FAQs
Who/What is WORLD MEDIA RED, and why are they hosting this festival?
World Media Red is relatively new independent media firm proudly based in Hamilton, Ontario.
We’re hosting this festival to honour one of our core commitments: to benefit the city of Hamilton
through creativity. We believe in Hamilton--and hope to be active participants in this city’s
renaissance! Click HERE to visit our main site.
ENTERING THE FESTIVAL...
May I enter as an individual?
You bet! Enter as an individual or a team with unlimited members.
Your festival registration will still cost $80, and give you three free tickets to the screening.
Are there any age restrictions?
None! It’s open to everyone. However, if you’re under 18, we will need consent forms completed
by a parent or legal guardian.
Can I volunteer for the festival?
Thanks, but no thanks. We’ve got staff already in place to run the event. However, you will have
an opportunity to sign up for World Media Red casting calls and mailing lists at the festival
screening--just look for the company table.
PARTICIPATING IN THE FESTIVAL...
Are there any content restrictions?
Yes. We’re all for creative expression, and “going there”...but since this festival is open to the
general public, and will be screened in a public space, we ask that all submissions be kept 14A
and under.
Can I do animation?
Sure--as long as the final submission includes the required elements (line, prop, location), and is
submitted in the correct format. You will be judged with the same criteria as the live-action films.
Who needs to come to the kick-off on the 30th?
At least one member from each team MUST be present at the kick-off.
The entire team may come, but this is unnecessary.
What do we bring to the kick-off?
Nothing!
You’ll have submitted your application form and fee upon registration, and so at the kick-off
we’ll give you your festival packet, and the required elements.
Are we allowed to add/subtract/substitute team members?
Sure--as long as your final paperwork accounts for the ALL of the participants in your final entry.
Do you provide the equipment?
Heck no. You are responsible for assembling a film using whatever resources you can legally
obtain. As long as the final product is submitted to us on time, and correctly formatted on the
provided mini DV tape, we’re happy.
Can we shoot the film in High-Definition?
We don’t care if you shoot it in Super8, beta, HDV, or 35mm film--just as long as your final
submission is in standard definition NTSC on the provided mini DV tape. We will be projecting
the entries in SD 4:3, so make sure your widescreen 16:9 entries are correctly letter boxed!
Do I retain rights to my film after submission?
For sure.
By submitting it to us, you are giving us the non-exclusive rights to exhibit your work in
the festival screening. Beyond that--the film is still 100% yours.
How much can I prepare prior to the kick-off?
You’re welcome to secure locations, actors, crew, equipment, and even music prior to the kick-off.
You MAY NOT prepare any script, scenes, set-ups, scenarios, plots, effects, titles, graphics,
sequences, bins, or any other production elements. Since you won’t know the required
elements until the kick-off, you really can’t do much beforehand anyway.
Please use your best sporting judgement here--let’s make sure this festival is an honest contest!
Are production credits considered part of the 5-minute film length?
No. We do encourage you to list credits at the end of your film--however, please keep them
proportionately timed to the length of your entry. Also--DO NOT put any scenes after the credits!
May I use stock footage in my entry?
NO! All footage must be recorded during the 24-hour production period.
May I use pre-recorded music in my film?
Yes, you may--as long as you are able to secure a release of the track(s). If you don’t own the
copyright to a track, or unless you can obtain it--don’t use it.
May I use pre-recorded sound effects in my film?
see the previous question--the same rules apply!
Who needs to sign model/actor release forms?
Make sure that everyone appearing on camera in your film signs a release.
This is for your protection!
Do we submit the film in 16:9 or 4:3?
You’re welcome to submit your film in either format--as long as it is correctly formatted on the mini
DV tape you submit to us. Please letterbox all 16:9 entries as we will be projecting in 4:3!
Will the judges pay attention to bad acting?
Definitely! Every element of your submission may be taken under consideration.
Go for high-production value, and convince your audience!
May I use special effects?
Go for it! One up Industrial Light and Magic if you feel like it--just make sure you keep it safe,
and complete it all within the 24 hour production period.
May we use members of unions? (ACTRA, CWG, etc.)
You may only use unionized members if they receive permission to participate.
Where do we submit out entries?
All entries must be submitted at the Staircase Cafe between the hours of 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM on
May 31st, 2008.
As long as you and your tape are in the door before 9:01, we’ll accept the entry.
Any entries submitted at 9:01:00 PM will not be accepted.
May we use multi-camera production?
If you’re able--go nuts!
What if we cheat?
You’re out. No appeals. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.
THE FESTIVAL SCREENING...
Who may come to the festival screening?
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!! Bring family, friends, enemies, neighbours, and even the wierd guy
that lives across the street. In fact, bring as many people as you can--there will be audience
voting for the people’s choice award!
NOTE: Each team must be “signed in” at the screening in order to be eligible for prizes and
audience voting.
The festival screening and Gala will be a great place to network with other filmmakers, equipment
suppliers, local producers, actors, and maybe even potential investors!
Be sure to come ready to promote yourself!
Which films will be shown at the festival screening?
We hope to show them all! However, if we have too many entries, we will have to narrow the field,
and only show the best entries.
How do I purchase tickets for the screening?
Tickets will be available for purchase at the screening 30 minutes prior to show time.
What are the prizes?
please see our Prizes page!
Oh, and what is the entry fee for?
Your entry fee goes toward the costs of assembling your entrance packs, covering expenses, and running
this festival (which is a heck of a lot of work!!)
Copyright 2008 © World Media Red
