How do I get started?
Decide if you want to make the movie alone or with friends. Choose an entry category carefully and start planning the kind of movie you would like to make. Work on a script / screenplay / storyboard. Download and read the official handbook here.
Is there a time limit for the movies?
No, there is no time limit for movies in any category. However, we recommend aiming to make your final movie between 2 and 10 minutes long.
How do I enter my completed movie?
The entire entry process is completely online this year.
- Upload your finished video to YouTube or any video-hosting website (Vimeo, SchoolTube, etc), your personal website, or an online file hosting service.
- Fill out the online entry form available here and click Submit.
All entries must be submitted between October 3rd and December 31st, 2011.
What is the difference between a student-produced and class-produced movie?
For a “student produced” movie, students do all the writing, directing, camera work and editing in their own time and with their own resources. In a “class produced” movie, the teacher will instigate and oversee the project with the whole class taking different roles in the process.
How many entrants can be included on a student-produced entry?
You can make your movie with as many friends as you like - however, only 6 students total can be officially recognized and included in the entry submission.
How much parental involvement is allowed?
Let the Film Festival be a learning experience for the student. By all means offer physical and technical support, particularly to younger entrants, but encourage the student to make the decisions and guide the vision of the film. Entries which have been guided and directed by the parent are apparent, and will be judged accordingly.
What is the Weekend Challenge?
In the Weekend Challenge category you must make your movie, from start to finish, over one weekend. The weekend this year is Friday, Dec 2nd to Monday, Dec 5th 2011. Details will be given regarding what lines, props and/or features need to appear in the movie at 4pm on Friday, Dec 2nd from this website.
ENTRIES IN THIS CATEGORY MUST BE SUBMITTED USING THE ONLINE ENTRY FORM BY 4PM, MONDAY DEC 5TH 2011! NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED!
What is the People's Choice Award?
The People's Choice Award is presented to the finalist video which receives the greatest number of online votes over a one week period. Voting this year is open 9am Monday, Feb 13th - 9am Monday, Feb 20th 2012. Voting is limited to one vote per person, per day. The link to voting will be available from the Film Festival website.
Winner(s) of the People's Choice Award will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on March 1st, 2012 and will receive a special prize!
How will I know if I am selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be announced at 6am on Friday, January 27th, 2012.
All entrants will be notified by email if they have been named finalists. A complete list of all finalists will also be available online from this website at 6am on that day.
How can I improve the quality of my video?
Resources are available from the Film Festival website with hints and tips to improve the look and quality of any movie.
Additionally, here are three main technical areas which can help drastically improve the quality of any entry:
- Use a tripod where possible!
- Make sure you have good lighting - as much light as possible is better. Make sure the light is behind the camera, not in front of it.
- Get the best audio you can - use headphones to monitor sound if your camera has a headphone jack, get close to the sound source so that it can be heard clearly, and if possible, use an external microphone.
How can I get help uploading my video?
The easiest way to upload your video is through YouTube at www.youtube.com. For more information on creating a free YouTube account and uploading videos please visit www.google.com/support/youtube/
How can I get other questions answered?
If you have any further questions not answered here, please do not hesitate to email Matt Hill, Keller ISD Coordinator of Media Production, at matt.hill@kellerisd.net