The lucky winner gets $25,000 and a
development deal with Fox. The comedy script contest, an alliance between Fox Broadcasting, Procter & Gamble Productions and the New York Television Festival, is an invitation to tweak the TV pilot
world. Submissions begin June 1.
Given the world of Web comedies, online videos and humor blogs, there should be ample interest. In an ever-changing media landscape, the
contest offers "opportunities for new and talented voices to be heard by the TV industry," says NYTVF founder Terence Gray. He adds that the project represents an "unprecedented alternative to the
existing network television development model."
Procter & Gamble Productions will evaluate the winning script for possible future production. Scripts must be between 25 and 35 pages and
submitted in an appropriate screenwriting format.
advertisement
advertisement
Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment for Fox, says in a statement that the contest "shakes up the comedy development process. We are
currently in pre-production on a pilot to be produced by Ben Stiller and written by Kevin Napier, a NYTVF Fellowship recipient."
A screening committee of NYTVF officials will select 25
finalists; their work will be presented to Fox and PGP development executives. Only one winner receives the cash award and development deal, but the network may offer development agreements to other
finalists.
Writers can submit a copy of their script online to the New York Television Festival site. The deadline is June 15, 2009, or when 1,500 submissions are received, whichever comes first.
The next NYTVF festival will be held in midtown Manhattan Sept. 21-26.