Break Media Offers $20,000 To Filmmakers With ‘Prototype’ Competition

One of YouTube’s largest distributors is joining the search for the next crop of great filmmakers. Break Media, after attracting one million subs on its main YouTube channel, has launched the Prototype competition, where one filmmaker will win a feature film distribution deal.

According to a trailer released on the action-oriented Hardcoded channel, Break is using Prototype to search for “action, sci-fi or effects-driven short films,” which seems right in line with Hardcoded’s first web series, Armed Response. Eight chosen filmmakers will win $20,000 and a short film distribution deal across Break’s various platforms, while one grand prize winner will obtain a feature film development deal with New Regency Productions, best known as the studio behind Fight Club.

“Prototype is a way to discover and cultivate talent by

providing them with the financing, distribution, and access to the entertainment industry that they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Greg Siegel, SVP Entertainment Development, Break Media. “Our partnership with New Regency will help aspiring filmmakers break through to larger audiences than they have traditionally had online.”

Whether intentional or not, Prototype now seems like a response to the recent comments from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas about the implosion of the film industry. The legendary directors noted how only big-budget films are getting attention in Hollywood, so good on Break for offering aspiring directors their day in the sun. If you think you’ve got a sufficiently pulse-pounding and action-packed script (along with a feature film treatment and a directing sample), you can submit to Prototype via the Break Media website.