While Hollywood is still trying to figure out its fraught relationship with artificial intelligence and new technologies, a new competition is asking filmmakers to have a positive outlook on the future.
Google and Range Media Partners are teaming up with XPrize, a nonprofit organization that hosts competitions for technology-focused projects, in a $3.5 million global science fiction filmmaking competition. The competition, run through Google and Range’s 100 Zeros initiative, is designed to inspire “optimistic science fiction storytelling,” according to today’s announcement.
“While cautionary tales have always played a vital role on screen, this competition creates space for a different, equally important kind of storytelling – one that explores the complex optimism of a world in transition,” said Peter Diamandis, founder and CEO of XPrize.
Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPrize, adds, “At XPrize, we believe optimism is a catalyst for innovation. By bringing the best minds together, removing barriers to innovation, and fueling creativity, we have the power to spark the next great idea that can change the future.”
The competition will see the grand prize winner receive a whopping $2.5 million in production funding, as well as a cash prize of $100,000. In order to develop the concept into a feature film, the winner will also receive production support from Range and creative technology from Google. Four additional finalists will each receive $100,000 in cash, plus another $500,000 in additional cash prizes to be revealed at a later date.
To apply, filmmakers will submit a three-minute film trailer or short film of a story that depicts a hopeful vision of the future. Five finalists will be invited to present their vision live at the Moonshot Gathering in Los Angeles in September, in front of judges from the entertainment, technology and science communities.
