Sundance Episodic Program

Sundance Institute Episodic Program Official Rules

The official rules (“Rules”) govern the submission of application materials (including script(s) and other creative materials) to the Sundance Institute (“Institute”) 2023 Episodic Program (the “Program”). The submission window opens on February 8, 2023 at noon Pacific Time (“PT”) and ends on March 8, 2023, at 6 p.m. PT (“Application Period”).

Applicants have the opportunity to create and submit a television script (“Script”) and other pertinent information (together, the “Application”) to be part of the Institute’s upcoming Episodic Program. Up to ten (10) projects will receive the opportunity to further develop their Script through virtual workshops leading up to the Episodic Lab at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah (or through an online platform, if necessary) (“Lab”), as set forth more fully below.

By agreeing to the Terms And Conditions found on the Lab submission form located at https://filmfreeway.com/SundanceEpisodicLab2023. The person or people submitting the Script (each an “Applicant”) acknowledges and agrees that he/she/they has obtained consent from any and all co-writers or other individuals with rights in and to the Script (hereafter called the “Script Owners”). By submitting the application, Applicant agrees that he/she/they has read, understood, and will comply with the Rules set forth below:

ELIGIBILITY:

The Lab is open to international and U.S. participants, subject to international travel guidelines. By submitting an application, each Applicant agrees to be bound by these Rules and the decisions of the Selection Advisory Committee, which are final and binding on all matters relating to this Program. The Program is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of application.
The Script must be the Applicant’s original creation or adapted from optioned source material. The Script must be written in the English language.
The Script must be new, that is, not previously submitted to any Sundance Institute labs, competitions, grants, or programs; not already produced; not already sold to a third party; and not distributed online or otherwise.
Applicants cannot have sold an episodic project (pilot or pitch) that has been shot to a studio or network in the past.
The Script shall not infringe the copyright or any other proprietary right of another individual or entity. The Applicant is responsible for all rights pertaining to the project.

HOW TO APPLY:

During the Application Period, apply by visiting https://filmfreeway.com/SundanceEpisodicLab2023 (hereafter, the “Website”) and follow the instructions provided to create and submit a Script. Applications must include:
Contact information for writer(s): Up to two writers per project may participate in the Lab; however, you must choose one person to be the primary applicant/creator and your designated point of contact.
Bio(s) of the writer(s) (no more than 250 words per person)
Series logline: A one-sentence description of your series (no more than 50 words) that conveys what your project is about.
Pilot synopsis (no more than 500 words): A summary of your pilot episode.
Series overview: This is a one-page description of your series that gives the reader a feel for its main characters, the basic plot and themes, as well as the tone and format. Imagine you’re describing your series to a friend in a way that conveys your excitement, clearly explains what your series is about, and gives them a reason to want to watch it.
(no more than 500 words)
Personal statement (no more than 250 words): A brief written response to the following questions:
What is your personal connection to the material?
Why are you the best person to tell this story?
Why tell this story now?
Community Connection: Do you have any personal connection to the unique communities featured in your story?
Thematic Statement (no more than 250 words): A brief written response to the following questions:
What is the theme of your series? That is, what is the central idea or big question you are exploring? (E.g., “In the wake of the ultimate betrayal, how does one continue to trust others?” OR “Are criminals born or are they made?” OR “Can a modern family still function like a traditional family?”)
How is this "thematic question" explored on an episode-to-episode basis in your series? (E.g., “In each episode, the betrayal is seen through the eyes of a different character as its ripple effect permeates more and more lives” OR “In each episode, we focus on a different criminal and the path that led to their crimes” OR “In each episode, an unconventional family struggles to overcome conventional problems”)
How does this theme inform each of your characters and their journeys over the course of the series? How does the theme connect emotionally to what your characters are going through?
Characters and Core Relationships: How does your theme inform each of your characters over the course of the series? How does the theme connect emotionally to what your characters are going through? What is the core relationship(s) you hope to explore between the lead characters over the course of your series? How do your lead characters explore the theme from their own unique points of view? (no more than 250 words)
Episodic Vision: Why does your story need to be told across multiple episodes and/or seasons?
Video Samples of Previous Work (OPTIONAL): Provide one to three links to samples of your previous work (not to exceed 10 minutes total in length). Samples may include short films, web series episodes, or other relevant video content. Please be sure to include passwords as needed. A decision to not provide a video sample will not negatively impact our review of your application.
Full pilot script: Scripts should be submitted as a PDF and be written in traditional screenplay format.

Demographics (OPTIONAL): To be filled out by the designated primary Applicant/Creator. This is information requested about the Applicant and the Script and will be used only to help ensure equity across our programs and, in the aggregate, in reporting to third parties as necessary (for example, to one of the Institute’s funders in a grant application). The individual data and identity of the associated Applicant will remain confidential. Your answers (or non-answers) to the demographic questions will not influence or affect consideration of your application..
A $40 nonrefundable processing fee payable by credit card via the online application.


All of the above information must be submitted via the online application. We DO NOT accept hard copies of any materials. Candidates may submit up to three applications, though candidates are not encouraged to submit more than one. Candidates must complete a separate application and pay an application fee for each project submitted. Applications generated by macro or other automated means or which otherwise subvert the Application process are void and will not be considered.

Applicants will receive an email confirmation letting them know that they have successfully submitted their application.

All Applications must be received by March 8, 2023, at 6 p.m. PT to be eligible for consideration. Once an Application is submitted, the Applicant cannot modify it in any manner.

By submitting an Application, each Applicant acknowledges and agrees that Institute may receive many applications in connection with this Program and/or other Programs staged and/or instituted by Institute, and that some of those applications may be similar or identical in theme, idea, format or other respects to this Application.

Applicant waives any and all claims that any application and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or used by the Institute (or its respective designees, including the Selection Advisory Committee) constitute infringement by Institute on Applicant’s rights because such application is similar to his/her/their Application, or that any compensation is due to Applicant in connection with such application or other works accepted, reviewed, and/or used by Institute. Applicant agrees to hold Institute harmless from any third-party claims alleging that the Application infringes on any third-party rights (including intellectual property and rights of publicity or privacy) or constitutes defamation.

By submitting an Application, each Applicant agrees to grant Institute and its assignees the use of Applicant’s name, biographical information, photograph/video, image and/or likeness for programming, advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes in connection with the Program in any and all media, now or hereafter known, worldwide and on the internet, and in perpetuity by Institute and its assignees, without compensation (except to the extent prohibited by law) or additional consents and without prior notice, approval, or inspection. Applicant agrees to execute specific written consent to such use if asked to do so.

REQUIREMENTS OF Applications:
The Application may not contain, and Institute, in its sole discretion, may disqualify and/or remove any Application that contains any content that: defames Institute or any other people or companies; contains any third person’s personal information, such as personal names or email addresses; is owned by third parties who have not consented to the submission of such content to the Program; embodies the names, likenesses, voices, or performances of any celebrities and/or other public or private figures other than Applicant, living or dead, without having the rights to do so; violates any law or regulation; or is otherwise inappropriate, objectionable, or unsuitable for the uses contemplated in these Rules, including for broadcast, as determined by Institute in its sole discretion. The Application and Script must be the original work of the Applicant or adapted from optioned source material, may not have been previously published, produced or distributed through any media channel, and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. By submitting an Application, Applicant warrants and represents that he/she/they and any persons identifiable in the Application consent to the submission and use of the Application as set forth herein.

FINALIST NOTIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

Each Finalist will be notified by email on or about August 16, 2023, at the email address or telephone number provided in his/her/their Application. Finalists will be required to complete a Fellow Agreement setting forth the terms of Applicant's involvement with the Lab, a Participation Agreement setting forth Institute’s participation in the success of the project, and any other documents required by Institute, all of which must be returned within five (5) days. Institute’s inability to contact a Finalist within a reasonable time period (whether due to a change in email address or otherwise) or the Finalist’s noncompliance with these Rules may result in disqualification and, at Institute’s sole discretion, a runner-up Finalist may be selected instead. Institute reserves the right to require any Finalist to return a signed hard copy of any documents, consents, or releases referenced herein or as may be needed, in Institute’s sole determination, to reflect and effectuate the rights and releases granted hereunder. If any Finalist is at least 18 years old but still considered a minor in his/her/their jurisdiction of residence, Institute reserves the right to request that a parent or legal guardian complete the documents set forth above on the Finalist’s behalf.

Each Finalist will receive a five (5) night/six (6) day holistic Lab experience at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Fall 2023, at which they will meet with Creative Advisors to further develop the Script. If the Lab cannot take place in-person due to health safety concerns, the Lab experience will transition to an online platform. If the Lab is in person, Institute will provide round-trip, coach class air transportation for the Finalist from the commercial airport nearest Finalist’s residence to the Salt Lake City airport, as well as five (5) nights in standard hotel accommodations and ground transportation to/from the airport/hotel. If a Finalist resides within a 100-mile radius of The Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, Institute will only provide ground transportation from the Finalist’s residence to/from the Lab. The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of participation in the Lab is $2,500. The trip must be taken on dates specified by Institute or participation in the Lab will be forfeited, and Institute will have no further obligation to such Finalist. Institute reserves the right to change the Lab and travel dates if necessary and will advise Finalist promptly of any such changes. Travel arrangements must be made through Institute’s agent, on a carrier of Institute’s choice. If the Lab is canceled for any reason, Institute will have no further obligation to Finalist. Finalists are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents prior to travel. Finalist may not substitute, assign, or transfer participation in the Lab. All federal, state, and local taxes, and all other costs associated with the Lab that are not expressly covered by Institute, such as additional ground transportation, luggage fees, travel insurance, meals, in-room charges, souvenirs, and gratuities are each Finalist’s sole responsibility. Finalists may be required to provide a credit card at the time of hotel check-in.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS:

As between Institute and the Applicant, the Applicant (and/or Script Owners) retains ownership of all intellectual property rights (including moral rights) in and to the content of the Application. As a condition of Application, Applicant grants Institute, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and partner companies, a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, nonexclusive license to use, reproduce, adapt, modify, publish, distribute, and publicly display the Application (1) for the purposes of allowing Institute and the judges to evaluate the Application for acceptance into the Program, and (2) in connection with advertising and promotion of the Lab or Institute.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:

By participating, each Applicant agrees to release and discharge Institute, and its employees, directors, officers and agents (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any and all injuries, liability, losses, and damages of any kind to persons, or property resulting, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from Applicant’s travel to and/or participation in the Program or any Program-related activity, including death or disability. Applicant further agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless each of the Released Parties from and against any and all claims or actions arising out of or in connection with Applicant’s participation in the Program or any breach of any representation made by Applicant in connection with the Application or the Program.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Released Parties are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, inaccurate, stolen, misdirected, undelivered, damaged, or garbled applications. Released Parties are also not responsible for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), website, or other connections, the availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure, or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, viruses, failures or difficulties, or other errors or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, computer, network, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the application process or the Program, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Program, the submission and processing of applications, the judging of applications, the announcement of the finalists, the incorrect uploading of a Script or in any Program-related materials. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Program. Released Parties are not responsible for injury or damage to Applicants’ or to any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation in this Program or use of the submissions website.

Further, the Released Parties are not responsible for any additional expenses, omissions, delays or rerouting resulting from any acts of any government or authority. Released Parties are not responsible or liable to any Applicant or to the Finalist or any person claiming through such Finalist for failure to conduct the Program or any part thereof by reason of any acts of God, any action, regulation, order or request by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action, regulations, order or request proves to be invalid), equipment failure, threatened terrorist acts, terrorist acts, kidnapping, air raid, blackout, act of public enemy, earthquake, war (declared or undeclared), fire, flood, epidemic, pandemic, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal), labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slowdown, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, vandalism, or any other cause beyond the Released Parties’ sole control. Should any portion of the Program submission page be, in Institute’s sole opinion, compromised by virus, worms, bugs, unauthorized human intervention or other causes which, in the sole opinion of the Institute, corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play, or submission of applications, Institute reserves the right to take any action to prevent or correct such cause, including, without limitation, to block suspect computers or IP addresses, or to suspend, modify or terminate the Program. In the event of a dispute regarding applications received from multiple users having the same email account, the authorized subscriber of the e-mail account at the time of application will be deemed to be the Applicant and must comply with these Rules.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

BY APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAM, APPLICANT AGREES THAT TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW: (1) ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THE PROGRAM, OR ANY PRIZE AWARDED, WILL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROGRAM RULES, INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION; (2) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS AND AWARDS WILL BE LIMITED TO ACTUAL THIRD-PARTY OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS INCURRED (IF ANY) NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY DOLLARS ($50.00), BUT IN NO EVENT WILL ATTORNEYS’ FEES BE AWARDED OR RECOVERABLE; (3) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY APPLICANT BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN ANY AWARD FOR, AND APPLICANT HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO SEEK, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS AND/OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES, OTHER THAN ACTUAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY DOLLARS ($50.00), AND/OR ANY RIGHTS TO HAVE DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR OTHERWISE INCREASED; AND (4) APPLICANTS’ REMEDIES ARE LIMITED TO A CLAIM FOR MONEY DAMAGES (IF ANY) AND APPLICANT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO SEEK INJUNCTIVE OR EQUITABLE RELIEF. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Rules will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any provision of the Rules is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, the other provisions will remain in effect and will be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or illegal provision were not contained herein. Institute’s failure to enforce any term of these Rules will not constitute a waiver of those Rules. Applicants agree to waive any rights to claim ambiguity of these Rules and acknowledge that any questions relating to these Rules may be directed to episodicprogram@sundance.org. Headings are solely for convenience of reference and will not be deemed to affect in any manner the meaning or intent of the documents or any provision hereof.

List of Writers and Projects Selected:

For the names of the writers and projects selected (available after August 24, 2023), send an email to episodicprogram@sundance.org. Requests must be received by September 24, 2023.