Full Competition Rules, Guidelines and Disclaimer
1 GENERAL
The 7th Edition of the Very Short Shorts Mobile Film Competition, presented by Green Screen - The Environmental Film Festival (the Organizer), will be open for submissions between June 5 and September 15 2024
The Organiser aims to motivate, inspire and promote filmmakers, regardless of their experience in the field of film and environmental awareness.
The Organiser intends to include selected submissions to the Very Short Shorts Film Competition in Green Screen 2024 and in the future. The Organiser also intends to include selected submissions in programming in festivals abroad in 2024 and in the future.
By entering Very Short Shorts Mobile Film Competition, the participant (hereafter referred to as “Participant”) accepts the following Regulations on behalf of him/herself and any crew members who may also participate.
2 CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
For General Submissions the contest is open to all persons aged 12 and above, resident in Trinidad and Tobago. Persons between 12 and 17 must have parental permission to submit.
2.1 SUBMITTING
Submitting a film or films to Very Short Shorts Mobile Film Competition is possible until September 15, 2024 at midnight Trinidad and Tobago time via filmfreeway.com. All participants are expected to complete the FilmFreeway form completely and truthfully.
2.2 EXCLUSION FROM THE CONTEST
The Organiser reserves the right to exclude from the contest Participants who have breached the Contest Regulations. Participants who attempt to disrupt the course of or manipulate the contest will also be excluded from participation.
The film must be shot entirely on a mobile device (smartphones, tablets, GoPro) in HD video.
DSLR, compact cameras or hybrid android cameras are not accepted.
Multiple mobile devices can be used, but no non mobile footage may be included.
Any software to edit video and audio as well as colour correction or special effects is allowed.
Use of additional equipment (professional or home-made) is allowed, including (but not limited to) external microphones, wide angle lens, lighting, tripod, broom handle etc
Copyrighted material is not accepted, unless there is a written permission to do so. The Organizer is not liable for any copyright material unlawfully used.
The film must be an original production. It may not infringe on the copyright, trademark or other rights of any individual.
Films must have full clearance for all content, including music.
No extreme violence, or content considered to be racist, sexist, homophobic or religiously intolerant is allowed.
3 FILMS
3.1 FORMATS
In order to submit a film, every participant must use filmfreeway.com. The best video format (codec) is Apple ProRes 4:2:2 Standard (not HQ or LT) or h.264. Both in a .mov wrapper.
MP4 is also accepted
If you are using another format or have trouble uploading, please contact us at veryshortshortsmobile@gmail.com
Several films can be submitted per filmmaker/crew.
All films must be not more than 60 seconds in length, excluding credits.
A film can be told in an unlimited number of 60 second episodes. However, each episode must stand on its own as an individual piece, independent of any other episodes. All episodes may not be selected for Green Screen or a competition prize.
3.2 FORMAL REGULATIONS
Films of all types and genres may be submitted to the contest. This includes documentary, narrative (Action, Drama, Comedy etc), experimental, musical or music video. A film entry participates in the competition once it is received before the entry deadline.
Creativity & Originality: Total 25 Points
• The story or premise is unique and well presented
• The film uses visuals, sound, acting, direction or other elements to convey a well
crafted message
• The film is fun, entertaining, or thought-provoking
Messaging: Total 30 Points
• The message is clear
• The message is directly related to the theme
• The message is persuasive
Content: Total 25 points
• There is good educational value in the film
• The film uses information or examples to inform the audience about a specific
issue and the information is connected to one or more UN SDGs. For more information on the UN SDGs visit this link - https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• The information is presented in an interesting or innovative way
Technical Quality: Total 20 points
• Lighting, sound & cinematography are well utilized
• Good editing is utilized
• The film flows from scene to scene
3.3 PRESENTATION AT GREEN SCREEN ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL
Providing they do not breach the conditions, selected films will be uploaded to social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Youtube as well as included in the digital and in person Green Screen Environmental Film Festival programme in 2023 and beyond. Of the selected films there will be three prize winners, selected by the Green Screen Jury scoring.
4 TRANSFERRAL OF RIGHTS TO THE ORGANISER
The Participant maintains at all times the rights to his/her film entry. However, he/she grants the Organiser the right to present the submitted film, make it publicly available, distribute it and make it available for third party viewing unrestrictedly in terms of location and frequency.
Furthermore, the Participant expressly agrees to his/her film being made public via the greenscreentt.com website, social media accounts, as well as the websites and media channels of our partners. If applicable, the Organiser will refer to or create links to the film in various publications or on the Internet.
4.1 THIRD PARTY DECLARATION OF CONSENT
By submitting a film, the Participant declares that he/she owns all rights (including all third-party rights) with regard to the submitted film. In the event that one or more persons are clearly recognisable, or sound/music of third parties can be heard in the film, those involved must agree that the film be made public. The respective declaration of consent must be made available if requested by the Organiser.
Should third parties nevertheless assert claims resulting from the infringement of their rights, the Participant declares the Organiser free from all said claims. The person who submits the film is solely responsible for its content (image, sound, data, texts etc.).
4.2 MUSIC RIGHTS
You must seek approval from COTT, or the producer, before using another person’s music. The Participant declares the Organiser free from all responsibilities regarding claims brought forward by COTT and/or other collecting societies in relation to the film created by that Participant.
4.3 RIGHTS TO ONE’S OWN PICTURE
By participating, the Participant agrees to photographs and recordings being made of his/her person throughout the contest process – particularly during the Award Ceremony – and those photographs and recordings to be published at greenscreen.film as well as on the Organiser’s Facebook page and in other publications. Furthermore, the Participant also agrees to his/her name being published at greenscreen.film as well as on the Organiser’s Facebook page and in other publications. The Participant also understands that his/her name may be published in connection with his/her photograph.
5 DATA PROTECTION
The Organiser does not pass on personal data to third parties unless the individual has given his/her explicit consent. The Organiser may pass on data to partners when necessary for the awarding of a prize.
6 LIABILITY
Claims for damages with regard to Very Short Shorts Mobile Film Competition against the Organiser are – to the extent legally permissible – excluded, irrespective of legal grounds unless the Organiser deliberately or grossly neglects its statutory duties.
7 FINAL PROVISIONS
Should a clause in these regulations be invalid or a legal loophole exist, the validity of the remaining clauses or the regulations as a whole remain unaffected. In the above-mentioned event, the missing or invalid clause shall be replaced by a valid clause that comes closest to the intended sense and purpose of the invalid or missing clause. The Organiser reserves the right to make decisions on all matters unforeseen by these regulations and, in special, vindicated cases, to make exceptions to these regulations.
The laws of Trinidad and Tobago apply.
