> Register to join the programme

To become a partner with the First Look programme you need to register by sending an email to the address below containing your name, title(s) of most recent script(s), and if this is your first contact with ScreenPlay, a very brief autobiographic description.  Please put 'First Look' in the subject line.

first.look@screenplayproductions.ltd.uk

By registering and becoming a reader/writer partner you agree not to disclosed any privileged information obtained through the First Look programme.  You also agree to have your own script(s) assessed anonymously by other approved readers/writers, and to receive their reports with comments and evaluation.

Equally important, you also promise to refrain from copying any concept, idea, character, plot, premise and/or dialogue shown to you in confidence.  Doing so can cause you serious legal implications and will taint your reputation as a writer.  Scripts and their loglines registered with the First Look programme enjoy copyright protection from the acknowledged submission date.  However, this doesn't exclude the possibility of other identical scripts with a proven copyright record prior to your registration could overrule this exclusive IP ownership.  In case of legal dispute and upon request the First Look programme will make representation of the date of your script registration with the programme.

Also, you agree not to claim copyright to ideas suggested as improvement unless specifically stated in your report.  If you choose to do so, your report will be held back until the receiver has agreed to acknowledge your contribution should it be used in the script.

The inexplicable but frequently experienced phenomenon of serendipity - the occurrence of scripts being very similar in either theme, setting, characters or premise is a well-known fact and part of Producers' and Commissioning Editors' work.  From time to time some writers mistake this trend as copyright infringement.  Neither Producers nor Broadcasters would stake their reputation on illegally obtaining elements for their shows or projects.  By signing up to the First Look programme you accept that ScreenPlay might already have an idea similar to yours in development.  If the similarity is too obvious we will notify you, but by signing up to the First Look programme you accept and trust our integrity enough to indemnify ScreenPlay from any claims of copyright infringement.

If, from the logline (the short description accompanying the scripts) on the available script list, you recognise elements which appear too similar to your own original work, please refrain from choosing to assess it.