Who can submit?

Black student writers currently enrolled in a university or recent Winter 2020 graduates, whose script has not been optioned. Screenwriters also may not have earned more than $25,000 writing fictional work for film or television. The BWF is intended to promote and assist amateur writers exclusively. 

Who is considered “Black”?

In accordance to the US Census, Black or African American refers to a person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa, including Sub‐Saharan African entries (e.g., Kenyan; Nigerian) and Afro‐Caribbean entries (e.g., Haitian; Jamaican).

What does the entry fee cover?

The entry fee of $20/submission allows us a way to sustainably pay our professional, all-Black reader base.

I can’t pay the submission fee, how can I still apply?

Waivers are provided for those in need of financial assistance. Please fill out the following form for us to review your case.

What if my script is optioned during the contest? 

Your script will still qualify. In fact, we encourage writers to continue marketing their scripts while they wait for their scripts to be read. 

Can I submit a script that was optioned in the past?

Any script that is NOT currently under option or contract can enter the contract. If a pre-existing option has expired you are eligible to enter.  

Can I send my script in another language than English?  

You may enter the contest, but the script must be written in English so that our readers can read it. If a script has other languages in it as part of the plot, simply denote that the line will be spoken in another language using a parenthetical, e.g. (Speaking in Spanish).  

What scripts are accepted?

BWF accepts feature scripts and original pilot scripts, both half-hour, and hour-long teleplays.  Any script submitted must not be currently optioned at time of submission.

How many scripts may I submit? 

Writers may submit a single draft of one script only per category (e.g. one pilot, one feature).

Why should my name and contact information not appear on my title page?

To ensure a meritocratic and anonymous judging process, we ask for the absence of a name and contact information. All your contact information can be found by us in your application.

Who is reading my script? 

A variety of exclusively Black analysts with script reading experience. This can range anywhere from executive assistants, directors, agents, writers and studio executives themselves.  

Are only digital scripts accepted? 

Diverso is environmentally conscious and only accepts digital scripts. Scripts must be submitted in PDF format. 

Is coverage provided?  

BWF applicants will receive feedback on their submissions.  

How long should my script be?

We accept submissions within the page count below for each category:          

Screenplays - 80-125

Teleplays - 25-70  

Scripts over 125 will be charged an additional $0.50 per page.

What genre is recommended?

There is no recommended genre, scripts from all categories are accepted and will be evaluated according to the execution of the story, originality, and dialogue.   

Can I submit images or accompanying documents along with my screenplay or teleplay? 

No. The purpose of the contest is to judge the scripts on the merit of the writing alone. However, we encourage writers to prepare bibles for their teleplays for future marketing of their pilot. 

I don’t live in the United States, may I enter? 

Yes, you may enter.  

Can I submit with a writing partner? 

No, only solo writers may submit. 

My script is based off a true story, may I submit?

Yes, you may, however, you must have the agreement and consent of the people represented in the script unless this story is in the public domain. In order to enter, you must be able to grant the rights to the story you wrote to a producer, should he want to option the script. Securing the rights to the source material is the responsibility of the screenwriter. If you feel that the rights are available, you may certainly enter. Regrettably, we cannot offer any advice on whether or not the rights are available. We recommend that you consult an attorney if you plan to pursue the project, as the question regarding rights – even life rights – would eventually come up and need to be addressed prior to anyone’s optioning or buying the script.

Can my script be plagiarized?

Diverso and any other partner, employee or agent associated with his contest claim no ownership nor first right of option to any original screenplay submitted to this contest. All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted remain with the original rights holders until and unless other agreements are made.  

In addition, all readers will sign confidentiality agreements to ensure your work is protected.

Does my script have to be about anything specific?

The script doesn’t necessarily have to do anything with underrepresented narratives as long as it’s written by an underrepresented student. Just give us your best work!

What script will be used to develop my BWIF writing sample?

Your initial script used in submission for BWIF will be critiqued and developed by mentors into an industry-ready writing sample.

How can I verify that my script has been submitted? 

You will be notified by email immediately after your script is submitted. If you have received a confirmation email, your script is in our system and no further action is necessary. If you have not received a confirmation email, please check your junk mailbox or junk filter. If the confirmation is not in either place, email us (company email) for a copy of your confirmation. We will contact you if there is any technical issue with your file.