How it Works

What is Killer Films?

Created in 1995 by Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler, Killer Films has established itself at the forefront of American independent cinema. It has a reputation for delivering challenging, thought-provoking and original movies from filmmakers with distinctive visions. Actors and directors are attracted to working with Killer because of its experience and its fearlessness, and the way it is protective of the artistic sensibilities of its collaborators. The company has produced over 30 films for directors as diverse as Todd Haynes, Kimberly Pierce, Mary Harron, Todd Solondz, Robert Altman and John Waters. Killer's movies have been nominated for 8 Academy Awards and 20 Emmys, and won the Best Actress Oscar for Hilary Swank's transformative performance in Boys Don't Cry.

What is Massify's partnership with Killer Films all about?

We're partnering with Killer Films to produce innovative content through our film production network. That means everything from writing the scripts, to shooting the action, to performing in the scenes, will be undertaken entirely by members of the Massify community. For this particular production, we're looking for between 4 and 6 comedic vignettes that will range from three to five minutes in length.

How does it all work?

Killer Films will develop and produce original shorts using Massify's project platform and members of the Massify community in every production role. To begin, we need to find filmmakers with seriously funny concepts. Those filmmakers will then work with Killer's development team to assemble their cast and crews.

How can I get involved? How much does it cost?

You can get involved by submitting your short comedy concept during the Pitch Your Script phase, or by applying to any role listed under each project during the Join the Cast & Crew phase. There is no cost to participate in this program.

What kind of shorts does Killer want to produce?

For its second partnered production with Massify, Killer Films aims to produce between 4 and 6 funny vignettes ranging from 3 to 5 minutes in length. We're looking for stories that are character driven. (No comedy sketches please!) Get more advice in this Studio post by Killer Co-founder Christine Vachon. For additional tips, find out what she looks for in short films. Finally, make sure your concept takes place in the specified location - a hotel in a city - and can be produced on a limited budget.

Why should I participate? Am I going to get paid?

This project offers a career-making opportunity to anyone in the film industry. You'll get great experience and exposure, make numerous industry connections, and work closely with Christine Vachon, a true independent film icon. You'll be credited, and we've set aside 30% of the backend for the talent in the film. Cash compensation for different roles will be spelled out as we fill those roles.

How will these project be developed through the Massify film production network?

These projects will be developed in parallel over two major phases. In short, the process aims to identify the best concepts and then attach the best talent to each position. During the first phase, filmmakers will pitch their concepts with a short video and script. Once the filmmakers are chosen, members will be able to submit for cast and crew roles using Massify's jobs section. You'll also be able to track development from the project page as each short moves from pre-production, to production, and eventually release.

How do I apply?

You can create and upload your submissions through Massify.com. If you haven't already, you will need to register, create a profile, and validate your Massify account before submitting any materials. We strongly recommend that you fill out your resume and media to showcase your experience and abilities.

How will the concept and talent for these project be selected?

Killer Films will shortlist about 12 pitches, taking community opinion into consideration. The chosen filmmakers will then be given an opportunity to revise their materials based on feedback from Killer's development team, and a final roster of 4 to 6 films will be chosen for production. Massify members are encouraged to review submissions using the star-based system on each entry's main info panel. Ultimately, Killer Films will make final selections during each phase, and in close collaboration with the filmmakers during the Join the Cast & Crew phase.

How do I review submissions?

Login to your Massify account and visit the detail page for each submission. There, you will find a star-based review system in the main info panel -- click on the stars and submit your comment to review the submission. Some things you might consider in your reviews are originality, creativity and feasibility. Constructive criticism is always more useful than blind praise or negativity.

When and where will these projects be produced?

These projects will enter production shortly after they finalize their cast and crew. The selected participants from all phases should plan to be available for production during this time. More specifics will be announced in the coming weeks.

Does it matter where I live?

As long as you are a legal resident of the U.S. you are welcome to participate, but you'll most likely need to get yourself to New York for production.

Where will these shorts be shown?

Our goal is to help produce truly outstanding work, and we will do our best to secure prominent distribution. We are also confident that the final result will attract prominent media attention. Trust us, we're not doing this just so you can send the DVD to Mom. Though of course you're welcome to do that.

What's the budget for these shorts?

Killer focuses first and foremost on creativity, but budget is a key factor for any production. So filmmakers, please keep in mind that we're looking for strong concepts -- something that stands alone without the help of exotic locations, special effects, or dozens of extras. Our total budget for the vignettes is $25,000, and that goes really fast when you start renting equipment, hiring cast and crew, you know how it goes. We want to get as much of that budget onto the screen as possible, and you will be helping to do that. For now our best advice is keep it simple and take advantage of what the Ace Hotel has to offer.

What happens during the Pitch Your Script phase?

During the Pitch Your Script phase, filmmakers submit their comedy ideas through Massify.com. From there, Killer Films will shortlist around 12 pitches, taking the community reviews into consideration. Those shortlisted filmmakers will then be given an opportunity to revise their materials based on feedback from Killer's development team. Killer will consider these revisions before selecting between 4 and 6 to produce.

What are the concept requirements?

All concepts must have a title, logline, synopsis, pitch video, and script.

What is Killer looking for in a good concept?

Killer wants to produce between 4 and 6 comedic vignettes ranging from 3 to 5 minutes in length. Keep in mind that we're looking for something that's character driven. (No comedy sketches please!) See the Overview FAQ for more information.

What is Killer looking for in a script?

Killer is looking for very funny, character driven vignettes that all take place at Ace Hotel in New York City. No sketch comedies. Your script should be properly formatted and free of errors and typos. Scripts must be between 3 and 5 pages. And to be clear, the script should be for the short you're submitting, not something else you've written.

What is a pitch video?

A pitch video conveys the essence of your concept in a concise, high-impact way. It should be no more than 120 seconds in length, and might consist of either a proposed scene, you pitching your idea to the camera, or a combination of the two. It should explain your intentions as a director to Christine Vachon, and answer questions like how do you intend to make the film unique and memorable? What will your film look like? What will it feel like? How will your concept fit into a small budget?

What is a logline?

A logline is a brief summary of the project's plot with a "hook" to generate interest.

How do I submit a concept?

It's easy - just follow the instructions.

Can I submit more than one concept?

Yes, multiple submissions are allowed.

If I submit a concept, can I still apply for other roles?

Yes.

Will I be able to revise my concept once I've submitted it?

No. All concept submissions are final once submitted. However if your concept is shortlisted, you will get an opportunity to revise your materials.

What file types does Massify accept for pitch videos? Is there a size limitation?

Massify accepts the following video formats: .avi, .mov, .mpg, .mpeg and h.264. If your video is larger than 500MB, you will probably have to compress it.

What document file types does Massify accept?

Massify accepts the following text formats: .doc, .txt and .pdf.

Are there any other restrictions I should know about?

If you haven't already, you must register and validate your Massify account before submitting your concept. This project is only open to legal residents of the United States.

Do reviews matter?

Yes and no. Although community reviews will help guide their selections, Killer Films will ultimately be making the final decisions.

How will I know if my concept is selected?

Don't worry, we will let you know! Someone from Massify will contact you if Killer Films is interested in your concept.

What happens to my concept if I don't win? Can I still use the idea?

If your concept is not selected, you retain all rights to your work and may use it in the future in whatever manner you see fit. (As a suggestion: we're developing this whole project on Massify and there's no reason you can't do that, too!) Project concepts will remain archived on Massify but can be removed at any time. If your concept is chosen for an honorable mention, we will ask to keep a copy of it on the Killer partner page.

What happens during the Join the Cast & Crew phase?

During this phase, actors can submit through Massify for roles in the film. They will be asked to submit their headshot, reel, and depending on the role, a short audition video. These materials will then be reviewed by the director and Killer Films to determine the cast.

How do I audition for a role?

It's easy. Click here to see a list of roles available in the film, then click the "Apply" button next to the specific role you are interested in. Complete the application requirements, submit, and you're done.

What are the audition requirements?

Actors are required to submit a headshot, reel, and depending on the role, a short audition video based on sides provided by the director.

Who will see my audition?

Only the director and Killer Films' production team will be able to view your audition — it will not be made public to the Massify community.

Can I audition for more than one role?

Yes. You are welcome to submit for as many roles as you'd like. But please, only submit for roles that meet your physical description.

Can other actors see that I have applied to this role?

When you submit for a role it will be noted on the Killer page's activity feed. However, only the director and Killer Films' production team can see the materials you submit for consideration.

Will I be able to revise my audition once I've submitted it?

No. You will not be able to revise your audition once you've submitted it — so make sure to check it over first!

What file types does Massify accept for audition videos and/or reels? Is there a size limitation?

Massify accepts the following video formats: mov, avi, mpg, mpeg and h.264. If your pitch video takes more than 20 minutes to upload, please try compressing your file.

Does my union status matter?

No. You can apply and be cast in the film regardless of your union status.

Will I get paid?

In short, yes! Cash compensation for different roles will be spelled out as we fill those roles. You'll also get great experience and exposure, make numerous industry connections, and work closely with Christine Vachon, a true independent film icon. Finally, you'll be credited, and we've set aside 30% of the backend for the talent in the film.

How long is the shoot and when does it take place?

Production will begin shortly after the conclusion of the Join the Cast & Crew phase, and the shoot itself is likely to take place over 3-4 days in the New York area.

Can I still apply if I live outside of New York City?

As long as you are a legal resident of the U.S. you are welcome to participate, but you'll most likely need to get yourself to New York for production.

Can I use the footage from the shoot on my reel?

Massify and Killer Films will provide you with an official DVD of the film upon its completion, and you can use scenes from the film on your reel as you please.

What happens during the Join the Cast & Crew phase?

During this phase, prospective crew members can submit their resumes and reels for consideration through Massify. These materials will then be reviewed by the director and Killer Films, who will use them to fill all available crew positions on the film.

How do I apply for a crew position?

It's easy. Click here to see a list of crew positions that need to be filled, then click the "Apply" button next to the specific position you would like to apply for. Complete the application requirements, submit, and you're done.

Who will see my application?

Only the film's director and members of Killer Films' production team will see your application — it will not be made public to the Massify community.

Can I apply to more than one crew position?

Definitely!

Will I be able to revise my application once I've submitted it?

No. You will not be able to revise your application once you've submitted it — so make sure to check it over first!

What file types does Massify accept for reels? Is there a size limitation?

Massify accepts the following video formats: mov, avi, mpg, mpeg and h.264. If your pitch video takes more than 20 minutes to upload, please try compressing your file.

Does my union status matter?

Unfortunately, we will only be working with non-union crew on this particular project.

How much does it pay?

Cash compensation will be spelled out as we begin filling crew positions. You'll also get great experience and exposure, make numerous industry connections, and work closely with Christine Vachon, a true independent film icon. Finally, you'll be credited, and we've set aside a percentage of the backend for the crew.

How many pre-production meetings and rehearsals will there be?

That's hard to say. Cast and crew should plan on making themselves available to production about a week prior to shooting.

Who will decide the equipment package?

The DP will work with Killer Films to determine the appropriate equipment package for the film.

Can I use the footage from the shoot on my reel?

Massify and Killer Films will provide you with an official DVD of the film upon its completion, and you can use scenes from the film on your reel as you please.

If I am a DP with my own team — focus puller, loader, digital assistant, etc — will I be able to bring my team on board?

Yes, that's definitely a possibility. It all depends on what the director and Killer Films think works best for the project.