DEFINITIONS

This document has been prepared as a guideline for filling out the application form. Please read the definitions carefully before submitting your application to ensure that your submission materials meet our requirements.

Please bear in mind that all applications must adhere to both the minimum and maximum word limits in order to be accepted.

Please also note that all submission material (including script and dialogue) are required to be written in English (dialogues included) even if the final film is in any Indian language.

The submission requirements for the Cininfo Launchpad 2026 application are –

1. Logline (< 30 words)
A logline is a short description that provides the WHO, WHAT and HOW of the story. Loglines are often published on websites or printed in programme guides.

For example:
Titli – In the badlands of Delhi’s dystopian underbelly, Titli, the youngest member of a violent car-jacking brotherhood, plots a desperate bid to escape the ‘family’ business.
Queen – A Delhi girl from a traditional family sets out on a solo honeymoon after her marriage gets cancelled.
Rang De Basanti – The story of six young Indians who assist an Englishwoman to film a documentary on the extremist freedom fighters from their past, and the events that lead them to relive the long forgotten saga of freedom.

2. Short Synopsis (100-150 words)
The short synopsis outlines the plot and the major turning points of the story. It addresses the WHO, WHAT and HOW of the story while clearly describing the beginning, middle and end.
One should also get a clear idea of who the protagonist(s) is, what journey he/she embarks on, and the resolution.

3. (a) Long Story Synopsis (min. 6 to max. 10 pages | 12 point, single spaced, 1’’ margin)
The long story synopsis describes the emotional journey of the protagonist(s) – the inner conflicts of characters and what is at stake for them with a clear indication of the story’s plot.
The synopsis also gives a sense of the story’s setting in time and space. Although the story synopsis will elaborate the plot which drives the story, giving a sense of the characters is equally important as it is the characters’ key choices and actions that drive the plot.

The synopsis includes the decisions and actions the characters take in pursuit of their goals, the hurdles they face and what they do to overcome the barriers, whether they win or lose and where we leave them in the end. Revealing the end is crucial in a synopsis and the story should not end in three dots. The synopsis is the complete story, not just the premise that leaves readers curious about what happens next. The readers must be convinced that the end is a logical, dramatic outcome of all the events before. The aim of a well-written synopsis, then, should be to excite the readers about the possibility of the story as a film. Remember that story synopsis should not be based on what you want the story to be about. Instead tell the story as clearly as possible.

3.( b) Pitch Deck (6-10 slides max)
A pitch deck is a short, visual presentation (max 10 slides) that outlines your film or series project for producers, studios, or platforms. It should clearly convey your story idea, tone, characters, setting, and creative vision, along with a logline, synopsis, and your personal connection to the project. Think of it as a snapshot that showcases both the artistic and commercial potential of your idea — engaging enough to spark interest and open doors for collaboration or funding.

4. Writer’s Statement (100-150 words)
A writer’s statement is your personal connection with the script. The following points are only to get you started. Do tell us anything else that you think will help us know the genesis of the project better –
● What is your personal connection in wanting to tell this story?
● Where does the story come from?
● If this is a resubmission of material we have considered previously, how has the material changed or transformed since we last read it?

5. Writer’s Bio (max. 300 words)
A summary of your professional work that may include awards and recognition, educational
qualifications and any other details that directly relate to screenwriting / filmmaking.

6. Past Work
Please make sure that the links to the past work you submit informs us about you as a professional artist. All the links provided must be for public use.

7. Character Arc – Primary & Secondary
Primary Character Arc:
A clear breakdown of the protagonist’s emotional, psychological, and/or moral journey across the story or season. It should highlight:

• Who they are at the beginning
• Their core conflict or internal flaw
• Key turning points that challenge them
• How they evolve (or fail to evolve) by the end

Purpose: To demonstrate depth, transformation, and narrative drive through your lead character.

Secondary Character Arc:
A concise outline of the growth, shifts, or narrative function of key supporting characters. This should include how their journey intersects with or impacts the protagonist and the central plot.
Purpose: To show layered storytelling, meaningful supporting roles, and a dynamic character ecosystem.

8. Episodic Breakdown (Web Series Only)
A structured 1 page overview of each episode in your series.
It should outline the main plot progression, key character arcs, major conflicts, turning points, and how the episode ends (especially hooks or cliffhangers).
The goal: To show the season’s narrative engine, pacing, and how the story sustains across multiple episodes.

9. Treatment Note (Web Series Only)
A detailed prose document (typically 3–8 pages) that presents your series in a compelling narrative format.
It includes the premise, world, tone, themes, central characters, season arc, and overall storytelling approach. It reads like an expanded story summary — not a script — and should communicate the emotional and dramatic journey of the series.
The goal: To help readers clearly visualize the show and understand its creative and commercial potential.

10. Vision Statement
A concise personal note (usually 1 page or less) from the writer/creator explaining:

• Why this story matters to you
• Why you are the right person to tell it
• The themes, perspective, or lived experiences shaping the narrative
• The intended impact on the audience

The goal: To communicate your creative intent, authenticity, and long-term vision for the series.