Filmland 2025 Short Film Pitch Contest Application

Filmland 2025 Short Film Pitch Contest Application

Pitch your next short film for a chance to win a $5,000 equipment grant from Film Gear Rentals!
The Arkansas Cinema Society invites emerging filmmakers to participate in our Short Film Pitch Contest during Filmland 2025. The winning filmmaker will receive a film equipment grant from Film Gear Rentals to bring their vision to life, with the completed film premiering at Filmland 2026.

Eligibility Requirements
- Contestants must have prior filmmaking experience, either as a director or key crew member
- Must be a narrative short film
- The proposed film must be shot entirely within Arkansas
- Filmmakers must be able to complete their project within 10 months of winning the grant
Application Requirements
1. Application
  1. Script (if completed)
  2. Pitch Deck. (No more than 10 slides.)
    
    Deck should include:
    
    Project synopsis/treatment
    
    Creative vision
    
    Production timeline
    
    Budget overview
2. Live Pitch
  - Each contestant will have exactly 3-5 minutes to pitch their project and present their pitch deck
  - Pitches will take place live during Filmland 2025
  - No additional visual aids or materials may be presented during the live pitch beyond the submitted deck
Judging Process
- Projects will be evaluated by a panel of industry professionals
- Judges will consider:
  - Creative merit and originality
  - Feasibility within the timeline and budget
  - Filmmaker's experience and capability
  - Project's connection to Arkansas
Winner Benefits
- Film equipment grant provided by Film Gear Rentals
- Technical support and mentorship throughout production
- Guaranteed premiere screening at Filmland 2026
- Networking, marketing and promotional support from ACS
Equipment Grant Details
- Total grant value: $5,000
- Equipment package includes:
  - 1 Ton Sprinter Package w FGR provided Grip/driver
  - Lights (TBD based on need and availability)
  - Dollies/Sliders (TBD based on need and availability)
  - Generators/Power 9 (TBD based on need and availability)
  - Production Supplies/Walkies (TBD based on need and availability)
- Grant administration:
  - Equipment can be accessed for a total of 3 days
  - Gear must be reserved in advance
  - Insurance requirements: FGR requires customers renting vehicles and large packages carry current production insurance and provide a
  - Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing their coverage limits. Specific requirements will be provided to the winner.
  - Additional technical support:
    
    In addition to the provided grip/driver on set, FGR will also help in pre-production to determine what they will need.
  - Camera and Audio Equipment will not be provided, (but FGR can help the recipient access and rent the necessary equipment)
Timeline
- Pitch decks must be submitted during application process
- Live pitches will take place during Filmland 2025 this August at AMFA
- Production must be completed by Filmland 2026
- Film will premiere at Filmland 2026
Terms and Conditions
- The winning filmmaker must provide monthly progress updates to ACS
- The completed film must credit ACS and Film Gear Rentals in opening and closing credits
- ACS reserves the right to use the film for promotional purposes
- The filmmaker retains all other rights to their work
For questions and submission details, contact: Kody Ford, Director of Outreach, Education & Statewide Programs ~ kody@arkansascinemasociety.org / 479.225.2152.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Do you have previous experience as a filmmaker?
If yes, please provide a brief description:
Screenwriter(s)*
Script Title *
Genre:
Length of Script:
Logline*
Project Synopsis*
Please upload the most recent draft of your script

Cancelof
How does your script relate to Arkansas (a story connection or just a production connection - i.e. - location)?*
Estimated budget
Will you be available to attend the pitch contest at Filmland 2025 occuring during the dates of Aug. 13-17th at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts?*

YesNo
Please upload your pitch deck*

Cancelof
RELEASE

I or we, as the author(s) of the screenplay mentioned above, hereby submit it to the Filmland Pitch Contest (the "Competition").

I or we exclusively own all rights to the screenplay and have the full right and authority to submit it to the Competition.

I or we will indemnify the Competition, its Judges, and hold them harmless, defending against any claims, demands, losses, costs, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from claims by third parties, whether or not groundless, based on any stories submitted to the Competition or any screenplay developed from such stories.

I or we acknowledge that the Competition assumes no liability for non-receipt or loss of my/our screenplay, and I or we agree to remain fully liable in connection with it.

I or we understand that the Competition is not obligated to return my/our screenplay (or any other materials submitted) to me/us.

I or we agree to abide by the decisions of the Competition judges.

I or we grant the Competition the nonexclusive right to use my/our name(s), photograph(s), and likeness(es) in connection with publicity and promotional activities regarding the Competition.

I or we have read, understood, and complied with all guidelines and rules herein, and failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
Signature*

Clear
Co-Author Signature

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty: