Call for Entries: 2009-10

Posted on 28th October 2009 with 2 Comments

The CrowdPeter ‘Magic’ Johnston’s 15 Second Film Festival is now gearing up to commission a production slate of thirty new-media nuggets and we’re looking for entries from writers and directors who think they’ve got what it takes to make a quarter-minute masterpiece.

As with previous years our budgets are modest (up to £500 per film) but the scope for artistic expression is enormous and, as all the selected films will form part of this year’s showcase in our New-Media Roadshow / touring mini-festival and /or online presentation, the exposure will be through the gosh-darned roof.

So, if you want to enter an idea to be considered for a commission, here’s what we need from you.

1. A script or clear story synopsis + suggested tagline. Obvious I know, but we need to have the idea written down.
2. Storyboards with sound and dialogue below.
3. A shot list.
4. A 200-word statement of the director or writer’s intentions.
5. A CV / Resume stating your nationality and where in the world you’re currently residing.

Being friends to all humanity, the scheme is open to film-makers everywhere and we encourage applications from anyone, anywhere.

The Films:.

We’re looking for exciting, dynamic, moving, amusing, happy, sad, upbeat, downbeat and left-field pieces in any genre you please. We do however have a few conditions.

1. You must not use any film materials, music or copyrighted characters you don’t personally own or have the licence to use. So no ‘Star Wars’ fan films, pieces based on Beatles songs or re-purposed sequences from your favourite movies.

2. Any music you do commission from others for your film must be fully cleared. We will provide you with a basic Rights agreement for your composer as well as all other (simplified) paperwork needed for cast, crew, actors, editors, writers etc etc.

3. Running time. We’re serious about the 15 second time limit but we do allow, outside from the main body of the film, up to 10 seconds for titles and credits. The titles and credits are there for “creative elbow-room”. You can have 2 seconds of titles and 8 seconds of credits… or 10 and none… or none and 10… it’s up to you. You can also use text over picture with sound. When your film is shown in a program with other 15 Second Films the audience has to dial-in and dial-out of your film very quickly indeed. We allow one ‘cheat’… you can trim-off up to two seconds of credits to provide an end ‘sting’, or poignant moment. We also request that each film be topped and tailed by 2.5 seconds of black bumpers. So you’ll submit a finished item of exactly 30 seconds of length. Clear?

Formats:

Being modern forward thinking techno-savvy media types we’d naturally prefer every film to be shot and delivered in 16:9 on full 1080 HD. If however you have a pressing artistic need to shoot it in standard def or in a different aspect ratio, we can be convinced.

Production:

We will facilitate production insurance for all shoots, though this will not extend to unlicensed use of pyrotechnics, wilful criminal damage or anything that’s patently dangerous, immoral or nutso-cuckoo. Film-makers will need to provide complete risk assessments for their shoots. We can, where necessary assist in this process.

And, whilst we endeavour to provide camera rentals wherever possible, those with access to their own camera equipment are encouraged to use it.

We will also be providing, if necessary, editing facilities and post-production assistance.

Applications should be sent to info@15SecondFilmFestival.com with the words “15SFF Application” in the subject heading. We’re constantly looking for 15 Second Film ideas and are always willing to look at applications.

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