What is the Lionsgate Incubator?
Lionsgate and Massify have formed an innovative partnership to work with Massify's creative talent to develop groundbreaking feature film projects. The ultimate goal of the Lionsgate Incubator is to develop original film ideas that can be grown into feature films using Lionsgate's development and production resources.
What is the focus of the first project?
The first project, will produce a high-concept, male-driven showcase film based on a concept submitted by our community. Directors, cast, and crew will also be attached through Massify, with Lionsgate's feature film development team providing input throughout the process.
How does it all work?
Lionsgate will develop and produce one original short showcase film using Massify's project platform and members of the Massify community. To begin, we need to find filmmakers and writers with seriously funny concepts. Once a concept and writer have been selected, filmmakers will be invited to submit to direct the film by submitting original presentation videos inspired by the selected concepts. The director will then work closely with the Lionsgate production team to attach the remaining cast and crew members in conjunction with the Massify community.
What is a showcase film?
The showcase film is a short based on the selected concept that will be produced and funded through the Lionsgate Incubator. Think of it as a proof-of-concept film that will demonstrate the filmmakers' abilities as well the potential of the story. Once a concept has been selected, the attached writer will work closely with the Lionsgate team to fully develop the showcase film while factoring in budget and creative factors.
How can I get involved? How much does it cost?
You can get involved by submitting your comedy concept during the Pitch Your Concept phase, applying for the director's position, or by applying to any role listed under the project during the Join the Cast & Crew phase. There is no cost to participate in this program.
What kind of film does Lionsgate want to produce?
Lionsgate is looking for very funny, high-concept, character driven stories that do not rely on elaborate effects or exotic locations. A story that really stands on it's own - think along the lines of comedies that have had success at the box office over the past year and continue to push the boundaries. Don't forget that your title, logline, and synopsis should be based on a feature-length film concept.
Why should I participate? Am I going to get paid?
This project offers a career-making opportunity to anyone in the film industry. You'll get great experience and exposure, make numerous industry connections, and work closely with Lionsgate. You'll be credited, and we've set aside a portion of the backend for select talent in the film. Cash compensation for different roles will be spelled out as we fill those roles.
How will these project be developed through the Massify network?
This project will be developed sequentially over the course of three major phases - concept development & writer selection, director selection, and finally, attaching cast and crew. In short, the process aims to identify the best concept and then find the best talent to bring it to life. During the first phase, writers and filmmakers will pitch their concepts with a treatment and scene sample. Once the concept and writer are chosen, members will be able to submit to direct the showcase film, before cast and crew roles are filled using Massify's jobs tool. You'll also be able to track development from the project page as the film moves from pre-production, to production and eventual release.
How do I apply?
You can create and upload your submissions through Massify.com. If you haven't already, you'll need to register, create a profile, and validate your Massify account before submitting any materials. We strongly recommend that you fill out your resume and media in your profile to showcase your experience and abilities.
How will the concept and talent for these projects be selected?
Massify members are encouraged to review submissions using the star-based system on each entry's main info panel, as this will help guide the selection panel to the more commercially viable submissions. Ultimately, Lionsgate will make final selections during each phase, and in collaboration with the selected talent during the Join the Cast & Crew phase.
How do I review submissions?
Log in to your Massify account and visit the detail page for each submission. There you'll find a review system in the main info panel - members are encouraged to review submissions using the combined comment and star-based rating system during each relevant phase. Please remember that individual reviews are public. Some things you might consider in your reviews are originality, creativity and feasibility. Constructive criticism is always more useful than blind praise or negativity.
When and where will the project be produced?
The project will enter production shortly after finalizing cast and crew. The selected participants from all phases should plan to be available for production during this time. More specifics will be announced in the coming weeks.
Does it matter where I live?
As long as you are a legal resident of the U.S. you are welcome to participate, but you'll most likely need to get yourself to the appropriate production location.
Where will this film be shown?
Our goal is to help produce truly outstanding work, and we will do our best in conjunction with Lionsgate to secure prominent distribution. We are also pleased to welcome Youtube as the official distribution partner for this program.
What's the budget for the showcase film?
For the showcase film, Lionsgate's focus will be on originality and humour, but budget is a key factor for any production. So filmmakers, please keep in mind that we're looking for a strong story and captivating characters - something that can stand alone without the help of exotic locations, special effects, or dozens of extras. So we want to get as much of that budget onto the screen as possible, and you will be helping to do that. For now our best advice is to keep it simple.
What happens during the Pitch Your Concept phase?
During the Pitch Your Concept phase, filmmakers submit their feature-length comedy concepts through Massify.com. The opinion of the community, based on reviews, will be taken into consideration before the Lionsgate production team selects one concept to develop into a showcase film. This is an opportunity to see your concept produced and be attached as a writer if your project is selected.
If I submit a concept, will I be eligible to direct the showcase film as well?
Yes, but that does not mean you are guaranteed the director's role - you will be judged against the other directors during the 'Direct the Film' phase. The goal of the Incubator program is to use the power of the Massify network to identify the most innovative concept and then attach the best talent to bring it to life.
What are the concept requirements?
All concepts must have a title, logline, synopsis, and scene sample based on a feature-length film. Use your Scene Sample to show us your ability to craft sharp dialogue, comedic tension, and moments of awkward hilarity - all while creating an engaging story that goes beyond slapstick humor. This can be the opening pages of your script, or any section of your story that stands on its own and captures the key elements of your film.
What is Lionsgate looking for in a good concept?
Lionsgate is looking for very funny, high-concept, character driven stories that do not rely on elaborate effects or exotic locations. A story that really stands on it's own - think about comedies that have had success at the box office over the past year and try to push the boundaries. Don't forget that your title, logline, and synopsis should be based on a feature-length film concept. See the Studio for more information.
Are you looking for completed feature length scripts?
We want you to look at this as an opportunity to push the boundaries of comedy and come up with something entirely new and fresh. We've designed the pitch submission process to focus on ideas at an early stage - with the scene sample serving as more of a demonstration of your writing abilities rather than a sample from a screenplay. We want to remove the burden of having to write an entire feature-length script in order to submit to this program - hopefully you'll come up with great ideas and quickly put a scene together without investing too much time and energy. If it's a great idea, we'll have more than enough time and resources to continue to develop the concept.
What is Lionsgate looking for in the scene sample?
Use your scene sample to demonstrate to Lionsgate that your concept is funny and that you have the chops to write a feature film. It should showcase your ability to craft sharp dialogue, comedic tension, and moments of awkward hilarity - all while creating an engaging story that goes beyond slapstick humor. This can be the opening pages of your script, or any section of your screenplay that stands on its own and captures the key elements of your story. It must be no more than 5 pages in length, or else it may not be read. Also, remember that potential directors may be using this scene sample to shoot a presentation video for submission to this program, so keep the focus on narrative, character development and dialogue.
What is a pitch video?
Although it is optional, a pitch video is your opportunity to explain your vision for the story as if you were in the room with the Lionsgate Development team. What are the elements that make your film unique? Why does your concept fit the requirements of the brief? It should be no more than 90 seconds in length, or else it may not be seen, and must consist of you pitching your idea to the camera as if you were in a meeting with the Lionsgate team. Don't summarize what's already been stated in your logline and synopsis - tell us about the intangibles and why this project will be a success. But most importantly, leave your audience wanting more.
What is a logline?
A logline is a brief summary of the project's plot with a "hook" that immediately generates interest.
How do I submit a concept?
It's easy - just follow the instructions.
Can I submit more than one concept?
Yes, multiple submissions are allowed.
If I submit a concept, can I still apply for other roles?
Yes. You can also be the Director or a cast member, etc.
Will I be able to revise my concept once I've submitted it?
No. All concept submissions are final once submitted, so please be sure to review your work a few times before entry.
What file types does Massify accept for pitch videos? Is there a size limitation?
Massify accepts the following video formats: .avi, .mov, .mpg, .mpeg and h.264. If your video is larger than 500MB, you will probably have to compress it.
What document file types does Massify accept for scripts?
Massify accepts the following text formats: .doc, .txt and .pdf. Remember to keep your scene samples under 5 pages, or else they may not be read.
Are there any other restrictions I should know about?
If you haven't already, you must register and validate your Massify account before submitting your concept. This project is only open to legal residents of the United States who have reached the age of majority. All entrants must also read and agree to the official Terms of Submission.
Do reviews matter?
Although community reviews will help guide their selections, the Lionsgate production team will ultimately make the final decisions.
How will I know if my concept is selected?
Don't worry, we will let you know! Someone from Massify will contact you if Lionsgate is interested in your concept.
What happens to my concept if I don't win? Can I still use the idea?
The short answer is yes, but by submitting to this program, you give Lionsgate an exclusive 60-day window after the final concept is selected to negotiate for any additional concepts they may want to pick up. After this initial 60-day window is over, all rights revert back to you and you can continue to develop the project in any way you see fit. Project concepts will remain archived on Massify but can be removed at any time. If your concept is chosen for an honorable mention, we will ask to keep a copy of it on the LINC partner page.
What happens to my concept if I do win?
You will immediately begin working with the Lionsgate team to develop the script for the showcase film in collaboration with key crew members.
What are the submission requirements for the director's phase?
You have to submit a title, director's statement, reel, and a pitch video. No exceptions, sorry.
What is Lionsgate looking for in a director's entry?
Your director's statement should capture your enthusiasm and excitement for making this film. What is it about the selected concept that inspires you to want to direct? How does your background and experience prepare you to helm this project?
Your reel should showcase your past work - if possible, try to showcase comedic work or films that may be relevant to the selected concept.
Use your director's pitch video to explain your intentions as a director to the Lionsgate production team. You have the synopsis and scene sample to understand the story and characters - so within this extremely short format, how you intend to make the film unique and memorable is more important than summarizing plot. What will your film look like? What will it feel like? What will your audience take away from the film?
If you have the time and resources, we suggest shooting a scene inspired by the selected concept for your pitch video. This can be taken directly from the scene sample or something that captures your vision for the story. We will be judging your ability to engage the viewer while making the most of limited resources - not the gloss of high production values.
Is there any way to see how my videos will look before I submit my entry?
If you would like to preview your pitch video or reel before submitting, you should first upload these to the media area of your profile. Once converted, you can come back to this screen and click "Select From Your Media" to include previously uploaded items with your submission.
Any tips for putting together a successful submission?
Your director's statement, reel, and pitch video should work in unison to communicate your potential as a director - so please be sure that your materials are not redundant.
Do I need to fill out the resume section of my profile?
Be sure to complete your Massify profile with all relevant credits, training, and experience, as this information will be useful to the selection panel.
Can I edit my submission once it has been submitted?
Your concept materials may not be modified after they have been submitted, so please check everything carefully. We also suggest you preview your materials by uploading to the media section of your profile first. Professionalism counts, so proofread your spelling and double-check your syntax.
Can I submit materials in addition to the requirements?
No additional submission materials are permitted, but you're welcome to put extra material in your profile if you think it's relevant.
What video file types are supported?
Make sure your video files are of the following file types: .mov, .avi, .mpg, .mpeg or h.264.
If your video is larger than 500 MB, you'll probably have to compress it.
Are there restrictions on the length of the videos I upload?
Remember to keep your videos within the 180 second limit - otherwise they may not be reviewed by the development team.
How long should it take for my video to convert?
Your video may take a few minutes - usually the length of the video - to convert before it can be viewed. So it should take 2 minutes to convert a 2 minute long video. If your video appears to be taking much longer to convert, we recommend that you try uploading to the media section of your profile first.
Do reviews matter?
Although community reviews will help guide their selections, the Lionsgate production team will ultimately make the final decisions.
Check back soon for more information.
Check back soon for more information
