InTension Industries Launches Filmmaking Competition with $1 Million Prize

PROVO, Utah, Nov. 11, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- InTension Industries, an independent film production company based in Provo, Utah, has launched a groundbreaking filmmaking competition called The Million-Dollar Shortcut. The initiative aims to identify and support emerging talent in the thriller, horror, and suspense genres by offering a unique opportunity to turn short films into feature-length movies with a $1 million production budget.

The competition is open to adults over 18 in the United States, excluding residents of Maryland, Colorado, North Dakota, and Connecticut. Participants are required to submit short films that are less than 40 minutes long via an active YouTube link. The competition will run through several rounds, with submission fees varying based on the timing of the entry.

For the early bird submission period, the entry fee is $150, valid until November 29, 2026. The standard submission period, from November 30, 2026, to January 10, 2027, costs $195. The final submission period, from January 11, 2027, to February 5, 2027, has a fee of $250.

Audience voting will play a crucial role in advancing the competition. In the first round, from February 8 to March 5, 2027, the top 100 films will be selected based on audience votes. The second round, from March 22 to April 4, 2027, will further narrow the field to 25 films. These 25 filmmakers will then be required to submit a vision video, and the audience will vote again to determine the top 10 projects. InTension Industries' producers will review the materials of the top 10 projects, and the final selection will be made by May 10, 2027.

The competition is led by an experienced production team, including Brigham Taylor, a veteran producer with credits in Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise and "TRON: Legacy." Ian Puente, an entertainment executive with experience in business development and strategy at major studios, also contributes to the team. Dave Hunter, a producer behind "Don Verdean" and "Nitro Circus," has produced 15 profitable films and built and exited two entertainment companies. Tom Goodall, with credits in "Christopher Robin," "Lady and the Tramp," and "Whiskey Throttle," rounds out the team.

The winner of The Million-Dollar Shortcut will have their short film developed, produced, and released as a feature film with a $1 million budget. In addition to the grand prize, the top 10 competitors will receive a development session with the InTension Industries team, and the top 25 will receive personalized script feedback. The competition is designed to connect filmmakers and audiences through the development process, emphasizing the importance of community in the future of distribution.