Rules

 

Contest Rules

  • The entrance fee is $25 per team until December 25th. $50 until two weeks prior to the contest date.  $75 until the contest.
  • Teams are given 54 hours (from the end of the Inception meeting till Drop-Off) to script, shoot, and edit their 4-7 minute short film.
  • At the Inception meeting, teams will be given their genre and three elements: an action, prop, and line of dialogue.  These elements must be used in the team’s short film.  Failure to do so will lead to disqualification from awards.
  • 24 hours into the competition, teams will receive a call or email from the "executive producer" who will ask them to add in a 4th element.  Failure to add in this element will only disqualify the short from receiving the "Curve Ball" award.
  • Only one representative from each team (the Team Leader) needs to be at the Inception meeting, though more are welcome to come.
  • All content for your film must be created during the 54 hours of competition.
  • All content must be suitable for a PG-13 rating.  No nudity, excessive vulgarity, or excessive gore.  If you have a question about specific content, contact a 54 Film Fest representative about it.
  • A 54 Film Fest representative will be at the CTV Drop-Off two hours before competition end (10pm till Midnight).
  • Late turn-ins will be accepted and screened, but will be disqualified for all awards.
  • No talent or crew member may be paid.  You can still buy them food!

 

Format

  • Films should be turned in as digital files (it will be screened in the same resolution you turn it in as).
  • h.264 preferred, but all files compatible with Compressor are accepted.
  • Flash drives preferred, but DVDs and other storage devices are accepted.
  • It is a good idea to turn in two copies--a primary and a back up--of your film.
  • Teams can have +30 seconds of credits for a maximum length of 7:30.

 

Production Materials

  • All release forms must be filled out completely and turned in at the Drop-Off with your film.
  • The Team Leader Agreement must be turned in at the Inception Meeting.
  • Only use original material, or material you have permission to use.  If the copyright is in question, a 54 Film Fest representative will contact you regarding the issue.
  • Use of copyright material without permission is grounds for disqualification from the screening and awards.

 

Screening

  • The screening will be at a local theater; specifics can be found on the homepage of each city.
  • Tickets will be available for $8 a piece or $15 for both screenings in cities that require it.
  • Team leaders will receive one free ticket.

 

Judging

    The following individual categories will be judged by industry professionals:

    • Best Directing
    • Best Editing
    • Best Sound Track
    • Best Audio Mix
    • Best Production Design
    • Best Wardrobe
    • Best Make-Up
    • Best Special Effects
    • Best Visual Effects
    • Best Cinematography
    • Best Writing
    • Best Actor
    • Best Actress
    • Best Supporting Actor
    • Best Supporting Actress
    • Best Child Actor
    • Best Child Actress

      The following will be judged by 54 Film Fest:

      • Best Use of Action
      • Best Use of Prop
      • Best Use of Dialogue
      • The Curve Ball Award

      All films will be screened in private before a diverse audience prior to the Screening.  This audience will judge the Best Film based on entertainment value alone.

      Award Ceremony

      The award ceremony will follow the Screening.