The Wide Net Global Idea Festival ()

Festival Start: 06 Mai 2026      Festival Ende: 06 Juni 2026

The Wide Net Global Idea Festival is an international festival dedicated to discovering bold original ideas before they become films, series, and cultural moments.

Created by Goby TV, The Wide Net was built on a simple belief: in an industry increasingly driven by algorithms, franchises, and familiarity, original ideas still matter.

We are searching for creators with singular voices, unexpected perspectives, and concepts that deserve to exist in the world.

Unlike traditional film festivals focused only on completed projects, The Wide Net is designed to discover storytellers at the earliest stage of creation. Whether you have a short film concept, a series idea, an audio drama, or a compelling pitch, this festival exists to help ambitious ideas find real momentum.

Submissions are open globally across categories including:

• Short Film Concepts
• Short Series Concepts
• Audio Drama Concepts
• Video Pitch Submissions

You do not need industry connections, financing, or a completed script to apply. We care about originality, emotional impact, creativity, and voice.
Selected winners will receive the opportunity to collaborate with Goby TV on professionally produced proof-of-concept projects designed to help bring their ideas to life and introduce their work to a global audience.

Goby TV is a global independent streaming platform and filmmaker community focused on curated storytelling and creator discovery. The platform is available on Apple TV, iOS, Android, Samsung TV, and online at gobytv.com.

If you have a completed short film, pilot, or short series you would like considered for streaming distribution on Goby TV, please visit the official Goby TV submission page on Festhome.

Awards & Prizes

Each quarter, one winner will be selected from each category:

• Short Film
• Short Series
• Audio Drama
• Video Submission

Each category winner will receive:

• A professionally produced proof of concept through Goby TV valued at approximately $15,000

• Industry exposure through Goby TV and affiliated platforms

• A 20-minute mentorship session with a top industry professional

• Additional sponsored prizes (to be announced)
At the end of the year, all quarterly winners will compete in an online audience-voted festival event.


One Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• A fully produced project valued at approximately $75,000

• Distribution and premiere exposure through Goby TV

• Development support and collaboration with the Goby Originals team

The Wide Net was created to help turn bold ideas into real productions, regardless of experience, background, or industry access.

Rules & Terms


Eligibility

The Wide Net is open to participants worldwide
Entrants must be 18 years or older, or have permission from a parent or legal guardian

No prior filmmaking or industry experience is required


Submission Window

Open Submissions: May 6, 2026 – July 6, 2026
Submissions may close early once 10,000 entries are reached


Categories

Submissions are accepted in the following categories:

Short Film
Short Series
Audio Drama
Video Submission (Video Pitch)

Entrants may submit to one or multiple categories.


Submission Requirements

Written Categories (Short Film, Short Series, Audio Drama):

A longline (minimum two sentences)
A concept paragraph (150–250 words)
Scripts, treatments, or full pitches are not required.

Video Submission:

Maximum length: 2 minutes

Must clearly present the idea

Must be original content created by the entrant


Originality & Rights

All submissions must be original ideas created by the entrant

Entrants must own all rights to the submitted material
Submissions must not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights

No sequels, remakes, or adaptations of existing IP are permitted unless the entrant holds full legal rights


Judging & Selection

Submissions are evaluated based on originality, clarity, and potential for execution

Each quarter includes multiple rounds of judging
Submissions are narrowed down to a top five in each category


One winner is selected per category

All decisions made by judges and the festival team are final.


Video Submission Voting

Selected video submissions may be featured publicly as part of an audience voting round

By submitting, entrants agree that their video may be displayed for promotional and voting purposes


Production & Collaboration

Winners will collaborate with Goby TV and its partners to develop their proof of concept

The format and scope of production will be determined based on the idea and in collaboration with the festival team


Rights & Usage

Entrants retain ownership of their underlying idea
By submitting, entrants grant Goby TV a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

Review and evaluate submissions

Promote the festival and selected entries

Display selected submissions (including video pitches) for promotional and voting purposes

Additional agreements outlining rights, credits, and participation will be provided to winners prior to production


Disqualification

Submissions may be disqualified if they:

Contain false or misleading information
Violate intellectual property rights
Do not meet submission requirements
Include inappropriate, unlawful, or offensive content


General Terms

The Wide Net reserves the right to modify dates, deadlines, or festival structure if necessary

The festival reserves the right to not select a winner in any category if submissions do not meet the required standard

By submitting, entrants agree to all rules and terms outlined above