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You can ONLY purchase the Development Slate Evaluation on the ISA website.

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Every application receives a full evaluation with 5 pages of extensive notes regardless of acceptance. Your project will be rated and considered for inclusion in the ISA’s Development Slate and, if accepted, will immediately enable you and your project to be submitted to ISA approved agents, managers, production companies, producers and more at no additional expense to you.

You can find out more about the ISA Development Slate below, or by visiting www.networkisa.org.

If you have a finished project, or two or three, you may apply for evaluation, HOWEVER we will only review, evaluate, and consider ONE project per application. If you wish to have multiple projects reviewed and considered, you must submit an additional application.

Please Take Note: We can only accept individual writer applications. We can not accept applications that were written as a team or with a co-writer UNLESS that writing team will always be a writing team, and if the team has other projects to show the Development Slate once accepted onto the Slate itself. Thank you for understanding. Please see the FAQ section below for further details.

Note: Please read the FAQ section below for further details.

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FAQs

Q: Is there a limit to how many pages my script can be when submitting?

A: Yes! We will not accept a script that is longer than 130 pages. This is basic, industry standard stuff. Please disregard the stories you hear about people like Quentin Tarantino writing 200+ page scripts. This is not only rare, it's regarded as amateur if you are not, indeed, Quentin Tarantino. Even 130 pages is far too long, even for epic Sci-Fi and Fantasy. If you are writing a Romantic Comedy, you should aim for 95 pages. A drama, depending on whether it is period or current-day, should also be no longer than 100-105 pages (this includes horror, mystery, and thriller). If you are writing a wacky comedy, this too should be no more than 100 pages. If you have an action/thriller or action/adventure script, you will be OK between 105 and 110 pages at most. Fantasy and Sci-Fi can get away with maybe 110-120 pages, but even 120 pages is stretching it. Please be concise, specific, and make sure to put your best foot forward.

Q: Does the ISA Development Slate accept writing teams or projects with co-writers?

A: No. We can not accept submissions that were written as a team or with a co-writer UNLESS that writing team will always be a writing team. A writing team agreement and/or contract needs to be established and executed between each writer AND shown to the ISA Development team as proof. The writing team will stay in the Development Slate only if they write together as a team moving forward. Thank you for understanding.

Q: What does it cost to participate in the ISA Development Slate?
A: After the application fee, there is no cost. HOWEVER, every writer accepted onto the Slate receives one free year of the ISA CONNECT membership ($120 value). Each writer will receive a review after their first year to determine if the Slate is still a good fit. Once determined, and in order to remain in the Development Slate after your first year, the writer must subscribe to CONNECT ($10/month). 

Q: How long will I be included in the Slate?
A: We invite writers for up to 1 year. This is typically extended as long as the writer is continuing to work with the ISA Team to improve their craft, their current projects and/or develop new ones. If your time is extended, you will NOT be asked to reapply, nor will you pay an additional fee.

Q: Who decides if I get onto the Slate?
A: ALL screenplays submitted will be read thoroughly by vetted ISA Readers. They will pass their notes to both you and the ISA Development Team consisting of Felicity Wren, the ISA's Director of Development and Max Timm, the ISA's Director of Community Outreach for a final decision.

Q: Will my ISA Rating be made public?
A: No. You will eventually have the option to share your ISA Rating via the ISA website and your member profile if you wish. Yes, you will be required to register with the ISA website, but this does not include an additional free. Registration with the ISA website is free.

Q: How will the notes be presented to me?
A: You will receive UP TO five pages of notes based on Concept, Structure, Character Development/Evolution, Page Writing/Dialogue, and Script Marketability.

Q: What score do I need to receive in to be accepted onto the Development Slate?
A: A score of 90 or above is the minimum requirement but there are no guarantees even if you receive a high score. We may consider projects that receive a score lower than a 90, however. It all depends on the level of originality, potential of the script and idea, and how well the writer shows his/her skills and ability. There will always be room for improvement, and though we are not expecting a script to be "perfect", we do expect the writer to have a very strong handle on the screenwriting craft and storytelling process.

Q: Can I resubmit if I don't get accepted the first time?
A: Yes! We urge you to take our notes from the first evaluation and do a thorough rewrite. You can then re-submit that same project for only $100. Please email us at [email protected] when you complete your rewrite in order to inquire on how to resubmit.

Q: Can I submit a different screenplay?
A: Yes. You can submit as many screenplays as you like, but you must pay the full application fee each time. There is only a discount if you re-submit a rewrite.

Q: Once accepted onto the Slate, what is the process to participate?
A: One of the team members will contact you and fill you in on all the details. You must sign some basic documentation/release for the ISA to solicit on your behalf, none of which obligates you to the Slate. The release form is only to grant the ISA permission to submit your project to outside sources. It does NOT grant legal control or participation to the content itself. The ISA does not attach itself as a producer, manager, or agent to your material. You retain all creative rights.

Q: Once accepted onto the Slate, when do I get an agent or manager?
A: The ISA makes no promises to deliver either of these to you, nor can we guarantee that your material will be optioned. We are simply opening the door to get your work in front of industry players. You must participate to help us help you.

Q: What if I no longer want to be on the ISA Development Slate?
A: You can withdraw from the Slate at any time.

Q: Can I be dropped from the Slate?
A: Yes. Since we are working for you, for free, we rely on your participation. This means working with us to develop your work. If you don't do what it takes to improve your work, develop as a writer and/or heed our advice, we reserve the right to drop you from the Slate at any time. There are no refunds for your application fee.

Q: If I don't make it onto the Slate, can I get a refund?
A: There are absolutely no refunds. We are providing development notes for a reasonable cost. An invitation to the Development Slate is an added benefit, not a promise.