SUBMISSION FAQs

SHOWTIME’S TONY COX SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

When are the submission deadlines?
Scripts should be postmarked by the following deadlines and be accompanied by the corresponding fee.
- Early Submissions, January 16, 2012 - Fee: $50
- Regular Submissions, March 12, 2012 - Fee: $55
- WAB Extended Deadline, March 26, 2012 - Fee: $80 via www.withoutabox.com only

What kind of scripts do you accept?
We accept feature scripts of any genre and budget. We do NOT accept scripts for short or documentary films.

What format should the scripts be submitted in?
We accept electronic scripts in PDF or Word documents only. We do NOT accept hard copies.

What are the scripts eligibility requirements?
- Screenplays must be standard feature length (90-125 pp.) and standard U.S. format only;
- Screenplays may not have been produced;
- Screenplays must be in English;
- Screenplays must be completed by the entry deadline.
- Screenplays must include a title page without the applicant’s name.

Can I send a draft now and a replacement copy later?
No, we do not accept replacement copies of a script. The only way we can accept a new revised version of your script is if you re-submit it using a new entry form and paying the corresponding entry fee.

Do I need to copyright my script before submitting?
No, you do not need to copyright your script before submitting, but we strongly suggest that you register it with the Writers Guild. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.

My script is longer than 125 pages. Will I be disqualified?
No, you will not be disqualified, but a $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 125 pages.

Can I submit more than one script?
You can submit as many scripts as you want as long as each of them is accompanied by its respective entry form and fee.

Can I re-submit the same script I submitted last year?
Yes, you can re-submit your script.

Do you accept adaptations?
Yes, we do accept adaptations. Make sure you have the rights to adapt the original material and all legal issues are settled before submitting.

Do you accept scripts written in collaboration?
Yes, we do accept collaborations. Prize money will be equally split between all writers.

I don’t live in the USA. Can I submit a script? How do I pay the submission fee?
Yes, as long as the script is submitted in English. You can pay the submission fee with a money order in U.S dollars payable to the Nantucket Film Festival.

I’m having issues submitting through www.withoutabox.com. What should I do?
For issues related to Withoutabox’s website, please contact their webmaster directly. You are welcome to submit your script by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

I didn’t receive an e-mail confirmation for my submission.
We do not send email confirmations for scripts submitted through www.withoutabox.com. You can verify the status of your submission by checking the website. If you submitted your script by email and have not received a confirmation, please send us a note inquiring about it at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You can also send a self-addressed, stamped postcard or envelope and will return it confirming your script’s reception.

Will I receive notes on my script? Can I see the judges scoring?
In order to receive notes on your script you should order Script Analysis when filling in your application. See our Script Analysis page for more details.

How many submissions do you get?
We receive around 500 screenplay submissions per year.

When will the results be announced?
Notifications will be sent by early June by e-mail only. The winner will be announced during the Award ceremony on June 24, 2012.

How many people win?
There is only one winner, two finalists, and seven semi-finalists.

What happens to the rights of my script if I win?
You will retain the rights to the script whatever the outcome of the competition.

FILM SUBMISSIONS

Where do I send my submitted film?
You may upload your film and pay online through WithoutABox.com. You can also send us your film and submission form by postal mail at:

Nantucket Film Festival
Programming Department
68 Jay Street, Suite 319
Brooklyn, NY 11201

When are the submission deadlines?
Films should be postmarked by the following deadlines and be accompanied by the corresponding fee.
-Early Submissions, January 16, 2012 - Fee: $ 35
-Regular Submissions, February 27, 2012 – Fee: $ 40
-Late Submissions, March 12, 2012 - Fee: $ 60
-WAB Extended Deadline, March 26, 2012 - Fee: $75 via www.withoutabox.com only

What kind of films do you accept?
We accept both domestic and international documentaries, narrative features, and shorts from every genre and budget, always selected with an eye towards storytelling.

What format should the films be submitted on?
Films should be submitted on DVD or WAB Online Secure Screener.

What exhibition format should the films be on?
Films’ exhibition format should be 35mm film or HDCAM.

What are the films eligibility requirements?
-Works must be available for exhibition on 35mm film or HD-CAM
-Films must have a composite optical sound
-Entries must be post-marked by the deadline date
-Films must be in English or include English subtitles
-Films must be completed after January 1, 2011
-Submission DVDs must include title, name, and running time

I’m having issues submitting through www.withoutabox.com. What should I do?
For issues related to Withoutabox’s website, please contact their webmaster directly.

Can I send a work in progress now and a replacement copy later?
No, we do not accept replacement copies of a film. The only way we can accept a new revised version of your film is if you re-submit it using a new entry form and pay the corresponding entry fee.

Can I submit more than one film?
You can submit as many films as you want as long as each of them is accompanied by its respective entry form and fee.

I don’t live in the USA. Can I submit a film?
Yes, as long as the film is in English or includes English subtitles.

I don’t live in the USA. How do I pay the submission fee?
You can pay the submission fee with a money order in U.S dollars payable to the Nantucket Film Festival.

My film is about 42 minutes long. Should I submit it as a short or a feature film?
To be considered a short, films must be less than 40 minutes long. Films of 40 minutes or more are considered feature length.

I didn’t receive an e-mail confirmation for my submission.
We do not send email confirmations for films submitted through www.withoutabox.com. You can verify the status of your submission by checking the website. If you want to receive further confirmation, please include a stamped and self-addressed postcard or envelope and we will return it confirming your film’s reception.

How many submissions do you get?
We receive around 500 submissions per year.

When will the results be announced?
Notifications will be sent by late May by e-mail only.

What would you need from me if my film is accepted?
We will need film stills, a film synopsis and the filmmaker’s bio immediately. Prints and posters are due in Nantucket by June 1-10, 2012

If my film is selected to screen at the Nantucket Film Festival, will I be invited to attend?
Feature length filmmakers are usually provided with complimentary travel from NY, lodging, filmmaker passes to the festival, and invitations to signature events and parties. Short filmmakers are provided with filmmaker passes to the festival and invitations to signature events and parties.

For additional questions regarding submission and other general inquiries, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .