THE 14TH ANNUAL FADE IN AWARDS - OUR WINNERS WORK!

Description

Win a Dell Laptop Computer & a Trip to Hollywood to Meet Agents & Managers

The Fade In Awards were established in 1996 to assist talented new writers and writer/directors with getting recognized within the Hollywood community in order to begin a career as a working filmmaker.

In the last thirteen years, the competition has done just that:

- After Jon Bokenkamp entered his thriller Preston Tylk, he signed with ICM, he was hired to write a feature for director William Friedkin, has since directed Tylk and sold his documentary After Sunset to AMC, wrote features for Julia Roberts, Halle Berry (Perfect Stranger), and Angelina Jolie (Taking Lives).
-After Josh Gordin and Will Speck entered their short Culture, both signed with ICM, Culture was nominated for an Academy Award(TM) and they directed Will Ferrell in Blades of Glory.
-After Darryl Wimberley entered his noir Kaleidoscope, he signed with ICM. He now has a two-book deal with St. Martin's Press and Kaleidoscope has also been published as a novel.
-After George Olson entered his script Tesla, he signed with Endeavor.
-After Grant Jerkins entered his project "An American Crime," we gave it to Fade In Advisory Board member, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nick Kazan who, along with writer Terry Curtis Fox, adapted it for the screen. Oscar-nominated director Barbet Schroeder is attached to helm.
-After Mike Murphy entered his script "Clackers," he landed an option and within months began filming. Now titled Javelina, you can look for Murphy's film in theatres later this year.
-After Matt Krentz and Vernon Whitlock entered their action franchise, "The Blaze Brothers," they signed with APA and landed a deal with American Original Entertainment.
-After Frank Baldwin entered his genre film, he signed with the William Morris Agency, landed writing assignments with Sony Pictures and director Sam Raimi, DreamWorks and director Philip Noyce, and Paramount and director Pierre Morel.
-After Mike Walsh entered his screenplay, he signed with Ken Sherman & Associates and optioned two projects.
After Howard Kingkade entered his short, Hole in the Paper Sky, the script was produced starring Jessica Biel, Gary Marshall and Jason Clarke.
-After James R. Rothenberg entered his script, "The Last Resort," he signed with Original Artists.
-After Haven Turleygood entered his genre film "Irish," he signed with Endeavor and landed a writing assignment with Arnold Kopelson and another with Joel Silver.
-After Matt Healy entered his dark comedy Clay Pigeons, Healy signed with ICM, Pigeons was produced by Ridley and Tony Scott with David Dobkin directing and Healy landed a two-picture deal with Warner Bros.
-After Max Mayer entered his drama Adam, he directed and sold the film at the Sundance Film Festival to Fox Searchlight and it's currently playing in theatres to rave reviews.

These are just some of our finalists' success stories.

First-round finalists of the 14th Annual Fade In Awards will be announced March 31, 2010. Up to $15,000 in prizes will be awarded thereafter, including the Grand Prize and up to 19 finalists.

Grand Prize winner will receive a Dell Laptop Computer, plus an expense paid trip (hotel and airfare) to meet with top literary agents and managers for three days and two nights (or cash equivalent).

Fade In reserves the right to grant less than or no awards, at its sole discretion, if a lesser number of, or no entries meet the submission requirements and/or industry standards of excellence.

WILL YOU BE NEXT?
Entry Forms:www.fadeinawards.com

OUR WINNERS WORK!

"Fade In didn't just write out a prize check and wish me luck. They gave me excellent script notes. No vague admonitions to "fix the third act" or "strengthen the hero." Precise suggestions that zeroed in on every weakness - every line of dialogue that rang false, every set piece that went on a beat too long, every plot point that wouldn't play on screen. They sharpened my script, and then they made good on their promise to find me representation. Soon I had a top manager, then a William Morris agent and a seasoned entertainment lawyer. Then things really got cool. Michael De Luca said he wanted to produce my script, and Spike Lee called to say he wanted to direct. I hadn't just scaled that high wall - I was across the moat, through the castle gate and into the main hall. A few months later came a seat at the head table - a writing deal with Sony Pictures [with director Sam Raimi on board; and since then a deal with DreamWorks with director Philip Noyce attached and a deal at Warner Bros, with director Martin Scorsese attached]. I owe my success to Fade In. These guys don't just promise access - they deliver it. So kiss that envelope and send it in. Once Fade In gets behind you, you never know whose desk your script might land on." -Frank Baldwin, "Untitled Frank Baldwin Project"
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"My horror script, "Clackers," was the second place winner in the 11th Annual Fade In Awards. I chose Fade In for a couple of reasons. The genres were broken down into different categories and the winners were recognized in their magazine and a trade publication. [After] I received a phone call [from Fade In] notifying me of my win, I wasted no time in touting my success. As a result, my script was requested by production and management companies. By August I had secured representation and in January 2008, the script was optioned by actor/director/producer Barry Tubb and producer Suzanne Weinert. Javelina, formerly titled "Clackers," began filming in Rocksprings, Texas [and recently completed post]. Choose your contests wisely and if you are a winner, it's no time to be modest. Don't wait for someone to beat down your door. In the end, it is going to be all up to you to stretch a contest win into success. -Mike Murphy, Javelina (formerly known as "Clackers")
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"The Blaze Brothers franchise has almost limitless potential, but until Fade In recognized, awarded and provided invaluable contacts and feedback on the script, it was just words on a page. After winning first place for Best Action script in the 11th Annual Fade In Awards, the entire Fade In team stepped to the plate and knocked one out of the park for the two of us. We ventured from Saint Louis, MO to Los Angeles, took meetings with top Hollywood agencies and management companies, and, believe it or not, were blessed with a number of options. Not only did Fade In help facilitate these meetings, but worked with us hand-in-hand throughout our decision making process. Ultimately, we had to make a decision, and after careful deliberation we decided to sign with an agency and management company that understood our vision for The Blaze Brothers graphic novel, animated series, video game and, of course, feature film. We are extremely pleased and honored to be working with APA (Agency for the Performing Arts) and Leverage Management. So thank you again to all the wonderfully attentive industry professionals at Fade In for bringing The Blaze Brothers to the City of Angels." - Matt Krentz & Vernon Whitlock, The Blaze Brothers, First Place Action Winners 2007
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"A few years ago, I won the Grand prize in the Fade In Awards...and I absolutely cannot say enough about Fade In magazine. Not only did they deliver on every promise of this competition, but the initial heat and ongoing support that I have received, as a result of winning the competition, have been phenomenal. I now have relationships with A-list directors, successful producers and a lot of other industry folks who like my writing and want to see the next thing I write purely because of Fade In. Their support and advocacy has gone above and beyond the script that won the competition - they have been a trusted friend and advisor on every project since, and I have the deepest respect for the entire Fade In staff. This is a competition that means something. It certainly did for me." -George Olson, Grand Prize winner

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"As a result of winning the Grand prize, I received a number of story notes (from Fade In) that were intended to shape the script into a more marketable, viable and professional piece of work. These notes were very detailed and extensive and showed the amount of care and support Fade In was giving to the script and to me. Following the notes and feedback, I received a brand new iMac computer. [Then] I received a press release in Daily Variety that boasted "Georgie" in bold letters. This press release was followed by a series of emails and phone calls from various producers, managers and agencies. As a result, I now have representation. All this was then followed by a $1,000 check. (I live in the greater Los Angeles area and did not require to be flown out for meetings, so I was given cash value.) I also received a subscription to Fade In magazine and the first copy I received had my photograph in it as the grand-prize winner. My experience with the Fade In Awards has been very positive. All my dealings have been professional and helpful and the experience itself has helped me greatly to achieve some of my career goals." -Kathy Garcia, Grand Prize winner
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"I won the "Best Thriller Award". It was the first and only screenplay competition I have ever entered or won, and it was the first step in building the career I have today. After winning, I received story notes from the Fade In staff. Not only was this my first opportunity to hear industry notes, but the comments helped improve the script which was sold, shot and distributed by Artisan Entertainment in 2000. In the months that followed, I was introduced to agents in Hollywood and eventually signed with the ICM agency. I am convinced my script would not have been read by any agencies without the influence of winning the competition. Believe me, I tried. It was through this process that I met the agent who still represents me today. I should also mention that Fade In also introduced me to the attorney who still represents me. Since winning the award, I have gone on to write screenplays for studios such as Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, MGM, HBO and Artisan. I've been employed ever since. I had a wonderful experience with the Fade In Awards and I would recommend any aspiring writer to enter the competition. The Fade In staff is a very knowledgeable and experienced group of industry professionals." -Jon Bokenkamp, Finalist
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"As a result of the competition, Fade In worked with me on developing both my award-winning script and a new script that they got to Stan Winston - Hollywood's foremost creature-maker in the history of the film industry (he has created creatures for Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton, James Cameron, and George Lucas). Brian Gilbert, the president of Winston's company, is currently developing my script in order to turn it into a major motion picture!" -Quentin Hidalgo, Grand prize winner
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"The Fade In Awards have an amazing track record of securing industry access for their winners. That's why I entered. But at the time I really had no idea what kind of impact winning could have on my career. Since being announced last year's Grand Prize winner, the Fade In folks have been incredible, working closely with me to get the winning script ready to market. Their feedback and suggestions have been outstanding. I've already been offered top-level representation, and I haven't even been out to L.A. yet!" -Al LaSorte, Grand prize winner
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"The Fade In Awards is one of the contests to which I really pay attention. I read the winners each year, and this past year signed one of the contest winners. It's been beneficial for both my new clients and myself. It is truly a top-notch contest, as is their pitch festival, which is the only one of these kind of events that I will attend." -Ryan Saul, Agency for the Performing Arts (APA)
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"An American Crime is going to be published. Berkley Books. Trade paperback. You were the first to see value in this book. You put it out there. You championed it. You gave it to Nick Kazan. You got the film deal off the ground. Hell, you even read it to people over the phone. This is a special time for me, and I wanted to acknowledge all you've done. Thank you." -Grant Jerkins, Finalist
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"Thanks to the Fade In screenwriting contest, I've made tons of contacts within the film industry. I've gotten to work with and for some amazing talent, and I have support I know I can always count on. Sure, I won some prizes too, but the Fade In contest is about far more. You will be introduced to people who will help you with your career. And, Fade In has continued to support my writing years after winning. They know good writing, and people in the industry respect their opinion. If you're good enough to win this contest you have a real chance to break in." -Quentin Hildago, Finalist
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"As the co-writer of two Fade In First Place winners, and a multiple semi-finalist, I have always found Fade In's competition to be far ahead of the pack. Whenever we've had questions, Fade In has been both helpful and accessible. I hope that writers realize the complications of consistently running a good, honest, well-respected competition and know that you do a damned fine job of it. Thanks for all the support we've gotten." - Kaenan Oliver of Oliver-Flynn-Oliver, Finalist

"I received everything that was promised to me. The notes I got from staff were some of the best notes I have ever received. I have been a finalist or winner in a number of contests and none of them have done more for me than Fade In." - Craig Berger, Finalist

"The Fade In Awards are one of the top, and most helpful, contests in the industry. I had won in 2006, and you have been helping me to further my career ever since! How could anyone put a price on that? I will forever appreciate everything that you have done for me." - Luke Dalinda, Finalist

Deadlines and Fees

Awards

Quarter-finalists of the 14th Annual Fade In Awards will be announced March 10, 2010. Up to $15,000 in prizes will be awarded thereafter, including the Grand Prize and up to 19 finalists.

Grand Prize winner will receive an Dell Laptop Computer, plus an expense paid trip (hotel and airfare) to meet with top literary agents and managers for three days and two nights (or cash equivalent).

First Place winner (in each category): $1,000, script analysis by WGA writer, Waterman pen.
Second Place winner (in each category): $750, script analysis by WGA writer
Third Place winner (in each category): $500, script analysis by WGA writer

Formats

Screenplay - Feature ,Screenplay - Short

Genres

Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Detective, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Musical, Mystery, Myth, Political, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, War, Western

Rules

Fade In Awards Official Rules

1. Entry must be accompanied by the following:

a) Completed official entry form (photocopies are acceptable), or Online entry form.
b) An entry fee of $45.00 U.S. (made payable to "Fade In") if entering prior to October 31, 2009; an entry fee of $55.00 U.S. if entering after October 31, 2009. Online entries include an additional $2.50 service charge, for administrative costs.
c) One completed original feature screenplay (approx. 90-130 pgs.) or one completed original short (approx. 20-45 pgs. script format or 5-30-minute reel) in standard industry format; bound with two gold fasteners; and covered with plain black or white card stock.
Please also include a fully-executed title page with all pertinent contact info, title and byline. You may enter as many times as you wish. However, each entry must be mailed separately with a separate entry form and processing fee, as indicated above.
Submissions must be an original work of the applicant/writing teams and not based, in whole or part, on another author's work (unless in public domain).

2. Submissions must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2009. Applications will be accepted only by mail or online. Submitted material will not be returned.

3. Submissions may not be under option or with attachment(s) at the time of entry nor at the time the material is chosen as a Finalist or Grand Prize winner. If said script/reel has been optioned or sold during the judging period, the contestant will automatically be disqualified.

4. Judging consists of three rounds; Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals. Applicants will be notified by mail of their advancement prior to March 31, 2010.

5. Applicant understands creative revisions may be required prior to setting up meetings and therefore agrees to the process as outlined by the Fade In staff. Applicant also understands that if chosen as a finalist it is a requirement to sign both a general release and a W-9 tax form to receive any prizes.

6. Fade In reserves the right to grant less than or no awards, at its sole discretion, if a lesser number of, or no entries meet the submissions requirements and/or industry standards of excellence.

7. Fade In reserves the right to revoke or disqualify any finalist for a) breach of these terms, b) unprofessional behavior, as deemed by Fade In staff.

Announcements

Winners appear in Fade In, followed by press announcements to the trades.

Discussion

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