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Dear Writer

Ardenslate, benchfilms and Kalahari Film and Media have come together to form the Ardenslate Team and to create an initiative to assist screenwriters.This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the writers, production and the market. 

The Ardenslate Team would like to invite you to submit your idea for a feature film(s). We require a completed screenplay for optioning or a treatment (max 30 pages) for development.The film should be entertaining and commercially viable. Many of us have been in the position of starting or just finishing a script without any idea of what to do next. We can assist you. Ardenslate and its funding partners could potentially fund up to 35% of each project developed as well as seek other financial partners.

If your idea is selected for development, you will be paid to write a screenplay for up to three months with the guidance from benchfilms and Kalahari Film and Media. If your script is chosen for further development, the screenplay will be packaged and introduced to international distributors to secure funding. We, as a team, intend to produce the scripts we develop.

Your feature film scripts should be written in the English language over three months based on any one or a combination of these genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller, Drama and Action. The big-budget epics come later, for now, we want character-driven films that do a lot with a little, with a budget up to 8 million Rand;

“don’t go bigger, go deeper” - Joss Whedon.

If you wish to take part, please fill out the submission form, it’s self-explanatory and read the fine print carefully before committing. You will be expected to submit supporting documents like previous work, i.e. short or feature film scripts. We especially welcome work that has already been produced for us to watch.

The person submitting should be the owner(s) of the Intellectual Property (IP), please see the T&C’s.

If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Submissions for this round have been extended to 23:59, 14 February  2021

Thank You,

  • When can I expect feedback?
    We always try to respond to writers within 6 weeks of the deadline as to whether Ardenslate will be moving forward with the project or not. We shortlist promising projects and may contact the author for in person (Zoom) discussions. If Ardenslate chooses to not move forward with a particular project the author will receive an email. We however do not provide creative feedback because the volume of submissions makes it untenable to give every one detailed notes.
  • What is the selection criteria?
    Originality Budget Appropriate Quality of Writing
  • What is the submission process?
    All concepts need to be submitted via the Ardenslate portal. Direct emails will not be considered. A completed screenplay or a treatment (Max 30 pages) Provide a writing sample of a short or feature film The treatment needs to be within the stipulated genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller, Drama and Action The writer needs to be available full time for 1 March - 21 May 2021
  • What about my Copyright?
    By accepting my proposal, Ardenslate does not harm any copyright, trademark or other intellectual property rights that I may already have or may possibly try to execute until such time an agreement is signed. For all the T&C's click here
  • Can I submit more than 1 concept?
    Yes please do
  • Any more hints?
    Keep it small Make it tense / have heart / really funny Bring to light an unusual or valuable insight
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