Calling All Screenwriters: UP and ABFF Series Competition

Calling All Screenwriters: UP and ABFF Series Competition


UP, the TV network known for its uplifting programming, has been in a four-year partnership with American Black Film Festival. Since the two entities have joined forces, UP has produced and aired five feature-length films through the UP Faith & Family Screenplay Competition. The competition takes place every year at ABFF, promoting the development of faith-friendly, family entertainment screenplays, with a focus on the American Black cultural experience.

[Related: 6 Female All-Stars from American Black Film Festival]

This year, UP is introducing a new initiative, “Flips the Script to Series: Remixing the Development Pipeline.” The “flipped script” is a competition to expand the network’s scripted and unscripted series. Some of the requirements to enter include content that appeals to a multi-cultural audience and stories with heart or humor that promote life lessons.

For Scripted Series:

  • Pilot Synopsis and Series Synopsis (1‐2 paragraphs each)
  • Series Outline (12 pages or less) or Pilot Script (55 pages or less)
  • Optional: Produced Pilot Scene (maximum of 10 minutes); Sizzle (maximum of 4 minutes)

For Unscripted Series:

  • Series Description and Act‐by‐Act Breakdown (1‐2 paragraphs each)
  • Casting Overview (Lead and Key Supporting Cast Descriptions)
  • Casting tape (between 2‐4 minutes in length) highlighting unique characters and storylines: Required for Docu‐series; Optional for Format

Three submissions will be selected to receive an in-person meeting during ABFF with UP executives, Amy Winter, EVP & GM and/or Barbara Fisher; SVP Original Programming; and up to two marquee passes to attend the festival.

All submission materials must be received by 11:59 PM on May 27, 2015. Submission materials will not be returned. See here for the complete list of guidelines and submission form.

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