Have you ever dreamed of writing for television?

Fox Broadcasting Company and the New York Television Festival have teamed up to host the FOX-NYTVF Comedy Script Contest.  Aspiring writers may submit a half-hour pilot script intended for an original comedy series.  The winner will receive $25,000 and a chance for a script deal from FOX.  Other contestants may be considered for broadcast development contracts as well.

It is free to enter the contest, which begins June 2, 2008 and concludes by June 13, 2008 or when 15,000 submissions have been received, whichever comes first.  All entries must be in PDF format, and submitted directly through the NYTVF website.

Scripts must be submitted in proper screenwriting format, and must be between 25-35 pages (single-spaced) in length.  There are many resources available as format examples, both online and as reference books that can be found at your local bookstore or library.  One rough example can be found here.

The New York Television Festival website lists the eligibility requirements as follows:

Limit one entry per person. Each entry must include only one (1) script.

Entrants must be aged 18 years or older.

Entries must be written in English.

Contest is open to legal residents of the fifty states and D.C.

Scripts must be PDF documents received between 12:00 PM Eastern on June 2 and 11:59 PM Eastern on June 13, 2008.

Scripts must be wholly original (e.g. NOT adapted from books, plays or any other source material and NOT a “spec” of existing television programs or treatments).

Scripts must be copyrighted or registered. (Help on this)

For a full list of Eligibility Requirements see the Official Rules.

A NYTVF screening committee with review the contest submissions and narrow the pool down to 25 finalists.  The winner will then be selected by FOX development executives, and will be announced at the New York Television Festival, which takes place September 12-17, 2008.  Fox Broadcasting may pursue script development with other finalists, in addition to the contest winner.

September 12-17, 2008 marks the fourth annual New York Television Festival, which will be held in Midtown Manhattan.  As the industry’s first recognized independent television festival, it already boasts a growing tradition of success.  Pilots that premiered during the festival in previous years have been sold to major networks, and this new Comedy Script Contest sponsored by FOX is sure to open the door to an even wider audience of upcoming talent.