We’ll be announcing a new fest soon, and we’re trying to make it a bigger and better experience for both filmmakers and audiences.  If you have any suggestions, please drop us a line.  Best of luck to everyone.  We’ll see you next time.

Please read all rules carefully.  Films which do not strictly adhere to the rules as outlined below are subject to disqualification.  Although STXFA reserves the right to modify and/or clarify rules until October 7, 2012, once rules are set for a particular fest they will not be changed.  Rules may change from fest to fest, so please read all rules and guidelines for the current film fest before producing or submitting your film.  Please check www.stxfilm.com for rule updates or ask organizers if you are uncertain about any of the rules.

The Dead Will Walk
To be considered for participation in Zombie Fest, films must focus on the depiction of the resurrection of the dead.     How the characters deal with the resurrecting dead should also be the  primary conflict in the story.

The film may be in any genre: Action, Comedy, Horror, Drama, Sci-fi, etc. as long as the above theme requirements are met.

Zombie film examples are endless:  “Night of the Living Dead”, “The Re-Animator”, “Shaun of the Dead”, “Resident Evil”, “28 Days  Later”, “Dawn of the Dead”, “Day of the Dead”, etc.

PRODUCTION DATES AND DEADLINE

Zombie Fest films must be made between August 28th, 2012 and October 20th,  2012.  Films produced before or after these dates are not eligible for competition in the fest.

Deadline for entries is October 20, 2012 at 11:59pm Central Daylight Time (GMT -5).

QUALIFYING COMPONENTS FOR FILMS

1.  Required Element. Films must include any one of the three following elements.  Characters in the film must handle the prop in an obvious and conspicuous way in at least one scene in the film.   Choose any of these three elements:

HATCHET. This should be self-explanatory.  A hand-held implement with a broad, steel blade used for chopping wood.KEROSENE LANTERN. Any metal and glass lantern utilizing liquid fuel and a  wick to feed and control a flame.  Battery or electronic powered lanterns will not be acceptable. 

BIO-HAZARD CONTAINER. A case or container of any kind that is clearly marked with a traditional Bio-Hazard label.  If the film entry is in color, the label must be either yellow and black or red and black.  Contents of the container do not have to be shown, but one of the characters must interact with the container.

2. Leader. Every film must be preceded by an official Zombie Fest film leader.  Leaders will be provided by the South Texas Film Alliance and will be available for download at www.stxfilm.com at least two weeks before the deadline.  Leaders must not be visually modified in any way.

3. Running Time. There is no minimum length for films.  We’d like to see strong, compelling stories.  If filmmakers feel they can tell that story in 30 seconds, that’s fine.  However, films must run no longer than 10 minutes!  Maximum!  Filmmakers should aim for a running length of 8 minutes.  We are providing 2 “grace minutes” for this fest.  (Future fests may have just 1 grace minute and a shorter running length, so please read the rules carefully!)  Films that run just ONE FRAME over the 10 minute time limit will be disqualified!  Please don’t test us on this.

NOTE:  The length of the leader does not count toward the total running time of the film.  Each filmmaker has 10 minutes plus the length of the leader, which will usually run 10 to 30 seconds.

4. Film Title/Credits. All Zombie Fest films must include a title which must appear at some point during the film duration.  We would also strongly encourage filmmakers to include at least 30 seconds of credits.  However, credits are not required, as they will count toward the 10 minute time limit.

5. Rating/Content. Zombie Fest films must have an equivalent MPAA rating of “R” or lower. Please refer to mpaa.org for general guidelines or ask us before submitting if you’re unsure.  Please use common sense.  Excessive, sustained violence and gore, sex or graphic nudity may not qualify as an R-Rating.  South Texas Film Alliance reserves the right to not screen any film we feel is inappropriate, regardless of rating.

6. Copyright. No copyright violations will be allowed.  All material in Zombie Fest films must be royalty-free, licensed, public domain, or completely original.  This includes music, sound effects, script/story, artwork, or any other elements where an outside party may own a copyright.  It is the filmmaker’s responsibility to secure all necessary release/permission forms during production.  We assume absolutely no liability for copyright violations.  All films will be pre-screened and we will use our best effort to ensure there are no copyright violations prior to the public screening.  Any film known to have a copyright violation will be removed from the festival and will not be eligible for any awards.

7. Promotional Trailer. Filmmakers must submit a 30-second or 60-second promotional trailer for their film.  This should be an accurate representation of the  film entry and should be compelling enough to make the audience want to see the film.  We would like to have trailers that are just 30 seconds in duration.  However, trailers may be 60 seconds if needed.    The trailer (and poster) must be submitted before the deadline, just like the film.  Trailers will not be judged and will not affect how the films are scored, but they are required for the film to qualify!

Trailers MUST BE EXACTLY either 30 or 60 seconds!  We want to keep all trailers consistent, and will not accept trailers shorter than 30 seconds, longer than 60 seconds, or any length that falls between 30 and 60 seconds.

8. Poster. A poster must also be submitted with each Zombie Fest entry.  Poster dimensions must be 1280px (Wide) x 1986px (High), 150 dpi or 300 dpi.  These are the same dimensions as a standard one sheet (27” x 40”), but on a much smaller scale.  Like the trailers, posters will not be judged and do not count in the scoring, but they must be submitted prior to the fest deadline.  A poster can be as simple as the title of your film against a solid color, as long as it measures the proper dimensions.

We want to keep all posters consistent.  Do not create posters that deviate from these dimensions, or make the poster landscape rather than portrait.Acceptable file formats include: .psd, .pdf, .jpg, .png, or 24-bit .bmp. 

File size should be no larger than 5MB.

ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS

1. Number of submissions. Each filmmaker may enter up to two (2) films.  However, they must be separate films, not two parts of the same film or story.  There will be no limit on the number of films filmmakers can collaborate on, and we would strongly encourage filmmakers to collaborate on multiple films.

2. Public exhibition of entries. Zombie Fest films, in whole or in part, may not be publicly exhibited in any form prior to the conclusion of the fest.  This includes posting footage on the internet and also applies to trailers.  To clarify, no moving images (even cut scenes, unused footage, trailers, bloopers, etc.) may be publicly exhibited prior to the conclusion of the festival.  Any footage from a Zombie Fest film that is publicly exhibited will disqualify the entry from competition, and the entry will not be eligible for any prizes, awards, or acknowledgments.

Exceptions:

STFXA may run television or online advertisements promoting Zombie Fest.  The fest organizers may use at their discretion selected clips from certain entries.  This is for promotional purposes and the clips will be selected by the organizers only.Filmmakers may use still frames from their entry to promote their film anywhere. Photos of cast and crew or taken on the film set are also acceptable. 

Video footage of interviews, cast/crew profiles, or behind the scenes activities is also acceptable.  However, any video footage must be from “behind the scenes” only and not directly feature fictional elements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Entry Fee. There are no film submission fees for Zombie Fest.  Like our previous fests, participation is free and open to the public.  We would like to encourage all filmmakers to produce quality films and enjoy the filmmaking process.

2. Eligibility. Zombie Fest is open to anyone from any country.  Films may be produced in any language.  However, if the films are in a language other than English, they must be subtitled in English.

3. License. By submitting an entry to Zombie Fest, filmmakers agree to grant South Texas Film Alliance the non-exclusive right to use their film and trailer to promote the festival, to screen the entry publicly, and to include the entry in a DVD should there be a DVD produced.

UPLOADING OF FILM ENTRIES

Instruction on uploading films will be posted on www.stxfilm.com by October 12, 2012.  The upload link will remain active until the submission deadline passes.  Filmmakers are encouraged to upload films as early as possible, allowing them time to make adjustments to their entry should there be a rule compliance violation.  Filmmaker will be allowed to make necessary changes and re-upload their entry up until the deadline.

JUDGING/VOTING

Films will be judged on quality and originality.  We are looking for strong storytelling skills and high production value.  Judges will provide detailed feedback on all screened entries and scores will be provided to filmmakers upon request.  As in any art form, opinions about a particular film may be subjective.  We would like to keep Zombie Fest, and any subsequent fests, a fun experience for everyone.  We make every effort to remain fair and unbiased.  Genuine concerns about judging/fairness will be addressed in future fests.  However, during the current fest all judge’s decisions are final.

We provide filmmakers their scores as a source of reference for possible improvement in their filmmaking skills and why (according to the judges) their film placed where it did.  Judging scores will only be provided to the corresponding filmmaker, and will only be provided if requested by the filmmaker.

The audience at the screening will also have a chance to vote.  Films with the highest vote average will be recognized as the “Audience Favorite.”

Acknowledgements awarded for Zombie Fest are as follows:  Best Film (1^st Place), Best Film (2^nd Place), Best Film (3^rd Place), Best Fight Sequence,  Audience Favorite Award. As we move forward, future fest may recognize additional categories (Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Music, etc.)  No award categories will be added during a running fest.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS

If there are any issues we have not addressed here please let us know.  Visit www.stxfilm.com for current contact information.

The Touch of Fear
To be considered for participation in Fright Fest, your film must be designed to frighten the audience. Not as easy as it may seem, but you can choose to do the “slow churn” or the classic “jump scares”.  Ghosts, spirits, stalkers, and monsters of every kind…  The fear can come through things natural or unnatural, but the prevailing mood or atmosphere of your film must be that of impending dread.

The theme of fear could be incorporated into any most any genre, though it may be really difficult to retain its effectiveness in a comedy.

Examples of Hollywood films with this theme include:  “Insidious”, “Paranormal Activity”, “Halloween”, “Friday the 13th”, “The Exorcist”, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, etc.

PRODUCTION DATES AND DEADLINE

Fright Fest films must be produced between August 21, 2011 and October 21, 2011.  Films produced before or after these dates are not eligible for the fest.

Deadline for entries is October 21, 2011 at 11:00pm Central Daylight Time (GMT -5).

QUALIFYING COMPONENTS FOR FILMS

1.  Required Element. Films must include either one of the two following elements.  Characters in the film must use the prop for its intended purpose in at least one scene in the film.   Choose either of these two elements:

WIND CHIMES. No explanation needed.  Free hanging “chimes” that make pretty sounds when disturbed by the wind.  If you use this prop, make sure they’re chiming when they appear in your film.

ROCKING CHAIR. Again, no explanation should be required.  A chair mounted on curved supports that allow it to rock back and forth.  As with the chimes, the chair should be seen in action, either with a character sitting on it or entirely on its own.

2. Leader. Every film must be preceded by an official Fright Fest film leader.  Leaders will be provided by the South Texas Film Alliance and will be available for download at www.stxfilm.com at least two weeks before the deadline.  Leaders must not be visually modified in any way.

3. Running Time. Films must run no longer than 10 minutes!  Maximum!  Filmmakers should aim for a running length of 8-9 minutes.  Films that run just ONE FRAME over the 10 minute time limit will be disqualified!  Please don’t test us on this. There is no minimum length for films.

NOTE:  The length of the leader does not count toward the total running time of the film.  Each filmmaker has 10 minutes plus the length of the leader, which will usually run 8 and 20 seconds.

4. Film Title/Credits. All Fright Fest films must include a title which must appear at some point during the film duration.  We would also strongly encourage filmmakers to include at least 30 seconds of credits.  However, credits are not required, as they will count toward the 10 minute time limit.

5. Rating/Content. Fright Fest films must have an equivalent MPAA rating of “R” or lower. If you’re unsure whether your content falls within that parameter, ask before submitting your film.  Remember to use common sense.  Excessive, sustained violence and gore, sex or graphic nudity may not qualify as an R-Rating.  South Texas Film Alliance reserves the right to not screen any film we feel is inappropriate, regardless of rating.

6. Copyright. No copyright violations will be allowed.  All material in Fright Fest films must be royalty-free, licensed, public domain, or completely original.  This includes music, sound effects, script/story, artwork, or any other elements where an outside party may own a copyright.  It is the filmmaker’s responsibility to secure all necessary release/permission forms during production.  We assume absolutely no liability for copyright violations.  All films will be pre-screened and we will use our best effort to ensure there are no copyright violations prior to the public screening.  Any film known to have a copyright violation will be removed from the festival and will not be eligible for any awards.

7. Promotional Trailer. Filmmakers must submit a 30-second or 60-second promotional trailer for their film.  This should be an accurate representation of the film entry and should be compelling enough to make the audience want to see the film.  We would like to have trailers that are just 30 seconds in duration.  However, trailers may be 60 seconds if needed.    The trailer (and poster) must be submitted before the deadline, just like the film.  Trailers will not be judged and will not affect how the films are scored, but they are required for the film to qualify!

Trailers MUST BE EXACTLY either 30 or 60 seconds!  We want to keep all trailers consistent, and will not accept trailers shorter than 30 seconds, longer than 60 seconds, or any length that falls between 30 and 60 seconds.

Trailers should be encoded in the H.264 codec, just as the film entry, and should not exceed 30MB

8. Poster. A poster must also be submitted with each Fright Fest entry.  Poster dimensions must be 1280px (Wide) x 1986px (High), 150 dpi.  These are the same dimensions as a standard one sheet (27” x 40”), but on a much smaller scale.  Like the trailers, posters will not be judged and do not count in the scoring, but they must be submitted prior to the fest deadline.  A poster can be as simple as the title of your film against a solid color, as long as it measures the proper dimensions.

We want to keep all posters consistent.  Do not create posters that deviate from these dimensions, or make the poster landscape rather than portrait.

Acceptable file formats include: .psd, .pdf, .jpg, .png, or 24-bit .bmp. File size should be no larger than 5MB.

ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS

1. Number of submissions. Each filmmaker may enter up to two (2) films.  However, they must be separate films, not two parts of the same story.  There will be no limit on the number of films filmmakers can collaborate on, and we would strongly encourage filmmakers to collaborate with other artists.

2. Public exhibition of entries. Fright Fest films, in whole or in part, may not be publicly exhibited in any form prior to the conclusion of Fright Fest.  This includes posting footage on the internet and also applies to trailers.  To clarify, no moving images (even cut scenes, unused footage, trailers, bloopers, etc.) may be publicly exhibited prior to the conclusion of the festival.  Any footage from a Fright Fest film that is publicly exhibited will disqualify the entry from competition, and the entry will not be eligible for any prizes, awards, or acknowledgments.

Exceptions:

STFXA may run television or online advertisements promoting Fright Fest.  The fest organizers may use at their discretion selected clips from certain entries.  This is for promotional purposes and the clips will be selected by the organizers only.

Filmmakers may use still frames from their entry to promote their film anywhere. Photos of cast and crew or taken on the film set are also acceptable. Video footage of interviews, cast/crew profiles, or behind the scenes activities is also acceptable.  However, any video footage must be from “behind the scenes” only and not directly feature fictional elements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Entry Fee. There is no entry fee for film submissions.  Like our previous fests, participation is free and open to the public.  We would like to encourage all filmmakers to produce quality films and enjoy the filmmaking process.

2. Eligibility. Fright Fest is open to anyone from any country.  Films may be produced in any language.  However, if the films are in a language other than english, they must be subtitled in english.

3. License. By submitting an entry to Fright Fest, filmmakers agree to grant South Texas Film Alliance the non-exclusive right to use their film and trailer to promote the festival, to screen the entry publicly, and to include the entry in a DVD should there be a DVD produced.

UPLOADING OF FILM ENTRIES

Instruction on uploading films will be posted on www.stxfilm.com by October 12, 2011.  The upload link will remain active until the submission deadline passes.  Filmmakers are encouraged to upload films as early as possible.  This will allow time to make adjustments to an entry and re-upload should there be a rule compliance violation.  Filmmaker will be allowed to make necessary changes and re-upload their entry up until the deadline.  Films that don’t make the deadline may still be screened as an exhibition film, but will not be eligible for prizes or awards.

JUDGING/VOTING

Films will be judged on quality and originality.  We are looking for strong storytelling skills and high production value.  Judges will provide detailed feedback on all screened entries and scores will be provided to filmmakers upon request.  As in any art form, opinions about a particular film may be subjective.  We would like to keep Fright Fest, and any subsequent fests, a fun experience for everyone.  We make every effort to remain fair and unbiased.  Genuine concerns about judging/fairness will be addressed in future fests.  However, during the current fest all judge’s decisions are final.

We provide filmmakers their scores as a source of reference for possible improvement in their filmmaking skills and why (according to the judges) their film placed where it did.  Judging scores will only be provided to the corresponding filmmaker, and will only be provided if requested by the filmmaker.

The audience at the screening will also have a chance to vote.  Films with the highest vote average will be recognized as the “Audience Favorite.” Acknowledgements awarded for Fright Fest are as follows:  Best Film (1^st Place), Best Film (2^nd Place), Best Film (3^rd Place),  Audience Favorite Award. As we move forward, future fest may recognize additional categories (Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Music, etc.)  No award categories will be added during a running fest.

PRIZES

Although we don’t like to discuss it, we’ve always awarded cash prizes.  We would hope that participants in these fests have an interest in growing as storytellers and expanding their skill set, and we always enjoy rewarding good work.  Prizes, if any, will be determined by the number of entries received and the quality of the films.  No prizes will be awarded in a fest with less than 10 entries.   We strongly encourage filmmakers to make use of as much time as is allowed by a running fest and submit the best work they can.

Download rules in PDF format. (Right click and “Save As”)

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS

If there are any issues we have not addressed here please let us know.

We are working on supplemental content for our currently running film festical, and we’ll be announcing calls for actors, models, and visual artists to assist in these projects.

If you would like to learn more about HauntFest, we will be holding a meeting with interested filmmkers and artists the second week of September.  Announcements coming soon…