Any thoughts on this? It seems to be a contest where the prize is that they produce your script:

https://filmfreeway.com/Kinolime

15 million dollar budget?
Look at the film they claim to have produced first time around, that's what I'd do.

Peer review for part of the comp and no charge.
Nothing to lose if that's true.

As per Libby's comments, it's free to enter and they provide details of what they've done so far with the winning script from last year.

A potential opportunity that doesn't on the surface of it scream scam!

But... they've not filmed last years winner from what I can see, their website looks like it is trying to get people involved in voting (not necessarily a bad thing) and I can't see on what terms the winner (and apparently some runners up) are optioned/bought.

Another screenplay contest, just what the world needs.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood But... they've not filmed last years winner from what I can see, their website looks like it is trying to get people involved in voting (not necessarily a bad thing) and I can't see on what terms the winner (and apparently some runners up) are optioned/bought.

Looks like they finished last year's contest in September and signed the winner in November. So I wouldn't hold it against them that nothing's produced yet.

I couldn't find anything about terms either. The only mention I saw was in relation to the signing video they posted. They mention something about a wire transfer taking place before the signing. So, the implication is option/purchase. But, they don't outright state it. It's a big question that I would want answered before entering.

All that said...it looks like a cool process/contest.

Two things:

1. Kinolime just announced a free contest for shorts. Winner gets a $7500 budget to produce their script (and $500 for festival entries.) You can enter up to 3 scripts. NOTICE TO SIMPLYSCRIPTS writers: I expect you to dominate this contest. I mean...this is what we do. I'll be doing a bunch of reading for the contest...and if I don't recognize most of the entrants, I'll be disappointed. (Am I entering? I'm not sure. I'm combing through my list of shorts trying to decide. I have another project that I'll be announcing soon that might keep me from tying up scripts in this contest. If it weren't for that project...I'd have 3 in for sure.) The contest opens on Aug. 18.

2. RE: my experience with Kinolime...I love it. I haven't entered their script contests yet, but plan on dropping one in on the next feature contest. But, I did a bunch of script reading and notes in the last round. The scripts were good. Here's the thing for me...I earned "Kinolimes" for reading treatments and scripts. I recently spent a portion of those limes on their Enhanced Script Coverage Service. It boiled down to this: for reading 6 scripts and treatments, I got: Coverage notes from 2 readers (15 pages of notes) and a 1hour phone call to discuss the script. I could have chosen to do a pitch call with an executive for the same cost. Also...I've been interacting with several employees of Kinolime and I can say...they are really nice people that really do seem invested in their stated goal: opening up new avenues for undiscovered screenwriters to get stuff made. (By my count, they've now optioned 6 scripts in 2 years...there might be more, but that's what I've been able to see.) Bottom line: I'm impressed.

I just signed up, Paul. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks so much for the lead.

Of course, as soon as I go to submit a script, submissions are closed. Fuck my life.

I must give this go!

Thanks PK for the heads up on Kinolime.

Now, polish something old or go for something new - bit of both me thinks  

Quoted from Zack Of course, as soon as I go to submit a script, submissions are closed. Fuck my life.

They don't begin to accept submissions until August. 18. So...two weeks to polish and get your director's statements ready.

I'll say this...from my discussions with them...they are looking for really unique stuff, so, right up your alley!

Quoted from PKCardinal They don't begin to accept submissions until August. 18. So...two weeks to polish and get your director's statements ready. I'll say this...from my discussions with them...they are looking for really unique stuff, so, right up your alley!

I'm confused. Kathy said she already signed up. Where do I sign up?

Thinking about entering Pumpkin Guts into this, if I'm able. Only issue is that I've got no clue how to put together a proper treatment. Any advice or templates anyone could share?

Quoted from Zack I'm confused. Kathy said she already signed up. Where do I sign up? Thinking about entering Pumpkin Guts into this, if I'm able. Only issue is that I've got no clue how to put together a proper treatment. Any advice or templates anyone could share?

I'm assuming Kathy signed up for an account in preparation for the contest. The next contest is for shorts only (5-20 pages)...it opens on August 18. You'll be able to submit up to 3 shorts (with a director's statement).

The feature contest will be re-opening in early '26, I believe. So, you've got time to get a Pumpkin Guts treatment together. Instead...use the next 2 weeks to pull your best shorts and get a director's statement together for them. $7500 shooting budget if you win! And, free to enter.

Quoted from PKCardinal I'm assuming Kathy signed up for an account in preparation for the contest. The next contest is for shorts only (5-20 pages)...it opens on August 18. You'll be able to submit up to 3 shorts (with a director's statement). The feature contest will be re-opening in early '26, I believe. So, you've got time to get a Pumpkin Guts treatment together. Instead...use the next 2 weeks to pull your best shorts and get a director's statement together for them. $7500 shooting budget if you win! And, free to enter.

Do you know if I need a treatment for shorts? Do people actually write treatments for shorts?? Lol

Sorry for all the tedious questions. I've never entered a contest before and have always wanted to.

Quoted from Zack Do you know if I need a treatment for shorts? Do people actually write treatments for shorts?? Lol Sorry for all the tedious questions. I've never entered a contest before and have always wanted to.

From what I can see, they are asking only for: a 5-20 page short, a half-page director's statement that explains why you want to make the short and a description of the planned shooting location. So, no treatment listed.

RE: the director's statement...The wording on the website specifically says "why you need to tell this story."