Francis Ford Coppola’s production company, American Zoetrope, has extended the final deadline for its 15th annual screenplay contest to October 1st.
American Zoetrope promotes its competition as a way to find new and aspiring screenwriters in the film industry. A group of professional readers reads each script, and the final winner is chosen by Francis Ford Coppola himself. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 prize.
Zoetrope explains, “The readers are looking for a screenplay with the best story and execution—regardless of genre or budget requirements. We seek original voices whose work will contribute to the quality, diversity, and longevity of contemporary cinema.”
Zoetrope will send the top 10 finalists to several top agencies and management companies to be considered for representation including:
- William Morris Endeavor
- CAA
- The Gersh Agency
- Exile Entertainment
- ICM
- Oasis Media
- UTA
- The Radmin Company
- Prolific Entertainment
- Energy Entertainment
- Dontanville/Frattaroli
The top 10 scripts will also be considered for option and development by major production companies including:
- American Zoetrope
- Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Fox Searchlight
- Sony Pictures Classics
- IFC Entertainment
- Paramount Classics
- Verisimilitude
- Lionsgate
- Icon Pictures
- Lleju Productions and Films
- Second and 10th
- Working Title
- Dimension Films
- Frelaine
- Michael London Productions
- Hope for Film
- Kulture Machine
- Number 9 Films
- Folo Films
- Pretty Pictures
- Roserock Films
- Benderspink
- Astrakan Films
- Industry Entertainment
- Anonymous Content
- Jim Wedaa Productions
- Robert Evans Company
- Fortis Films
- Jean Doumanian Productions
- Agape Media International
- FX
- Ziskin Productions
To apply, you can submit your screenplay here by Oct. 1, 11:59:59 pm PT. The final entry fee is $50. Be sure to check out the official rules and the FAQ for all of the details before you apply.
