Will the finished films get aired on WCAT or any other community media center?

Yes; provided that the film is not in violation of any of WCAT's rules and procedures.  Winning films will also be posted on the web.

Are Community Media Staff and Board of Director's Eligable to be part of a team?

Yes; however,  doing so may cause your team to have to be entered into the "Professional" Division.  See the checklist on the registration page.  WCAT staff and board of director's are ineligable.

I am a business in town and would like to support the Flash Film Festival.  Is there a way I can help?

Of Course; contact our PR department for more information.  pr@wakefieldflashfilmfestival.com

Does the maximum length of the film include credits?

No. Your film maybe 7 minutes long plus one minute of credits.

What about beginning credits?

Opening Credits are allowed and do not count against credit time.  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 close 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 remove the credits the movie should still feel complete.

I know stock film and video is not allowed.  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 one week 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 one week 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 one week 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 one week, or footage rendered during the one week. However, special effects that involve footage not shot during the one week 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? Widescreen? Suround Sound?

Your film will be shown in Standard Definition in stereo or mono with an aspect ratio of 4:3. So you may shoot in HD, in widescreen, or in surround sound, but the film will not be projected that way. We require you to submit a Standard Definition, letterboxed, stereo or mono version of your film—anything else can lead to problems during our mastering process.

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

No, only the team leader needs to sign it (and turn it in at the Kickoff). However, everyone who works on the film must sign the Liability Waiver form. See the documents page for more details.

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.

If the "required character" is audible off screen—like on the other end of a phone conversation—does that count?

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 audience can infer who the character is, he/she doesn't need to be further identified.

C/o: Wakefield Community Access Television, 24 Hemlock Road, Wakefield MA 01880

781-224-0300, info@wakefieldflashfilmfestival.com