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Heroes & Villains

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Contest Opens: December 30, 2025

Submissions Due: January 30, 2026 (11:59 pm PT)

Judging: January 31-February 5, 2026

Winners Announced: February 6, 2026


OVERVIEW & PRIZES


Escape and PixVerse are teaming up to launch a global filmmaking challenge celebrating narrative creativity, innovative use of AI tools, and original storytelling. This contest is designed for filmmakers, animators, and creators who want to push what is possible with AI-driven video — especially using PixVerse’s advanced tools for multi-frame consistency and character continuity.


Your Mission:

  • Create a short narrative film or scene (90 seconds to ~10 minutes) centered on the theme
  • Use PixVerse in whole or in part, and let its strengths elevate your characters, worlds, and storytelling.


Top 20 Winners Receive:

  • 1-year PixVerse Pro account + perks and credits
  • Inclusion in an official Escape.ai “PixVerse Collection” featured on the homepage
  • Promotion across Escape and PixVerse social channels


Top 3 Winners Receive All of the Above PLUS:

  • Invitation to join Escape.ai’s professional creator community, featuring your work alongside the world’s top AI filmmakers
  • Your film featured in a sci-fi compilation on Escape’s CTV network, reaching tens of millions of global viewers
  • Selection in an upcoming Escape.ai online film festival


THEME: HEROES & VILLAINS


Every story is shaped by the tension between those who rise and those who resist. Your film should explore the dynamic between heroes and villains — not just as opposites, but as forces defined by choice, power, morality, and consequence. This can be a classic clash, a blurred moral line, or a reversal of expectations.


This is a narrative storytelling-focused challenge, not just a visual showcase.


Your submission should have narrative intent, characters or subjects with stakes, and a clear beginning/middle/end (even if it’s a cliff hanger); your video can be a single scene, multiple scenes, or a completed short story.


WILD CARDS (Optional Bonus Challenges)


Choose one, none, or all. There is no deduction for ignoring Wild Cards — but thoughtful use may earn bonus points during judging.


  1. Hollywood Stunts: Incorporate cinematic action, practical-style movement, or high-impact physical sequences.
  2. Kung Fu: Feature martial arts–inspired choreography, disciplined combat, or stylized physical storytelling.
  3. Super Powers: Introduce extraordinary abilities, heightened reality, or mythic-scale conflict that shapes the narrative.


RULES & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES


1. Length Requirements

  • Minimum: 90 seconds
  • Maximum: ~10 minutes


2. Story-First Focus

Submissions must be narrative — not purely experimental visuals.

Your film should convey a story, characters, and emotional or thematic progression.


3. Use of PixVerse

  • You may use any tools you like, including editing software, other generative tools, or live action footage.
  • However, you must use PixVerse in whole or in part, leveraging its strengths.


4. Submission Method

  • Create a free account on escape.ai
  • Navigate to this page (insert url)
  • Upload your film directly (1080p recommended)
  • Include team credits (if applicable) in the description


5. Team of Individual Entries

  • Submissions may be created by teams or individuals
  • Each film must be submitted by a single Escape.ai account
  • Credit your collaborators in the description (names or Escape usernames)


6. Eligibility

Open worldwide to creators 18 years or older.


7. Rights & Ownership

  • You retain full ownership of your work.
  • By entering, you grant Escape and PixVerse non-exclusive, worldwide rights to share, promote, and distribute your submitted film (in full or in part) across their platforms and marketing materials.


See escape.ai for full terms.


JUDGING CRITERIA


Submissions will be evaluated by a panel from Escape, PixVerse, and invited creators. Each film will be judged on:


1. Narrative Strength (40%)

  • Story clarity
  • Engagement and emotional impact
  • Alignment with the theme 


2. Use of PixVerse (20%)

  • Effective use of multi-frame consistency
  • Strong character or style continuity
  • Creative integration of PixVerse in the production process


3. Creativity & Originality (20%)

  • Unique ideas, inventive storytelling, bold worldbuilding


4. Technical Craft (15%)

  • Visual quality
  • Editing, pacing, sound, and cohesion


5. Wild Card Integration (Bonus Points)

  • Skillful use of any Wild Card will be considered as additional merit.


FAQ


Do I need to pay to use PixVerse?

No. A free PixVerse account is sufficient to create content for this contest. Pro features are optional.


Can I use other AI tools?

Yes. Any combination of tools, pipelines, or media sources is allowed — as long as PixVerse is used in part of your creative process.


Can I submit more than one film?

Yes, but each submission must be uploaded separately.


Does the film need dialogue?

No — silent films, narrated films, or music-driven films are all acceptable. What matters is the story.


Do Wild Cards increase my score?

Yes. They can earn bonus consideration but are not required.


Can I update my submission after uploading?

You may edit your description, but the video file cannot be replaced after the deadline.


Are non-English films allowed?

Yes. Subtitles are encouraged for accessibility.


What formats are accepted?

MP4 or MOV uploaded directly to escape.ai.

1080p recommended.


LINKS