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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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Explained:

  • We need acceptance of the terms and conditions in order for your script to be considered
  • You retain full ownership of your ideas and the specific material you submit
  • You assert that you are the sole owner of the material you’re submitting
  • Kashif is also a production company that engages in the creation and production of original material. Therefore we ask that you indemnify us from harm in the event we produce a story that is similar to the one you submit
  • You agree to inform us if there are any legal claims arising for the material that you have submitted to us
  • In the event there is a dispute it will be arbitrated in the state of NY (which is where kashif is based)
  • These terms and conditions benefit yourself and kashif as well as any entities that are connected with each of us. 

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Terms and Conditions: 

  1. I acknowledge and understand that my application will be accepted only after my agreement to the terms and conditions herein. 
  2. I acknowledge that Kashif Incubator and Kashif Production House, its successors and assigns, (herein referred to collectively as “Company”), are continuously developing and creating ideas and materials, as well as receiving numerous submissions of ideas, materials, stories, suggestions and the like and that may be similar to or identical to my submitted Materials. I understand and acknowledge that the Company may currently have or may previously have had, or may in the future independently create materials that may be similar to or identical to the ideas, themes, plot, characters, format, or other elements of the Material submitted by me and I agree to indemnify Company from and against any and all claims, expenses, losses, or liabilities that may be asserted against Company or incurred by me at any time in connection with said Material.
  3. I acknowledge and agree that nothing herein shall require Company to review or utilize my Material. I further agree that no other obligations exist or shall exist or be deemed to exist unless and until a formal written agreement has been prepared and entered into by both myself and Company, and then our and my rights and obligations shall be only as are expressed in said formal written agreement. 
  4. I represent and warrant that I am the sole and exclusive copyright owner of said Material; that I have the exclusive, unconditional right and authority to submit and / or convey said Material upon the terms and conditions set forth herein; and that no third party is entitled to any payment or other consideration as a condition of the submission of said Material. 
  5. I retain all rights and ownership to said Material, as well as the rights to submit the Material or similar Materials to other persons and companies.
  6. By clicking ‘yes’ I am agreeing to the above terms and conditions.
  7. I agree to give Company written notice of any claim arising in connection with said Material within sixty (60) calendar days after I acquire knowledge of such claim, or of our breach. My failure to so give Company written notice will be deemed an irrevocable waiver of any rights I might otherwise have with respect to such claim. 
  8. In the event of any dispute concerning said Material or concerning any claim of any kind or nature arising in connection with said Material or arising in connection with these terms and conditions, such dispute will be submitted to binding arbitration. Each party hereby waives any and all rights and benefits which they or it may otherwise have or be entitled to under the laws of the State of New York to litigate any such dispute in court, it being the intention of the parties to arbitrate all such disputes. Either party may commence arbitration proceedings by giving the other party written notice thereof by registered mail and proceeding thereafter in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be conducted in the County of New York, State of New York, and shall be governed by and subject to the laws of the State of New York and the then prevailing rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrators’ award shall be final and binding and a judgment upon the award may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. 
  9. These terms and conditions shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, successors, representatives, assigns and licenses, and any such heir, successor, representative, assign or licensee shall be deemed a third party beneficiary under this agreement. 
  10. By clicking ‘yes’ I am agreeing to the above terms and conditions.
Click the link below to apply before April 19!
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The Breakdown

Kashif is launching Screenplay for the People, an open call uplifting phenomenal, original short scripts from new and emerging voices.  
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Kashif’s Screenplay for the People will recognize eight short screenplays with a $2,000 cash award each. And one storyteller will have their short film executive produced by Kashif in 2027 - an award valued at over $75,000.
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We want to read your original script (up to 18 pages).

There is no fee to apply. 
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‍Screenplay for the People is a celebration of writing. Writing means taking a risk. Writing means overcoming.

“We do this in service of wanting to change culture, change the narrative, for our stories to be there so they can be the connective tissue for us to better see each other.”

  — Chanelle Elaine, Kashif Founder

How does Screenplay
For the People work?

1. Fill out our brief application.

2. Agree to our terms and conditions.

3. Upload your original fiction short screenplay (up to 18 pages) in standard screenplay format (no docs or non-fiction please)

4. Let us know on the application if you’re interested in the production award to direct your short film.

5. You can only submit one script, so don't hold back.

6. Make sure you have the rights to the material, and it has not been previously produced.

7. Follow us on Instagram and join Kashif’s newsletter for the latest updates about Screenplay for the People.

8. We’re only accepting the first 100 screenplays (so don’t wait to submit).

Who is this for?

  1. You are 18 years of age or older.
  2. You identify with any of the following communities: Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQIA+ or gender non-conforming, disabled, veteran, as well as those committed to forging new paths beyond the confines of inherited systems.
  3. You have not previously written, directed, or produced a feature-length fiction film or episodic. If you've made shorts or documentaries you are still eligible.
  4. You reside in the lower 48 States (which excludes Alaska and Hawaii, sorry).
  5. You are not currently enrolled in a film school program.
  6. You are the sole writer of the screenplay and own the rights to the material (i.e. not part of a writing team or adapting a novel).

A Production Award...say more

Are you interested in directing your script? Kashif will executive produce one storyteller's short film - an award valued at over $75,000 - as part of Making Dope Shorts, Kashif’s inaugural filmmaking lab.

Making Dope Shorts is a lab designed to support a writer/director through the creative process of making a short film. Making Dope Shorts provides resources, mentorship from professional filmmakers, works-in-progress feedback, production and post-production support.

Project development begins in 2026 with script revisions and advisor meetings, and continues over the course of 2027 as the project goes into full production.

If selected as a finalist for Making Dope Shorts, you will participate in a live pitching process in New York City in August of 2026 to determine the winner (Kashif will cover transportation & accommodations. Participants must reside in the lower 48 states during the full duration of the lab).

Please note, all production will take place in NY. We still want you to submit your script even if it doesn’t take place in NY. We will work with you to adapt the script for production.

SCREENPLAY For The PEOPLE FAQs
Watch the Q&A Video here

  • What is the review process?
  • All scripts will be reviewed by an independent reader panel and selected scripts will move on to additional rounds of review by a jury.
  • I am a first-time writer without experience, can I apply to the production award?
  • Yes!
  • I’m in the process of making a feature film; am I still eligible to apply?
  • Congrats, friend, on making your feature, but you are not eligible to apply.
  • When will we receive notification or updates?
  • Semi-finalists will be announced in June. Finalists in July. Prize winners in August! Dates are subject to change.
  • What kinds of stories are you looking for? Would you consider producing my epic period drama set over several decades?
  • Write the thing that’s captured your heart and mind. As long as it’s a fictional idea, we’re into reading it. However, to be considered for the production award your script should be low-budget friendly. It will be produced in the NY area.
  • I have a great idea, but I’m not a screenwriter. How much does formatting count?
  • We understand formatting has a learning curve but your submission should read like a screenplay. Here’s a quick tutorial video and software links Final Draft Trial or Studio Binder to get started.
  • If the screenplay we submit has special effects would that be an automatic disqualifier? Or is it recommended that we remove any sfx from the story?
  • We’re excited to read submitted scripts and wouldn’t recommend that you edit your work to “fit” this competition. If there are SFX — so be it.
  • Are we required to register our scripts with the WGA?
  • No, you don’t have to register your script with the WGA but it’s always a good idea to do so, as well as to register with the Library of Congress, U.S. Copyright office.

Making Dope Shorts FAQs

  • Will Making Dope Shorts pay its artists?
  • Yes. Kashif believes that artists deserve to be paid for their time/work and this includes compensation for the lab participant.
  • Who owns the film after it's produced?
  • As the writer/director, you still own your work, however you grant Kashif (and its licensees and assigns) the rights to that work worldwide, in all media, in perpetuity. This would function as a traditional executive producer / writer/director relationship.
  • Can I upload a pitch deck or budget for my project?
  • No, but props for having those completed!
  • I don’t know my schedule in 2027, should I still apply to the Production Award?
  • Yes. We will work with the winner to build a production calendar that works with your schedule.
  • Is animation eligible?
  • Yes and no, animation is eligible for the screenwriting awards. Animation is not eligible for the Making Dope Shorts production award.
  • Can we get help with pitching if we make it to the final round?
  • Yes, Kashif plans to host a one-day program to helps folks with the art of the pitch – Pitch for the People. This program will likely take place in April - stay connected with our newsletter for more information.
  • If my screenplay is selected to produce, and Kashif becomes an executive producer, am I still able to develop the script into a feature?
  • If you are to develop this script into a short with Kashif, you would still be able to make a feature out of it down the line.

MORE questions?

If you have any other questions we want to hear from you. Please feel free to email us at: yourock@wearekashif.com

For updates, please sign up for our newsletter below:

@wearekashif
yourock@wearekashif.com
Kashif Incubator ©2024

Kashif respectfully acknowledges our occupation on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Munsee Lenape & Canarsie peoples as well as the stolen land that makes up the greater occupied territories of Turtle Island.
Stolen land. Stolen people.
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We seek to inspire healing and foster understanding by channeling the abolitionist spirit of our ancestors.
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Acknowledgement alone cannot bring us into right relationship; we seek justice for all of our collective identities to be able to live within their dreams, thrive with dignity, and realize self-determination.

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