Below, please find a list of some the ScriptShark Insider's most commonly asked questions:

What is the goal of this contest?
We've found that so many screenwriting competitions stop at the basic award itself. That's just part of our goal. The ScriptShark Insider, however, is looking to discover a new talent and break them into the industry itself. Using the winning screenplay as the measuring stick, the winner of the contest will work with a successful representative to develop an original idea into a workable pitch and "shop" it to the town. Not only will you have the opportunity to get a screenplay into the hands of people that really matter, but you will have a shot to get in a room and do what professional writers do - pitch your idea.

What separates this from other screenwriting contests?
As you would expect with ScriptShark, our access is real and the professionals participating are at the highest level. And unlike other screenwriting competitions who promise to send the winners' loglines out, The ScriptShark Insider finalists are guaranteed to have their scripts closely read by professionals at some of the top companies in Hollywood today. We see contests as a way to discover writers - and that has always been ScriptShark's specialty.

How does the formal pitch meeting work?
Beyond the financial prizes and sponsored reward packages, the winner of the ScriptShark Insider Competition will be flown to Los Angeles, where they will meet with literary manager Colin O'Reilly, and, over the course of two days, pitch an original story to a wide array of producers and buyers. At the very minimum, the winner will meet with each of The Board members. The goal, however, is to get the winner into as many rooms with as many producers, executives, and agents as possible.

Am I committing to an option agreement by entering the contest?
Absolutely not - you own the material and will continue to own the material, even after the contest has ended. Each of the companies represented by The Board will obviously have a first look at your material, but there will be no requirements to claim the prizes at the end of the competition.

How will I be notified if I win?
All Finalists will be contacted in early November, 2008. Finalists will be contacted by email and be posted on both our website and our news letters. The top three Prize Winners will be contacted by December 15, 2008 by ScriptShark via telephone and/or email.

Are there incentives for entering early?
In order to help distribute the readers’ time most effectively, we are offering a discount for scripts submitted early. However, you should note that getting your script in early will not hurt or harm your chances in the actual contest. Good scripts stand out no matter when they arrive.

Are there official Rules and Conditions?
Click here to visit the official Complete Rules page.

Are there any budgetary or genre guidelines?
This contest is open to all screenplays, no matter the budget or genre. Like the diversity of the members that make up The Board the ScriptShark Insider contest is simply looking for material that will make a great film – execution will be the deciding factor.

Can I enter more than one screenplay in the competition?
Absolutely. Our contest is designed to handle as many submissions as you can deliver. Please note, however, that you must follow the same registration, release, and payment guidelines for each script you submit.

I have an agent, can I still enter a screenplay?
As long as you have received no compensation on the project you are submitting and have not been compensated as a screenwriter for more than $5,000 on any other script, we can accept your submission.

What if I live outside the United States?
Unfortunately, this contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada only. If you live outside the United States or Canada and would like to get your material to Hollywood, we suggest you visit www.scriptshark.com and look into their coverage and development services.

Do you accept online submissions?
We accept all electronic submissions of screenplays in .PDF (adobe), .FDR (final draft), .SCW (movie magic) files, .DOC (word). Please visit our registration page to upload your script.

What if I still have more questions?
That's easy - just email us at scriptshark@blssi.com and we will help you get the answers to all of your questions.