“Clear Blue Sky Productions, the independent film production company founded by Paul G. Allen, will sponsor The Washington State Screenplay Competition 2000 in association with the Washington State Film Office.Competition 2000 marks the third annual screenplay showcase created and hosted by the state’s film office in an effort to promote both undiscovered writing talent and filming opportunities in Washington. This year is first time the screenplay competition has been opened to entries from writers nationwide and Canada.“Clear Blue Sky Productions is proud to sponsor this year’s Washington State Screenplay Competition 2000,” said Jody Patton, president of CBSP. “The project shares our vision for supporting the art of creative and innovative filmmaking, and is an important way to help identify and cultivate new talent in the industry.”“”CBSP is the perfect partner as we take the Screenplay Competition national and introduce the Shorts Program,” said Suzy Kellett, director of WSFO. “Homegrown companies supporting homegrown stories.”In addition to the feature screenplay division, the competition has also included the First Annual Short Film Division which will accept scripts for short films of five minutes or less. The winner of this division will receive full production of their script, which must contain 100 percent Washington State content. A full production package of goods and services as well as producing talent will assure the completion of the project in time for presentation at the final awards ceremony, June 26, 2000. The production package is fully underwritten by Washington State film production vendors.The award marks the first time a screenplay competition will yield a fully produced film.Deadline for submissions is December 13, 1999. Entry applications can be requested by calling 206-728-8530. The competition is open to all screenwriters. An entry fee of $35 is charged per script.The competition requires all feature script submissions to contain a minimum of 75 percent Washington content.”