When will you be accepting applications?
Applications are open now closed.
What's on the application? Is there anything I’ll need to upload or attach?
The application consists of a set of questions about you and your interest in the film, along with areas for you to upload:
- A 30-second video of you explaining why you’d be a great collaborator and perfect to write this PG-13 basketball comedy
- An original, completed feature screenplay or teleplay that showcases your writing ability
Can we apply as a writing team?
Yes, but both members of the team need to submit individual applications so we can get a sense of what each of you contributes to the team.
Do my application and all attached materials need to be in English?
Yes.
How long should my application answers be?
Feel free to use as much space as you need to answer each question without rambling.
How will my application be evaluated?
Every application submitted is read blindly by a certified Impact reader and evaluated without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.
Applications are assessed on the strength of the writer’s interest and understanding of the world and themes of the film, the strength of the writing sample submitted, and Impact’s assessment of the writer’s capacity to work with producers on a studio film.
How should I pick a writing sample?
You should use your best judgment and upload the best completed, original screenplay or teleplay (TV pilot) that best represents your ability to execute a PG-13 basketball comedy film.
Does my writing sample need to be a completed script?
Yes.
Does my writing sample need to be a sports comedy, too?
No, your sample can be of any genre, as long as you believe it best represents your ability to execute a PG-13 basketball comedy film.
Can I submit an original TV pilot as my writing sample?
Yes.
Can my sample be a spec script of an existing show?
No.
Can my sample be an adaptation?
No.
Can my sample be a sequel or prequel to an existing film?
No.
Can my sample be a script for a short film?
No.
Can my sample be a novel, graphic novel/comic book, play or short story?
No.
Can my writing sample be something that I wrote with a partner?
If you and your writing partner are both submitting applications with the intention of wanting to write this project together, you can both use a joint writing sample. However, if you are submitting an application with the intention to write the project on your own, you must submit an individually-written writing sample.
Can I upload more than one writing sample?
No.
Can I submit a treatment or summary as my writing sample?
No.
Does my writing sample need to be in English?
Yes.
What should be in my 30-second video? Do I need to appear?
Yes. The aim of the video is for you pitch yourself and why you should be selected in :30 seconds or less. It as akin to an "elevator pitch" and is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your voice as a writer and ability to communicate your ideas. The best of writers are not only concise and compelling in their written work, but their voice and writing skills translate to their ability to convey themselves and their idea verbally, as well.
Can my video just be me sitting in front of the camera?
Yes, this is what the majority of applicants submit.
Can my video be more than 30 seconds?
In fairness to all applicants, the Impact Team will stop watching any video around the 30 second mark so any video longer than 30 seconds will not be watched to completion.
I’m having trouble uploading my writing sample and/or video. What could be the issue?
Our system sometimes has trouble uploading two large files at the same time. Please wait until one upload is complete before starting the next upload. If you accidentally started to upload both at the same time and your second upload gets stuck, simply re-click the upload button and try again.
If you continue to have problems with your upload, it is more likely that you do not have a strong internet connection. We recommend decreasing your file size to accommodate your connection’s upload speed.
Are there any limits on file types and file size for my uploads?
Though we recommend that all writing samples be uploaded as PDFs and that video files be uploaded as .mp4 or .mov files, there are effectively no limits on file size nor on accepted file type.
How do I know my writing sample and video uploaded?
You would not be able to submit your application if these two files were not uploaded. As such, you can assume that if your application goes through, so did your files.
Due to the volume of emails we receive, we cannot reply to requests to double-check your uploads.