THE SCOUT 2020 OPEN CALL FOR DOCUMENTARY FILMS ON OCEAN CONSERVATION & THE ENVIRONMENT

Scout is delighted to launch an open call for short and feature-length documentary films focused on ocean conservation and the environment.

This is an opportunity for one or more filmmakers aged 24 and under to receive an invitation to screen their work at The New England Aquarium's Simons Theatre, and participate in a panel discussion on April 16th, 2020. We dedicate this category to raise awareness and encourage dialogue about the environment and the ocean in a changing climate.

DEADLINE: February 20, 2020.
Submit exclusively through FilmFreeway.

ABOUT SCOUT:
Scout Film Festival (Scout)—a 501c3 non-profit organization that produces an annual international event celebrating emerging filmmakers - aged 24 and under - through film. Our mission is to empower and connect filmmakers and audiences through a curated collection of diverse stories. Our team works to encourage creative thinking, connect emerging filmmakers with peers and industry leaders, and engage youth in making the world a better place through film.

Founded by Anna Colavito and cofounder Adriana Teresa Letorney with the vision of providing an international platform for young filmmakers to connect—Scout has developed into a global community network of thoughtful and creative thinkers; visual storytellers, industry professionals, and partner organizations. Together, we work to empower young filmmakers - future leaders.

Over 5000 filmmakers aged 24 and under from 105 countries have submitted their films.

Last year, we launched a Career Development Program that offers grants, workshops, and mentorships with award-winning film industry leaders. The Emerging Storytellers Grant is sponsored by Jurassic World's Writer and Director, Colin Trevorrow and is an opportunity for two emerging filmmakers to receive $5,000.00 in cash for the completion of a new short film or work in progress in one of two separate age categories; 18 and Under or 19 to 24.

Scout produces an annual international event that celebrates and empowers emerging filmmakers through film. The event presents films, workshops, talks, youth/emerging art and music networking events and receptions. Scout offers a platform for emerging voices and talent around the world, giving validity and strength to young people who focus their energy on building meaningful connections through their art, through film and storytelling.

Scout has a meaningful impact on our community of international artists, not just in their filmmaking abilities, but in their desire to take action in their communities, to be connected to like-minded peers, and to make a difference in the world. By collaborating with them in this way, we empower them to amplify the impact they are able to have. Scout offers a home where emerging storytellers become energized with access to resources, direction, opportunities, connectivity, support, and a community of like-minded peers.

Rules & Terms

NOTE: In an effort to streamline our screening and judging process, we have removed the Female Filmmaker specific submission "category". WE WILL STILL BE NOMINATING AND AWARDING A FEMALE FILMMAKER PRIZE. We are asking ALL FILMMAKERS to submit in the appropriate "AGE and FILM LENGTH CATEGORY" (i.e. 18 and Under Short Doc), you will then fill out our CUSTOM SUBMISSION FORM (a checkbox question followed by a written question) which will inform the Scout Staff in which additional "FESTIVAL CATEGORY" (i.e. Female Filmmaker, LGBTQIA+) we should consider the film for competition.

COMPLETE LIST OF Ocean Conservation and the Environment FILM AWARDS: Documentary Feature 18 and Under, Documentary Feature 19 to 24, Documentary Short 18 and Under, Documentary Short 19 to 24

ELIGIBILITY:
The contest is open to filmmakers 24 years old or under worldwide who have produced a short or feature film focused on OCEAN CONSERVATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT. Please read and be aware of the age requirement for each category. We have separate categories for entry open to filmmakers 18 and under, or for filmmakers between 19 and 24. The film’s writer(s) and/or director(s) must have been 18 and under OR between 19 and 24 years old while filming the project.
Entries received after the deadline set forth in these terms are ineligible, null, and void.
All music and other copyrighted material (images, videos, etc.) used in the films must be properly licensed. There are various resources that offer free music and images.
All films must be in English or subtitled in English.

HOW TO ENTER: Create a film of twenty (20) minutes or less in length (shorts) or 40 minutes and over (features) (unless another length limit is specified for the category).
Follow the instructions here on FilmFreeway to submit your Film.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: To submit your Film you will be required to provide your first and last name; birth date; indicate whether you are or identify as a female filmmaker; email address; and Film URL. The information you provide will be used only for contest administration and to contact contest winners. Your information will not be used for any other purpose or shared with any party not affiliated with the Festival and the Contest except to the extent permitted by law.

RULES FOR ENTRY:
- An Entry must be the original work of the Entrant, and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. If an Entry contains any material or elements that are not owned by the Entrant, and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, the Entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submitting such Entry, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the use and exhibition of the Entry by the Festival in the manner set forth in these Terms, including, without limitation, name and likeness permissions from any person who appears in or is identifiable in the Entry, music licenses and location releases.
- The Festival reserves the right to request proof of these permissions in a form acceptable to the Festival from any entrant at any time. Failure to provide such proof may, if requested, render Entry null and void.
- By submitting an Entry, the Entrant warrants and represents that he/she and any persons appearing or who are identifiable in the Entry consent to the submission and use of the Entry in the Contest and to its use as otherwise set forth herein.
- Any Entry not in English must contain English subtitles.
- By submitting an Entry, the Entrant acknowledges and agrees that the Festival may obtain many Entries in connection with this Contest, and that such Entries may be similar or identical in theme, idea, format or other respects to other Entries submitted in connection with this Contest. The Entrant waives any and all claims that any Entries and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or used by the Festival may be similar to the Entrant’s Entry, or that any compensation is due to the Entrant in connection with such other Entry or other works used by the Festival.
- By submitting your film, you agree to screen your film live at the festival, and online without a screening fee or any other compensation if selected.
- If the entrant, for any reason, prefers NOT to have their film made available on the public Scout Film Festival Showcase (Vimeo, Visura, streaming), the entrant is responsible for notifying the competition administrators. Such a decision will not compromise that film’s eligibility to win in its category.
- Selection of an entry to the Scout Film Festival grants Scout Film Festival the right to reproduce or utilize a portion of your entry, and your name and likeness for promotional purposes without compensation.
- Filmmakers are responsible for securing clearances or legal permission for the use of any copyrighted musical, cinematic, or literary materials.
- Submission of an entry to Scout Film Festival does not guarantee that a work will be shown at the Festival.
- Scout Film Festival reserves the right to refuse to screen any film online or at the festival.
- The winning films/filmmakers in each category will be announced in April 2020 online and/or at the awards reception.
- Participants and final winners will be chosen by the Festival on the merits of each entry in the Festival’s sole and absolute discretion.

NOTIFICATION OF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS AND WINNERS:
All official selections/filmmakers will be notified by the email address provided in the entry form. Changes in contact information may be made by contacting programming@scoutfilmfestival.org. If an official selection or winner does not respond to our outreach notification within ten (10) business days, another will be chosen. Failure to respond within the time frames listed above shall mean that the provisional winner forfeits the award.