Bloody Disgusting 25: 25th Anniversary Short Film Contest

Official Rules

Bloody Disgusting 25

25th Anniversary Short Film Contest

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. THIS IS A SKILL-BASED CONTEST; WINNERS ARE SELECTED BASED ON JUDGING CRITERIA AND NOT BY CHANCE.

VOID OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY AND WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

You must have Internet access to participate.

By entering this Contest, you agree to these Official Rules (“Official Rules”).

1. SPONSOR & ADMINISTRATOR.

Cineverse Entertainment Corp., 2355 Westwood Blvd #779, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA (“Sponsor” or “Administrator”), will sponsor a filmmaking contest (“Contest”).

2. ELIGIBILITY.

This Contest is open to individuals who: (i) have a valid email address; (ii) are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia (“Territory”); and (iii) are at least eighteen (18) years of age or have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction at the time of entry. Employees (and their immediate family members or members of the same household) of Sponsor, Administrator, its affiliates, agents, and advertising or Contest agencies are not eligible. By entering, each entrant (“Entrant”) agrees to these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. The Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, or incomplete entries. In the event of a dispute, entries will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the email used to enter.

The Winner must meet all eligibility requirements to receive the Prize.

(a) Entry Limits

Each eligible participant (“Entrant”) may submit up to two (2) separate entries (each an “Entry” collectively, “Entries”) during the “Entry Period” (defined in Section 3). Entries must incorporate Sponsor’s intellectual property expressly designated by Sponsor (“Sponsor IP”). The Sponsor IP character “Buzzkill” must be a central, story-driving element in the entry; cameo or incidental use of Buzzkill does not satisfy this requirement. Buzzkill is a character owned and controlled by Sponsor, commonly depicted with a saw blade embedded in the head. Each Entry must consist of a separate and distinct intellectual property concept (“IP”), as determined in Sponsor’s sole discretion, which is independent of other IP except Sponsor IP. Reference materials for Buzzkill may be provided by Sponsor at a link designated by Sponsor (the “Buzzkill Reference Page”). Automated submissions (including those generated by scripts, bots, or macros) will result in disqualification.

Entries that are substantially similar in theme, story, or execution may, at Sponsor’s discretion, be deemed ineligible or disqualified. All Entries must be original to the Entrant(s) and created specifically for this Contest. Previously produced, distributed, or publicly exhibited works are not eligible.

Entries may be submitted under one of the following categories:

Individual Entry (Sole IP Creator)

Submitted by one Entrant who solely conceived and developed the project’s IP. An Individual Entry may list other individuals as “Potential Collaborators” (e.g., prospective directors, writers, or producers) who are not “Joint IP Creator(s)” (defined below). Listing someone as a Potential Collaborator does not count as an Entry for that person if they are not a Joint IP Creator.

However, any Potential Collaborator who separately submits their own Entry (individual or team) must ensure that their Entry is distinct from any project on which they were listed as a Potential Collaborator. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify Entries that appear duplicative or overlapping.

Team Entry (Joint IP Creators)

Submitted by two or more individuals who jointly created the project’s IP, designating one (1) “Team Captain” as the official Entrant of record. Team Structure:

Each Team must designate one (1) “Team Captain”, who will serve as the official Entrant and sole recipient of any Prize.

Each Team must identify all individuals who contributed to the creation of the IP (the “Joint IP Creator(s)” or “Team Member(s)”) and specify each member’s role (e.g., writer, director, producer, editor, composer) on the Application.

Entries where the individual names and email addresses do not exactly match those provided in the entry form and the Team Member Addendum submitted through the Sponsor’s verification email process, or are otherwise incomplete, will not be recognized as an Entry for eligibility purposes.

Any individual not properly listed or who fails to submit a verified Team Member Addendum will be deemed ineligible for recognition, credit, or participation in connection with the Entry.

(b) Sponsor Discretion

Sponsor retains sole discretion to determine whether an Entry qualifies as an Individual or Team Entry, whether Entries are duplicative or substantially similar, and whether all submission requirements have been satisfied. Sponsor’s determinations are final and binding. Entries must be prepared and submitted directly by a single individual Entrant or the Team Members and must reflect the individual’s own original work, not that of any third party. Joint, group, or team submissions are not permitted. Entries that do not conform to, or that violate, these Official Rules or are submitted in any manner other than stated herein will be disqualified.

(c) License to Use Sponsor IP

Entrants are granted a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to use “Buzzkill” solely to prepare and submit an Entry in this Contest. This license: (1) applies only to materials submitted as part of the Entry; (2) does not permit reproduction, distribution, exploitation, or any other use outside of this Contest; and (3) does not extend to any other Sponsor IP or to any third-party intellectual property.

No Entrant, Team Captain, or Joint IP Creator shall retain, claim, or assert any ownership, license, or other rights in or to (i) the Entry IP, (ii) any element thereof, or (iii) any Sponsor IP, including without limitation the character “Buzzkill” or any other Sponsor IP used, referenced, or incorporated in the Entry (which may be disqualifying).

Without limiting the foregoing, neither an individual Entrant, Team Member, or Team Captain shall use, exploit, distribute, adapt, display, exhibit, or otherwise make any use of the Entry, or any character, artwork, or element derived from the Entry, for any purpose—including portfolio, educational, or promotional use—without Sponsor’s prior written consent in each instance.

By submitting an Entry, Entrant represents and warrants that all elements of the submission, other than the permitted use of Buzzkill, are wholly original and do not incorporate or infringe any third-party intellectual property, trademarks, music, footage, logos, or likenesses. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any submission for legal or other reasons, including (without limitation) copyright, trademark, or privacy/publicity violations, or any content that violates law or third-party rights. Sponsor also reserves all rights not expressly granted herein.

(d) Timekeeping

Proof of submission does not constitute proof of receipt. Sponsor’s database clock is the official time-keeping device for the Contest. All times are Eastern Standard Time (ET).

3. HOW TO ENTER.

The Contest begins on October 31, 2025, at 12 AM ET and ends on November 20, 2025, at 12 AM ET (the “Entry Period”). No purchase necessary.

To enter:

Submit the following at https://bloody25.com/short-film-contest/ during the Entry Period and complete the online Entry Form. Each eligible participant (“Entrant”) may submit up to two (2) separate Entries, either individually or as part of a team, as outlined in Section 2(a). The Entry must include:

By Type of Submission:

For Team Entries: Each Team must designate one (1) Team Captain to submit the Entry on behalf of the team. The Team Captain is the official Entrant of record and the sole recipient of any prize. Each Joint IP Creator must complete and submit a Team Member Addendum using the same email address listed in the Entry Form by the deadline during the Entry Period for the Entry to be complete. Incomplete Entries will be disqualified.

For Individual Entries: A single Entrant may submit on their own and may list Potential Collaborators in their budget or materials. Listing a Potential Collaborator does not count as an additional Entry.

Pitch Deck:

A written treatment in customary format (e.g., Word document, Text Edit, and Pages), outlining a completed short film concept with a target running time of approximately forty (40) minutes.

A lookbook in any presentation format (e.g., PowerPoint and Canva), showing the intended visual style, tone, and feel of the project (e.g., reference images, sample locations, and prospective cast).

Story: story that features Buzzkill as a central, non-incidental character.

Budget: itemized production budget of Thirty Five Thousand United States Dollars (USD $35,000) (exclusive of practical FX and production insurance, which may be budgeted separately). If Entrant includes a line item for compensation to themselves and for their proposed role in the production, it may not exceed 10% of the overall budget; Three Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars (USD $3,500).

Self-Pitch: A video (up to two minutes) explaining why you should be selected (e.g., your idea, prior production experience, passion for the genre, or Sponsor IP).

Optional Elements: While not required for Entry, Entrants may include additional examples of previous work (e.g., Vimeo/YouTube links, IMDb, or portfolio sites).

Entries will be reviewed and judged in accordance with Section 5.

Normal Internet access charges may apply. Data rates may apply if submitted via mobile device. Check your device’s and equipment’s capabilities. Other charges may apply (such as normal airtime and carrier charges, as well as charges for wireless Internet access). These charges may appear on your mobile phone bill or be deducted from your prepaid account balance. Wireless carriers’ rate plans may vary, and participants should contact their wireless carrier for more information on data rate plans and charges relating to participation in this Contest. Mobile device service may not be available in all areas. Check your device’s capabilities. All submissions/Entries must be complete and received during the Entry Period.

4. ABOUT THIS CONTEST & PRIZES.

This Contest consists of awarding one (1) “Prize” for up to one (1) winner (“Winner”). Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. All Prizes must be redeemed within the United States. The Prize consists of the opportunity for the winning Entrant’s pitch to be produced by Sponsor with a budget of approximately Thirty-Five Thousand United States Dollars (USD $35,000), which may include a writer or producer fee of up to Three Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars ($3,500 USD) payable to the Winner. Approximate retail value (“ARV”) of the Prize Three Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars ($3,500 USD).

The Prize is non-transferable, non-assignable, and not redeemable for cash. The Winner will not receive cash or other compensation in lieu of production. All taxes and expenses associated with the Prize are the Winner’s sole responsibility. Sponsor is not responsible for Winner’s ability to access email, Winner’s email account or otherwise. All Prizes are awarded “AS IS” and WITHOUT SPONSOR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, express or implied (including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose). No substitution, transfer, or assignment of Prize permitted, except that Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a Prize of equal or greater value in the event the offered Prize is unavailable.

By entering, Entrant acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor will own all rights in and to the Entry and that Entrant will not receive any compensation or rights beyond those expressly stated in these Official Rules.

5. JUDGING CRITERIA.

All decisions of the Sponsor are final and binding. Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:

(a) Creativity and originality – Concept freshness, use of horror elements, and interpretation of Buzzkill as a central character.

(b) Plot/story – A cohesive treatment and synopsis demonstrating a clear narrative arc, compelling characters, and a well-developed setting. The outline must include effective horror sequences, practical FX moments, and sustained suspense. Buzzkill must be integrated as a central, story-driving character, not as a cameo or background element.

(c) Pitch Deck/Look Book – Quality and effectiveness of the visual presentation accompanying the submission. Entrant should clearly convey the intended look and feel of the film through reference images (from films, photography, or other media), proposed locations, and potential cast/character inspirations. Sponsor will evaluate the deck on how well it communicates the visual style, mood, and tone of the project, and how persuasively it sells the cinematic vision.

(d) Budget feasibility – Clarity, accuracy, and practicality of the budget. Budgets must demonstrate that the film can be executed within Thirty-Five Thousand United States Dollars (USD $35,000), and may include reasonable compensation for Entrant (e.g., director, writer, producer, or crew services) as in the proposed production budget, which shall not exceed more than 10%; Three Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars ($3,500 USD). Practical special FX are separate from this budget. Budgets should reflect sophistication with budgeting, reflect reasonable and customary industry rates, and allocate resources efficiently. Sponsor may modify or reject any fees deemed excessive or non-essential.

(e) Marketability – Audience appeal, emotional/psychological impact, tone, and alignment with Sponsor’s IP and brand.

6. SELECTION OF WINNER.

The Winner will be selected from all eligible entries by the Administrator on or about December 10, 2025. Sponsor will notify the Winner via the email provided for entry.

7. TO CLAIM PRIZE.

The Winner must accept the Prize within forty-eight (48) hours of Sponsor’s email notification and complete all required documents within the specified timeframe. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture and selection of an alternate Winner.

8. DELIVERY OF PRIZE.

Within five (5) business days after Sponsor’s receipt of all required documents, Sponsor will arrange a meeting with the Winner to begin pre-production planning.

9. PERSONAL INFORMATION.

Sponsor may be required by law to disclose the Winner’s name; if so, Sponsor will use commercially reasonable efforts to notify the Winner before disclosure. Personal information submitted in connection with the Contest will be subject to Sponsor’s Privacy Policy (https://www.cineverse.com/privacy-policy) and all other posted policies.

10. USE OF ENTRY.

By submitting an entry, Entrant acknowledges and agrees that the entry and all results and proceeds thereof (including, without limitation, any concept, script, pitch, treatment, film, audiovisual work, artwork, or other materials created in connection therewith) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be deemed a “work made for hire” for Sponsor under United States copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. and related provisions). To the extent any such materials or elements do not qualify as a “work made for hire,” Entrant hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers, and conveys to Sponsor, without further consideration, all right, title, and interest (including, but not limited to, all intellectual property rights, copyrights, trademarks, and any ancillary, neighboring, or other rights) in and to the entry and all derivative works, adaptations, or versions thereof, in perpetuity, throughout the universe, in any and all media and by any means now known or hereafter devised. Sponsor shall be the sole and exclusive owner of the entry and all rights therein and thereto, and shall have the unrestricted right to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, license, display, perform, advertise, promote, and otherwise exploit the entry, the Work, and any related materials, in whole or in part, in any manner and in any media, now known or hereafter devised, without further notice, approval, or compensation to Entrant.

a. Confirmation of Ownership and Creative Rights. Entrants agree to promptly sign and deliver any documents reasonably requested by Sponsor to confirm, evidence, or effectuate Sponsor’s ownership of the entry and to take any other actions reasonably necessary to effectuate documents to that end. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Entrants waive any moral rights (including rights of attribution or integrity) in connection with the entry or its use by Sponsor or its affiliates, licensees, successors, or assigns.

b. Use of Sponsor IP. Sponsor may use its own intellectual property together with any entry for any purpose, including future productions, without additional permission, notice, credit, or payment.

c. No Obligation to Use. Sponsor has no obligation to use or exploit any entry. Sponsor’s ownership and rights remain in effect whether or not an entry is selected or produced.

d. Entrant Warranties. Entrant represents and warrants that, except for authorized use of Sponsor IP, the entry is original, does not infringe any third-party rights, and complies with these Official Rules.

e. Publicity Consent. By entering, Entrant consents to Sponsor’s use of Entrant’s name, likeness, voice, and biographical information in connection with the Contest, the Entry, and the rights granted herein for promotional purposes and for the rights granted in these Official Rules in any media without additional compensation, permission, or notice, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised.

f. No Confidential Relationship. Entrant acknowledges that Sponsor receives many ideas and materials and that no confidential or fiduciary relationship is created by submission. Sponsor’s use of similar materials, whether from internal development or other sources, shall not give rise to any claim.

11. GENERAL.

This Contest and these Official Rules are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws rules. Participants consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the state and federal courts of Los Angeles County, California. The section headings in these Official Rules are for convenience only. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Entrants waive the right to seek injunctive or equitable relief against Sponsor and waive the right to a jury trial. Sponsor and its affiliates are not responsible for (i) late, lost, misrouted, or damaged entries; (ii) technical malfunctions or failures; or (iii) disruptions or damages beyond Sponsor’s control. Sponsor reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Contest if it becomes technically corrupted or otherwise compromised, and to disqualify any Entrant engaged in fraud or misconduct. By participating, Entrants release and hold harmless Sponsor and its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, partners, and representatives from any claims arising from participation or use of the Prize.

12. WINNER LIST

For the Winner’s name, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Bloody Disgusting 25

25th Anniversary Short Film Contest

Cineverse Entertainment Corp.

2355 Westwood Blvd #779

Los Angeles, CA 90064

Requests must be received by March 31, 2026.

This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, any exhibitor, social media, or other platform on which the Contest is promoted, hosted, or redeemed.