Plan before the panic
Challenge FAQ
Straight answers about teams, scripts, rights, deadlines, audio delivery and finishing the work.
What is the complete path through the Challenge?
Read the rules, join the Discord, form a cross-team collaboration, prepare the script, record and complete post-production during October, then submit the final package by 11 PM on October 28.
Do scripts have to be written in October?
No. Scripts may be written before October. Planning, team-building and casting may also happen earlier. Recording and post-production must happen during October.
What is the deadline?
The annual deadline is 11 PM on October 28. Watch the current year’s official announcement and Discord notices for any scheduling update.
How long can the script and finished show be?
The script must be under 30 pages. The submitted production must be 60 minutes or less.
Do I need an established production company?
No. You may form a team specifically for the Challenge. A qualifying show should include meaningful collaboration involving more than one production company or newly formed team.
Does the production have to be horror?
The annual October Challenge is rooted in horror, but horror may overlap with comedy, science fiction, fantasy, folklore, mystery and experimental work.
What audio file should we submit?
Submit the final release-ready master as an MP3. It may be mono or stereo at 44.1 or 48 kHz and 192 to 320 kbps. Do not submit a session file or unfinished mix.
How do we deliver an hour-long MP3?
Upload the MP3 to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or another reliable file host. Paste a direct download link into the submission form and test the link in a private browser window. It must work without a login or access request. The browser upload field is only a small-file backup.
Why is a download link required?
An hour-long MP3 can be much larger than normal email attachment and web-form limits. A tested cloud-hosted download link avoids failed submissions and gives 11th Hour Audio a reliable copy to retrieve.
What artwork is required?
Provide final square episode art as a JPG, PNG or WebP. At least 1400 by 1400 pixels is preferred. The team must own the artwork or have permission to publish it.
Can we use music, sound effects or other copyrighted material?
Yes, when the team created it, has permission to use it or holds a license that covers the production and release. Identify licensed elements in the submission. If you do not own it or have permission, do not use it.
What credits should we provide?
List the cast and characters, then the writer, director, producer, recordist, dialogue editor, sound designer, composer, cover artist and participating companies as applicable.
What happens after submission?
11th Hour Audio reviews the package for completeness, retrieves the audio and artwork, and uses the supplied description, credits and warnings to prepare the Challenge or podcast release. Keep the source files and download link active until the release is complete.
What if we miss the deadline?
Finish the show anyway. Late work may not qualify for every part of that year’s event, but the production and collaboration still matter.