Script Submission Guidelines for Star Trek: Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager
Submission Guidelines
(1995 - 96)

Over the last eight years, the Star Trek offices at Paramount Pictures have received thousands of speculative script submissions for both Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and now for Star Trek: Voyager.

If you are among the thousands of individuals each year who attempt to defy the odds, then these guidelines were designed for you. Please read through these pages in their entirety. It is very important to follow all instructions very carefully. Your cooperation will help the process flow smoothly for everyone involved.


In English, there are many, MANY script submissions each year. If you don't follow the guidelines, you're just cluttering up the stack.

The Legal Department at Paramount has a very strict policy which prevents any employee of the studio from reading unsolicited story and script material. Unsolicited material must be returned to the author unread. The producers of Star Trek: Voyager, however, have a special arrangement with the studio which allows them to consider freelance material under the following conditions:


Meaning: Don't send your ideas or script to a writer or producer personally.

[*] Only complete teleplays (scripts) will be read. Ideas, stories, treatments or outlines of any kind will be returned UNREAD!


Make sure your script is complete before you send it. Uncomplete scripts are bad, BAD things. ;-)

[*] We cannot accept TWO-part scripts, so please limit your submission to a one part episode. All TWO-part scripts WILL be returned unread!


Don't submit two-parters. Very clear.

[*] All scripts must be submitted by a recognized agent registered with the Writers Guild of America (WGA)...

- - OR - -

[*] Each script must be accompanied by a Paramount Television Release Form; a copy of which is enclosed. Only an unaltered Paramount Release Form will be accepted. Please feel free to make photocopies.

That means you need to call the number provided above ((323) 956-8301) for a release form.

All script submissions must be addressed to:
Lolita C. Fatjo, Script Coordinator
Star Trek Writing Department
Paramount Pictures Corporation
5555 Melrose Avenue, Hart 105
Los Angeles, CA 90038-3197

I think that's pretty clear. Send 'em to Lolita and she'll get you set. From what I've heard, she's a very nice person.

[*] Please indicate on the envelope if it's a script for either Voyager or Deep Space Nine.

This rule no longer applies. These guidelines used to cover Deep Space Nine, as well.

[*] Please do not send copies of yourscript to our actors, directors, producers, story editors or other staff. All submissions must be processed by the Script Coordinator.

As above, send 'em only to Lolita. Otherwise, you get into all sorts of trouble.

Resources

The following has often proved useful to new writers.

Here, the guideline writers are going to try to help you out.

[*] The Star Trek production staff cannot provide Writers/Directors Guides (a.k.a. the writer's bible) or sample Star Trek scripts to freelance writers. These materials are available for sale, however, through a private business owned by Majel Barrett Roddenberry. The business number is (818) 989-4978. A catalog is available for $1 by writing to:

Lincoln Enterprises
Post Office Box 691370
Hollywood, CA 90069

'Nuff said.

[*] The Star Trek production staff cannot recommend agents or offer referrals. If you need to acquire a list of agents signatory to the Writers Guild of America (WGA), please contact the guild directly. In Los Angeles, the telephone number is (310) 550-1000. Their address is:

Writers Guild of America/West
Agency Department
8955 Beverly Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90048

For more information on what an agent is and what he/she does, head over to the terminology page or the Now that You're Done... page.

[*] Writers hoping to sell a Star Trek novel must first request submission guidelines from the publisher before submitting a manuscript. The Star Trek production offices in Hollywood have nothing to do with the publication of Star Trek novels what-so-ever. The publisher's telephone number in New York is (212) 698-7000.

Pocket Books
ATTN: "Star Trek" Editor
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Although, if you're going to write a novel, you shouldn't be hanging out here anyway. ;-)

[*] Other excellent sources of information on script writing include public libraries and book stores. Also check with your local colleges and universities. Many of them offer screenwriting classes through extension programs and continuing education programs open to the public.

Another great source I reccomend is The Making of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which can probably be found at any local library.

Developing Your Story

[*] Look for stories that emphasize our family of characters on the show, in Deep Space Nine: Sisko, Quark, Odo, Kira, Dax, O'Brien, Keiko, Bashir, Jake and Nog. In Voyager: Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Kim, Paris, Torres, The Doctor, Neelix, and Kes [Seven of Nine]. The secret of Star Trek has always been in making the audience identify with our crew. When stories feature an exciting guest character, the tale must focus on how the outside character(s) and events affect our people.

I think this one's pretty self-explanatory. Focus on OUR people.

[*] The producers are looking for fresh, original material.

Don't do it if it's been done to death.

[*] It is best to try and avoid stories that involve expensive production costs, such as: excessive guest cast or children, numerous new sets, film locations outside the studio, excessive special/visual effects, and bizarre creatures that require costly make up and costumes, etc.

I really don't worry about this one, personally. Just write. ;-)

[*] Do not submit material invlolving characters from the original series (i.e. Kirk, Spock, McCoy, etc., or their descendants). No exceptions!

No exceptions means no exceptions. If it involves anyone from TOS/CST, DON'T WRITE IT!

[*] We cannot accept scripts for Star Trek feature films. The writing of movie scripts is the purview of professional writers hired by Paramount. As such, these projects are always developed and written in-house.

This just means that your hopeful Star Trek 10 script won't be accepted. ;-)

[*] Do not submit sequels to previously aired episodes. Stories of this nature are the purview of our professional staff writers and are usually developed and written in-house.

Don't write sequels. You can bring back recurring themes or ideas, but an outright sequel is probably not a good idea. This goes back to the "fresh and original" theme.

[*] Do not bog down on technical details. Star Trek has a staff of technical experts who take care of these details in-house..

Let THEM figure out what a hyper-magnetic coil flux capacitor is. ;-)

Writing Your Script

[*] Please use a standard television script format. Do not use the format common for stage plays. If you are not familiar with standard television script format, buy yourself a book on script writing or find a copy of an actual script.

For more information on this, visit the format page.

[*] Star Trek spec scripts need to be 55 to 65 pages in length. No less. No more. A common rule of thumb says 1 script page equals approximately 1 minute on the television screen. On Star Trek, 1 script page equals less than 1 minute. Script timing is a very accurate science. Please do not apply your own theory.

Again, I have more on this in the format section.

[*] Star Trek scripts must include a TEASER (3 to 5 pages) and FIVE ACTS (10 to 11 pages each). The teaser is the opening segment in each episode prior to the main title sequence, which is used to "tease" the audience and grab their interest.

Again, format is the key.

Submitting Your Script

It is a very good idea to use the following guidelines as a checklist prior to submitting your script.

[*] We cannot accept more than two (2) spec scripts from the same writer and/or team of writers, unless they are represented by an agent. There is no limit on the number of scripts an agent may submit for you.

You have 2 shots to get noticed by the writers, unless you get an agent.

[*] Due to the high volume of script submissions, if you have already submitted TWO spec scripts for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (and you do not have an agent) you CANNOT submit a Voyager script.

Don't worry about this one.

[*] Scripts must be typed or computer printed. Do not send computer disks. One hard copy of your script will suffice.

There ya go. Pretty self-explanatory.

[*] Scripts must be bound on the left margin. Do not submit unbound material! Please use 3-hole paper bound together by two one-inch brass brads. Do not use fancy binders or plastic-covered pages. A simple card stock will serve nicely for a cover.

Easier for them to read.

[*] Upon submission of your script, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E.) for the return of your script. The S.A.S.E. should be a 10 x 13 non-clasp, properly addressed to you with $3.00 in U.S. postage in the upper right corner. Do not send checks, cash or money orders in lieu of U.S. stamps. International reply coupons are acceptable.

Whether or not they buy it, your copy will come back to you.

[*] Before mailing your script, please remember to include your complete name, mailing address (with ZIP code) and telephone number (with area code) on the cover of your script.

For tracking purposes.

[*] We cannot process a change of address after you have submitted your script. We have no means of tracking your script once it enters the process of consideration. So please, submit a Forwarding Order at your Post Office when you move, so that any mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new address.

Self-explanatory, no?

[*] We would appreciate the use of environmentally safe packaging. Non-bleached, paper envelopes 10 x 13 without metal clasps are easiest to recycle. Please do not use padded or insulated envelopes. Plastic packaging and synthetic fibers are bad for the environment and harder to recycle. Thank you.

I just use the Fed-Ex envelope. ;-)

[*] Overnight and Express Mail deliveries are not necessary. Regular First Class Mail or 4th Class Book Rate are preferred. Most packages will not be opened immediately upon receipt, anyway.

Don't send it via Overnight. That's just more of a cost to you, with no gain.

[*] If you require acknowledgement of your submission, please send your script via Certified Return Receipt Mail.  The Star Trek offices cannot confirm receipt of script submissions by phone or mail. We do not have the time or resources to provide this service. Sorry.

Self-explanatory, I think.

The Submission Process

[*] When a properly submitted script is received by the Star Trek Script Coordinator, it goes through a variety of steps in the process of consideration. First, the script must be registered on a computer log, then sent to a script reader; analyzed by the reader; forwarded to the Executive Producers for approval or rejections; and ultimately returned to the author. This process can take anywhere from eight weeks to eight months!

You have to be patient. VERY patient. :-)

[*] Due to the enormous quantity of scripts we receive, we cannot respond individually to inquiries regarding specific scripts or requests for information. Please do not write or call for a "status" or "update"  on your submission. Rest assured, you will be notified, one way or another, when a decision has been made on your script.

Crystal clear. Don't bug 'em. :-)

[*] Scipts received by WGA agents will receive priority consideration.

Not really important, unless you want yours to be read immediately. For more information on agents, head to the terminology section.

[*] In fairness to the hundreds of other writers who have carefully followed our guidelines, we reserve the right to return, unread, any material which fails to meet our submission requirements. Thank you for your cooperation and good luck with your writing!

Follow the format and you'll be fine.

[*] For information on obtaining additional copies of the Submission Guidelines, please call (213) 956-8301.

Please note that the telephone area code has long-since CHANGED to 323.

[*] Please see "Sample Script Format" on the following page for the example of a script page.

I haven't included the "Sample Script Format" they provide, because I feel that my format section does a good enough job explaining it. If you want to see it anyway, head on over here.