Introduction
We bring your film ideas to life.
With the success of the past three editions, we are delighted to present the 4th Scenario Contest. We’ve watched amazing stories come to life through this competition and the results have been mind-blowing so far.
The winner of the 1st edition, Your Voice, and the runner-up of the 2nd edition, Cafe Diem, both achieved remarkable results; They received recognition at esteemed international film festivals and also captivated a significant global audience.
Notably, Cafe Diem has been made available in 11 languages to audiences in 141 countries. Moreover, it has secured official selections at renowned international film festivals, including the Capri, Hollywood International Film Festival.
What started as a simple contest has become something much bigger. A genuine platform for storytellers who might not otherwise get their shot. We’re helping create the next generation of voices that will shape how stories are told around the world and also shaping the future of storytelling.
So here we are, ready to do it all over again with our fourth edition. we are rather excited to see what stories you’ll bring us this time.
In this new edition, we’re introducing two exciting new categories: Korean Web Series and International Short Film. For the Korean Web Series category, participants are asked to submit a compelling pilot scenario or script for a web series. The International Short Film category invites narratives inspired by the cultures of various regions across the world, which we expect to open pathways for future collaborations with creators from dynamic areas.
There’s something magical about Korean stories. and we want you to be part of it. Let Terafty be the place where your creative vision finally gets its moment.
💡 Why Participate in the Contest?
- Turn Your Scenario into a Film/Series
The Terafty Korean Short Film Scenario Contest is your chance to bring your story to life on screen. Winning entries will be adapted into short films, gaining exposure at major international film festivals and captivating a global audience with your vision. - Gain Global Recognition
Past winners, such as Your Voice and Cafe Diem, have achieved remarkable success at international film festivals. With a user base spanning over 140 countries, Terafty ensures your work reaches a truly diverse audience. This is your opportunity to showcase the massive potential for your story to resonate worldwide. - Build Your Portfolio & Career
This contest is a chance to establish yourself as a serious storyteller. Finalists and winners can showcase their work as part of a professional portfolio, receive public recognition through our platform, and gain visibility with industry professionals, production teams, and potential collaborators. - Win Exciting Prizes
In addition to seeing your scenario adapted into a film, winners will receive cash prizes and exclusive rewards:
(1) Korean Short Film
🥇 Winner: USD 400 & All-Access Pack for next contest & Deep-dive Interview & Laurel
🥈 Runner-up: USD 150 & Fast Track for next contest & Laurel
(2) Korean Web Series (pilot episode)
🥇 Winner: USD 300 & All-Access Pack for next contest & Deep-dive Interview & Laurel
🥈 Runner-up: USD 100 & Fast Track for next contest & Laurel
(3) International Short Film
🥇 Winner: USD 200 & All-Access Pack for next contest & Deep-dive Interview & Laurel
*In this edition, we will award laurels to semi-finalists and finalists as well.
*We receive a small submission fee for the International Short Film category.
*Submissions are welcome in all categories, regardless of nationality.
💵 Entry fees
Korean Short Film and Korea Web Series are free to submit; the International Short Film track includes a small fee that increases with each deadline (see chart below).
📥 How to Submit
- Read the Rules and Submission Process below.
- Submit your scenario here: https://bit.ly/teraftycontest4
🎞️ A Video Guide to How the Contest Works
📜 Rules and Submission Guidelines
1. Submissions
- Each participant, as a member of Terafty, can submit up to two entries to each category. (A maximum total of 6)
- For the Korean Short Film and Korean Web Series categories, your written piece must revolve around Korea, its culture, or Korea-related themes. While the story doesn’t need to take place in Korea, it should still connect to Korea meaningfully.
- For the Korean Web series category, you are only expected to write a script for the pilot episode; the expected duration of each episode is 5-15 minutes. You may provide a brief explanation as to how the story unfolds but be mindful of the word limits.
- For the International Short Film category, your work can be based on any country around the world other than Korea. While not strictly prohibited, characters and settings as well as overall story of your submissions should not be heavily reliant on Korea.
- You can submit the scenario in English or Korean.
- We define ‘scenarios’ broadly, allowing participants to choose between film scenarios, scripts, or narrative short story formats.
- Word limits
(1) Korean Short Film: Between 1,000 and 2,500 words.
(2) Korean Web Series: Between 1,000 and 2,000 words.
(3) International Short Film: Between 1,000 and 2,000 words. - Submissions are open from July 14, 2025
2. Selection Criteria
- Creativity: The ability of participants to develop imaginative and unique narratives that stand out in the contest.
- Originality: The extent to which submissions present fresh ideas and perspectives. Unique premises with relatively weak writing skills often win over predictable settings with strong writing skills.
- Theme alignment: How well the entries adhere to and reflect the central theme of the contest.
- Engagement potential: How well the story resonates with global audiences.
- Adaptation potential: How suitable it is for a film or series adaptation.
3. Eligibility:
- A valid PayPal account is required to receive the cash prize. Although not our primary method, international bank accounts that can receive USD or EUR are acceptable.
⚡ Optional Paid Features
We now offer two optional paid services to enhance your contest experience: Fast-Track and Feedback. Please note that these are optional and it’s free to participate in our Scenario Contest.
- Fast-Track (3.99 USD~) : You get the shortlist result within 5 days with 1-line note.
- Mini Review (6.99 USD~): You receive 300 words of feedback with suggestions for improvement. (The verdict will be announced on the public finalist announcement day.)
- All-Access Pack (9.99 USD~): You get the shortlist result within 7 days with a 300-word review including suggestions for improvement.
*You can submit your modified work after feedback but it counts as a separate submission and we do not guarantee shortlisting.
*These are optional. Judging remains blind; purchasing feedback does not improve ranking.
⚖️ Selection Process
- The Terafty team will review all entries after the submission period ends.
- Up to seven scenarios will be selected as finalists in each category based on the aforementioned criteria.
- The winner and runner-up will be determined through public voting by the Terafty community and evaluation by Terafty’s expert panel, each contributing 50% to the final decision.
📅 Announcement Schedule
- Submission Period: July 14 — September 30, 2025
- Semi-Finalist Announcement: October 24, 2025
- Finalist Announcement: October 31, 2025
- Audience Voting Period: November 5 — November 14
- Winner Announcement: November 21
⚠️ Terms and Conditions (Please read carefully):
1. Acceptance of Rules
Submission of an entry constitutes the entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Terms & Conditions and to all decisions made by Terafty, which are final and binding in all matters related to the contest.
2. Originality & Rights
- All submitted scripts must be the entrant’s original work and must not infringe any third-party copyright, trademark, or other proprietary right.
- Entrants warrant that their work is not currently optioned or under an exclusive license elsewhere.
- AI use: Fully AI-generated scripts are prohibited. Limited AI assistance (e.g., grammar checks, outline prompts) is allowed only if disclosed in the submission form.
3. License Granted by Winners
The winning writer retains the underlying literary copyright. By accepting the prize, the winner grants Terafty an exclusive, worldwide, perpetual license to adapt, produce, distribute and monetize any screen version or derivative work based on the script.
4. Disqualification
Terafty reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:
- Violates these Terms & Conditions or the published contest rules;
- Contains hateful, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise unlawful content;
- Is determined—at Terafty’s sole discretion—to be substantially generated by AI without disclosure.
5. Technical Issues
Terafty is not responsible for misdirected, lost, late, corrupted, or incomplete entries, or for any technical malfunction, network failure, or other event outside Terafty’s reasonable control that interferes with the contest.
6. Right to Modify or Cancel
Terafty may amend, suspend, or cancel the contest (or any part of it) at any time and for any reason, including force-majeure events, without prior notice and without liability.
7. Entry Fees & Refund Policy
- Entry fees and payments for optional paid services are required where stated, non‑refundable, and non‑transferable.
- Two entries per category are permitted, but the applicable entry fee (for the International Short Film track) and any optional‑service fees must be paid for each submission.
- Terafty does not offer fee waivers under any circumstances.
- If an entire category is cancelled before judging begins, fees for that category will be refunded in full.
- No other refunds will be issued, including in cases of voluntary withdrawal or disqualification.
8. Prizes & Taxes
- Cash prizes are primarily paid via PayPal or to an international bank account capable of receiving USD or EUR in exceptional cases.
- All federal, state, local, and other taxes or charges associated with the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.
9. Privacy
Personal data collected from entrants will be processed solely for contest administration and related promotional activities, in accordance with the Terafty Privacy Policy.
10. No-Winner Clause
If, in Terafty’s judgment, no submission achieves the required standard of quality, Terafty may elect not to declare a winner in any category and will return or cancel all entry fees for that category.
11. Production Caveats for Selected Scripts
- Adaptations of winning or runner-up scripts are contingent upon the project’s successful crowdfunding or budget approval.
- If Terafty is unable to secure production resources or a partner team within the option period, the adaptation may be postponed or cancelled without further obligation to the author.
12. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Republic of Korea. Any disputes shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Seoul Central District Court, except where prohibited by mandatory local law.
📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I join the scenario contest if I’m outside of Korea?
Answer: Yes. Anyone from anywhere in the world can join our contest. - In which languages can I submit my scenario?
Answer: You can submit your scenario in either English or Korean. - Can I submit to more than one category?
Answer: You’re encouraged to submit entries in as many categories as you like. - Can I submit something other than a scenario?
Answer: We prefer scenarios, but we are open to other formats as long as they tell a good story. - Can I win all three categories?
Answer: Yes. Theoretically, it’s absolutely possible to win all three if your entries stand out in each one. - Do I need to write a scenario and also help make the film?
Answer: No. you only need to write the scenario. You don’t have to participate in making the film. - What does “Korea-themed” mean?
Answer: Your scenario should be about Korean culture, history, or something related to Korea. It doesn’t have to take place in Korea, but it should have a strong connection to Korean elements. - Will I be disqualified if I exceed the word limit?
Answer: While it’s not a hard cutoff, we strongly recommend staying within the limit to ensure fair evaluation. - How can I become a member of Terafty?
Answer: You can sign up on our website. Just remember to use your registered ID when you submit your scenario. - Do I need to submit all episodes of my web series script?
Answer: No. Submit only the pilot episode (the very first episode). - Can I add a summary of later episodes?
Answer: Yes, you may include a brief synopsis of what follows the pilot, but it counts toward the word limit, so keep it concise.
🚀 Join Us in Shaping the Future of Korean Filmmaking!
Share your scenario and seize the opportunity to see it transformed into a short film. Don’t miss this chance to make your mark in the world of Korean film. For any inquiries or additional information, please reach out to us. We’re here to assist you.
📧 Email: cs@terafty.com
Terafty 
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