FAQ

What show should I pick?

We think your best bet is to submit an 11-minute script for a kids animated shows currently in production. We think this gives you the best chance of getting writing work as a result of being part of the AuSPEC AWARDS competition. There is no official list of shows currently in production, and some shows are in production but unlikely to hire new writers given their longevity. Some shows we think you should strongly consider:

How long should my script be?

The scripts should be for 11-minute episodes. This should translate to 10-15 pages. We recommend reading it out loud with friends for timing, which will also help you with your editing process.

Can I submit my pilot?

This is a competition for spec scripts for current existing kids animated series. I guess you could pay the $25 fee and submit your pilot, but you won’t do very well in the competition. Maybe if this first year of the competition does well, we can expand to include pilots in the future, but that’s not what we’re built for right now.

Will someone steal my idea?

I guess it’s possible, but we highly doubt it. We will not be circulating these scripts outside of the competition without your permission. The readers and judges will be subject to confidentiality agreements. If someone loves your idea, it is probably easier for them to reach out to you and ask you to work on it than to steal it and worry that you’ll come after them later. 

Who will be judging this thing?

We will be hiring readers (using the submission fees) to sort and grade the submissions, to see if they fit the submission guidelines and to see which awards categories they might qualify for. Then we will review the selections with autism consultants for their feedback on the representation of autism. Then our selection committee of animation writers and producers will narrow down to the category winners, and select a grand prize winner.

How much does it cost?

The submission fee is $25 per script. The script submission webform will refer you to the donation page, where you can make a $25 donation to The Autism Scene as your submission fee.

Does it have to have an explicitly autistic character?

We expect that all of the winning submissions will have at least one explicitly autistic character. Although there can be value in characters that were “coded” as autistic, we focus on the value in familiarizing the kid viewership with the terminology of autism, so they can better make a connection to their autistic peers.

What does “explicitly autistic character” mean?

The script will make it known to the reader and eventual viewer that the character is autistic. This can be spoken or written on screen, using terms like “autistic” or “spectrum,” or anything else that would let a kid viewing the show understand that the character is autistic. Of course, the character should be authentically autistic as well, not just named as autistic.

What are you looking for in the autistic character?

Authenticity. Do some research, be thoughtful about representing character truthfully to the experience of an autistic person, and in the spirit of the show. It shouldn’t feel like fanfic, or a “very special episode of Space Unicorns.” It should feel like it could air as a regular episode of the show you chose, it’s just that the guest character happens to be autistic.

Do I have to be autistic to submit?

You do not have to be autistic to submit – all people are welcome to submit!

Do I have to be a kid to submit?

The contest focuses on animated series aimed at kids, but all people are welcome to submit. If you are under 18, check the requirements for submitting on the submission page.

Can I write my script using AI?

The contest is for people, so we will ask all participants to avoid using AI outside of incidental uses like research or standard jargon.