While Hollywood still attempts to figure out its own 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 partnering with XPrize, the non-profit that hosts competitions for technology-focused projects, for a $3.5 million global competition about sci-fi filmmaking. 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 essential kind of storytelling – one that explores the complex optimism of a world in transition,” said Peter Diamandis, founder and executive chairman of XPrize.
Adds Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPrize, “At XPrize, we believe optimism is a catalyst for innovation. By bringing the best minds together, removing barriers for innovation, and fueling creativity, we have the power to spark the next great idea that could change the future.”
The competition will see a grand prize winner receive a massive $2.5 million of production funding, along with a $100,000 cash prize. In order to develop a concept into a feature film, the winner will also get production support from Range and creative tech from Google. Four additional finalists will each receive $100,000 in cash, with another $500,000 in additional cash prizes to be unveiled at a later date.
To submit, filmmakers will provide a three-minute film trailer or short film for a story that depicts a hopeful vision of the future. Five finalists will be invited to present their visions live at the Moonshot Gathering in Los Angeles in September, in front of judges from the entertainment, technology and science communities.