Make it. Show it. Win it.
Create an original movie trailer in any style—live action, animation, stop-motion, Blender, phone footage, puppets… anything goes. We’ll screen entries and crown winners on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Cult Classic Brewing (Stevensville, MD).
What It Is?
A friendly, open-to-all trailer competition celebrating creativity on any budget. Submit a 30-second to 2-minute original trailer—parody, horror, rom-com, sci-fi, mockumentary, you name it. Bring big ideas, not big wallets.
How to Enter?
Make your trailer (30 sec–2 min).
Submit by 11:59 PM ET, Monday, December 8, 2025
- Upload a file (MP4 preferred, 1080p).
- Include your name/team name, contact email, and runtime.
To guarantee your trailer is included in the official program, filmmakers must complete the entry form by December 4, 2025. Final trailer files are due by December 8, 2025 (11:59 PM ET).
Show up December 11 to see it on the big screen!
Your Registration Has Been Sent!
Awards
- Best Overall Trailer
- Viewer’s Choice
Want to back a category? Sponsor an Award (individuals or businesses): $50+ per category. Your name/logo appears on the site, event program, and during the award presentation.
Rules (Short Version)
- Length: 00:30–02:00 (hard cap).
- Content: PG-13 or below. No hate speech or explicit content.
- Originality: Use your own footage/art/animation or clearly permitted/public-domain material. You’re responsible for rights.
- Credits: Add a simple end card with your name/team.
- Multiple Entries: Allowed—each requires a separate $10 entry donation.
- Judging: Audience votes + a small panel determine winners.
- Usage: You keep all rights. By entering, you grant permission to screen your trailer at the event and to use short clips/stills for promotion.
FAQs
Who can enter?
Anyone—solo creators, friends, clubs, classrooms.
Do I need fancy gear?
No. Phone videos and free tools are welcome.
Can I use AI tools?
Yes, as long as your content follows the rules and usage rights.
Can kids enter?
Yes, with a parent/guardian as the listed contact.
What about music?
Use original, licensed, or royalty-free tracks you have permission to use.
Technical Specs
- Preferred File: MP4 (H.264), 1080p, 24/30 fps, stereo audio.
- Max File Size: 1.5 GB.
- Safe Titles/Audio: Keep key visuals/text inside title-safe margins; normalize dialogue around –14 LUFS if possible.
Contact
Questions about submissions, specs, or sponsorships?
Mitchell Cannon 