Dark Passage Films - Submission Policy

Welcome to the Submission Policy of Dark Passage Films, LLC ("Dark Passage Films," "we," "us," or "our"). This policy outlines the guidelines and requirements for submitting your independent films to us for consideration. By submitting a film to Dark Passage Films, you agree to abide by this Submission Policy, as well as our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which are incorporated herein by reference.

We are passionate about discovering and promoting unique, compelling independent cinema from filmmakers around the world. Submissions are a key way we identify potential projects for distribution, collaboration, or other opportunities. Please read this policy carefully before submitting your work to ensure your submission meets our criteria and is processed efficiently.

We may update this Submission Policy from time to time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website, and your continued submissions after such changes constitute your acceptance of the updated policy.

## 1. Eligibility

Dark Passage Films welcomes submissions from independent filmmakers, producers, and rights holders worldwide. To be eligible for submission, you must confirm and warrant the following:

- You are the legal owner of all rights to the film, including but not limited to copyright, distribution, and exhibition rights, or you have obtained explicit authorization from all relevant rights holders to submit the film on their behalf.

- The film does not infringe upon any third-party rights, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, privacy rights, publicity rights, or any other intellectual property or proprietary rights.

- You are at least 18 years of age at the time of submission, or if under 18, you have obtained the consent of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to these terms on your behalf.

- The film has not been previously distributed in a manner that would conflict with potential distribution opportunities through Dark Passage Films (e.g., no exclusive deals with other distributors that prevent our involvement).

Submissions from agents, managers, or representatives are also accepted, provided they have the authority to act on behalf of the filmmaker or rights holder. We reserve the right to request proof of eligibility or rights ownership at any time during the review process. Failure to provide such proof may result in disqualification of your submission.

## 2. Accepted Film Types

We are open to a diverse range of independent cinema and encourage submissions that push creative boundaries. Specifically, we accept:

- **Independent Feature Films**: Narrative or documentary films with a runtime of 60 minutes or longer.

- **Short Films**: Any format with a runtime under 60 minutes, including live-action, animation, or hybrid styles.

- **Documentaries**: Feature-length or short films focusing on real-world subjects, investigative journalism, or cultural explorations.

- **Narrative Fiction Films**: Stories driven by character, plot, and thematic depth, across genres such as drama, comedy, thriller, horror, sci-fi, or romance.

- **Experimental Films**: Innovative works that challenge traditional filmmaking conventions, including abstract, avant-garde, or multimedia projects.

We do not accept commercials, music videos, corporate videos, or content primarily intended for advertising purposes. Films must be completed works; we do not review scripts, treatments, or works-in-progress unless explicitly invited. Multi-episode series or web series may be considered on a case-by-case basis if submitted as a complete season or pilot with additional episodes available.

## 3. Submission Requirements

To ensure a smooth review process, all submissions must be complete and include the following elements. Incomplete submissions may be rejected without review:

- **Completed Submission Form**: Fill out our online submission form available on the Website, providing accurate and detailed information about the film and yourself.

- **Private Vimeo Screener Link**: A password-protected link to a high-quality streaming version of the film on Vimeo (or an equivalent secure platform approved by us in advance). The link must remain active throughout the review period and not expire or require additional permissions.

- **Film Synopsis and Logline**: A concise logline (1-2 sentences) summarizing the film's premise, and a detailed synopsis (300-500 words) outlining the plot, themes, and key elements without spoilers.

- **High-Resolution Poster Image**: A digital file of the film's poster or key art in JPEG or PNG format, at least 300 DPI and 1080x1920 pixels or larger, suitable for promotional use.

- **Director and Key Cast/Crew Information**: Biographies, filmographies, and contact details for the director, producer(s), writer(s), and principal cast members. Include any notable awards, festival screenings, or previous works.

Submissions should be made exclusively through our designated online portal on the Website. We do not accept physical media, email attachments, or unsolicited links. By submitting, you grant us a limited, non-exclusive license to view the film solely for evaluation purposes.

## 4. Review Process

Upon receipt of a complete submission, our team of experienced reviewers will evaluate your film. The standard review timeline is 4-8 weeks from the date of submission, though this may vary based on submission volume or seasonal factors. We commit to reviewing every eligible submission but cannot guarantee individual feedback due to the high number of entries received.

During the review, we assess films based on criteria outlined in Section 6. If your film is not selected, you will receive a notification via email. If selected, we will contact you to initiate discussions on potential opportunities, which may include:

- **AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand)**: Placement on free streaming platforms with revenue from advertisements.

- **TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand)**: Rental or purchase options on digital platforms.

- **Theatrical Distribution**: Limited or wide releases in cinemas, depending on market potential.

- **Festival Circuit Support**: Assistance with festival submissions, premieres, or promotional strategies.

All decisions are final and at our sole discretion. We may request additional materials, such as trailers, press kits, or full scripts, during the process.

## 5. Rights and Licensing

Submitting your film to Dark Passage Films does not transfer any rights, licenses, or ownership to us. The submission is for evaluation purposes only, and no rights are granted unless a separate agreement is executed.

If we express interest in your film, we will negotiate a formal distribution agreement tailored to the project. Typical terms in such agreements may include:

- **Non-Exclusive or Exclusive Distribution Rights**: Depending on the scope, we may seek rights for specific territories, platforms, or time periods, all of which are negotiable.

- **Revenue Sharing Arrangements**: Fair splits of net revenues from distribution, after recoupment of agreed-upon costs.

- **Marketing and Promotional Support**: Our commitment to promote the film through our channels, including social media, press releases, and industry networks.

- **Territory Specifications**: Rights limited to certain regions (e.g., North America, worldwide) or platforms.

All agreements will be in writing and subject to mutual approval. We encourage you to seek legal advice before signing any contract. Dark Passage Films does not claim any ownership in your film unless explicitly stated in a signed agreement.

## 6. What We Look For

Our curation focuses on films that stand out in the independent landscape. We prioritize submissions that exhibit:

- **Strong Storytelling and Unique Voice**: Compelling narratives with original perspectives, emotional depth, or innovative structures.

- **High Production Quality Within Budget Constraints**: Technical excellence in cinematography, sound, editing, and performances, even in low-budget productions.

- **Compelling Characters and Narratives**: Relatable or intriguing characters driving stories that resonate with audiences.

- **Market Potential and Audience Appeal**: Films with commercial viability, niche appeal, or broad accessibility, including genre blends or timely themes.

- **Artistic Vision and Creativity**: Bold experimentation, cultural relevance, or fresh takes on familiar tropes.

We value diversity in voices, backgrounds, and genres, and encourage submissions from underrepresented filmmakers.

## 7. Rejection Policy

Rejection is a natural part of the submission process and does not reflect on the overall quality of your work. If your film is not selected, we appreciate your effort and invite you to:

- Resubmit the same film after making significant revisions, such as re-edits, additional footage, or improved post-production.

- Submit entirely new projects at any time.

Previous rejections will not prejudice future submissions. We maintain records of past entries to track your growth as a filmmaker but do not share this information externally.

## 8. Confidentiality

We respect the sensitive nature of unpublished creative work. All submissions, including screener links, synopses, and personal information, are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Access is limited to our internal review team and any necessary advisors bound by non-disclosure agreements. We will not share, distribute, or publicly exhibit your film without your explicit permission.

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected parties as required by law and take immediate steps to mitigate harm.

## 9. Submission Fees

At present, Dark Passage Films does not charge any fees for film submissions, making our process accessible to all independent filmmakers. However, we reserve the right to introduce submission fees in the future to help cover administrative costs. Any such changes will be announced prominently on our Website at least 30 days in advance, and will not apply retroactively to pending submissions.

## 10. Questions

We are here to assist with any uncertainties regarding this Submission Policy or the submission process. Before submitting your film, please review our FAQ section on the Website. For further inquiries, contact us via our Contact page, providing as much detail as possible for a prompt response.

We look forward to reviewing your work and potentially collaborating to bring your vision to audiences worldwide.

Last Updated: January 11, 2026