11th Hour Audio Challenge rules

1. Make an original horror audio production.

The annual October Challenge is rooted in horror. Horror may overlap with comedy, science fiction, fantasy, folklore, mystery or experimental work. The submitted production must be an original work that the team has the authority to release.

2. Scripts may be written before October.

The script does not have to be written during the Challenge. Recording and post-production must happen during October. Planning, team-building and casting may happen earlier.

3. Submit by the deadline.

The annual deadline is 11 PM on October 28. The current year’s official Challenge announcement and Discord notices govern any published scheduling update.

4. Collaborate across production companies or teams.

A qualifying show should involve creators representing more than one production company or newly formed team. Listing a company name without meaningful participation does not meet the spirit of the rule. The Challenge exists to bring people together across established production boundaries.

5. Keep the script under 30 pages.

The page limit protects the entire production chain. Actors, directors, recordists, dialogue editors, sound designers, composers and producers need enough time to complete the show inside the October window.

6. Keep the finished production to 60 minutes or less.

The submitted master may not exceed 60:00. Scope the script and production so the team can listen through, correct problems and deliver a finished mix before the deadline.

7. Use only original, licensed or authorized material.

Music, sound effects, artwork, performances, trademarks and other protected material must be original, covered by a license that permits this release or used with clear permission. If the team does not own it or have permission, do not submit it.

8. Credit everyone accurately.

Provide the full cast with character names and identify the writer, director, producer, recordist, dialogue editor, sound designer, composer, cover artist and participating production companies as applicable. Proofread names before submitting.

9. Deliver a publication-ready package.

Submit one final MP3, square episode artwork, a listener-facing description, complete credits, explicit-content status, content warnings, licensing notes and release permission.

• Audio: MP3 only, mono or stereo, 44.1 or 48 kHz, 192 to 320 kbps, no longer than 60 minutes
• Large-file delivery: A direct downloadable Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or similar link that works without a login or access request
• Artwork: Final square JPG, PNG or WebP, preferably at least 1400 by 1400 pixels
• Do not send: A streaming-only page, editable session, unfinished mix or link that requires approval

10. Grant permission for Challenge release.

The submitting contact must confirm that the team owns or has permission to release every submitted element and authorize 11th Hour Audio to publish, distribute and promote the production, artwork, description and credits as part of the Challenge and podcast.

11. Incomplete or late entries may not qualify.

Finish the show even if the deadline is missed. Late or incomplete work may not qualify for every part of that year’s event, release schedule or promotion.