Film Racing | frequently asked questions

A. If you let us know at least 7 days before the film race begins, we will refund 100% of your entry fee. If you let us know by 10PM on the Tuesday before the film race (72 hours before the race), we will refund 75% of your entry fee. If you let us know within 72 hours we will refund 50% of your entry fee. We can't offer any refunds once the film race begins. The reason for this policy is because we need to put a limit on the number of teams that register by the entry deadline since we reserve theater space ahead of time. Thus, a team that withdraws at the last minute most likely prevents another team from participating.

THEME & SURPRISE ELEMENT ASSIGNMENT

Q. How do we receive the Theme Assignment?

A. All teams that register for the competition will receive an e-mail at 10PM sharp on Friday night with the Theme and Surprise Element assignment. In addition, the theme and surprise element assignment will be posted here on filmracing.com.

Q. How closely do we have to follow the Theme assignment in our film?

A. The plot of your film must revolve around the Theme. Examples of past Themes are "Revenge", "Bad Advice" and "Spare Change".

Q. What is the Surprise Element?

A. The Surprise Element can be a prop (a toothbrush) or an action (A Slap) that must be used at some point in your film.

THE FILMS

Q. What is the maximum length of the films?

A. The maximum length of the films is three minutes and thirty seconds (3:30) in duration, from picture start to picture end. The maximum length of credits is thirty seconds (0:30). Credits are not considered part of 3:30 duration of the film mentioned above. So, a film can be three minutes and thirty seconds long (3:30) with an additional thirty seconds (0:30) of credits, for a total running time of Four minutes (4:00). There is no minimum length.

Q. What format do we have to submit the film on?

A. The required formats for your film are (1) mini-DV (NTSC), (2) DVD – playable in a standard DVD player, and (3) QuickTime DV File – uncompressed, supplied on a DVD-ROM (DATA DVD). It is highly recommended to include backups, in case the film submitted has issues. So, if you submit on DVD, it is a very good idea to submit at least 1 backup in a different format (mini-DV or QuickTime DV File burned on a DVD-ROM).

Q. What Aspect Ratio is required for the films?

A. The films will be screened in 16:9 aspect ratio. You may shoot in other aspect ratios, but we highly recommend letterboxing the film to 16:9 so your film won't appear distorted at the screenings.

Q. Can we shoot on film? Can we shoot in High Definition (HD)?

A. You may shoot the film any way you like as long as you submit your finished film on mini-DV (NTSC), DVD, or Quicktime DV File on DVD-ROM. Also know that the films will not be projected in HD.

RELEASES

Q. What music can we use in the films?

A. Any music used in the film must have express written consent in the form of a music release from the owner / composer of the music. If you have someone composing an original soundtrack for the film, you need their release. If you have song from a friend’s band, you need their release. If you have a song from a royalty free program or website, you need to provide paperwork that shows that it is royalty free. Music releases can be downloaded for each city.

Q. Do I need to provide talent releases for extras? What about people walking by in the background?

A. You will need to provide talent releases for any person in your film that is recognizable or has a speaking role. Regarding background shots in public places with many people, use your best judgment but it is usually not required to get a talent release if the person is not recognizable.

Q. Can we use still images in our films that were taken before the competition?

A. Yes, but you must have the rights to the images you are using. If you are using an old picture, you will need a talent release for any of the people depicted in the picture.

Q. Do I need to provide a location release if I am shooting in my own apartment?

A. We require location releases from the owner for all of your interior shots. If you own the location, then you should sign the location release. If your landlord owns the building, then he should sign the release. If you are shooting inside a recognizable location, such as a McDonalds or a restaurant, you will also need the release from the owner.

Q. Do I need to provide releases for exterior locations (i.e. city streets, public parks, etc.)?

A. We don’t require paperwork for exterior locations, but we strongly recommend you research what is legal and illegal by going to your city's governing film office. For example, you will definitely need a permit if you want to shoot in the middle of a busy street at 3PM. If you want to shoot handheld footage in a public park, you will probably not need a permit. Make sure to research everything through your city's film office.

DEADLINE / LATE FILMS

Q. What happens if I submit my film a few minutes past the deadline?

A. Your film will be officially labeled as late. All films submitted late, up until midnight (2 hours after the submission deadline), will still be screened and will also be eligible for the audience award, but will not be eligible for any prizes. So, if it's approaching 10PM, you aren't happy with how your film is looking, and you are more concerned with screening your film than the prizes...we recommend taking the extra two hours to sharpen up your film and make sure to get's in by midnight.

Q. Can we submit revised films for the screenings? What if it's only minor color and sound corrections?

A. Only films submitted by 11PM will be screened. No matter how minor the changes, we can't screen films that come in after 11PM due to the fact that we immediately start reeling the films for the screening. So, make sure to test your film before dropping it off!

SCREENINGS & ONLINE FILMS

Q. Who can come to the screenings? Do I get free tickets?

A. The screenings are open to the public, so anyone may come. Each team that registers receive 2 complimentary tickets to the screening. Additional tickets must be purchased and are sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Q. Can we choose what time our film screens?

A. When you drop off your film, you will be able to choose a preferred screening time for your film. The time slot is not guaranteed, but we will do our best to place your film in the screening of your choice.

Q. Which films will be streamed on filmracing.com?

A. The winners are guaranteed to be streamed on filmracing.com, and additional films may be streamed at the discretion of Film Racing.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Q. What awards are given for the films?

A. For each city, individual awards include : Best Film, Best Direction, Best Writing, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Music Score, Best Sound Design, and Best Guerilla Short. There are also Audience Awards at each screening. The Best Film in each city compete against each other for thousands in prizes and the title of "Best Film of the 2010 Film Racing Tour".

Q. When are the awards announced?

A. The awards will be announced within 3 weeks after the screening here on filmracing.com. Cities with more than 1 screening will have a live awards announcement.