🪶 What is the Magpie Challenge?
The Magpie Challenge is a recurring short film competition where filmmakers are invited to shoot one of my original short screenplays. You bring the camera, the actors, and the vision—I’ll bring the script. Then we share, feature, and celebrate your work across the site and socials.
🧠 Do I have to write anything?
Nope! That’s the whole point. Each challenge is based on a pre-written, production-ready script from the Movie Magpie vault. You can adapt small details (like character names or locations), but the story stays the same. Your challenge is to bring it to life in your own creative way.
🎥 Who can participate?
Anyone! Students, indie filmmakers, cinematographers, editors, hobbyists, content creators, film school crews—if you want to direct something fun without starting from a blank page, this is for you.
⏱ How much time do I get?
Once the script is released, you’ll have 48 hours to shoot, edit, and submit your film. You can prep your crew, location, and gear ahead of time—but no filming or editing should happen before the clock starts.
📩 How do I submit?
You’ll upload your film to YouTube or Vimeo (public or unlisted), then fill out a quick submission form here on the site. You’ll include:
- Your name and film title
- A short description (optional)
- The link to your film
- Confirmation that you used the script and followed the rules
📄 Can I change the script?
Minor tweaks are allowed! You can:
- Change character names
- Flip genders
- Adjust location to fit what you have access to
- Trim dialogue or lines for pacing
But: The overall story, plot points, and structure should stay intact. I want to see how you interpret the same skeleton.
🏆 What do winners get?
First place receives:
- A $50 cash prize (delivered via PayPal or Venmo)
- The official Golden Magpie Winner badge
- Homepage feature and shoutouts across @movie_magpie social platforms
- Personal feedback on your film
Runners-up may receive:
- A featured spot in the Magpie Showcase Gallery
- Creative feedback or honorable mentions
- A random raffle prize (gift card, film zine, or surprise)
🤑 Is there an entry fee?
Nope. The challenge is 100% free to enter. This is about creativity, community, and collaboration.
🎨 Can I add music, effects, or style?
Absolutely! Get creative. The more uniquely “you” the film feels, the better. Stylized editing, original music, voiceover, black-and-white, animation overlays—go wild. As long as you respect the script’s core story, your vision is welcome.
🧾 Do I need to credit the writer?
Yes, please! On your YouTube/Vimeo upload and in the film credits, include:
Written by Ariel Unser
Provided by Movie-Magpie.com
This helps spread the word and support the site.
🛠 Can I reuse this script for another project?
Yes—with a few caveats:
- The script remains non-exclusively available to other filmmakers
- If you’d like to make a longer or modified version, contact me first—we may be able to collaborate
- All use must credit me as the original writer and link back to the site
🐤 How often does the challenge happen?
For now, the Magpie Challenge runs monthly or quarterly depending on interest and bandwidth. Subscribe to the newsletter or follow @movie_magpie on social media to get the drop dates and new script announcements.
💌 Can I suggest a genre or idea for a future script?
YES! I love input. Email me or submit ideas through the site’s contact form. You might just inspire the next challenge.
💡 I’ve never made a film before. Should I still try?
Absolutely. This is a judgment-free, low-stakes creative playground. Whether you shoot it on your phone with friends or bring in lights and lenses, the goal is play. Every filmmaker starts somewhere—why not start with a killer script?
🧩 Why is it called Movie Magpie?
Because I like to collect shiny ideas—and turn them into little script gems.
And because magpies are smart, scrappy, and a little bit chaotic… like the best kind of short film.
Movie Magpie 