Last year’s contestants intrigued international producers with which they are now developing submitted projects
Applications are open for the TV Writing Contest 2020, a contest for the best screenplay that will take place within the framework of NEM Dubrovnik Meets Zagreb. This central event in the Adria region focused on the TV industry will be held from December 9th to 11th 2020 in Zagreb.
In order to participate in the TV Writing Contest experience in writing screenplays is not a prerequisite – applications are welcome regardless of whether you are an author with years of experience or a creative who is developing his idea for the first time. The only important thing is the motivation to present your ideas to leading people in the TV industry who are searching for fresh ideas.
During last year’s premiere edition of the contest numerous creatives made a mark, people like Matej Merlić, a producer from Zagreb and the screenwriter Daria Keršić, who were winners of the TV Writing Contest, as well as finalists Agnė Šerpytytė from Lithuania, Martichka Bozhilova from Bulgaria and the semi-finalist Aron Horvath Botka from Slovenia, who’s projects sparked interest of Beta Film, international distribution & production company from Germany.
One of last year’s members of the jury, Anna Rohde-Seyfried, Creative Executive at Beta Film, was impressed with the contest: “The TV Writing Contest offers a rare opportunity where writers can directly, and in a relaxed atmosphere, meet producers, distributors and agents, which is not always an easy thing to do. Their screenplays will be judged by seasoned professionals whose feedback can take the project to another level.”
Beta Film’s interest in Croatian production, projects and creatives turned into a partnership with Drugi plan, production company from Zagreb, well known for their TV series „Novine“ and „Uspjeh“. This partnership has been announced at this year’s Berlinale International Film Festival.
How can the TV Writing Contest further a screenwriter’s career?
You can apply for one category – you can submit your screenplay under Scripted series (drama, thriller, crime, comedy, fantasy and sci-fi) or in the Unscripted format category (quiz shows or competitions, factual reality, reality show or documentary series).
Anna Rohde-Seyfried described last year’s works as fun to read, but hard to judge: “The submitted texts were on a high level, with relevant themes and strong and authentic characters, with an integral approach brimming with creative energy.”
Along with Beta Film, members of the jury that judged the works submitted last year included Croatian Radiotelevision, Nova TV, RTL, Rai, Keshet International, ZigZag Productions, Cinelink Industry Days, Joyrider, Midpoint, Rocliffe, Screencraft and Black Nights Film Festival, and many of these will return to the jury this year.
During the selection process, the jury is focused on three criteria: the idea, the writing and monetisation. Along with feedback, valuable contacts and the opportunity for the further development of the idea, this year’s best contestants will also receive a prize: the second runner-up will receive 1,000 €, the first runner-up 2,000 €, and the winner 5,000 €.
You can find more information about the TV Writing Contest, the process of submitting screenplays and this year’s jury at the official web-page NEM Dubrovnik Meets Zagreb.
