Franzi Shorts: Screenplay Competition (1)

Festival start: 30 September 2025      Festival end: 30 September 2025

Franzi Shorts is an international competition for short film screenplays. The winning script will be brought to life with full financing and production by Franzi Films, in partnership with Simple Rent.

We’re inviting applicants from around the world to submit their short film idea.

What You’ll Get if You Win:

- Full development support with our directors and producers
- The film will be produced in Copenhagen by our crew
- An invitation to Copenhagen to join us either on set during production or at the film’s premiere.
- Festival submissions handled by us
- A premiere screening in Copenhagen

Every script is reviewed by our executive producers and directors.
We select 10 finalists for a personal feedback call to:

- Share creative feedback
- Talk about your story’s potential
- Discuss next steps

1 winner will move into full production, starting with revisions and ending with a finished film.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To enter Franzi Shorts, please submit one of the following:

A short film script

or

A treatment describing the story and main characters

We’re open to any genre or style.

Applicants may submit multiple stories, but a separate submission fee applies for each one.

ABOUT FRANZI

Franzi is a production studio based in Copenhagen, with a roster of directors and DPs. Their work has earned major recognition, with films featured at festivals like Sundance, SXSW, and TIFF, alongside three Cannes wins and two Royal Television Society Awards.

ABOUT SIMPLE RENT

Since 2017, SimpleRent has been supplying production equipment to both Danish and international industries, supporting various creative projects. The team is made up of film and AV professionals dedicated to making filmmaking more accessible and efficient, focusing on providing filmmakers with the tools they need, whether they’re working on small independent films or larger-scale productions.

Winning Story:

- Creative development with our directing and producing team

- The script will be fully produced by Franzi in Copenhagen with all production and post-production costs covered

- Full writing credit on the film and all promotional materials

- Festival submissions managed and financed by Franzi

- An invitation to Copenhagen — either to join us on set during the shoot or attend the premiere, depending on your preference

- Three nights of hotel accommodation in Copenhagen, including breakfast

- Premiere screening of the film in Copenhagen

- Introductions to industry contacts (directors, DOPs, producers) in our network and dinner with the Franzi team during your stay

- Ongoing support with future projects through our network

*Please note: Travel/transportation to and from Copenhagen is not included.

10 Finalists:

- One-on-one feedback sessions with Franzi’s creative team

- Creative consultation and tailored script notes

- Recommendations for next steps or potential collaborators

- Featured on Franzi’s website and social media channels


All Entrants:

- Every script is reviewed by Franzi’s directors and executive producers

- Free resubmission of revised scripts allowed until the final deadline

By entering, you agree to the following:


1. Eligibility

1.1- Employees of Franzi/SimpleRent and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.

1.2- Submissions may be in any language, but the final language of the film will be determined by the producers.

1.3- The screenplay must be a short film script (5-30 minutes in length).

1.4- Late entries will not be considered.


2. Publicity & Promotion
By entering, you grant Franzi/SimpleRent the right to use your name, likeness, and script title for promotional purposes related to the competition, as well as any future marketing efforts.

This may include, but is not limited to, social media, press releases, and website features.


3. Rights to the Film
If your script is selected, Franzi/SimpleRent will have the exclusive rights to produce, distribute, and otherwise exploit the film.


4. Production

4.1- Franzi/SimpleRent will choose the crew for the film.

4.2- The writer agrees to enter a development phase with Franzi/SimpleRent. Creative feedback and revisions may be required.In the event of any creative disagreement, Franzi/SimpleRent reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the film.


5. Entry Fee
The entry fee is non-refundable.


6. Competition Changes or Delays

6.1- Due to unforeseen circumstances, Franzi/SimpleRent reserves the right to modify or delay the competition schedule.

6.2- If the competition is canceled, Franzi will issue a full refund to all participants.


7. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of Denmark.


8. Confidentiality

8.1- All scripts submitted will be handled with confidentiality and care. Only Franzi/SimpleRent designated staff will review the scripts.

8.2- Scripts will not be shared or distributed without the entrant’s consent.


9. Competition Rules

9.1- Franzi/SimpleRent reserves the right to make changes or adjustments to the competition format, judging process, and prizes at any time, without prior notice.

9.2- Your screenplay must not infringe upon any copyright laws.

9.3- If your script does not meet the competition guidelines or violates any terms, Franzi reserves the right to disqualify it. Franzi/SimpleRent reserves the right to disqualify any participant who violates the rules or engages in inappropriate behavior.

9.4- All decisions by the judging panel are final.


10. Timeline

10.1- The 10 finalists will be announced on 15th September.

10.2- The winner will be announced on 30th September.