REGISTRATION & SUBMISSION PROCESS
DVMISSION Whitstable Arts Festival 48 Hour Film Challenge is open for submissions on 1st July 2024.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO REGISTER
1. Read the RULES & FAQ (see below) and make sure you understand what the requirements are for a successful entry into the DVMISSION 48 Hour Film Challenge.
2. Teams should then set up a FilmFreeway.com profile in the name of your lead contact or team (if you don’t already have a team name then time to get creative). Then set up a project to submit in your TEAM NAME.
3. Provide contact details for at least one team member including phone and email address.
4. Select DVMISSION from the list of festivals on FilmFreeway.com and start the submission process which will register your team in the challenge. Make sure you submit your project with your TEAM NAME as its title.
5. You should pay the entry fee and provide contact details for the lead team member.
6. Once you have received the ‘acceptance email’ your participation in the challenge is confirmed.
7. The initial submission and registration process must be completed at least 4 days before the date of the challenge weekend start line after which we will longer accept applicants for the challenge.
8. Now sit tight, and get the ‘obstructions’ (these will be released via our social media channels so you need to be following us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram or sign up to receive notifications via the website).
9. Make your film over the challenge weekend and complete the submissions process by uploading your film along with your press kit following instructions on FilmFreeway.com.
10. You should then receive an email confirming your film has been accepted for the competition in the next couple of days (assuming you have followed the rules and you are intending to be at the premier night in person).
11. Information about how to book tickets for the DVMISSION PRESENTS gala screening and awards night will be emailed with details of how to access and purchase these closer to the event.
12. Start planning your outfit and remember there is going to be a dress code!
13. Have fun and enjoy the after-party.
The DVMISSION rules and FAQ should answer all of your questions and tell you all you need to know about taking part in a DVMISSION 48 Hour Film Challenge.
FAQ
- Does DVMISSION cost anything?
DVMISSION is a not-for-profit event. Everyone gives their time for free from filmmakers to organisers. However, it still costs to put the event on and to manage the organisation throughout the year. For this reason, there is a charge for teams to enter the challenge. This entry fee can be paid through PayPal when you apply through Filmfreeway.com. We may also be charging an entry fee at the premiere night to pay for venue hire fees, awards, PA and Projector hire and so on.
Tickets to the DVMISSION PRESENTS event include entry to the Premier Film Screening, Awards Ceremony, and to the Infamous After-party.
- Who can enter?
We have had teams enter from all walks of life. We welcome amateur, independent and professional filmmakers. UK, international, local, distant, interplanetary or inter-solar, anyone can take part. You can use any kit from; mobile phones, and domestic DV cameras to pro kit such as REDs, Black Magics or you can even shoot on film if you want to.
- Do I have to come to awards night venue to enter the challenge?
You don’t have to be in Whitstable to cross the start and finish lines. However, we do request that you come to Whitstable for DVMISSION PRESENTS.
- So how does it all work?
The 'Challenge Start Line' will be at 5pm on the Friday night of the challenge weekend and the ‘obstructions’ (i.e. title, genre and line of dialogue) will be announced via email and social media channels so you should ensure you are following us somewhere somehow. If necessary, arrangements can be made to phone you the ‘obstructions’.
The 'Challenge Finish Line' will be at 5pm on the Sunday night of the challenge weekend. In order to finish you must start uploading your film to FILMFREEWAY.COM before the 5pm deadline.
- Why come to DVMISSION PRESENTS?
Meet all the teams, watch the films, pick up an award at the glitzy award ceremony and blow off some steam at the infamous after party. It has been described as 'the Sex Pistols meets the Oscars', 'its better than Christmas!' It is the highlight of the whole event.
- How old do I need to be to enter?
At least one team member must be 16 or older (additional actors can be any age) however you should be aware that some films shown at the premier may include adult themes or content that may not, in some cases be suitable for children (that said we have never had a problem with young people taking part in the past).
- How many people are there in a team?
Your team can have as many members as you wish. The application form asks for one main contact for MISSION updates though you can add more. Your contact details will not be passed on to third parties.
- What if I just want to come to DVMISSION PRESENTS?
We welcome audience members to DVMISSION PRESENTS. It's a great evening with lots of energy and excitement. If you are interested in the cutting edge of independent film production, this is the place to be.
- Do I have to dress up to come to DVMISSION PRESENTS?
Oh yes! Costume de rigueur for carnival: themed, blinged, cocktail, black tie, white tie, posh frocks, mysticore, my little pony. But interpret the dress code as you wish. We have seen everything from Vivian Westwood to Mohawks and kilts. We also have prizes for the best dressed in response to the theme/genre.
DVMISSION Rules:
i) All teams must register a profile with FILMFREEWAY.COM and upload a finished 2-minute film by 5pm on the Sunday of the challenge weekend. Films should be submitted as H264, MP4, ideally in 1080P and in a standard film ratio. (4:3, 16:9 or cinema wide)
ii) Your film will only be eligible to be screened and for awards, if you attend the DVMISSION PRESENTS event the Saturday following the challenge weekend.
iii) DVMISSION does not offer refunds on team registration so please don’t ask.
iv) You will be required to submit a press kit and contact details for at least one team member with your submission (see submission guidelines on FILMFREEWAY.COM).
v) At least one team member must be 16 or older (additional actors can be any age).
vi) You will be issued with a series of 'obstructions' i.e. a film title, genre and line of dialogue that must be used in your film.
vii) Your film must be no longer than 2 minutes including titles and credits. If your film does not meet this time limit, it might still be accepted, but it will be ineligible for an award.
viii) All films will be viewed first by the judges and if deemed unsuitable for screening they will not be entered. Unsuitable refers to but is not limited to, anything racist, explicitly sexual, explicitly violent or with strong drug connotations. The judge’s decision is final.
ix) If we feel you have cheated by “padding” your film with work you have prepared in advance, we will disqualify you. It is at the judge’s discretion as to what is 'padded'.
x) In submitting your film to DVMISSION you acknowledge that you hold all licensing and copyright permission for all the material used in your film (including any actors and any sound effects or music). Any breach of copyright will mean your film cannot be accepted for the competition.
xi) By entering the competition you agree to license DVMISSION to show your film at the premiere night and in the future including public screenings, online, broadcast and other media channels and platforms, worldwide, in perpetuity. We may not be able to contact you if we do show your film in the future and your film may be edited by a third party. DVMISSION reserves the right to use your film to raise funds for future DVMISSION Challenges.
NOTE: ANYONE CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE CHALLENGE!
