Requirements

 

1.Single Entry: Only one film per Contestant. 

 

2. Short Film Duration: Maximum running time of 5 minutes.

 

3. Storyboard Submission:

    A storyboard, either digitally rendered or hand-drawn, must be submitted prior to the competition by March 25 deadline. 

    Storyboards should be printed and cannot be displayed on a tablet/screen. 

    Storyboards are not still from the film but rather original visual representations of the planned film. 

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4. Format: The film should be submitted in MP4 format.

    Films can be submitted on a standard DVD for local competitions hosted at a facility requiring DVD usage. 

    Contestants must ensure video playback on a DVD prior to competition. 

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5. Running Time: Maximum running time of 5 minutes, excluding closing credits. 

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6. National Competition: Advancing contestants will need to upload their film. 

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7. Playback: A playback unit will be provided

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8. Original Footage: All footage must be original and shot by the contestant. Stock footage or licensed material is not permitted. 

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Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

 

• Creative (25 pts)

        1. Storyboard (10 pts)

             How effectively did the competitor execute the ideas presented on the storyboard in their piece?

       

        2. Originality (15 pts)

             Did the competitor try to challenge him/herself to do something different and interesting?  

             Did he or she have a new and interesting way of retelling an old story/concept?         

             Creativity of approach or concept.

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• Production (35 pts)

​        1. Direction/Structure (25 pts)

             The use of camera, choice of shots to help convey the story, framing, camera movement, clarity of story.

 

        2. Use of light (10 pts)

            Are actors and/or environment lit effectively?

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• Sound (15 pts)

​       1. Use of audio effects /music (10 pts)

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      2. Audibility (5pts)

          Is dialogue audible?

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• Post Production (25 pts)

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      1. Editing (20 pts)

          Approach in editing to tell the story more effectively.

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      2. Titles. (5 pts)