Dome Fest West

I. Submission Formats
A. Submit your film in Fisheye/Fulldome format via FilmFreeway. For Live Experiences and Pitch Competition entries, HD video and PDF formats are accepted through FilmFreeway. We do not accept DVDs or physical hard drives.

II. Complete Entry Requirements
A. Your entry packet must include:
i. A complete online screener in fulldome 1:1 fisheye format embedded in your FilmFreeway submission.
ii. For Live Experiences: A screener formatted to best represent your performance. This may include 16:9 video, close-ups, wide-angle shots, and fulldome or equirectangular formats.
iii. For Pitch Competition: Submit a ninety (90) second video pitching your original fulldome film idea. The pitch must not exceed ninety (90) seconds. Additionally, provide an up to fifteen (15) page sample deck that includes art, writing examples, and a budget, ensuring all elements match the pitch concept.
B. Required Information in FilmFreeway Submission:
i. Film title and synopsis
ii. Complete credits (producer, director, cast, and artists)
iii. Headshot and bio of the director or producer
iv. Submission fee (paid through FilmFreeway)
v. Digital Press Kit including:
- 5 high-resolution JPEG stills from the film
- 5 behind-the-scenes stills
C. Important: Dome Fest West is not responsible for any incorrect information provided in your submission. Ensure all details are accurate.

III. Separate Submissions for Multiple Categories
A. Each film must be submitted separately. If you select more than one category for your film, you must pay the full entry fee for each category.

IV. Student Films
A. Include a copy of a current student ID or proof of current enrollment. Upload this to FilmFreeway or email it to students@DomeFestWest.com.

V. Submission Deadlines
A. Submit your complete entry by the following deadlines:
i. Early Deadline: October 4, 2024
ii. Regular Deadline: November 22, 2024
iii. Late Deadline: December 20, 2024
iv. Last Call Deadline: January 17, 2025

VI. Works in Progress
A. We do not encourage submissions of works in progress. Your submission will be juried as received.

VII. Film Completion Date
A. To qualify for the 2025 Dome Fest West, films in all categories must have been completed after January 1, 2023.

VIII. Previous Screenings
A. Films that have screened at previous Dome Fest West events are ineligible for re-entry, including projects completed after the January 1, 2023 deadline.

IX. Screening Fees
A. Films selected as official entries for the 2025 festival will not be eligible for screening fees.

X. Promotional Use Authorization
A. By submitting your film, you authorize Dome Fest West to use, distribute, and share film segments, the film poster, trailer, synopsis, and stills in our social media and promotional events directly tied to the festival and authorized partner festivals.

XI. Official Selection Requirements
A. Official selection filmmakers must provide a digital file of their film or live dome experience for festival screenings. Required file format:
i. Resolution: 4k x 4k
ii. Format: H.264 or H.265 with fisheye/fulldome mapping (detailed encoding instructions will be provided upon selection).

XII. Live Fulldome Performance Submissions
A. Submit a recording of your live performance, between 15 and 120 minutes in length, including credits and titles.
B. Technical Requirements:
i. Resolution: Minimum 1920x1080 for HD video, 2048x2048 for fulldome format. Higher resolutions are welcome.
ii. Audio: Stereo or 5.1 surround sound audio formats accepted.

XIII. Live Interactive Experience Submissions
A. Entries must allow audiences to directly influence the dome display. Any genre or type is accepted.
B. Technical Requirements:
i. Output: Capable of HDMI output with the fulldome image centered in the frame, resolution of 3840x2160, and a frame rate of 30fps.
ii. Audio: Not required but encouraged.
C. If you have specific compatibility questions, contact our team at Submissions@DomeFestWest.com.

XIV. Pitch Competition Submissions
A. Pitch Competition Submissions must include the following three parts:
i. Submit a 90-second video pitching your original fulldome film idea. The pitch must not exceed 90 seconds.
ii. Provide a sample deck of up to 15 pages that includes art, writing examples, and a budget, ensuring all elements match the pitch concept.
B. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, contact our team at Pitch@DomeFestWest.com.

XV. Costs for Digital Transfer
A. If your film is selected, you must cover the cost of transferring digital copies of festival screeners to the Festival. Live experience entrants may be invited to perform at Dome Fest West by special invitation.

XVI. Legal Authority and Permissions
A. By submitting, you confirm you have the legal authority to submit the film and use all music, images, and content included. You allow usage of clips from your film for promotional purposes on television, radio, print, and at live Festival events.

XVII. Third-Party Consent
A. By submitting, you confirm you have obtained all necessary permissions from any third parties involved. If additional consent is required, all parties must agree to this submission.

XVIII. Best of Earth Awards
A. All submissions will be included in the Best of Earth awards competition. Partner festivals may include Fulldome Festival (Jena, Germany), Dome Under Festival (Melbourne, Australia), Fulldome UK (Plymouth, UK), SAT Fest (Montréal, Canada), and others. Films screened at these events will not be eligible for screening fees.

XIX. Copyright and Liability
A. By submitting, you confirm that your film does not violate any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights. All necessary releases for music, images, content, and talent must be obtained by the filmmaker. Dome Fest West is not liable for any copyright infringement or unauthorized use.