What is a Torch?
A Torch is a prototype video that is at least five minutes long and accurately represents what the final production will look like. The Torch should give the average viewer a good understanding of the plot, tone, and pace of the story; therefore, the Torch must be a representative sample of the final production. To maintain the integrity and consistency of the Angel Guild's voting process, Angel Studios has guidelines that filmmakers must abide by. These guidelines are listed below.
Types of Torches Accepted
Completed Productions: A completed film or completed documentary has a two part voting process. First, a continuous sequence (5 minutes or longer) from the film is submitted as a Torch. If the Torch achieves the minimum Guild score needed for the Torch category, then the submitter would be notified and the full film would be requested. The full film would then be voted on by the members of the Angel Guild. The Torch first acts as a qualifier to decide which movies get to be shown in full to the Guild, and the full movie vote acts as the final decision as to whether or not Angel Studios can move forward with the movie.
Example: Films like His Only Son should follow the above mentioned process.
Concept Videos: A concept video usually takes the form of one continuous sequence, or two to three different scenes put together. A concept video is a sample of the production you intend to create, and should be an accurate representation of that production. For example, if you are creating a drama or action movie, your concept video should NOT be filmed in the style of a documentary. It must be an actual sequence of that drama or action movie as if it were taken right out of the movie.
Completed Episode: If you have a series with at least one episode finished, we recommend you submit a full episode as your Torch.
Animatics: An animatic is a collection of storyboard illustrations in succession with voice acting or dubbing. Animatics are only accepted as Torches for productions that are meant to be animations. Live action productions must produce a prototype or completed production as defined above.
Time Requirement
A Torch must be at least five minutes long to receive consideration for the Angel Guild. Although there is currently no maximum time limit for a Torch, we strongly advise that Torches be kept under 20 minutes.
đź’ˇ Torches around 10 minutes have historically performed the best.
Animation: Because animation is costly to produce, exceptions on the minimum time requirement for completed animation have been reduced to at least two minutes. If possible, the filmmaker should also include incomplete animations or animatics to accompany the completed animation.
Content Types Not Currently Accepted
The Torch should take as much burden off the viewer as possible in envisioning the final production. Angel Studios is not currently accepting scripts, trailers, sizzle reels, pitch decks, books, or audio files for review by the Angel Guild. Reasons for why each content type is not accepted into the Guild provided below:
Scripts: A Torch must be video content. Although a script describes the story, the Torch is meant to show the story for the average viewer.
Trailers: A well-edited trailer can be deceiving as to the true nature of the production. Essentially, a trailer can take an unattractive project and make it appealing to the general audience.
Sizzle Reels: A sizzle/show reel is a video resume for filmmakers. The Angel Guild is reviewing the project in isolation, not the filmmakers and their past works.
Pitch Decks/Pitches: Pitches/pitch decks are not allowed to be a part of your torch. This includes all the necessary context behind a production like the world of the film, the plot, and the cast and crew attached to the project. There is no visual aspect to a pitch deck the Guild can review.
Books: A Torch must be video content.
Audio Files: A Torch must be video content.
Credits and Supplementary Information
The Torch should focus on providing a representative sample of the final production and should stand on its own merits. Supplementary information that could introduce bias into the voting process is prohibited, therefore, the following are not allowed to be included in a Torch video:
Opening and closing credits
Burned in credits
Company names and logos
Websites or social media information
Filmmaker and cast introductions or explanations
Speeches of any kind
Torches that include any of the above information will be sent back for edits to be made. Title sequences including the companies involved in the production should be removed prior to submission. A short introductory title sequence that shows only the name of the project is allowed.
A completed film whose Torch passed the voting process is exempt from aspects of this policy. The film does not need to remove credits and company logos and may be submitted as is. The film should NOT add additional elements such as a speech from the filmmaker that may sway the voting results.
Content Restrictions
Angel Studios does not allow the below items to be present in Torches and completed films submitted to the Angel Guild. Any submissions containing the following will be asked to be edited:
Nudity
F words
Sexual acts carried out on screen
This decision comes as an effort to provide a positive experience to the current members of the Angel Guild and is subject to change as the type of content and people who watch it become more diverse.
Closed Captioning
Torches that are over 20 minutes long must provide their own closed captioning.
FAQ’s
What if I don’t have a Torch?
All filmmakers must have a Torch before receiving any consideration from Angel Studios and the Angel Guild.
Are there examples of Torches I can watch?
Yes, you can go to angel.com/torches to see torches that have passed the Angel Guild. The torches are full videos minus the director commentary before or after.
Where can I submit my Torch once I have one made?
You can submit your Torch at angel.com/create and clicking “Submit your Torch to Angel Studios Here”
