Scriptapalooza today announces its 14th annual Screenplay Competition to continue its mission in providing unparalleled creative opportunities for aspiring screenwriters in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry. nnWriters will be able to submit their screenplays through www.Scriptapalooza.com. Participants will have their individual entries read by more than 90 leading filmmakers, production companies and literary agencies including Benderspink, Anonymous Content, Industry Entertainment, Lawrence Bender Productions and Barnstorm Films. nnThe first place winner, chosen by Scriptapalooza, receives a $10,000 grand prize. In addition, Scriptapalooza offers its full support to the winner; finalists and semifinalists of the screenwriting challenge by promoting each work for one year after the winners’ announcement.nnEarly DEADLINE January 5, 2012.nwww.scriptapalooza.comnn"Since its inception in 1998, the Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition has grown exponentially to become one of the well-respected competitions within the entertainment industry," says Mark Andrushko, president of Scriptapalooza. "Through this competition, we had scripts optioned, more than 40 scripts and opened new doors to unknown talent." nnHighlights include:nn• 2009 Winner John Todd options his script "Madam I’m Adam" to Alan Ladd Productions.n• 2007 Finalist John Muscarnero shoots his film, "Dark Woods."n• 2005 Winner Patrick Andrew O’Connor sells his movie "The Break-Up Artist" at Cannesn• 2005 Finalist Craig Clyde’s film, "The Holidays airs on Lifetime."n• 2006 Semi-Finalist Eric D. Howell shoots his short film, "Ana’s Playground."nnnnAbout Scriptapalooza, Inc.nThe Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition was founded in 1998 with the goal of discovering promising writers and creating opportunities for them in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry. Divisions include Scriptapalooza Television Writing Competition and Scriptapalooza Coverage Professional Script Analysis.
Mark Andrushko Media Contact 323.654.5809 Contact Mark via email
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More