Frequently Asked Questions about the MovieHatch Screenplay Competition
The official Terms & Conditions apply.
These FAQs are only provided as a customer service.
General Questions
- What is the MovieHatch Feature Film Competition?
- How does the MovieHatch Feature Film Competition work?
- How much does the evaluation cost?
- What do I get in return for the evaluation fee?
- What is the criteria for qualification in the online competition?
- Who can enter?
- Is there a deadline for submission?
- How long does the online competition last?
- How many scripts can I submit?
- What happens if my script qualifies?
- When will I find out if I'm selected?
- What will I get if I qualify and choose to enter the online competition?
- What are the categories?
- Where do I find the detailed Terms & Conditions of the competition?
- What clearances do I need before submitting my pitch/script?
- How am I protected?
Script Submission
- How do I submit a script?
- How much does it cost to submit my screenplay/script?
- What forms do I need to complete to enter the competition?
- What are the key terms and conditions or rules?
- Do I have to write a logline and synopsis?
- What are the size limits?
- What file formats do you accept?
- Can I retract or delete a screenplay I submitted?
- Can I adjust the script I submitted and avoid having to pay the evaluation fee twice?
- What if I find a typo in the information I submitted?
- When’s the deadline for submitting my screenplay/script?
Online Competition Visual Elements Questions
- What do you mean by "visual elements"?
- What visual elements are accepted?
- What is the deadline for submitting the visual elements if I qualify for the online competition?
- How long does it take for my film pitch to
be online and ready to be viewed?
- What requirements must the film pitch pass
when it's screened for content?
- What's the maximum running time of the film
pitches I can upload?
- What are the size limits?
- What file formats do you accept?
- Can I submit a film pitch that I submitted
to other film festivals or uploaded to other video sites?
When’s the deadline for submitting the visual elements?
- Can I upload a pitch for a film that I
didn’t create?
- Can I put a link to my film pitch on
MySpace, Facebook etc. pages?
- Can I help get exposure for my film pitch?
- Where will my film pitch be on the web
site?
- How can people find my film pitch on the
web site?
- How long will my film pitch be shown on the
Home Pages?
- How do I find out which film pitches were
selected for review by the professional judges?
Voting Questions
- How do I vote or evaluate a film pitch?
- Who can vote or evaluate a film pitch?
- What’s the 5-star rating?
- Does it cost anything to vote or evaluate a film pitch?
- How many times can I vote?
- How do I find a specific film pitch that I’m looking for?
- Who is eligible to vote on the film pitches?
General Questions
Q: What is the MovieHatch Feature Film Competition?
A: It’s a great new opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work. It’s an online competition in which the general public evaluates your film pitch. Their favorites are then evaluated by industry experts (see www.MovieHatch.com/partners).
Q: How does the MovieHatch work?
A:
- Q: How much does the evaluation cost?
- A: The evaluation fee is $60 per screenplay/script. The extended deadline fee is $75 and the late deadline fee is $95.
- Q: What do I get in return for the evaluation fee?
- A: It depends on what stage you achieve. No matter what, you receive
at least one written evaluation which is akin to a form of professional
script coverage.
- Q:What is the criteria for qualification in the online competition?
- A: Your screenplay is read by several industry professionals who evaluate it based on a list of criteria, including originality, quality of writing, plot, structure, character development and more. Click here to learn more about qualifying for the online competition.
A: Anyone over the age of 14.
Q: Is there a deadline for submission?
A: Yes. We are just beginning to accept submissions for our next competition with a deadline of 11:59PM EST August 31,2012.
Q: How long does the online competition last?
A:
The online portion of the current competition will last for 2 months from the date of commencement. This is
the duration for audience evaluation/voting that counts towards the selection
of Finalists.
Q: How many scripts can I submit?
A: As many as you want. But you must go through the process and pay separately for each one.
Q: What happens if my script qualifies?
A: If your script qualifies for the online competition, you will need to submit a video trailer or still image. These will be posted on the MovieHatch website for audience evaluation. Their favorites will be presented to our panel of professional judges who will read the full script and evaluate it on criteria set forth in the Terms & Conditions. Several of them could be selected for further development or production.
Q: When will I find out if I'm selected for the competition?
A: We’ll contact you using the details you provided in the submission process, within 1 month after the deadline date . Please see the Terms & Conditions to learn all the rules involved as well as when you will have to respond to our contact.
Q: What will I get if I qualify and choose to enter the online competition?
A: There are multiple prizes and awards for the participants of the online competition...the most important is the opportunity for your work to be put in front of 20+ industry decision-makers.
Prizes/Awards:
- Top 10 Finalists will be awarded TWO 30-minute calls/meetings with MovieHatch judges.
- Top 10 Finalists receive written evaluations from 20+ Hollywood insiders (the MovieHatch partners/judges)
- Inktip - free 6-month membership for (2) two Finalists.
- Three finalists receive the latest downloadable version of Final Draft software
- Consideration for development/production by MovieHatch and its partners/judges
Terms and conditions apply to each award. See full Terms and Conditions for details.
A:We are currently accepting screenplays and TV scripts in all categories, or genres, of film or programming.
Q: Where do I find the detailed Terms & Conditions of the competition?
A: Click here for full Terms & Conditions.
Q: What clearances do I need before submitting my pitch/script?
A: You must own all the rights to your pitch/script.
A: You are protected with standard registering and copyright of your films. We do require you to sign off on an Ownership agreement before entering the competition. If you have not yet registered your script, we highly recommend you do it now at www.WGA.org.
Script Submission
A: Just go to the submission page and follow the simple instructions. You can access the submission page here or from your profile page via the link in the orange box in the center of the screen. There are only 4 steps to complete the whole process. But have your screenplay ready in PDF format before you begin. It will make things much easier for you.
Q: How much does it cost to submit my screenplay/script?
A: The total fee is $60 per screenplay/script. The extended deadline is $75 and the final deadline is $95.
- What forms do I need to complete to enter the competition?
- A: There are 2 forms or legal agreements that you need to agree to before your submission can be accepted: Terms & Conditions and Ownership.
- What are the key terms and conditions or rules?
- A: Click here for the full set of terms and conditions. The key requirements for submission are:
• You represent and warrant that you own all right, title and interest in the script, video pitch and written pitch submitted.
• You must comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Submission Process & Competition.
• You must agree to the Terms of Use and Ownership Agreement.
• Feature Film Scripts must be no less than 90 pages and no more than 140 pages in length. TV scripts must be no less than 50 pages and no more than 120 pages.
• Your logline must not exceed 150 characters (including spaces) and your written pitch (synopsis) must not exceed 2,000 characters (including spaces).
• Your video pitch must not exceed 3 minutes in length.
• Submissions cannot be offensive or contain any elements which are contrary to the interests of Sponsor, as determined in the sole discretion of the Sponsor.
• Your video pitch can be submitted in its original language but to be eligible must have English subtitles. Written pitches and scripts must be written in English.
• If the submission is selected as a Finalist, participant must supply to Sponsor a bio, resume, and other information pertaining to the materials upon request.
Q: Do I have to write a logline and synopsis?
A: Yes. This helps people decide on whether or not to view your pitch. It also helps people find your pitch when they use our keyword search function.
A: There are no size restrictions for the PDF file for your script. But the screenplay/script MUST be in PDF format.
Q: What file formats do you accept?
A: We accept PDF format for scripts/screenplays.
Q: Can I retract or delete a screenplay I submitted?
A: You cannot do this yourself, but if for some reason you elect to withdraw your script, please write to us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and we’ll take care of it for you. Please know that you will not be refunded the evaluation fee once a script, film video pitch or still image has been uploaded.
Q: Can I adjust the script I submitted and avoid having to pay the evaluation fee twice?
A: No. Once you hit the ‘Upload’ button, that’s it! If you want to withdraw a submission, follow instructions above. You are always welcome to repeat the submission process but know that you will be charged again.
Q: What if I find a typo in the information I submitted?
A: Please let us know and we will get into the system to correct it. If we see any blatant typos during the initial screening process, we will notify you first and then make changes if you want them. But we will not touch the information you submitted without your consent.
Q: Can I upload a pitch for a film that I didn’t write?
A: No.
Q: When’s the deadline for submitting my screenplay/pitch?
A: The deadline for submitting your screenplay/script is 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 2012. We strongly recommend submitting earlier rather than later to secure your position (unless your video trailer is already in the can).
Online Competition Visual Elements Questions (if you qualify)
- Q: What do you mean by "visual elements"?
- A: If you qualify for the online competition, you are required to submit a visual element for us to post online. This can include a video trailer that represents that film or a still image (similar to a movie poster). Click here for more information.
- Q: What visual elements are accepted?
- A: We accept video trailers that are no longer than 3 minutes in length and 100MB in size. We also accept still images that are similar to movie posters you see in the theaters.
- Q: What is the deadline for submitting the visual elements if I qualify for the online competition?
- A: If you qualify for the online competition, you will be notified with the contact information you provided during submission of your script. You will receive instructions on how to submit those materials when you are notified of your qualification. Please note that this is the absolute last date we can accept the visual elements. If you miss that date, you will not be included in the online competition.
Q: How long does it take for my film pitch to be online and ready to be viewed?
A: When you upload your video trailer properly, you will get a confirmation email that it has been uploaded. After that, it should take approximately 24-48 hours for us to screen it for eligibility. It will be posted on MovieHatch.com when the official competition begins.
Q: What requirements must the film pitch pass when it's screened for content?
A: Please click here – unacceptable material – to see the exact details.
But it’s the usual: no porn, no excessive violence, no violence to
animals, young children or elderly and no blatant advertising, etc. Please note that we will not accept your video trailer or still image if you have any personal contact information in/on it or if you show a website URL.
Q: What’s the maximum running time of the film pitch I can upload?
A: 3 minutes or less per pitch.
A: We only accept files up to 100MB in size - otherwise it can take too long to upload. Please make sure your video trailer fits this requirement or it may not upload properly.
Q: What file formats do you accept?
A: We accept almost all common formats, .mov, .avi,
.mp4 ... but we strongly recommend .mov or .avi. The process just seems to be easier. We only accept jpg for still images.
Q: Can I submit a pitch for a film that I submitted to other film festivals or uploaded to other video sites?
A: Yes, but make sure their terms don't conflict with ours.
Q: Will MovieHatch make any sound or video adjustments to my video pitch to make sure it’s perfect?
A: No. You have final cut over your film pitch. Please edit it carefully for picture, sound, boom in frame, whatever and upload only the best representation of your genius! The only thing we do is convert it to Flash format for ease of viewing on the site. We do not make any creative changes at all.
Q: When’s the deadline for submitting the visual elements?
A: The deadline for submitting your video pitch/image will be supplied in your notice of acceptance into the competition. It will generally be one month after the final submission deadline.
Q: Can I put a link to my film pitch on MySpace, Facebook etc. pages?
A: Yes! Of course –
we encourage you to promote your film pitch as much as possible. The
more people who view your film pitch, the closer you could be to seeing it produced!
Q: Can I help get exposure for my film pitch?
A:
Yes! In addition to our marketing, advertising and PR, we’ll help you out initially and send an email invitation to your
friends and family inviting them to see your film and vote on it. You
will have your own URL, which can be sent to as many people as you want.
It will take them to a page that specifically features your pitch!
Q: Where will my film pitch be on the web site?
A: We will randomly rotate the pitches in several places. First of all, it will appear on the home page of the competition. The rotation timing and duration will depend on the number of qualifying submissions.
We
will also have a page that specifically highlights your film pitch – this is found with the
unique URL that you will receive in an email upon entering your visual element.
And it gets even better... we will also rotate a thumbnail version of
your film on various other pages throughout the site.
Q: How can people find my film pitch on the web site?
A: First, they can find it with the URL we provide to
you. If they do not have access to that, they can use the Search
function on the upper right corner of almost every page of the site. They
can input the name of your film, your name or a keyword that is used in
your logline or synopsis.
Q: How long will my film pitch be shown on the competition's home page?
A: This depends on the number of submissions. It is all handled by a computerized system with pre-set algorithms, in order to ensure the most fair and just viewing of all submissions.
Q: How do I find out which film pitches were selected for review by the professional judges?
A: The Finalists for the current competition will be notified on or about one week after the voting ends. The film pitches that were selected will be highlighted again on the site so that everyone knows which ones made the Top 10. You can write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request a list.
Voting Questions
Q: How do I vote or evaluate a film pitch?
A: There are voting banners at the bottom of every film pitch. When you find a film pitch that you want to vote on, simply click on the voting banner. You vote by ranking the film pitch on a 5-star rating system. The first time you rank a film pitch from each computer, you will be asked to submit your email address and register with the MovieHatch site. We do this in order to ensure fairness to our filmmakers and to ensure an accurate calculation of voting for each film pitch. We do not give out your email address. It’s just used to keep things fair. And you’re only asked once to do this.
Q: Who can vote or evaluate a film pitch?
A: Anyone over the age of 14 can vote.
A: You are given the chance to vote and give us feedback on how much you liked – or did not like – a film pitch. You have a choice of 5-stars:
1 Star = “Wouldn’t pay to see it”
2 Stars = “Only if nothing else is on”
3 Stars = “Yeah. OK. I’d watch it”
4 Stars = “Ooooh! Awwe!”
5 Stars = “Freaking Amazing”
You will see these descriptions when you hold your mouse over the stars.
Q: Does it cost anything to vote or evaluate a film pitch?
A: Not at all. It’s totally free to vote or evaluate a film pitch on our 5-star system..
A: Only once per film pitch, so no ballot stuffing! But you can vote on as many different film pitches as you would like. No limits there.
Q: How do I find a specific film pitch that I’m looking for?
A: If you know the film pitch’s URL, just enter it into your browser and you will be taken directly to a page that features that film pitch. If you do not, you can also use our Search function. Simply enter the name of the film, the filmmaker or some keywords from their logline or synopsis and a list of options will appear. The Search function can be found on the upper right hand side of most pages on the MovieHatch site.
Q: Who is eligible to vote on the film pitches?
A: Anyone over the age of 14. The first time someone votes, we’ll ask them to submit a valid email address.
