Applications are only accepted via the online application form. Fill out the online form, upload your CV and writing sample and submit the form.
The information you submit to the website can only be accessed by authorised members of the production team for administration purposes and the panel of selectors for judging purposes. We may also use personal information to contact you about your application or about any further series.
Applicants must be screenwriters who have demonstrated experience - i.e. an optioned screenplay, produced feature screenplay or play, published writing, OR a 'festival short' that's travelled to A-list festivals. For further explanation see the FAQ page.
The concept must be the applicant's original work. Projects that have been optioned by others are not eligible. Copyright in all projects will remain with the writer until such time as a commitment is made by Shine Pictures. At this time you will be required to assign all rights (including an industry standard moral rights waiver) to Shine Pictures by way of an option and deed assignment entered into in good faith by both parties. Please do not enter if you are not prepared to assign all rights. Shine Pictures will reserve the right to select any future writer/co-writer/director/producer or other key collaborator on any project developed through the Competition.
Shine Pictures will award the winning Concept a £25,000 development deal, and reserves the right to develop other Concepts at our discretion, in each case negotiating any option deal in good faith.
If you are shortlisted for an interview you will be notified mid November. If there are any delays in the process we will post them on our website. No feedback will be given to applicants. Applicants can apply a maximum of three (3) times, once in each genre only. Applicants must be over 18years and be resident in UK or Eire. These Rules are governed by English law and subject to the jurisdiction of the English courts.
Terms and conditions may be amended by Shine Pictures at their sole discretion at any time, and note that these changes will be posted on the Big Idea website.
If you have any questions, email THE BIG IDEA project manager on [email protected].