Audible Accelerator

These SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & TERMS AND CONDITIONS (including the ENTRY CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES, and the SUBMISSION TERMS AND CONDITIONS) shall apply to you or the Company you represent by completing and submitting the Online Submission Form.
If you do not agree with the Terms and Conditions, you must not submit the Online Submission Form. Please review the below Terms and Conditions carefully.

ENTRY CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY TO PARTICIPATE?

The Accelerator is primarily intended to help develop the capabilities of local Singapore media companies and talent in the creative field. As such, our selection priority for participants, separate from the quality of any submission, is as follows, in this order of preference :

- Teams of up to 4 members from Singapore-registered small and medium-enterprises (“SMEs”) in the media field; and

- Local media professionals, participating as individuals.

Audible will accordingly prioritise selecting from SMEs first to fill slots in the Accelerator, before considering individual submissions, which shall be on a case-by-case basis.

SMEs may be both Singapore-registered companies or businesses. Business must be owned by Singaporeans or Permanent Residents. For companies, they must be majority owned by Singaporeans or Permanent Residents. Participants who enter under an SME entry must be directors, shareholders, proprietors, employees or contractors (as the case may be) of the specific SME making the submission. For both categories, the individual participants must be Singapore citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents over the age of 18 years.

Entrants may make multiple project submissions in the same SMEs, subject to a maximum of 4 members per team.

For each project submission under the same SMEs, you may form multiple teams with different team members (maximum of 4 per team).

Individuals may only enter once. Also, if you are part of a SME team, you cannot also enter separately in an individual capacity.

However, only one project for each SME will be selected for the Accelerator. Each team will be notified regarding the status of their submissions via email.

Please note the following people are not eligible to participate: employees or independent contractors, or immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and grandchildren) or those living in the same household of employees or independent contractors of Audible and its affiliates (including Amazon), or any entity involved in any aspect of the Accelerator or Audible Originals may not submit a project for consideration.

ENTRY FEE

No entry fee is charged.

DEADLINE

All submissions must complete the Online Submission Form no later than 25 October 2020, 23:59 hrs (GMT +8). Any submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted. Both entry form and project attachments must be sent by the deadline.

NUMBER OF ENTRIES

Entrants may make multiple project submissions in the same SMEs, subject to a maximum of 4 members per team.

For each project submission under the same SMEs, you may form multiple teams with different team members (maximum of 4 per team).

Individuals may only enter once. Also, if you are part of a SME team, you cannot also enter separately in an individual capacity.

However, only one project for each SME will be selected for the Accelerator. Each team will be notified regarding the status of their submissions via email.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

Original, unpublished works of fiction and nonfiction, single and multi-narrator stories, scripted multi-cast work, audio documentary and innovative formats in the unscripted podcast space.

We’re looking for stories that have global potential, with universal themes. Submission content is to be readily adaptable into a podcast series.

You must not submit content that infringes the rights of others, is defamatory or does not comply with applicable laws. Obtain all permissions of third parties in advance of the submission.

In accordance with Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) requirements, content must not:

(1)

advocate or lobby for lifestyles seen as objectionable by the general public;

(2)

denigrate or debase a person, or a group or class of persons on the basis of race or religion, or serve to create conflict or misunderstanding in the multicultural and multi-religious society of Singapore;

(3)

undermine the authority or legitimacy of the Singapore Government or IMDA and public institutions or threaten the security or stability of Singapore; and/or

(4)

in any way, be adverse to Singapore, Singapore Government or IMDA.

SUBMISSION FORMAT

For text-based submissions, we are looking for a short concept note/manuscript/proposal/an outline/writing sample. Please upload these documents in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF formats.

For non-text-based submissions, we recommend .mp3 or .mp4 files.

SUBMISSION LANGUAGE

We accept submissions in English language only.

MANAGING YOUR SUBMISSION

Once you submit the Online Submission Form, you will receive a confirmation email stating that the submission has been successfully received and is being reviewed. The confirmation email may not be sent immediately, so please look out for this after you submit the Online Submission Form. You will also be provided a username and password to view and manage the Online Submission Form.

After successful confirmation and only up to the submission deadline, only the team lead identified in your Online Submission Form can edit and manage the project submission. Team member(s) will only be able to access training modules, so please co-ordinate any amendments or updates to your submission prior to the submission deadline through your team lead.

SELECTION RESULTS

Audible and/or the Event Secretariat will notify entrants on the selection results in January 2021.

The entrant must reply to Audible and/or the Event Secretariat as directed in the results notice no later than 3 days of notification to acknowledge acceptance of selection. If you have entered as a team, please coordinate your response and do this through your team lead.

Selection process is based on Audible’s own assessment and review criteria. Audible’s decision is final and not subject to appeal or further review. Neither Audible nor the Event Secretariat will provide explanation on the non-selection of a project.

Once a project is selected for the Accelerator, the entrant will not be able to withdraw nor replace the Submitted Content for the duration of the Accelerator.

SUBMISSION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Submission Terms and Conditions, together with the Entry Criteria and Guidelines, govern the terms applicable to the online submission and any supporting information, files, or materials (“Submitted Content”) for the Accelerator, submitted to MCI Group Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, the event secretariat (“Event Secretariat”), and Audible Singapore Private Limited and its affiliates (“Audible”). You accept these Terms and Conditions by completing the Online Submission Form and agree to execute such documents as may be necessary to give effect to the terms herein.

I.

Submission, Content Ownership, Rights and Usage

1.

Submissions for the Accelerator

a.

Upon submission of the Submitted Content, you grant an exclusive license, subject to the terms hereof to Audible to use, copy, display and annotate the Submitted Content for the selection process and without limiting other terms herein, agree and accept the terms recorded herein in relation to Submitted Content, Deliverables, any consequent productions produced as set out herein and Production Rights.

b.

Submission of Ideas that are similar or identical
You acknowledge that because of Audible’s position in the entertainment industry, Audible receives numerous solicited and unsolicited submissions of ideas, formats, stories, or other material. You understand that many such submissions are similar to ideas, formats, stories and other material developed or acquired by Audible and/or otherwise available to Audible, and that Audible may have already developed or acquired, or may in the future develop or acquire, formats, stories or other material which may be similar or identical to the Submitted Content. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, your rights and remedies arising out of the Submitted Content shall be limited to those provided under the applicable copyright law, except you waive any right to seek or obtain injunctive relief. For the avoidance of doubt, you waive and release all claims under any other legal theory (including, without limitation, claims based on implied contract or unjust enrichment theories) arising from these terms or your submission.

2.

Accelerator Training Module and Pilot Script and Bible Development Phase.

a.

If your team’s submission is selected for the Accelerator, you or your team will participate in the series of workshops and trainings made available through the Accelerator (the “Developmental Activities”) to develop a bible and pilot script (“Deliverables”) for the Submitted Content by the end of the training module. Audible shall provide opportunities to interact with mentors during this development phase.

b.

As between you and Audible, you will be the owner of all rights in and to the Deliverables. Without limiting and prejudice to the provisions of these Terms and Conditions and subject to the terms hereof, for a period of 12 months from the delivery of the Deliverables to Audible, Audible shall have the exclusive Production Rights. For the purpose of these Terms and Conditions, “Production Rights” shall mean exclusive license to produce, translate, adapt, reproduce, use, store Deliverables based on the Submitted Content in all formats, languages or media for the entire world. Following this 12 month period, Audible will have the exclusive right of first refusal with a last right to match, in perpetuity to develop and produce an audio recording from/based on the Deliverables or parts thereof (collectively referred to as ‘Rights in Audio Production’), where Audible will own all rights in and to such audio production. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, your rights in and to the Deliverables shall at all times remain subject to Audible’s Production Rights, Rights in Audio Production and the terms set out below (including in relation to holdbacks on other formats).

c.

If Audible opts to exercise its (a) Production Rights pursuant to Section 2(b) or Section 3(b), or (b) Rights in Audio Production, then you and Audible will execute an agreement with mutually acceptable contracting terms on Audible standards, provided and subject to your agreement to the following minimum terms (‘Minimum Terms’): without prejudice to the other terms herein, at the minimum you agree to (i) grant an exclusive license on a worldwide and perpetual basis for audio formats including derivatives; (ii) provide a right of first offer and a right of last refusal with a last right to match for all other formats; (iii) appropriate holdbacks on all other formats wherein at least until 2(two) years from release of the audio format, no other format will be exploited), including Audible’s ownership of sound recordings produced by Audible in perpetuity for the world.

3.

Selection of Finalists for Pilot Production

a.

After the training module, Audible shall evaluate the Deliverables and select up to 10 entries as finalists (“Finalist Deliverables”), based on process and criteria that will be announced to the entrants.

b.

Without prejudice to Section 2 including Audible’s Rights in Audio Production, Audible shall have exclusive Production Rights for the Finalist Deliverables for 24 months following announcement of finalists. Audible will make commercially reasonable efforts to produce and make pilot audio productions of the Finalist Deliverables available on Audible services and accordingly the provisions of Section 2(c) will apply.

c.

Audible may at its discretion and option require you to produce any audio production, subject to clearance and mutually acceptable contracting on Audible standards. In such case, you will be required to provide a budget and you agree and accept the following standard terms including, standard holdbacks on release in other formats, agreeing to produce additional seasons/ derivatives on the same terms for the future, waiver of injunctive relief, agreeing to obtain all third party licenses as required to make the production.

4.

Audible’s Discretion to Make Available or Use. For avoidance of any doubt, Audible will have full and sole discretion in determining whether audio recordings produced by Audible from the Deliverables will be made available on Audible, taken down or to otherwise used in any way. Audible shall have the final control and approval rights (including budget, creative, production control) in relation to all productions or materials including any audio recordings produced by Audible and/or the Deliverables.

II.

Microsite Terms of Use

1.

MCI Group is the Event Secretariat for the Accelerator and operates and manages this microsite

2.

All trademarks, registered trademarks, product names and company names or logos mentioned on this microsite are the property of their respective owners. Reference to any products, services, processes or other information, by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof by MCI or Audible. You shall have no right or licence to download, reproduce or use any such trademarks or service marks whether as a link to any website or otherwise, except with the prior written approval of MCI, Audible or third party proprietors (as the case may be).

3.

All content included in or made available through this microsite, such as text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio or video clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software is the property of Audible or its content suppliers and protected by Singapore and international copyright laws.

4.

The contents of this microsite, including but not limited to services, products, information, data, text, graphics, audio, video, links or other items are provided 'AS IS', and 'AS AVAILABLE'. MCI and Audible do not warrant the truth, accuracy, adequacy, completeness or reasonableness of such contents and expressly disclaims liability for any and all errors or omissions whatsoever. No warranty of any kind, implied, express or statutory, including but not limited to any warranty of title, non-infringement of third party rights, merchantability, satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose and freedom from computer virus or other contaminants or other malicious, destructive or corrupting code, agent programme or macros is given in conjunction with these channels, or its contents, including any links to third party websites.

5.

You are responsible for keeping any account username, password or other log-in details confidential. You agree to inform the Event Secretariat if there is unauthorised use or access of your account or a security breach.

6.

We reserve the right to remove or block any content, individuals or groups from accessing and using this microsite for any violation of the Terms and Conditions, or where your activities are deemed by Audible in its discretion as inappropriate.

III.

Data Protection

1.

Collection. You agree that we may collect, store and use the following types of personal data submitted to us: each entrant (including each team member)’s name, contact details, employment information, and other application details.

2.

Use. You agree that we may use your personal data in relation to : (a) review of Submitted Content, (b) your participation in the Accelerator; and (c) all other activities under the Accelerator or for exercise of any rights granted to us after the Accelerator.

3.

Disclosure. We may disclose information about you to any of our employees, officers, agents, Audible, the InfoComm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”), for the purposes set out in these Terms and Conditions. In addition, we may disclose your personal data: (a) where required by law, or in connection with any legal or regulatory proceedings, (b) to establish, exercise or defend our legal rights, (c) to actual and potential training partners, sponsors, and service providers, and (d) any potential purchasers of business or assets.

4.

Protection. We will take reasonable precautions to prevent loss, misuse or alteration of your personal data. You are responsible for keeping any username or access details provided to you safe and confidential. Security of any information transmitted through the Internet may not be guaranteed.

5.

Accuracy. You are responsible for submitting accurate and up-to-date personal data. For any updates or correction of your personal data, please email us at [email protected].

6.

Your Rights. Any requests relating to your personal data can be directed to [email protected]. We may request for identity verification, supporting or related information, and may reject your request or withhold personal data disclosure to the extent allowed under law.

7.

Cookies. We use cookies in relation to your activities on our Portals. We may also use Google Analytics and other tracking tools. You may disable cookies using your browser settings

IV.

General

1.

Representations and Warranties.

a.

You represent and warrant that: (i) you are at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you reside, whichever is older), (ii) you have the full right, power and authority to enter into and comply with your obligations under these Terms and Conditions; (iii) you are the sole author or creator of the Submitted Content (the “Submitted Content”); or you are the sole holder of rights in the Submitted Content because all rights in the Content have been assigned or transferred to you (for example, you are contributing a treatment you created and all talent who helped you create the treatment assigned all their rights to you).

b.

You further represent and warrant the following with respect to the Submitted Content: (i) you have obtained all rights of publicity to any individuals featured in your Submitted Content; (ii) neither your Submitted Content nor the exercise of the rights you grant in this Agreement will breach any existing agreement or arrangement with any other person, or infringe or violate any copyrights, moral rights, contract rights, rights of privacy or other rights of any person or defame any person; (iii) that you, and any person who has contributed to the Submitted Content, irrevocably waive any and all moral rights you have in the Submitted Content and consent to Audible using the Submitted Content, with or without attributing authorship to you or any other person, incorrectly attributing authorship to another person, amending or modifying the Submitted Content in any way, even if such conduct would otherwise infringe those moral rights; (iv) if your Content is based in whole or in part on the life of any real person, you will identify that during the submission process; (v) our exercise of the rights you grant under this Agreement will not give rise to any obligation to pay you or any third party any royalty or other payment; (vi) your Submitted Content is free and clear of any pending or threatened litigation; and (vii) your Content complies with all applicable laws.

2.

Indemnification. You agree to defend, indemnify, hold harmless and keep indemnified Audible, Audible Parties and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) from and against any and all claims, expenses, losses or liabilities (including attorney’s fees) that may be asserted against Audible or incurred by Audible in connection with the Content, or any use thereof, arising from any breach or alleged breach of the representations, warranties and obligations outlined in this Agreement.

3.

No Liability for Third Party Actions. You acknowledge that third parties may have access to your Submitted Content if your Submitted Content is chosen to be made public as part of the Accelerator. In no event will Audible, or any of its licensees, sublicensees, its distributors, its producers, its regulators, any party to which it assigns any of its rights hereunder, or its affiliates, successors or assigns, or any of their directors, officers, members, shareholders, employees, associates, agents, representatives, or service providers (collectively, the "Audible Parties") be responsible for any reproduction, display, modification, or use of your Content or any portion thereof by you or any third party.

4.

Liability

a.

We are not liable if any part of the Accelerator, and your participation thereof, is interrupted, delayed or cancelled for any reason whatever. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the Accelerator, including for reason of any events beyond its reasonable control.

b.

We are not responsible for your lack of success in the Accelerator, for any direct or indirect loss, loss of business, revenue, profit, contracts, anticipated savings, data, goodwill or wasted expenditure, that you may suffer through, as a result of or related to your submission and/or participation in the Accelerator .

b.

You agree to release Audible from any and all claims relating to the Accelerator. In any event, our total liability to you will not exceed SGD 100 (one hundred Singapore dollars).

5.

Miscellaneous. All rights you grant to us may be exercised by us or by any of our affiliates, subcontractors or sublicensees. Audible may assign these Terms and Conditions to any third party. You shall not assign or transfer any of your rights or obligations hereunder and any assignment by you shall be null and void ab initio. Audible’s decisions in relation to the selection process in all stages will be final and binding.

6.

Cumulative Rights. All rights you grant under these Terms and Conditions are cumulative and we may exercise or refrain from exercising any one or more of them separately from, simultaneously and/or in connection with any other rights you grant us or with any rights we obtain from other sources. In addition, if any grant of exclusive rights you make to us is deemed invalid or to be less than exclusive, we will, nonetheless, have a non-exclusive license to use the Submitted Content as authorized in these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent permissible under law.

7.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction. These Terms and Conditions are governed and construed in accordance with Singapore law, and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Singapore courts.