No. Your film may be 7 minutes long plus 1 minute of credits.

Are credits in the beginning permissible and do they count against the credit time limit?

Opening credits are allowed and do not count against the credit time limit. However, they do count against the seven minutes of film. Remember, the audience is here to watch, not read.

Are we allowed to have footage under our closing credits?

Yes, however, the narrative must end before the closing credits begin. So outtakes, Ferris-Bueller-like antics, or bonus scenes are allowed. But if we removed the credits, the movie should still feel complete.

We're limited to using three cameras. Does a still camera count? And what about having a back-up camera?

A still camera does not count against the three camera limit. And you may have a fourth camera on standby in the event that one of your cameras goes down. However, you may not have more than three shooting cameras. (i.e., Three are shooting and a fourth is set up and ready to go awaiting word that one of the first cameras is finished-this is not allowed.)

I know that stock film and video footage is not permitted. What about stock photos?

If you have the rights to them, then stock photos are permitted. In other words, you may use photos not taken during the Film Challenge time period.

Is animation allowed?

Yes. However-while you may use still drawings created in anticipation of the Project-you may not use animations created ahead of time. That is, all "inbetweening" must be done during the Film Challenge time period. Downloading existing images and 3D objects is permissible, provided that you have full and permanent rights to them. Again, only animation created during the Film Challenge period is allowed. And, as with a live action film, you must have all rights to the animation you submit.

What about special effects? What's allowed?

You may use special effects that involve any of the allowed elements: still photographs, footage shot during the weekend, or footage rendered during the weekend. However, special effects that involve footage not shot during the weekend are prohibited. Some examples: Final Cut Pro's Cloud filter would be allowed, but Digital Juice's Smoke Revealers would not.

Should we shoot in HD? Should we shoot in widescreen?

You may now submit your film in HD and 16:9 widescreen.

*PREFERRED: a USB Flash Drive or data DVD with a self-contained Quicktime file with no proprietary codecs (unless otherwise listed. You must read this page before giving us a Quicktime file.)
This file can be SD or HD.
*If you submit a Quicktime it must be compressed with Motion JPEG A, Apple Pro Res 422, DV/DVCPro, DVCProHD, or H.264 (with a data rate of at least 16Mbps and in an .mov container instead of .mp4)
*Standard Def miniDV (We do not accept High Definition tapes - there are too many flavors to handle)
*Playable DVD
We recommend that each team submit two copies of the final film. If the Entry cannot be viewed on Challenge equipment, it may be disqualified.

May I submit my film on a hard drive?

No, we do not accept hard drives. Our accepted formats are detailed above.

Does every team member have to sign the Team Leader's Agreement?

No, only the team leader needs to sign it. However, everyone who works on the film must sign the Liability Waiver form. See the documents in the special Team Area for more details.

I was looking at the Wrap Up Form, and I'm still not sure what a logline is. Can you tell me more?

Read more about loglines here.

May we use SAG performers in our film?

Yes, but more paperwork is required. See the SAG documents in the Team Area for more details.

If we are working with someone out of state, can they fax or email us the release form?

Yes, please print it out and submit it along with your paperwork.

We have questions about Rumblefish music during our filmmaking weekend. What do we do?

Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We want to use public domain or royalty-free music or photographs. What do we do about the Music Release Form or the Materials Release Form?

Have the person who has the rights to the music or materials sign the release form. In the case of royalty-free materials, this is the person who purchased them. In the case of public domain materials, this could be anyone on the team. Please also include documentation that shows your rights to the music or materials, such as a license, a purchase receipt, or a statement by the author. Note: You may only use materials if the license granted to you allows for all forms of distribution.

Do I need a Location Release to shoot on public property?

No, but you may need a permit. We do not require you to prove to us that you received a permit, but you may be stopped from shooting or even fined if you do not have one. Please check with your local film commissioner.

Can I get a copy of the release forms that I turned in with my completed film or of the completed film itself?

Yes, we can mail them to you. To request a copy, please send a letter with the team name, the film name, the city, the year, and a check made out to the KDHX (to cover our costs). The check should be for $75 if you want just the paperwork, $100 if you want just the film, or $150 if you want both the film and the paperwork. Contact Doug or Kat with your request.

No, we must actually see the required character in some way on the screen. Remember, he/she need not be the star of the film, just make an appearance.

Does the required character have to say his name or wear a name tag?

As long as the judges can infer who the character is, he/she doesn't need to be further identified.