1. Eligibility:
- The fund is open to filmmakers based in the UK and EU.
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.
- Film Production Companies can enter.

2. Submission Guidelines:

- Submissions must be original, unpublished works.
- Scripts must be in English and not exceed 21 pages in length for both competitions.
- Lookbooks and Decks are encouraged.
- Submissions must have at least 2 of the following (Writer, Director, Producer). Sole writers are still encouraged to submit as we can pair you with recommended directors and producers.
- Submitters must have an idea of budget and costs.
- There is no limit on the number of submissions one may enter.
- Only electronic submissions (PDF) will be accepted.
- Final deadline for submission is Monday, July 15th, 2024 at 23:59 GMT.
- If selected among the shortlist in the main competition, you will be invited to pitch your script at Bolton Film Festival on Friday, October 4th 2024, of which attendance will be mandatory.

3. Judging Criteria:

- Submissions will be judged based on creativity, originality, storytelling, and feasibility for production.
- The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- Our Jury is composed of members from Bolton Film Festival, Network Ireland Television, Festival Formula, London Flair PR, and Directors Notes in addition to Slick Films staff and alumni, which includes Academy and BAFTA winners and nominees.

4. Intellectual Property:

- By submitting a script, participants confirm they are the author and copyright holder of the work.
- The participant retains all intellectual property rights to their script.

5. Stipulations:

- The funding must be exclusively for the production of the submitted script.
- The funding award is non-transferable and non-negotiable.
- The funding will be accessible 1 month before principal photography.
- The winning script is expected to enter production within 12 months of notification. Failure to do so may result in Slick Films withdrawing its funding.

6. Announcement of Winner:

- 5 Shortlists from the main competition will be notified on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 and will be invited to pitch their script at Bolton Film Festival on Friday, October 4th, 2024 in front of our Jury.

- The main competition winner will be announced by the Jury on the same day, followed by the announcement of the First Time Filmmaker competition winner.
- The winner's name and project may be publicly announced and featured on Slick Film’s social media.

7. Disqualification:

- Slick Films reserves the right to disqualify any participant who violates these Terms and Conditions.

8. Amendments:

- Slick Films reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated to participants.

9. Contact:

- For any inquiries related to the fund, please contact fund@slickfilms.co.uk.

10. Confidentiality:

- Slick Films will treat all submitted scripts as confidential. However, Slick Films is not responsible for any unauthorised use or disclosure by third parties.

11. Withdrawal of Submission:

- Participants may withdraw their submission by contacting fund@slickfilms.co.uk before the submission deadline quoting their submission number. Please note that no refunds will be offered.

12. Project Development:

- The funding award is intended for the production of the submitted script. Any changes to the script or significant deviations from the original proposal must be approved by Slick Films in writing.

13. Reporting Requirements:

- The winner agrees to provide regular updates on the progress of the film’s production to Slick Films.

14. Public Screening:

- Slick Films retains the right to exhibit the winning film at public or private screenings and events related to the fund.

15. Indemnification:

- Participants agree to indemnify and hold Slick Films and Bolton Film Festival harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the submission or production of their short film.

16. Sponsorship and Partnerships:

- Slick Films may engage in partnerships or secure sponsorships for the fund, and participants agree to comply with any additional terms and conditions imposed by sponsors.

17. Non-Exclusive Agreement:

- Winning does not grant Slick Films exclusive rights to distribute or sell the finished film. The filmmaker retains the right to explore additional distribution opportunities with the help of Slick Films.

By submitting a script, participants agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Who decides the winners?

A: The Slick Films team and our Jury members are responsible for choosing the winning scripts.

Q: What if I can't make it to Bolton?

A: We will cover your travel expenses to and from Bolton, and provide 1 night accommodation at a nearby hotel if necessary.

Q: Are the shortlists from the First-Timer competition expected to pitch?

A: No, only the shortlists of the main competition will pitch their work at Bolton Film Festival.

Q: Are you looking for a specific genre? What stories are you after?

A: You can write about any subject and in any genre. It’s all about the quality of the writing and the underlying message.

Q: Can I submit a documentary? Animation?

A: The fund is aimed at Live-Action short films.

Q: Can I direct my own submission if I win?

A: Yes

Q: Can I submit more than one script?

A: Yes, you are free to submit as many scripts as you like.

Q: Can I submit to other competitions?

A: Yes, you can enter as many competitions as you like.

Q: Can I enter if I don't live in the UK or EU?

A: We are open to writers from all over the world as long as your submission is in English and can be filmed and executed in the UK.

Q: Can I enter an adaptation?

A: Yes, as long as you own the copyright or have clearance to use the adapted work.

Q: Who are the readers?

A: We've selected a group of readers from industry writers, directors, and producers whom we trust and have worked with in the past.

Q: What happens if my script is over the page limit?

A: We will still read and assess your work if you are 10% above the page limit, however we strongly encourage you to stay within the specified limit.

Q: Does my work need to be copyrighted before submission?

A: No, your script doesn't need to be copyrighted however you are free to do so on your own.

Q: Do I need a Director and Producer secured before submitting my work?

A: If you are a Producer, you will either need a Director or a Writer attached to your submission. If you are a Writer, Director, or both, you can be a sole submitter.

For any further enquiries please send your questions to fund@slickfilms.co.uk