Guide to Entering Film Competitions
Updated January 2023
The primary aim of the Society is to encourage and support the creation of amateur films. To achieve this, we regularly organize competitions throughout the year, providing a platform for participants to showcase their work in a friendly yet competitive environment. These competitions help foster the growth and improvement of video-making within the community.
Several competitions are held at regular intervals throughout the year, each with specific themes, conditions, and trophy titles as outlined in the events list posted on the clubroom noticeboard. All subscribing members are invited to compete for the awards and trophies listed there.
Usage:
- Copyrighted material can be used and will be uploaded to YouTube. Winning entries will be displayed on the website.
- All footage used in films should generally be no older than two years unless older footage is required to support the current story.
- Videos longer than 20 minutes will only be shown if there is enough time in the competition slot. Members may agree to an exception by majority vote, considering the impact on subsequent entries.
Originality:
- Videos must be at least 85% of the creator’s work, with no more than 15% sourced from external materials or downloaded from the internet. This rule does not apply to footage used in editing competitions. However, if copyrighted music or video is used, the entry will not be uploaded to any website.
Collaborations:
- Individual entrants may receive help from one other person during the filming and/or editing process.
- To be eligible for the ELF Shield (a group competition), each entry must involve at least three individuals in the production.
Entry Process:
- Entries must be submitted on the official entry form, available from the box next to the clubroom noticeboard or via the website. The form should include details such as running time, presentation format, and a brief synopsis.
- Entries must be submitted by 7:45 PM on the evening of the competition. Late entries may be rejected.
- Online entries (including forms and/or film uploads) must be received by 5:00 PM on the day of the competition. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Judging and Awards:
- Competition winners and runners-up are determined by audience vote. In the case of a tie (for both first and second place), the trophy will be shared between the winners for six months.
- The final competition of the year is the Movie of the Year contest, where all films shown in the year’s previous competitions are eligible. The winner receives the Broussa Trophy, and the runner-up is awarded the Perkins Cup. Judging for this event will be done by an external panel of at least two people.
- Because of the volume of submissions, entry forms for the Movie of the Year competition must be submitted to the Competition Secretary at least fourteen days before the competition, with video submissions received seven days prior.
Trophy Conditions:
- Winners must return their trophies in good condition at least fourteen days before the next competition. Any damage or loss will be the responsibility of the holder, who will be required to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Video Library:
- Winners and runners-up are asked to provide a copy of their video (on disc, tape, flash drive, or media card) for inclusion in the Society’s library. The copyright remains with the creator(s), but with the creator’s permission, the video may be selected for re-showing in other club programs, presented at external events, or entered in competitions organized by other amateur filmmaking societies or institutions.