The rules of the roll

Ten rules. Read them anyway.

Roll off · March 1, 2027 Due · April 30, 11:59pm PST Max · 5 min incl. credits Submit via FilmFreeway
01

Anyone can enter

Anyone across the nation can enter The Comedy Roll. Not in Metro Detroit? Enter via email at laugh@thecomedyroll.com.

02

Every team has a captain

Captains correspond with TCR, receive prizes and divide them among the team. Captains must be 18+ and fill out a Submission Form.

03

One captaincy per person

Contribute to as many teams as you like, but captain only one. Pre-production anytime; production only after your genre is received. All music must be owned or licensed by the captain. No generative AI in production or writing.

04

Release forms or disqualification

Every actor turns in a Talent Release Form. Films missing any release are disqualified.

05

Five minutes, max

Including credits. Credits are not required.

06

All rolling is done online.

This year the roll is done online. In person rolling will not be available. If you have any issues using the online dice, email us at laugh@thecomedyroll.com!

07

Aspect ratio

Highly encouraged (not required): 2.39:1 at 4096 × 1716, 24fps. No black bars on top and bottom if you want to fill the screen.

08

Harm nobody, break no laws

No person, animal, place or thing is harmed. Pornography and scenes of sexual assault are prohibited. Nudity is acceptable in some cases. Ask.

09

Due April 30, 2027 · 11:59pm PST

Submit only through FilmFreeway. Paid on our site? You get a waiver so there's no additional fee.

10

How the roll works

Roll the blue genre die. Happy? Stop. Not happy? Roll the purple modifier die. Its result cancels the blue die unless Prize or Pun-ishment is rolled. Ignore a pun-ishment and lose 10 points.

The Comedy Roll administrators reserve the right to refuse entries deemed inappropriate, non-compliant with the official rules, potentially harmful to TCR's brand, or that don't reflect the spirit of the competition.