SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
When submitting your films and if selected, your film is automatically in the virtual version as well as the live version.
This festival is for the Western and western sub-genres, but some categories such as screenplays & manuscripts also accept "all genre".
There are many types of westerns. See them here at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_(genre)#Subgenres) and all accepted. If you have questions, contact us.
Project Length Information:
Feature - 45-180 minutes.
Short 3-30 minutes.
Web Series - 3 - 20 minutes.
Animated - 3-90 minutes.
Documentary - 3-90 minutes.
Western/Country/Film Music Video - 2-30 minutes.
Trailer/Teaser - 1-5 minutes.
Western Movie Locations/Ads/Tributes - 1- 10 minutes.
Western Gunfight Reenactments 1-15 minutes
Western TV Show - 15 - 60 minutes.
Western Youtube - 3-90 minutes
Western Vodcast - 3-90 minutes
Screenplay (Short) 50 pages & under.
Screenplay (Feature) 51 pages & over.
Screenplay (All Genre Short) 50 pages & under.
Screenplay (All Genre Feature) 51 pages & over.
Short Form TV Pilot (pilot episode under 20 mins duration). TV pilot of any western or western sub-genre.
Long Form TV Pilot (pilot of over 20 mins in duration). TV Pilot of any western or western sub-genre.
Western Novel Manuscript (Published & Unpublished): Minimum of 8,000 words or roughly 18 pages single spaced or 30 paged doubled spaced, and not exceed close to 120,000 words or roughly 267 pages single spaced, or 439 pages double spaced.
Western Novel Manuscript (All Genre - Published & Unpublished): Minimum of 8,000 words or roughly 18 pages single spaced or 30 paged doubled spaced, and not exceed close to 120,000 words or roughly 267 pages single spaced, or 439 pages double spaced.
Western Lyrics - Under 3 pages (PDF).
Western Songwriting Music - Under 5 Min (MP3)
Western Poetry - Any length from single stanza to 5 pages is accepted as long as it is NOT a compilation of Several works. (PDF)
Western Photography - Stills must be unique/original work that tell a story. Either a single photo or multiple photos in the same series (up to 6 photo maximum per submission) (JPG or PNG)
Our Selections / Awards Procedure / Festival Director / Producers make official selections for TWBFF by vote. Official Selections of films and screenplays are then screened/graded by 5 different judges anonymously, and given an overall grade for various categories (with the exception of the “Directors Choice Award”). All judges points are then added together to give it a grade.
If your work is selected, you must fulfill the following requirements by the date(s) designated by the The Wild Bunch Film Festival: You also must be prepared to supply at least three electronic images (publicity stills) either in jpeg or PDF format, 300dpi, for publication purposes. Press kits would be helpful, but not required.
Films that have previously aired on US television prior to the Festival are eligible.
STUDENT FILMS CATEGORIES: School ID's is required that matches the date your film was created. Copies of Student ID's must be emailed to thewildbunchfilmfestival@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: The 'Ads/Tributes', 'Western trailer/teaser', 'Web Series', 'Western Youtube" and "Vodcast' 3-90 are the ONLY categories that can be streamed to YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, etc., for FREE viewing to the public prior to TWBFF. ALL OTHER FILM CATEGORIES CANNOT be streamed on ANY media to the public until after TWBFF has completed. If you do so, you risk your film being disqualified, or possibly moved to the "Youtube" category.
Entrant will allow usage of clips from the film for promotional use on television, radio, in print and at live Festival events. All entries must be in English, contain English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
Works in Progress: While entrants are permitted to submit films that are not fully complete (i.e.,without final color correction and sound mixing), please note that the festival committee will accept the version submitted. Completed work or replacement copies MUST be uploaded no later than Sep 1st, 2022.
The Wild Bunch Film Festival and BrenRock Productions LLC is not responsible for incorrect wording in publications or on awards if the entry information is incorrect or illegible.
Entry fees are not refundable. Fees cover registration, notification that your entry has been received and notification of results. These fees must be paid during the entry process.
By entering the The Wild Bunch Film Festival competition, all entrants agree to hold harmless The Wild Bunch Film Festival, BrenRock Productions LLC, the Staff and Volunteers from all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation with the four day event.
You must execute a release agreement wherein you accept responsibility for obtaining any and all clearances necessary to exhibit your film at The Wild Bunch Film Festival, warrant you have the rights necessary to exhibit your film; and indemnify and hold harmless The Wild Bunch Film Festival, its parent company BrenRock Productions LLC, affiliates, subsidiaries and any of the respective officers, employees, and representatives against any claim arising from exhibition of your film at The Wild Bunch Film Festival.
SUBMITTERS, IF YOUR FILM(S) ARE SELECTED, YOU'LL RECEIVE TWO FREE FILM SCREENING PASSES FOR THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY SCREENINGS, which also includes the Award Show. This is for the live film festival only, and does not included the virtual version of the film festival. The Virtual Version will help your film get more exposure from all over the world! Details on that is located on the official website at www.thewildbunchfilmfestival.com
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WESTERN LYRICS/SONGWRITING
Each Lyric entry submission must be original works, under 3 pages and must be in a PDF format.
Think Western - Cowboy/Cowgirl - Country & Western - Old West.
Selections will get two Filmmaker Passes to attend all of TWBFF screenings during the film festival. Is there a PRIZE for winners? Yes. Winners will get Trophies or Awards.
WESTERN SONGWRITING/MUSIC
Think Western - Cowboy/Cowgirl - Country & Western - Old West
Each music entry submission must have a song title, and the name of artist(s) or band attached. Sound quality can be studio, live, or demos.
Format: .mp3 file is preferred, but we also accept .wav. PLEASE do not submit music videos, as there is a different category already listed for that. Each song entry must be no longer than 5 minutes. Selections will get two Filmmaker Passes to attend all of TWBFF screenings during the film festival. Is there a PRIZE for winners? Yes. Winners will get Trophies or Awards.
WESTERN POETRY
Think Western - Cowboy/Cowgirl - Country & Western - Old West
Poems, Poetry, Short Prose - PDF Format Please. Any length from single stanza to 5 pages is accepted as long as it is NOT a compilation of Several works. Selections will get two Filmmaker Passes to attend all of TWBFF screenings during the film festival. Is there a PRIZE for winners? Yes. Winners will get Trophies or Awards.
WESTERN PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography stills must be unique/original work that tell a story. Either a single photo or multiple photos in the same series (up to 6 photo maximum per submission). JPG or PNG format please. Think Western, Cowboy/Cowgirl, Country, Old West, Horses, Ranch, Scenic, Rodeo, Cattle Drive, Indian, Nature, Western Beauty, etc. We want to see your story as you tell it through your camera lens. Submitter must have rights/releases to submit the work. Selections will get two Filmmaker Passes to attend all of TWBFF screenings during the film festival. Is there a PRIZE for winners? Yes. Winners will get Trophies or Awards.
Western Themed Costume/Wardrobe Designer: (JPEG or PDF FORMAT) Up to 5 pieces maximum per submission. Your submission will be evaluated on multiple dimensions, your design(s) is judged together for its western theme design, originality & realization technics. Designers have an innate ability accurately depict the characters or a time period needed. Submission(s) can be from magazine print ads, TV shows, films, theatre etc. Use 3600 x 3600 pixels or 1800 x 1800 pixels. Also explain the technical aspects, details, commercial presentation or other helpful notes about the design(s) in the overview, specifications or cover letter area on FilmFreeway during submitting. EXAMPLES: High-Resolution clear action shots of work being worn by a model. Maybe shots with different poses or western settings, where a model wears or uses the design work. Maybe still shots from a western short or feature film, western promo ad layout, or western themed advertisement of the products, etc.
Western Themed Costume/Wardrobe Designers: (VIDEO FORMAT) Only 1 video per submission. Video can be no more than 3 minutes maximum (or less), with four different wardrobe/designer looks. Your submission is judged for its western theme design, originality & realization technics. Video submission(s) could be for work on magazine print ads, TV shows, films, theatre etc. Also explain the technical aspects, details, commercial presentation or other helpful notes about the design(s), in the overview, specifications or cover letter area on FilmFreeway during submitting. EXAMPLES: High-Resolution clear video action shots of work being worn by a model. Maybe a video with different poses or western settings, where a model wears or uses the design work. Maybe footage from a western short or feature film, western promo ad layout, or western themed advertisement of the products, etc.
WESTERN PAINTING REGULAR SIZE: Painting must be unique/original work that tell a story. It can be a copy of the original artwork. Either a single piece or multiple pieces (up to 6 pieces maximum per submission). Think Western, Cowboy/Cowgirl, Country, Old West, Horses, Ranch, Scenic, Rodeo, Cattle Drive, Indian, Nature, Western Beauty, etc. We want to see your story as you tell it through your painting. Submitter must have rights/releases to submit the work. Specify Title, Year, Size and Technique in the Cover Letter. Maximum size per piece(s) accepted: 30 x 50 cm (11.8" x 19.6") N.B.: Send the best high quality photograph(s) of artwork as a JPG or PNG format please. (Minimum Size: 1500 x 2100 pixel, 300 PPI).
WESTERN PAINTING LARGE SIZE: Painting must be unique/original work that tell a story. It can be a copy of the original artwork. Either a single piece or multiple pieces (up to 6 pieces maximum per submission). Think Western, Cowboy/Cowgirl, Country, Old West, Horses, Ranch, Scenic, Rodeo, Cattle Drive, Indian, Nature, Western Beauty, etc. We want to see your story as you tell it through your painting. Submitter must have rights/releases to submit the work. Specify Title, Year, Size and Technique in the Cover Letter. No limit on maximum size per piece(s). Send the best high quality photograph(s) of artwork as a JPG or PNG format please.(Minimum Size: 1500 x 2100 pixel, 300 PPI).
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SCREENPLAY SUBMISSION RULES:
What are the judges looking for? They'll be judging screenplays based on:
PREMISE/CONCEPT
The idea behind the story. What the movie is about. The “hook.”
PRESENTATION
Standard spec screenplay or teleplay format (12 pt. Courier font, correct margins, etc.), as well as spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage.
STRUCTURE
The framework of the script. Effective use of three-act (most common), odyssey, linear, or non-linear story progression.
PLOT
The actions, events, conflicts, and turning points that propel the story forward. How the story unfolds (points for originality/unpredictability).
PACING
The timing of the action, unfolding of plot elements, and character development.
CHARACTERS
Personalities that are distinctive, compelling, multi-layered, and unpredictable. A protagonist and antagonist with clear and active goals.
DIALOGUE
Voices that are natural, succinct, and unique to each character. Use of language that effectively reveals character and moves the story forward.
THEME
The underlying message of the story as revealed through plot, dialogue, and visual elements.
STYLE/TONE
Overall quality of the writing. Tone that is appropriate to the material and narrative that is distinct, cinematic, and effectively conveys the mood or “feel” of the movie.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL
Audience appeal and box-office potential.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_(genre)#Subgenres
If selected, do finalists get a pass? Yes. They'll get two free film festival passes allowing access to all film festival screenings.
Is there a PRIZE for winners? Yes. Screenplay winners will get Trophies or Awards.
Are there qualifications for scripts? Yes, they must be western genre or western Subgenres. See examples at at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_(genre)#Subgenres (PLEASE NOTE) There is NOW an "All Genre" category for screenplays as well!
Format: All entries must be written in English and submitted as a PDF file less than 5 MB, size 12 Courier font, standard industry format. Title of script only on title page: no author name. Pages should be numbered. MovieMagic Screenwriter, Final Draft, or Celtx are suggested software programs.
Our Selections / Awards Procedure / Festival Director / Producers make official selections for TWBFF by vote. Official Selections of films and screenplays are then screened/graded by 5 different judges anonymously, and given an overall grade for various categories (with the exception of the “Directors Choice Award”). All judges points are then added together to give it a grade.
Original: All entries must be original works by the applicant.
Coauthors: If a screenplay has more than one author, it is up to the authors to decide who will be the primary contact e-mail.
English: All entries must be submitted in English.
Submissions: Only online. No mailed or emailed entries are accepted.
Pages: (approximate numbers) Short Scripts: 50 pages or less. Feature Scripts: 51 pages or more.
Title Page: Include title only. The author’s name should not appear on the title page or anywhere on the script, to preserve anonymity and fairness.
Accepted are: Western genre and subgenres...as well as "All Genre". See western subgenres listed here at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_(genre)#Subgenres
Disqualifications: Submissions ARE NOT disqualified for minor formatting errors (title page, software or length.)
Rules For TV Pilots -
Short Form TV Pilot (pilot episode under 20 mins duration). TV pilot of any western or western sub-genre.
Long Form TV Pilot (pilot of over 20 mins in duration). TV Pilot of any western or western sub-genre.
TV Pilot Entries must also include a Series Vision Sheet which is to be sent to thewildbunchfilmfestival@gmail.com with the project title and tracking number in the email subject line. The Series Vision sheet would be a 1-5 page doc that gives an overview of the show including how many episodes not produced, have been produced, or that are in production, potential character arcs, and a synopsis of future episodes to give us a general idea of what the show would become.
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"WESTERN NOVEL MANUSCRIPT" - RULES:
Western Genre, Western sub-genres and NOW "all Genre" are also permitted. See the category list for Western manuscriots ans well as All Genre Manuscripts!
Western sub-genre's can include Classical Westerns, Acid Westerns, Charro, Cabrito or Chili Westerns, Comedy Westerns, Modern Day Western, etc. See the full list of sub-genres here at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_(genre)#Subgenres
Submissions are accepted in PDF only. Several short stories in one novel is not permitted and will be disqualified. Material must be submitted by the Author or their representative.
Corrected pages of the entered material are not allowed. Proof read carefully before submission. All ownership and rights to the material submitted to this contest remains with the original rights holders unless and until the rights holder settles negotiations of any proposed deal for partnership or transfer of rights.
The material submitted must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by, a third party prior to entering the competition.
Material must include Title, Logline (one to three sentence description of the book), and Synopsis Outline.
The western novel finalists and winner(s) in various western & western sub-genre categories as well as "All genre" will be chosen based on the following criteria: originality, perceived entertainment value, plot, characters, goal, conflict, theme & setting.
All entries must be original works by the entrant, in English.
Plagiarism, which includes the use of third-party characters or another person’s universe, without written permission, will result in disqualification.
Work submitted can be published or unpublished (see both categories when submitting and choose the one that falls under your work). Please let us know if your novel is published or unpublished when you are filling in your bio, details, etc., on FilmFreeway, as there will be awards for the winners of both published and unpublished work.
Applicants may submit multiple applications, however, each application must be complete with entry fee. Each submission must be uploaded separately.
Any novels written before January 1st, 2015 will not be accepted. Your novel must be a close to minimum of 8,000 words or roughly 18 pages single spaced or 30 paged doubled spaced, and not exceed close to 120,000 words or roughly 267 pages single spaced, or 439 pages double spaced. We prefer that you use a twelve point Times New Roman in black type only. Courier and Arial fonts is also acceptable.
If selected as a finalists, does the person that submitted the novel manuscript get film festival passes? Yes, the finalist would get two TWBFF passes allowing access to all film festival screenings for 2022, including the award show. Only two FREE passes are allowed per finalists/submitter.
Is there a PRIZE for novel manuscript winners? Yes. Winners in various western, western sub-genre and All genre categories, will be presented trophies or awards at the Award Show.
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The submitter agrees to indemnify TWBFF against any and all claims, expenses, losses, or liabilities that may be asserted against TWBFF in connection with the Material or any use thereof, including, without limitation those arising from any breach of the warranties and promises given by the submitter.
The submitter releases and discharges TWBFF from any and all claims and demands and will not assert, maintain or assist any party in asserting or maintaining any claims or demands against TWBFF in connection with the Materials, including, any and all claims for libel, rights of publicity, theft or misappropriation of ideas or trade secrets, or infringement of copyright and other intellectual property rights.
The submitter agrees to warrant that he/she is the sole owner and author of the described material or has the official representation of the co-author, and has the full right and authorization to submit the material to TWBFF.
The submitter has retained a copy of the Material and agrees that TWBFF shall not be obligated to return the Material to the submitter. The submitter releases TWBFF from all liability if the Material is lost, misplaced, stolen or destroyed.
The submitter acknowledges that TWBFF is under no obligation to use the Material in any manner and further represents and warrants that the Material is original, that the submitter has the right and authority to submit the Material to TWBFF on the foregoing terms and conditions, each and all of which shall be binding on the submitter, his/her agents, heirs, successors, licensees and assigns.
REFUND POLICY
All entries are non-refundable.
