How to Enter:
Submit a Word or PDF document with your logline of approximately 30 words or less for the opportunity to pitch in either the feature or episodic category. You may enter both categories, and you may enter as many loglines as you choose. Each logline must be a SEPARATE entry.
You DO NOT need to include a script, lookbook, or other documentation. The Word/PDF logline document is what you will upload when it prompts you to upload the script.
Loglines can also be entered in the logline field on either Coverfly or FilmFreeway.
Note: If you DO NOT attach your logline as a PDF/Word Doc on FilmFreeway, it will show the entry as "incomplete." As long as the logline is in the field that is designated by FilmFreeway, the entry will be updated to "in consideration" as soon as that is verified. If your logline is missing, we will contact you.
Selection Process:
A logline is essentially your sales pitch for any project in Hollywood. If your logline does not contain the necessary information to command the time of an industry professional, they will never request more information. The logline should showcase your main character and the story elements that will make it interesting to an audience. Pitches for derivative material (i.e. stories we have seen before) should include elements that differentiate the story from previous work.
Twenty-five loglines will be selected in each category to pitch via Zoom. Selections are made based on multiple elements including:
Originality - is this a memorable story?
Stakes - will the audience want to keep watching?
Character - is this a character we will want to root for (or against?)
Market relevance - is this a project that streamers/network/studios want now?
From the recorded Zoom Pitches an industry panel will select the ten finalists from each category based on:
Market relevance (are there companies looking to make this project now)
Originality (will we remember this project after reading the logline)
Pitch Content (did the pitch include the elements needed to request the script/pitch deck)
Pitch Execution (did the pitch finish on time, was the pitcher prepared, was the pitch engaging)
Budget (projects that require significant financial investment are difficult for writers looking to break in - those include stories that require significant special effects, animation, and settings that require props, costuming and sets that differ from what is easily available today)
All pitches must be original work. No loglines for existing property other than what is in the public domain will be accepted. Loglines should be 30 words or less. Pitches should be two minutes or under. Any pitches that run over will be stopped at the expiration of two minutes.
25 semi-finalists in each category will be chosen to move to the next round and pitch their ideas to the industry panel virtually. 10 finalists that are willing to make the trip to Nashville will be chosen by the panel to participate in the Pitch Event on September 21st at the Nashville Film Festival Creator's Conference in front of a live industry panel and audience. The live pitch round will also be two minutes with five minutes of feedback from the panel.
Entry Deadlines / Notifications:
Open for Entries: December 6, 2024
Final Deadline: July 1, 2025
Semifinalist notification: July 8, 2025
