1. Screenplays submitted for consideration should display significant content or thematic material regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender persons and/or issues. A submitted screenplay may not be based on pre-existing literary works unless these are the original work of the author(s) of the screenplay. The submitted material must not have been purchased or optioned for purchase by any production company, motion picture studio or film financing entity.

2. The Screenwriting Lab is designed for early career writers who have not received screenplay credit on a feature film; however, more established writers may be considered. Individuals are eligible to enter regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Lab is not open to individuals in the following categories, nor to their immediate family members: employees of Outfest, members of its Board of Directors and the Lab Selection Committee.

3. Applicants must submit:

a. An entry form, completed in its entirety and signed by the applicant(s).
b. Three (3) copies of each of the following (please staple):
- ONLY THE FIRST TEN (10) pages (not including cover pages) of an original script that is between 90 and 130 pages in completed form.
- A synopsis of the script (no longer than 250 words).
- A statement of up to one page (no longer that 250 words) outlining your career history and objectives as well as what you hope to gain by participating in the Lab.
c. A non-refundable entry fee.
d. Optional: A self-addressed, stamped postcard for acknowledgment of receipt of entry.
e. Please make sure you mark your envelope with your WAB Tracking Number, received AFTER you submit you online entry form.

4. If your script is selected for the second round of the selection process, you will be asked to submit three (3) copies of the complete script. Please be prepared to mail full scripts by February 15, 2009.

5. Each applicant may enter only one screenplay each year. Screenplays submitted in previous years may only be re-submitted once and they must have been revised since the previous entry.

6. SUBMITTED SCRIPTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. It is therefore strongly recommended that applicants do not send original materials.

7. Format Requirements:
a. Screenplays should be written in screenplay format standard to the United States motion picture industry.
b. Screenplays should be suited to feature film production in their conception. Television pilots and series episodes will be disqualified, as well as scripts formatted as “movies of the week” (with act breaks for commercials, etc.).
c. Screenplays should be typed or printed on white, three-hole paper and bound with two or three metal fasteners (brads). Card-stock covers are required to protect the script. The spine of the script must not be covered (i.e. the page edges should remain visible). Pages must be numbered.
d. No additional materials should be attached to the script (e.g. letters of recommendation, story synopsis, alternate pages, character list, mention of awards or production, etc.).

8. All entrants will be notified of results by April 30, 2009.

9. Submitting to the Lab constitutes permission to use the entrant’s name and likeness for publicity and promotions.

10. Although not necessary at time of entry, Outfest encourages writers to register their material with either the Writers Guild of America or The U.S. Copyright Office. U.S. Copyright information: (202) 707-3000. Writers Guild East: (212) 767-7800. Writers Guild West: (323) 951-4000.

11. Any disputes or questions regarding the application or effect of these rules shall be resolved by the Board of Directors of Outfest, whose judgment shall be binding and final on all parties.

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