The CMAC Film Race 2018 is an 60 hour film race where participants write, shoot, edit, and deliver a 3-5 minute short film before the deadline.
Films will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded at a special screening event on Thursday, October 6 at 7:30pm at CMAC. This year we will have two divisions: Professional (more than 50% of your income comes from video/media work) and Aspiring (amateur or student filmmakers). There will be three prizes for each division: $500 for 1st prize, $250 for 2nd prize, and $100 for 3rd prize. Your film will be judged on quality, not how fast you finish it.
This competition is open to the public. A limited amount of video production equipment will be available for check-out for certified CMAC members (you can become a member right here).
Special elements are required to be in your short film. These elements (a theme, action, and prop) will be handed out in person at the race kick-off on Saturday, September 22, 2018 between 8:30am and 9am at CMAC. You can sign-up for the race as an individual or part of a team. Each team must have a team leader, this person will be responsible for filling out the registration form. At least one member of your team must attend the kick-off to pick up the special elements for you film. There is no entry fee, it is free to participate!
Watch last year’s 12 Hour Film Race films here.
Rules and FAQ
1. What is the CMAC Film Race 2018?
It’s your chance to stop talking and start filming! The premise? Filmmaking teams have just 60 hours to make a short film. All writing, shooting, and editing must occur in a 60 hour window beginning Saturday, September 22 at 9 a.m. and ending Monday, September 24 at 9 p.m. On Thursday, October 6 at 7:30pm, the completed films are screened at CMAC to a public audience.
2. How much does it cost?
There’s no entry fee, it’s absolutely free.
3. Can I use my own camera?
Yes, we encourage you to use your own camera and other video equipment. You can even shoot your film with your phone! If you need equipment or an editing computer, a limited amount will be available for CMAC certified members to reserve on a first-come, first-serve basis (see question #19).
4. What are the films about?
That’s up to the filmmaker; however, each team will be given a theme, action, or prop (which must be incorporated into your film). You’ll receive a packet containing your team’s special elements between 8:30am and 9am, before the start of the race, on Saturday, September 22 at CMAC.
5. Who can participate?
The race is open to all filmmakers, pro and novice alike. All team members (crew and cast) must be volunteers. To register, you only need the name of your designated “team leader”. You do not need to have your complete team or cast & crew before you register. Teams will register in either the “Professional” or “Aspiring” divisions. If anyone on your team is a professional, then you must sign-up in the “Professional” division. A professional is defined as someone whose annual income (at least 50%) comes from video/media related work.
6. Is there a limit to the number of people on a team?
Nope. Your team can consist of 1 person or 20 people. There’s no limit.
7. I would like to participate but I don’t have a team. How can I join a team?
You can be a team of 1! Or ask your friends or family if they want to help. You can also join our “CMAC Community” group on Facebook and see if anyone is looking for team members. We’re having an optional informational meeting at CMAC on Monday, September 17 at 6pm for anyone interested in the CMAC Film Race 2018, you might find a team member there.
8. Am I allowed to be on more than one team?
Yes, but that’s going to require some crazy scheduling. Good luck!
9. How long should my film be?
The films are short; they must be a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes long. This includes any opening or closing credits and team logos, but not the required CMAC Film Race 2018 title card.
10. Where and when will the films be shown?
All films submitted within the time period and meeting all the rules will be screened at a special event on Thursday, October 4 at 6pm at CMAC. The films will also be aired on CMAC’s Public Channel on Comcast 93 and AT&T 99 at a later date.
11. What will I win?
The top prize is $500. 2nd place is $250. 3rd place is $100 per division. Checks will be made out to the team leader and can be split amongst the team however you wish. But if “winning” means having a great time, you’ll definitely be a winner. Taxes on prizes awarded in the contest, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner or winners, and CMAC shall bear no liability with respect to same.
12. How will the films be judged?
The films will be judged by a committee of CMAC’s board of directors and staff. The judges will use the following criteria: 30% Story (Writing, Originality, Character, and Plot Development); 25% How The Story Is Told (Directing, Editing, and Cinematography); 25% Production Value (Technical Ability Including Picture, Sound and Lighting); and 20% Acting.
13. Can I use footage I already shot?
No! All production and creative work relating to your film must take place ONLY during the 60-hour period. This includes, but is not limited to, script writing, shooting, editing, sound design, animation, and special effects. No work may commence until the kick-off at 9am on September 22. Pre-recorded music and sound effects may be used as long as you have rights to said material. CMAC reserves the right to determine whether any production work has taken place at any time other than within the required 60-hour window.
14. What kind of preparations am I allowed to do?
The ONLY work that may take place on PRIOR to the kick-off at 9am on September 22 is (A) the organizing of cast members and crew members; (B) the securing of equipment; (C) the scouting and securing of locations; (D) costume and set design; (E) coming up with story ideas, just keep in mind that you will need to include a theme, prop or action, and that won’t be determined until the kick-off at 9am on September 22.
15. Can I use stock footage?
Stock video footage of people or other performers is not allowed. You may use stock footage if it is part of a rendered post-production effect or on a background screen or television and the stock footage is placed over or under footage that is shot within the 60 hours.
16. Is animation or visual effects allowed?
Yes. However you may not use animation created before the race begins. Using existing 3D objects is permissible, provided that you have full and permanent rights to them. Only animation created during the 60 hour period is allowed. You may use special effects that involve any of the allowed elements that you have rights to: still photographs, footage shot during the 60 hours, or footage rendered during the 60 hours.
17. Do I need to subtitle my film?
If dialogue in your film is not in English, you will need to include English subtitles.
18. How do I deliver my completed film?
Completed films should be uploaded to CMAC’s Dropbox account (a link will be provided to all registered teams) or delivered in person at CMAC on a hard drive or flash drive by 9pm on Monday, September 24. If you choose to upload, your upload must be completed by 9pm on Monday, September 24.
19. Can I use CMAC equipment to make my film?
Yes, however CMAC equipment can only be used by certified CMAC members. This includes any portable field equipment and editing computers. Equipment reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. Reserve early! One camera is allowed per team.
20. Can I shoot inside CMAC’s studio or facility?
No. Due to the number of teams involved and the short time period, you can not shoot inside CMAC’s studio or facility.
21. Does every team member have to fill out the registration form?
No, only the team leader needs to fill it out.
22. 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. You should obtain a location release if you are shooting on private property.
23. Do I need Talent Releases?
Yes. We do not require you to submit these to us, however you should have a talent release for everyone that appears in your film. CMAC reserves the right to request talent and location releases.
24. Can I use copyrighted music or materials in my film?
No. You must have permission or ownership for all music and materials in your film. CMAC reserves the right to request proof of permission to use any copyrighted material.
25. Is music or materials from Creative Commons allowed?
Yes, you may use Creative Commons music or materials that are “Attribution Only”.
26. Do I need a title card?
Yes! You are required to include a title card that we will provide to you at the start of the race. The title card must appear before anything else at the very beginning of your film for five (5) seconds. Use your editor of choice to include your team name and list of special elements.
Email info@cmac.tv with any other questions.
