General Rules
Registration & Eligibility:
- This challenge is open to all.
- Teams must register on our website: https://www.cinematographyforactors.com/quarterly-film-challenge
- Free entry codes are given to members of the CFA community. Subscribe to our free newsletter to become a member and receive a code.
Team Composition:
- Individuals may submit films but we prefer collaboration amongst filmmakers.
- There is no limit to the number of participants per team, but all members must comply with the rules and terms.
- If an award or prize is won, you must know who on the team will be the official recipient.
3. Film Duration
The total running time (TRT) of each film, including credits, must not exceed 7 minutes.
4. Time Limit
Films must be shot and edited within the 72-hour period. Films can be written in advance but may require a change in character name or use of specific workflow or prop as outlined in the one-week-out breakdown.
5. Film Production:
- All footage must be shot during the 72-hour timeframe. Pre-existing footage or stock footage is not permitted.
- Films may be in any style, provided they adhere to the time and technical constraints.
6. One-Week-Out (OWO) Constraints:
- One week prior to the challenge start, each team will receive a breakdown of technical and practical constraints that must be incorporated into the film. This ensures all films adhere to the low-budget challenge parameters.
7. Gear Usage:
- Short-term gear loans, when made available, are available to CFA members who are subscribed to our newsletter. All equipment must be returned the day the challenge ends.
- Use of CFA-loaned gear is optional. Teams are responsible for the proper handling of any borrowed equipment. Insurance may be required.
8. Submission Requirements:
- Films must be submitted by the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Teams must provide a high-resolution file of their film and adhere to the file formats outlined in the official submission guidelines.
9. Originality & Rights:
- All work must be original, created by the team members.
- Teams must hold all rights to the music, scripts, and any other elements used in their film. Copyrighted material is prohibited unless you have written permission or signed releases.
10. Content Guidelines:
Films must not contain explicit content such as graphic violence, nudity, or offensive material. CFA reserves the right to disqualify films that violate these guidelines.
11. Wrap Party & Networking:
Following the challenge, all participants are invited to the wrap party, where networking and equipment demos from our partners will take place.
Terms & Conditions
1. Intellectual Property:
All intellectual property rights for the film remain with the creators. However, by entering the challenge, participants grant CFA and their sponsors the right to use the films for promotional purposes, including screening at events and sharing on social media and other platforms.
2. Liability:
- CFA is not responsible for any personal injury, damage to property, or loss of data during the production of films.
- Participants are responsible for securing necessary permits and releases for any filming locations or actors involved.
3. Disqualification:
- Any team found violating the rules, including late submissions, failure to follow the OWO constraints, or inappropriate content, will be disqualified.
4. Prize Eligibility:
- Teams must comply with all rules to be eligible for any prizes or recognition.
- Prizes will be announced prior to the challenge and may include gear, publicity, and mentorship opportunities.
