar help me get an agent/manager?
Landing a good agent starts with having a great script. Our feedback (if ordered) will help you to improve your work. Ranking highly in contests is viewed favorably by many agents and managers.
Are scripts adapted from a book, play, film or other existing material eligible?
Only if the book/play/film/other existing material is your original work and you maintain copyright.
The only exception to this rule relates to existing series Sci-Fi teleplays in which case established characters, technology etc from the series can be used in your script entry.
I’m worried about someone stealing my idea?
This is very rare in Hollywood. Our readers will not steal your idea.
What's different about this contest?
There are dozens of screenwriting contests on the web, many promise a lot but few deliver. Some offer $25,000+ prizes with the bulk of the "prizes" being web subscriptions to poor quality sites at massively marked-up prices.
Most charge between $40 and $50 for contest entry alone. When feedback/analysis is offered, it's usually priced at an additional $60 (or more) to your $40+ contest entrance fee.
Pulsar is the only screenplay contest dedicated exclusively to Sci-Fi. We guarantee your screenplay will be read by someone who is passionate about both Sci-Fi and screenwriting. We also
guarantee to keep our fees (both for contest entry and the optional feedback/analysis) ultra competitive.
Use of your contact details
We will only use your contact details for communication regarding this contest. Your details will not be sold or given to any other parties.
