Story & Structure
Premise, dramatic movement, conflict, turning points, resolution, and overall cohesion.
2027 Updates
SCREENPLAY CONTEST
How a screenplay may be evaluated.
The Lone Star Festival screenplay contest looks beyond a single number. Judges may consider story, character, dialogue, originality, pacing, visual storytelling, emotional impact, craft, and production clarity while identifying both strengths and useful revision opportunities.
ENTER THE CONTEST
Submit one screenplay entry.
Each entry is $75. There is no limit to the number of screenplays a writer may enter, but a separate form and payment are required for each screenplay.
- Complete the entry information below.
- Your entry is saved and assigned an LSF27 submission number.
- You are redirected to PayPal to pay the $75 entry fee.
- After payment is received, LSF will email the main contact to confirm the entry and arrange for the screenplay to be emailed to LSF.
Do not send the screenplay through this form. The script will be requested after payment has been matched to the entry.
IMPORTANT
A guide, not a permanent guarantee.
This page explains a current example of how a screenplay may be reviewed. It does not guarantee that every future contest will use identical categories, point values, judges, procedures, feedback length, or scoring language.
The festival may refine the evaluation process as the contest develops. The official contest rules and judging information in effect when a screenplay is submitted will control.
EXAMPLE 100-POINT FRAMEWORK
Nine areas of screenplay craft.
Scores help organize the review, but judges also consider how effectively the screenplay works as a complete screen story.
Character
Goals, obstacles, motivation, agency, development, relationships, and distinctiveness.
Dialogue
Natural speech, character voice, subtext, economy, exposition, and memorable lines.
Originality
A distinctive concept, perspective, world, execution, or approach to familiar material.
Pacing
Scene movement, momentum, balance, transitions, and whether the length serves the story.
Visual Storytelling
Cinematic action, imagery, behavior, setting, motifs, and what the audience can see or hear.
Theme & Emotional Impact
Meaning, resonance, thematic clarity, emotional stakes, and the lasting audience experience.
Craft & Formatting
Readability, screenplay conventions, scene headings, action, dialogue, and technical clarity.
Market & Production Clarity
Audience, tone, format, production scale, screen identity, and practical presentation.
MORE THAN A SCORE
What written feedback may examine.
Eligibility and technical screenWhether the submission appears to meet the applicable category and formatting requirements.
What works particularly wellThe strongest elements worth protecting through revision.
What needs attentionSpecific craft concerns, why they matter, and possible revision directions.
Character and structural analysisGoals, obstacles, agency, change, dramatic progression, pacing, and ending effectiveness.
Cinematic and Texas storytelling potentialVisual opportunities, production clarity, audience, setting, and meaningful Texas connections when relevant.
SAMPLE EVALUATION
Small Town Rainbow
This example shows how one submitted short screenplay was reviewed. It is presented to help future entrants understand the possible depth and organization of an evaluation. The screenplay itself is not included.
- Category
- Short Screenplay · Drama
- Length
- Approximately 21 pages
- Texas connection
- Strong and materially relevant
- Example total
- 86 / 100
Story & Structure17 / 20
Character13 / 15
Dialogue8 / 10
Originality8 / 10
Pacing9 / 10
Visual Storytelling9 / 10
Theme & Emotional Impact9 / 10
Craft & Formatting4 / 5
Market & Production Clarity9 / 10
Sample Total86 / 100
FOR FUTURE ENTRANTS
Use the sample to understand the process—not to write toward a formula.
A successful screenplay can take many forms. Judges may reward different strengths in different scripts, and a numerical score is only one part of a thoughtful evaluation. Submit the strongest, clearest version of the story you want to tell.