Independent Pictures Announces Call for Entries for 2014-15 SCREENPLAY AWARDS

Independent Pictures is now accepting submissions for the 2014-15 Ohio Independent Screenplay Awards.

This 15-year-old event continues to reach far into the world of independent film by recognizing the best screenplays based on merit and quality of the work. By offering the opportunity for press and cash awards, Independent Pictures fulfills its mission to be a catalyst for independent filmmakers in Northeast Ohio and around the world.

Submissions are read by a committee and a select few are passed on to industry experts for final judging. This year, Independent Pictures is offering $500.00 awards for the following three categories: Best Screenplay, Best Northcoast Screenplay (majority of the screenplay set in Northern Ohio), and Best Voice of Color Screenplay (story that reflects people of color and/or written by a writer who is a person of color)

Peter Balint, Executive Director of Independent Pictures, says submission is simple: "We have streamlined our entry process so that writers can easily use an online form and submit a PDF within minutes."

The criteria for this year's competition are screenplays that are feature length (generally 80-120 pages), original, non-produced, and non-optioned. No residency constraints exist for submitting authors (the author does not have to be an Ohio resident). Script summaries, plays, short stories, and short film screenplays will not be considered.

Artists with viable projects are encouraged to submit their work, regardless of when it was written. Balint says, "We often find that screenwriters have a bank of work that has been untouched; dust it off and send it in. You just don't know what can happen."

More information and a submission link can be found athttp://www.ohiofilms.com/screenplay-awards.html

Independent Pictures is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by grants from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Ohio Arts Council and support from Community Shares, a workplace giving organization that supports social justice issues. Independent Pictures is dedicated to building a strong independent film community in Northeast Ohio by bringing artists, industry experts and audience members together through exhibition, education and networking events. For more information, please contact Peter Balint at 216-795-5704