Short Film Submission and Other Rules:
ELIGIBILITY:
-Films must align with the festival’s focus on independent short films, micro-shorts, and ultra-shorts, with a runtime of 10 minutes or less.
-No "no later than..." date is set for production completions. If it's "in the can," we want to see it, no matter the year it was completed.
-If your submission premiered or was shown at previous festivals before this event. We still want it.
-Your film should showcase clear visuals, clean audio, thoughtful editing, and cohesive storytelling that reflects effort, creativity, and cinematic production value.
-Submissions must adhere to professional standards such as format, clear dialogue, sound design, and proper licensing for all materials used.
While technical perfection isn’t required, originality and authentic cinematic intention are essential for your work to stand out.
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CATEGORIES:
The festival will accept submissions in the following categories, all limited to 10 minutes or less:
-Animation
-Comedy
-Narrative
-Horror
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SUBMISSION FORMAT:
-Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, or DCP.
-Submissions must include an online screener link (e.g., Vimeo or FilmFreeway) or meet physical media requirements.
-Non-English films MUST include English subtitles.
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ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird Deadline: $3
Regular Deadline: $5
Late Deadline: $8
Gold Member Discounts: Separate pricing is available.
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All Films that are accepted into the festival will be required to send their films in DCP Format to screen at the Village Theaters North in Big Bear California.
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OWNERSHIP AND RIGHTS:
-Submitters must own the rights to their films, including permissions for all music, images, and copyrighted materials.
-Submissions must not infringe upon the rights of any third party.
-By submitting, you affirm that you own the rights to every aspect of the film and will assume responsibility for any stolen or copyright infringement claims.
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SELECTION PROCESS:
All accepted films will be notified of their selection status a week after entries close - at the latest.
-We will do our best to notify filmmakers of the status of rejected or disqualified films by January 5th, but it is not guaranteed.
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DISQUALIFICATION:
Grounds for disqualification include late submissions, incomplete applications, or plagiarism.
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SUBMITTER RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Delivery of Materials: Selected filmmakers MUST provide their final format (DCP files) for screening.
-Promotional materials (e.g., posters, stills, trailers) must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Big Bear Little Festival will email you upon acceptance with these deadlines.
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ATTENDANCE:
-Filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival.
-No travel stipends or accommodations will be provided unless explicitly stated.
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PROMOTION:
By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use clips, trailers, or images for promotional purposes.
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RIGHTS RETENTION:
Filmmakers retain full ownership of their films, but the festival reserves non-exclusive rights to screen them during the event.
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Festival Rules
Code of Conduct: All attendees and participants must behave respectfully during the event.
Screening Rights:
The festival holds exclusive screening rights to the submitted films for the duration of the event.
Cancellation or Changes:
The festival reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or alter the format of screenings due to unforeseen circumstances.
Liability:
-The festival is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen materials during submission or attendance.
-Participants agree to indemnify the festival against any legal claims from their films.
Logistical Terms
Venue Requirements:
-The festival will be held at Village Theaters North in Big Bear Lake, California.
-Attendees must adhere to all theater rules and regulations.
-The venue's capacity is 115 seats. Safety protocols and accessibility guidelines will be enforced.
Sponsorship and Partnerships:
SURGE is proud to partner with Village Theaters North for this event.
Press and Media:
Filmmakers agree to participate in press events, interviews, or panels as required.
The festival reserves the right to media coverage, including photos and videos of the event and its attendees.
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SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS RULES & TERMS
**Important Guidelines:**
- All submissions must be the original work of the writer.
- Adaptations are not accepted.
- Scripts that have been optioned, produced, or distributed are NOT eligible.
- Scripts that have been submitted to other contests ARE eligible.
- Revised drafts must be submitted as new entries with a new fee.
- Writers may submit multiple scripts, but each entry requires its own submission fee.
- Scripts must be written in English.
- All submission fees are non-refundable.
**What We Accept:**
- Short screenplays (5-15 pages)
- Micro scripts (1-5 pages)
- PDF format only
- Standard screenplay formatting only
- A compelling concept
- Strong voice and clarity of writing
- Emotional and thematic impact
- Powerful cinematic visual storytelling
- Effective character development in a short format
- Writers retain all rights to their work
- By submitting, writers grant the festival permission to list the script title, writer's name, laurels, and placement in promotional material
- Contest ratings and internal notes are not shared.
