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National Film Festival for Talented Youth | Seattle Youth Film Festival | Student Film Festival

Official Rules & Guidelines

NFFTY 2012 Official Rules, Guidelines & Filmmaker Release

Eligibility

  • The film’s director(s) must have been 22 years old or younger at time of filming.
  • All music and other copyrighted material must be original, have permission from the owner or be properly licensed. See our Resource Guide.
  • All films must be in English or subtitled in English.

Categories
All films (national and international) may be submitted into only one category:

  • Feature – any narrative film over 30 minutes in length.
  • Short – any narrative short film under 30 minutes.
  • Documentary – documentary of any length.
  • Music Video – music video of any length.
  • Animation – any form of animation, any length.
  • Experimental – any length film that does not fit the mold of typical filmmaking.
  • Action Sports, presented by vitaminwater® – any film under 15 minutes that represents, showcases or is inspired by Action Sports including skateboard, snowboard, surf, wake, BMX, and freeski.

Note: Public Service Announcements (PSAs), commercials and film trailers are not eligible for consideration in any category.

Submission Process

  • Online Application: Must be completed online no later than midnight PST, January 31, 2012.
  • Film Submission:
    • Preferred Method – Digital Upload: You will have the option of uploading your film to a secure website as part of the application process. All films will be watched by our judges via this secure screening process.  Films submitted via DVD will still be uploaded to this system, so we highly recommend filmmakers do their own uploading to ensure a high quality and error free submission.
    • Secondary Option – DVD Mail In: **There will be a $10 surcharge per DVD to cover NFFTY personnel time and overhead. If you choose not to upload your film, immediately after completing your online application, send a DVD (Region 0 or 1) of your film (one film per DVD for multiple submissions) to:

    Indee Submissions
    C/O ZAP
    39 Mesa Street
    Production Suite One
    San Francisco, CA 94129
    U.S.A

DVDs must be labeled with the film title and the Entry Number that you will receive from the online application process. DVDs will not be returned. The Final Deadline for receiving all films is January 31, 2012.

  • Payment: We encourage you to pay entry fees online during the online application process.  Otherwise checks can be mailed to NFFTY, 1319 Dexter Avenue North, #250, Seattle, WA  98109.
  • International Submissions: International entrants who do not pay online must use an international money order payable to NFFTY.
  • Film Stills: If your film is accepted, you must be able to provide a film still that is a minimum 300dpi and high quality. A film still should be from the film itself and make your film look appealing.
  • Synopsis: The synopsis you submit when filling out your online application will be used in the festival guide, on the NFFTY website and for other promotions, so write an interesting, compelling description of your film. NFFTY reserves the right to edit the synopsis for length and grammar.
  • Multiple Entries: More than one entry may be submitted. However, each entry must be submitted as a new film with a separate online entry form, a unique registration number, an additional entry fee, and on a separate DVD, if mailed in rather than uploaded. There is a 50% discount for each additional film submitted UNDER THE SAME ACCOUNT (schools submitting more than one film will need to do so under ONE account).  After you submit your first film you will receive an email confirmation with a discount code.  Use this discount code when submitting additional films.  There will be no discounts or refunds once you process your payment.

Notification
If your film is selected to be part of NFFTY 2012, you will be notified via email by March 1, 2012. You will also be notified by email if your film is not selected. Please make sure that you notify us if your email changes, and add filmmakers@nffty.org to your safe sender email list. We often have problems getting emails through to school email addresses (e.g. .edu, .gov.), so if you have a personal email address, that is preferable for your entry.

Film Distribution
Films selected for NFFTY 2012 may have the opportunity to take part in distribution opportunities through NFFTY. Distribution may include Internet, TV, in-flight, and more.  See filmmaker release below for further information regarding distribution.

Exhibition Requirements

  • Films selected for NFFTY 2012 must send in an exhibition copy of your film as a Full resolution QuickTime file (pro-res 422 is best). Features may be accepted on Digibeta or HD Cam.
  • The exhibition copy of film must be received no later than March 12, 2012.
  • Exhibition copies will not be returned unless filmmaker includes a pre-paid envelope or makes other shipping arrangements.

Filmmaker/Representative Release
I acknowledge and agree that to the best of my knowledge, I am duly authorized to submit this film to NFFTY and to grant permissions related to its use and distribution.

I grant permission to NFFTY to use film clips/stills for promotional use. I allow NFFTY and any third parties at NFFTY the right to film, videotape and photograph my appearance and voice for any and all marketing and promotion of the festival and The Talented Youth.

I understand I will be added to the NFFTY eNews and receive email updates from NFFTY. I can always unsubscribe via the email footer.

If this film is accepted into NFFTY 2012, I grant NFFTY the non-exclusive right to screen the film at NFFTY and to exhibit and distribute the film in its entirety for any promotion or project under the NFFTY name for up to one year after the 2012 festival. This includes presenting films as part of the NFFTY online festival component. Exceptions will be granted only by written request.

NFFTY may actively pursue other distribution opportunities for the film. I acknowledge that I may be asked to complete and sign additional distribution agreements.  It is always my choice not to take these offers. NFFTY does not take any copyright or ownership of my film.

Submitting a film to NFFTY constitutes an agreement by and between the filmmaker/representative and NFFTY. By submitting, I agree to all of these rules, terms and conditions.  I acknowledge that no submission fee refunds are given once this application has been submitted.

If you have additional questions about the rules, submission process or festival, see FAQ’s or email: filmmakers@nffty.org.