In Short Film, the skills measured are:

• The ability to create opening and closing titles, credits, and graphics that orient the viewer to the story

• The ability to visually develop a story with dialogue

• Camera, lighting, and sound use

• Editing, including scene length and flow

• The emotional and physical believability of the acting

• The filmmaker’s use of film elements to create a successful product

Films can be no longer than five-minutes plus one minute for credits. Films must be of original content and may be a collaboration among entrants.

• Short Film Execution - Entrant must demonstrate:

  • Proper use of title cards and credits within the time limit

  • Properly executed camera angles and shot variation to enhance the storyline and finished product

  • Control over lighting exposures for clarity, storytelling, and a professional finished product

  • The ability to capture, record, and manipulate all audio aspects of your production

  • Controlled and manufactured editing choices that enhance the overall storytelling

  • The ability to complete a storyline that includes a clear arc (beginning, middle, and end)

• Short Film Requirements:

  • Music used in short films must be original, in the public domain, and/or properly credited.

    • If in the public domain or original, proper credit must be listed in the credits.

    • If it is not in the public domain or original, proper credit must be in the credits AND proof of payment for the rights to the music must be documented and shared with the adjudicators.

  • Material deemed by the adjudicator(s) to be obscene or disruptive may receive lower ratings or, in some extreme cases, may result in disqualification

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• • If the film receives an overall superior rating at the chapter level, it may be uploaded to YouTube for national judging

  • Mark your video’s YouTube privacy settings as either Public or Unlisted so the URL may be shared with judges (do not select Private or the judges will be unable to view the film)

  • Use the form at schooltheatre.org/shortfilmsubmission to submit the URL on YouTube; all fields are required

  • The films will be viewed and critiqued by the judges prior to the International Thespian Festival

• At the International Thespian Festival, the film will be:

  • Shown in a teaching workshop and will stand alone (i.e., the entrant will not have to make any type of presentation)

  • Discussed and openly critiqued by at least one of the judges, who will give the entrant the critique sheets completed by all of the judges