Create a 3-5 short film in under 12 hours on Saturday, September 30 from 9am to 9pm!
Films will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded at a special screening event on Thursday, October 5 at 6pm at CMAC. $500 for 1st prize, $250 for 2nd prize, and $100 for 3rd prize. Films 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 to certified CMAC members (you can become a member right here). The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 27.
Special elements are required to be in your short film. These elements (could be a theme, action, or prop) will be handed out in person at the kick-off on Saturday, September 30 between 8:30am and 9am. 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 signing-up and attending the kick-off to pick up the thematic elements for you film. There is no entry fee, it is free to participate.
Rules and FAQ
1. What is the CMAC 12 Hour Film Race?
It’s your chance to stop talking and start filming! The premise? Filmmaking teams have just 12 hours to make a short film. All writing, shooting, and editing must occur in a 12 hour window beginning Saturday, September 30 at 9am and ending the same day at 9pm. The following week, the completed films are screened 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 30 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 the “team leader”. You do not need to have your complete team or cast & crew before you register.
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 25 at 6pm for anyone interested in the 12 Hour Film Race, 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.
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 5 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. 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. 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 12-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 30. 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 12-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 30 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 30.
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 12 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 12 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 12 hours, or footage rendered during the 12 hours.
17. Do I need to subtitle my film?
If 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 Saturday, September 30. If you choose to upload, your upload must be completed by 9pm on Saturday, September 30.
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”.
