Films ideally should be no longer than twenty minutes for extended narrative based shorts. Do be warned though, usually the shorter the film the better. Our audiences are used to shorter films and it would have to be something exceptional to keep an audiences’ attention if a long short. There is no set minimum length and we have shown shorts under a minute.
Sketch vs. Narrative. We are a fan of both and this year we will be creating two separate programmes. We have a tendency at Short Com for putting funny content before production values and we aim to continue that. But we will also running a ‘Vision Category’ that focuses on directorial vision in comedy.
Films must be released after March 2019. Try to be honest please.
Foreign language entries must contain English subtitles.
Content must not be offensive to minorities or portray racism. Politically incorrect is okay but try to know your boundaries.
The filmmaker gives permission for Short Com to use images and footage of their film for the purposes of promoting Short Com events.
Submitting your film to Short Com does not mean your film will be selected for screening at Short Com events. Only selected films are screened in the Short Com programme.
A final disclaimer. You have the right to submit the film and are responsible for any copyrighted material within your film. Short Com cannot be held responsible for the promotion and distribution of materials that contain footage or music that does not have the required legal permissions. Basically we’re not having our arse sued because you’ve been a bit lazy. Short Com is under no obligation to screen films that do not satisfy the criteria set above.
For Film schools or individuals who would like to submit several films, get in touch regarding a discount for packaged submissions.
Sitcom Competition
Scripts must be written in industry screenplay format. If you don’t know what that is… https://screenwriting.io/what-is-standard-screenplay-format/
Scripts are between 23-30 pages.
Include a one pitch page that outlines your concept of the sitcom, series outline and potential ideal cast in mind.
No discriminatory language.
Material is your own original writing. (Writing teams are permitted) Breach of copyright is not permitted unless prior permission is sought and granted.
Authors of submissions will contain their copyright of their own material.
Entrants cannot have a sitcom previously commissioned by a serious network or broadcaster that has gone out to broadcast.
Entrants cannot approach readers or the judging panel enquiring the judging status of their script. Entrants can be immediately disqualified if found to have broken this rule.
Judging Panel
Our judging panel are made up of expert and experienced comedy producers and writers.
We’re proud to announce our panel of judges for the first Short Com Sitcom Competition are:
Lucy Lumsden
Jon Aird
Mia Ylönen
Toby Smith
The judging panel could be subject to change.
Tips
We’re not saying you have to obey the rules of screenwriting and the craft but it’s good to know what they are.
The BBC Writers Room has a good archive of scripts of some of their sitcoms from over the years that you can find here if you’re looking for examples of different sitcom scripts.
Structure can be a tricky thing to wrap one’s head around. This article by Luca Giordano has some handy tips to get you thinking about the importance of getting structure right in sitcoms.
How To Enter?
We will ensure that all scripts are read in their entirety. To prove this we will provide a minimum of one page feedback on standard entries. We also offer the option of extended feedback of scripts at £60. This is recommendable to those who are fairly early in their screenwriting career.
Fees
Early Bird Deadline – April 3rd- £35
Regular Deadline – June 15th – £40
Late Deadline July 1st £45
Submit a PDF copy of your script to scriptcomp@shortcom.co.uk along with a one page pitch of your sitcom idea.
We are flexible upon payment method, Paypal, Transfer Wise or Bank Transfer.
Do not hesitate to ask us any questions.
Best of luck,
Short Com