SUBMISSION REGULATIONS
It is important that you read the following regulations carefully prior to submitting or making enquiries.
HERVEY BAY FILM FESTIVAL ("HBFF")
Submission regulations for Hervey Bay Film Festival (“festival”)
These regulations govern all submissions for consideration for the festival and you (“you” or “submitter”) are required to read the regulations to confirm your understanding and acceptance of these regulations prior to submission of any films.
HBFF reserves the right to alter these regulations at any time without notice.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Submission deadlines are to be announced and are subject to change without notice.
GENRES AND CATEGORIES
Short Film
Films whose runtime is 40 minutes and 29 seconds or less (inc. credits).
Feature Film
This category is for any film whose runtime is a minimum 40 minutes and 30 seconds or more (including credits).
Australian
This category is for films were a minimum of 50% applies to:
* A film’s total film funding for development or production is from Australian sources.
* A minimum of 50% of the film was shot in Australia.
* A minimum of 50% of the post-production work was done in Australia.
* The film is an Australian co-production.
International
All films not under the 'Australian' category by default.
Experimental
For films without a conventional plot or storyline. This category is subjective, and the Festival
reserves the right to classify any film at its discretion.
Episodic
For films presented as an existing or intended multi-episode format. Submissions limited to one screener. Any follow on episodes to be presented for consideration - additional fees may apply.
IN CONSIDERATION OF ALL CATEGORIES:
HBFF reserves the right to change any category and the Submitter will be required to pay the fee increase or receive part-refund before the film is considered. Failure to pay an increased fee will result in the submission's rejection with any paid fees forfeited.
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PAYMENT
The submission fee:
* To be made in USD as collected by FilmFreeway and is payable by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, UnionPay or PayPal. Payments will only be accepted via FilmFreeway.
* Fees cannot be waived (NO EXCEPTIONS)
* Fees cannot be discounted.
Important note:
HBFF cannot provide refunds for submissions that do not meet HBFF eligibility criteria or are deemed to be disqualified under HBFF regulations. Any films submitted without payment will not be accepted and the submission will be automatically disqualified.
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PREVIEW SCREENER FORMATS
HBFF does not accept screeners in physical format - we accept online screeners only.
Submitted films to be:
* Uploaded directly to FilmFreeway via their Secure Online Screener system.
* Supplied as a password-protected Vimeo link/unlisted YouTube link entered into the FilmFreeway online application form.
IMPORTANT
* HBFF does not accept screeners via email.
* The submitter is responsible for the timely supply of passwords and any changes via email. Without the correct password submissions will be disqualified.
* The submitter is responsible for any privacy or other settings that inhibit access to films.
* Allow embedding/select 'Anywhere' on Vimeo where required so HBFF can view the film via Freeway.
* Failure to supply/grant necessary permissions will result in the submission's rejection with any paid fees forfeited.
XR PREVIEW SCREENER FORMATS
360-degree video to be uploaded to FilmFreeway as a downloadable file.
Other experiences to be sent as a downloadable link emailed to connect(at)hbff.com.au. Ensure the email subject line includes the Tracking Number assigned to the submission by FilmFreeway.
Submissions must be received by HBFF by dates listed. If submissions are not received by appropriate deadlines, the submission will be disqualified and fees paid will be forfeited.
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ELIGIBILTY
All submissions must meet the following requirements to be eligible.
* Films submitted to be completed after 1 January 2023.
* Films must not have been/will not be publicly screened, distributed or exhibited in a physical location or broadcast on television within the state of Queensland, Australia.
(exceptions include private screenings for cast, crew, investors and graduation screenings.)
* Films are not/or will not be available commercially online and accessible from the state of Queensland, Australia - be it for free/via on-demand services prior to HBFF 2024 dates.
* Digital and online festival screenings may be permitted when screenings are geoblocked for Australian viewers.
* Films to be in their original language and subtitles supplied if the original language is not in English.
NOTES:
HBFF reserves the right to reject any submissions without reason. These Terms & Conditions can change at any time without notice.
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AUTHORISED USE
It is the sole responsibility of the Submitter to:
* Secure all legal permission from any rights holders of all copyrighted and trademarked content and materials included within the film.
* To clear all content within the film from all actual or potential legal claims and issues without limitation, including claims based on defamation, libel, theft of trade secrets, invasion of privacy, violation of rights of publicity, breach of confidence, breach of confidential relationship, and breach of express or implied contract - including Third Party Claims.
HBFF will not be held responsible for any unauthorised inclusion of content within submissions, including:
* All possible copyrighted and/or trademarked content or materials relating to or within the submitted project, any content or materials that are/may become potential disputes for any Third Party Claim/s for trademark infringement/copyright infringement, trademark dilution or unfair competition.
* Any materials or content relating to or within submissions that are, or may potentially be the basis for Third Party Claim/s.
If it is in the opinion of HBBF, that there may be potentially unauthorised inclusion of materials within a submitted film, HBFF reserves the right unreservedly to exclude that film from there Festival, leading to any fees paid forfeited.
Works-in-Progess/Rough Cuts
HBFF may accept submissions of WIPs when the following conditions are met:
* The submission to be at picture-lock stage - as a minimum.
* The Submitter agrees that the WIP/rough cut is the only version that may be submitted. (HBFF will not accept further cuts of the film.)
We want to help you get your film screened. If you have any queries, please email connect(at)hbff.com.au and we will see if we can help.
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SELECTION PROCESS
* Your submission to HBFF grants us the right to select your film for any exhibition formats: in-cinema screenings and/or digital exhibition.
* Festival programmers invite and select all films presented at HBFF.
* When a film is selected to screen at HBFF 2024, the submitter must make it available in one of the following formats:
SHORTS AND FEATURES
35mm
16mm
DCP (Digital Cinema Package - DCI Compliant)
Pro-Res
Other video format in accordance with HBFF’s requirements
XR (VR, MR, AR)
HTC VIVE
Meta/Oculus
360-degree video (for playback through Gear VR)
Mobile application
If your film is selected for in-cinema and digital exhibition, it is to be made available in materials appropriate for both settings.
We request the Submitter supply closed captions and/or audio description to enable the film to be viewed by audiences with access requirements.
If the film is selected, the Submitter must provide three digital copies of stills from the film and send via email or WeTransfer. Image spec: 300dpi JPEGs.
Submitters may provide electronic Press Kits (EPKs), director headshots, digital posters and social media handles.
HBFF may foward/supply promotional content to third parties to promote the film and HBFF. Your supplied content may be used in print publications, print products, online media, websites, mobile applications, HBFF and third party social media channels. Content provided on the basis it will remain available in perpetuity worldwide.
HBFF cannot guarantee photographer/creator credits/attributions within printed or digital media.
HBFF does not provide feedback or critical analysis.
By submitting your film you accept that HBFF’s selection decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into. HBFF full Terms & Conditions apply.
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AWARDS ELIGIBILITY
By submitting your film to HBFF, you accept that your film may be considered for several specific feature or shorts award categories within the festival - and placed accordingly.
At all times, the HBFF Awards and the Short Film Competition Regulations apply.
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CORRESPONDANCCE
Correspondence from HBFF regarding FilmFreeway submissions will be sent via FilmFreeway - to the email address of the Submitter, alternatively, emails may be sent through third-party email campaign software.
We recommend you do not unsubscribe from HBFF communications, or you may miss important news and key updates.
HBFF takes precautions to ensure messages are sent and received, however HBFF disavows all responsibility for messages not sent/delivered to the email address supplied.
Submitters must regularly log in to FilmFreeway to keep up with progress on your submission: payments, screener uploads and your film's status.
