Nationwide scriptwriting competition launched

Mumbai : A nationwide competition for scriptwriters was launched here by Mahindra Media and Entertainment and a city-based NGO, Baiscope.

According to the rules, scriptwriters can, after getting registered with the apex scriptwriting body Film Writers Association, submit their scripts-live action or animation -- for a chance to be produced into a full - fledged film.

A panel of judges that include Anurag Kashyap, Anjum Rajaballi and Sriram Raghavan will select the best 12 scripts for workshops and nurturing sessions with the writers. The best of the final three will be produced as a full-length feature. Direction slot for the winning film will be decided by the panel.

"The project is not a shot in the dark, and a lot of time and money has been invested to enable good scripts to get across to producers. We need to develop good ideas and not just focus on big names," writer and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap said at the launch yesterday.

"Being an art, there is no reason for writers not selected to feel despondent, as so much depends on the receiver's perception of the artist's work. We will be selecting what we believe to be the best and hope that we are right, if not, you can blame us," scriptwriter Anjum Rajaballi said.