The Wellcome Trust Screenwriting Prize is an annual prize that aims to encourage the creation of high-quality feature films inspired by biology or medicine.
The Prize is aimed at experienced writers working in any genre. We are not just looking for stories about scientists or medics; the biomedical link can be much more oblique.
We are looking for screenplay proposals that use bold ideas and inventive ways of weaving biomedicine into the narrative, and we will support the winner in developing their idea.
WHAT YOU CAN WIN
The Prize will be awarded by a panel of judges and will be presented at a ceremony at the Wellcome Trust in autumn 2012. The judges include experts from the Wellcome Trust, the BFI Film Fund and Film4. All shortlisted entrants will be invited to this ceremony.
The top five to ten shortlisted entrants will be invited to the Wellcome Trust in London, where they will meet the judges and discuss their ideas. They will also be introduced to a range of high-profile scientists and given a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of the Wellcome Trust and Wellcome Collection. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.
THE WINNING WRITER WILL RECEIVE:
- a £20 000 cash prize to develop their idea to first draft
- support from the Wellcome Trust with scientific research and inspiration, including access to world-leading scientists, research institutions and labs
- support from the BFI Film Fund to develop their screenplay including meetings with development executives
- support from the Wellcome Trust to identify commercial partners and producers (if required).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By submitting your entry for the Wellcome Trust Screenwriting Prize, you agree to the terms and conditions detailed below.
1. The Wellcome Trust Screenwriting Prize 2012 is open to writers who can demonstrate a professional writing credit in the following areas:
a) television (drama or narrative documentary): a screen credit as a writer
b) film: a screen credit as a writer OR commissioned screenplay for which you were paid
c) theatre: a professionally produced play for which you were the writer
d) novel: the writer of prose fiction, excluding self-published books.
2. Entrants to the competition ("Entrants") must be residents of the UK or the Republic of Ireland.
3. The following people cannot enter the competition:
a) employees, consultants or contractors (or their family members) of (i) the Wellcome Trust Limited (as trustee of the Wellcome Trust) ("Wellcome Trust") or (ii) Wellcome Trust group companies (including the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and Genome Research Limited), or
b) anyone else connected with the creation or administration of the competition or their family members
c) employees, consultants or contractors (or their family members) of the BFI Film Fund or Film4.
4. Submitted film projects:
(a) must be capable of being developed as a feature-length fictional or theatrical film
(b) must be capable of obtaining theatrical and video release certificates no more restrictive than BBFC '18'
(c) can be set anywhere in the world.
5. Entrants should use the online application form and follow the instructions available on the Wellcome Trust website (the "website"). The deadline for all entries is 23.59 on Friday 10 August 2012. Entries received after this deadline will not be processed.
6. No responsibility is taken for entries that are lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete or for entries that cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason. Proof of delivery of any entry is not proof of receipt.
7. The Wellcome Trust reserves the right not to process entries that exceed the word or page limits or where the application form is illegible or incomplete.
8. Entries must be the original work of the Entrant. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in the Entrant being disqualified.
9. Any Entrant who enters or attempts to enter the competition in a manner which in the Wellcome Trust's determination is contrary to these terms and conditions or by its nature is fraudulent or unjust to other Entrants (including without limitation tampering with the operation of the competition, cheating, hacking, deception, or any other unfair playing practices such as intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other Entrants or the Wellcome Trust and/or any of its agents or representatives), or who submits an illegible or an incomplete entry, may be rejected from the competition at the Wellcome Trust's sole discretion.
10. By submitting an Entry to the competition, the Entrant confirms that they have the right to enter and have obtained all and any consents, permissions and authorisations that may be necessary in order for them to enter. Where a third party (including, but not limited to, a producer) owns the rights to the idea, it is the Entrant's responsibility to gain that third party's consent to enter the competition. The Entrant must also obtain all consents from any relevant third parties prior to entering the competition. Such consents must allow the Entrant to develop the idea further - if the Entrant is successful and wins the prize. Entrants must provide written proof of all consents. Such consents must be uploaded via the entry form at the time of entry.
11. Submitted ideas can take the form of any genre; however, writers are advised that for the purposes of this competition, they must submit an idea with biomedical relevance. If no biomedical relevance is provided, the submission will be rejected. Please refer to the FAQs for further guidelines on what is meant by biomedical science.
12. Entrants may submit more than one entry. Each entry must be made as a separate application.
13. Entries on behalf of another person will not be accepted.
14. Entrants should ensure that all uploaded attachments (including the work) include their name and contact details. Entrants should ensure that they attach a complete piece of work, including the beginning, middle and end.
Judging the competition
15. The judging panel for the competition and the criteria to be applied by the judges are set out on the website. The judging process will be conducted in the strictest confidence.
16. Confirmation that the final decisions have been made will appear on the website. Feedback can be provided only on entries that make it to the shortlist.
17. Entrants who have made the long list will be informed by the end of September. Entrants who have not heard by this date can assume they have not been successful.
18. Entrants have made the short list will be informed by the first week in October. Entrants who have not heard by this date can assume they have not been successful.
19. In September 2012, the five to ten shortlisted Entrants will meet the judges to discuss their work. They will also be introduced to a range of high-profile scientists and given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wellcome Trust and Wellcome Collection. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in early October. All Entrants shortlisted for the Prize must be available to attend both events.
20. The judges' decision is final and no negotiations or correspondence with Entrants will be entered into.
21. The prize for the winner of the competition is as detailed on the Wellcome Trust website.
22. The winner will receive a cash prize, which will allow them the time to produce a first draft script of their idea. The writer must deliver the first draft by July 2013. Any exceptions/alternatives must be agreed with the Wellcome Trust.
Link: FAQ
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For queries: screenwritingprize@wellcome.ac.uk
For submissions: via the online submission form
Website: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk
