Next Big Thing: 'Prototype' Sci-Fi Film Competition Premieres Finalists

Calling all science fiction fans. PROTOTYPE--a revolutionary online competition for sci-fi, action and effects-driven filmmakers--announced the final eight short films to have a shot at a feature-length legacy.

The eight finalists of PROTOTYPE each received $20,000 to fund the making of their short films.

They've also received distribution to a digital audience, and a chance to be picked up by New Regency Productions for a feature film development deal.

Read about the filmmakers and the inspiration behind their projects, and stay tuned for the grand prize winner announcement on December 10, 2014.

You can see the full list of finalists and watch the films at The Escapist Magazine, but here's a taste of the budding talent discovered by PROTOTYPE, dubbed as hopefuls in redefining the path to Hollywood acclaim:

POLIS: "Set in the distant future, POLIS is a sci-fi thriller about David Porter, a young telepath whose search for his mother threatens to uncover a utopian society's horrifying secrets." The original story was written by up-and-coming screenwriter Daniel Perea, and directed by Steven Illous, who has worked as a digital artist on "The Matrix" sequels.

SHUT-EYE: "Next Corp nears the launch of its greatest product ever: a mind app that removes our need for sleep.

But when the son of the CEO discovers horrifying side effects, he must choose whether or not to bring down the giant corporation that his father built." Co-written by screenwriter and actor Conal Byrne, and directed and co-written by Dan Bush.

Filmmaker Dan Bush's picture "The Signal" was released in theaters through Magnolia Pictures after premiering at Sundance Film Festival.

THE LIARS CHAIR: "An eloquent cowboy, four criminals, and a delicious bag of tortilla chips." Co-written by brothers Chris Marrs Piliero and Don Piliero, and directed by Chris Marrs Piliero.

Chris Piliero was the winner of the MTV VMA Breakthrough Video Award for "The Black Key's" video, "Tighten Up."