• A submission must be an original, feature-length screenplay.
• A submitted screenplay must be at least 90 pages and not more than 120 pages in length. All pages must be numbered and single-sided.
• A submitted screenplay must not have been optioned or sold at the time of submission.

• A completed and signed Entry Form and Entry Fee must accompany each submission. The act of signing and submitting the form constitutes acceptance without reservation of all rules and requirements of the Monterey Screenplay Competition and all decisions rendered by its judges.

• A submitted screenplay must be the original work of the applicant(s). If based upon the work or life story of another, the applicant must attach a statement attesting to his or her right to make such an adaptation. Neither the MCFC Competition nor its judges investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights.
• A screenplay may be submitted by two or more authors as co-applicants. Division of the award will be the sole responsibility of the winners.
• It is the sole responsibility of applicants to protect the authorship of their submitted screenplays by registering their work with the Writers Guild of America (323-782-4540) or the U.S. Copyright Office (202-707-3000).
• More than one screenplay may be submitted by the same author(s). However, one seperate, completed, signed Entry Form and Entry Fee must accompany each submission.
• A screenplay must be submitted in English, and in standard U.S. film industry screenplay format (as found in major screenwriting software).
• A screenplay must be submitted with pages that are three-hole punched, with card stock covers, and at least two metal fasteners binding the screenplay (screw fasteners preferred).
• Only the title of a screenplay may appear on the cover. The author’s name may not appear anywhere on or in a screenplay.
• Absolutely no substitutions or corrections may be made after a screenplay has been submitted.
• Board members, committee members, volunteers and staff of the Monterey County Film Commission are not eligible to compete.
• Decisions by the contest judges will be final.
• Screenplays will not be returned under any circumstances.
• If any contest rules and/or requirements are not followed and/or met, your Entry Fee will be returned, and your screenplay will not be read.

• No telephone or email inquiries are permitted during the contest.

• There is no guarantee your screenplay will be optioned and/or produced.