Mammoth Lakes Film Festival

Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2019.

Films may have screened in other festivals but we do not accept films with past theatrical distribution or that have been broadcast (televised) anywhere in the U.S. before May 31st, 2020.

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway online screener.

No Fee Waivers are available.

Entry fees are non refundable.

No commercials.

If you choose to send us a DVD screener it must be labeled with the title, running time, your email address, and your phone number. Please place your FilmFreeway# on the Screener.

We do consider works in progress but your film needs to be close to completion and if selected it must be completed before March 15, 2020.

Do not send a press kit until your film has been selected.

All non-English language films must have legible English subtitles.

All multiple submissions must have separate forms and appropriate fees.

The selection committee's decisions are final.

If your film is selected, your screening print and one backup must arrive by May 1, 2020.

If your film is selected, you must provide two high-resolution screen shots, two DVDs and a secure online link for press by April 25, 2020. You will also be asked to provide press materials and a trailer for the website.

All filmmakers under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian submit on their behalf.

Filmmakers must be authorized to submit their films to the 2020 Mammoth Lakes Film Festival (MLFF) and are responsible for the accuracy of all information provided on the application form.

The MLFF may use images, sounds and excerpts from the films for promotional purposes in all media including the MLFF website and may present accepted films at the 2020 MLFF.

You indicate that you have read and understand the MLFF entry guidelines and rules and regulations and that you agree to the MLFF Terms and Conditions. Furthermore, you indicate that you shall indemnify and hold harmless the MLFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

RULES FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

By entering Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Screenplay Competition, you agree to follow its rules and guidelines.

ELIGIBILITY FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

- Scripts submitted to the competition must NOT have been previously optioned, purchased or produced at the time of entry.
- If a submitted screenplay is optioned or purchased between the time of submission and the end of the judging period, the applicant must notify us and that screenplay will no longer be eligible for an award.
- Screenwriters that are members of the DGA and are professional writers are ineligible.
- If your screenplay is an adaptation you must provide the MLFF with the rights to the original work that you are adapting, unless it is in the public domain.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

- All scripts must be in PDF format.
- Screenplays must be in English, formatted according to current industry standards in 12-point courier font.
- Screenplays must have a clean cover page. This means the title only on the cover, no author’s name/contact information.

- If the script is based on a true story, that should be noted on the title page.
- No substituted pages or other revisions will be accepted once you have submitted your script. New versions of scripts can be resubmitted by filling out a new entry form and paying a new entry fee. All entries must be uploaded by the appropriate deadline.
- No refunds.

JUDGING FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

- All notifications will be sent by the notification date on filmfreeway.
- If the screenplay has multiple writers, all writers are hosted at the festival but the grand prize of $1,000.00 would be split amongst the writers
- If your script doesn’t make it into the quarterfinals, it will not advance to further stages of the competition.
- Feedback will include 3-5 lines unless screenwriter has opted for the more extensive coverage package for the additional fee.
- All decisions are final.

PROTECT YOUR WORK

MLFF is not responsible in any way for your script or concept and we strongly suggest you register your work with the Writers Guild of America, West (www.wga.org or call 323.782.4500) and the US Copyright Office (http://www.copyright.gov).

FEEDBACK FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

All submitted screenplays will receive a short paragraph of coverage that will let you know what we think the strengths and weaknesses of the script are. This is only a baseline to help you know what is generally missing to help you with moving forward with rewrites. It is not the full coverage that is included in the extensive coverage package which is available for an additional charge. This feedback will be sent on the notification date.

EXTENSIVE COVERAGE FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

The extensive coverage package will be sent one month after the notification date and will be 4-5 pages.

MLFF READERS

Our readers are industry professionals and all have a combination of the following qualifications: professional coverage background, production and development background, and/or are professional writers, or journalists. All decisions are final.