Terms and Conditions

Unknown Nightmare LLC

Feature Film Screenplay Submission and Development

Brought to you by the founder of THE FILM FUND

1. Project Overview

Creators will submit film scripts for consideration by Unknown Nightmare LLC ("Unknown Nightmare" or the "Company"). Using patent-pending software, ProducerScore, we score each script using industry-standard criteria and box office data. Selected projects may be produced in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in Section 3 of this Agreement (as defined below).

This document outlines the terms and conditions (the "Terms and Conditions" or the "Agreement") governing screenplay submissions to the project ("Project") initiated by Unknown Nightmare LLC. Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting your screenplay.

2. Submission Requirements for Creators

Any person interested in submitting a film script (the "Creator") for consideration in the Project must provide their original feature-length script. Our patent-pending script analysis software will assess and generate an overall projected box office score for each submission.

Creators are responsible for ensuring that all submitted materials comply with the specified guidelines. Failure to meet these submission requirements may result in exclusion from consideration in the Project, at the Company's sole discretion.

Submission is free of charge. No payment or investment is required to submit a screenplay for consideration.

3. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation of projects will take into account industry-standard criteria and box office data. These criteria may include, but are not limited to, Character, Conflict, Craft, Dialogue, Logic, Originality, Premise, Structure, and Tone, each of which are further described below:

3.1 Character

The success of a script hinges on the development of its protagonist, with in-depth analysis dedicated to the primary characters. Readers must grasp the emotional motivations and desires of the protagonist before they can invest in their journey. Nearly every scene should contribute relevant information to the protagonist's character arc.

Key questions addressed in the character section include:

• Define the focal character. If it's a single protagonist, provide a clear characterization. If it's a two-hander, define both characters. If it's an ensemble, address one character at a time.

• Examine the five beats of the character arc for the focal character(s).

• Is there a well-defined backstory for the character?

• Does the character have a clear goal or "want"?

• Is there a distinct weakness, fear, vulnerability, or internal need separate from their goal?

• Does the character take an active approach to achieving their goal?

• If applicable to the narrative, does the character undergo a change or learn a lesson that completes their arc?

• Assess the effectiveness of each of the five beats in achieving their purpose.

• Analyze the role of supporting characters in challenging, stimulating, or aiding the protagonist's growth.

• Evaluate whether supporting characters embody specific archetypes (attractor, ally, mentor, antagonist, etc.), and if there is an antagonist, assess their foil to the protagonist.

• Examine the distinctiveness of supporting characters from each other and from the protagonist.

• Consider whether the number of characters is appropriate for the narrative or if it becomes confusing.

3.2 Conflict

Conflict is the driving force of a story, and the central conflict should be universal and pervasive throughout the narrative. Minor conflicts add complexity to the protagonist's struggle, and even secondary characters and antagonists should have their own conflicts.

Key questions regarding the conflict include:

• Is the main conflict sufficient to sustain the story and challenge the protagonist consistently?

• Is the main conflict well-defined, with clear stakes?

• Does the conflict resonate with the human condition, allowing a broad audience to relate to it?

• Are the stakes established early and believable in the context of the conflict?

• Does the conflict align with what we know about the character?

• Does the conflict escalate as the story progresses?

• Does the main source of conflict evolve or remain consistent?

• Do subplots also introduce conflict?

• Is there a balance of external conflict (events) and internal conflict (feelings)?

• Does the conflict progress as the story unfolds, avoiding stagnant moments?

• Are conflicts among characters effectively presented, or do they always agree on everything?

• Is everything addressed in the climax?

3.3 Craft

The Craft section assesses the overall quality of the writing. It covers language usage, action descriptions, character descriptions, camera direction, "unfilmables," and any grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues.

Key questions related to craft include:

• Does the writer's use of the English language enhance or hinder the story?

• Is the script formatted following industry standards?

• Are there spelling and grammatical errors? Are sentences grammatically correct? Is the sentence structure clear?

• Is the writing clear, concise, and descriptive, or is it confusing, lengthy, and lacking detail?

• Does the writing create vivid mental imagery?

• Is there unnecessary or excessive detail, camera direction, actor direction, or parentheticals in dialogue?

• Is proper formatting used, including character capitalization, margin alignment, and font style?

• Is everything described in a way that can be shown on screen, or are there "unfilmables" or omniscient information that should be minimized?

4. Selection Process

The selection of projects will be conducted as follows:

a) All submitted film scripts will be evaluated using the ProducerScore software, which assesses each script based on industry-standard criteria and box office data.

b) Projects will be ranked based on the scores awarded by the ProducerScore software.

c) From the pool of high-scoring projects, Unknown Nightmare will select projects at its sole discretion for potential production, which includes but is not limited to securing deals with distributors, production partners, and financing.

5. Writer Compensation

If your script is produced, the writer will receive a fee that aligns with industry standards based on their status and role in the production.

The specific terms of writer compensation, including any additional participation in the production process, will be negotiated separately with each selected Creator through individual agreements.

6. Submission of Projects in Production or Post-Production

Creators are permitted to submit projects that are either in the early stages of production or have entered post-production. For projects in these stages:

a) Completion of Production: If the project is in production, Unknown Nightmare may consider partnering to complete the remaining production activities, including but not limited to filming, editing, and post-production work.

b) Distribution: For projects that are in post-production, Unknown Nightmare may assist with distribution, including securing a distributor and marketing support.

All submissions of projects at these stages will be subject to the same evaluation criteria and selection process outlined in Section 3 of this Agreement.

7. Creative Rights and Production

Subject to the approval of Unknown Nightmare, Creators may be granted the opportunity to be involved in the production of their Project, potentially including directing. This approval will be at the sole discretion of Unknown Nightmare and will depend on factors including but not limited to the Creator's experience and the suitability of their vision for the Project.

8. Rights to Produce Selected Projects

Unknown Nightmare shall possess exclusive rights, at its sole discretion, to decide and determine the production of any selected projects for a specified period of 12 months from the date a project is selected. This period, herein referred to as the "Exclusive Rights Period," grants Unknown Nightmare the authority to negotiate, execute, and finalize agreements for the production, sale, and distribution of these projects.

Creators acknowledge and agree to respect this exclusive right, committing not to take any action or engage in any activities related to the selected projects with third parties until the expiration of the Exclusive Rights Period.

9. Representations, Warranties, and Rights

By participating in the Project and submitting screenplays, Creators represent and warrant as follows:

Creators fully own or have properly licensed all materials or information they submit in connection with the Project, including but not limited to film scripts and related documents. Creators can make such submissions without violating any applicable law, agreement with any third party, and/or third-party right of any kind. This includes, without limitation, any intellectual property, data protection, privacy, or publicity right.

Any and all materials or information provided by Creators in connection with the Project shall be true and correct in all respects.

Furthermore, Creators grant Unknown Nightmare the following rights and licenses:

Unknown Nightmare shall have the irrevocable, transferable, and fully sublicensable right and license (but not the obligation) to exploit any and all materials or information provided by Creators in any manner it elects to promote the Project, its business, brand, products, and/or services, throughout the world, in perpetuity, and in any and all media, now or hereafter known.

17. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting a screenplay to the Project, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement. Your submission will be subject to these terms.

18. Amendment and Termination

Unknown Nightmare reserves the right to amend or terminate these terms and conditions at its discretion. Creators will be duly notified of any changes or terminations.

Last update: October 21, 2025