Q. Can I participate if I don't live in the United States?
A. Yes, filmmakers may participate from anywhere in the world. Keep in mind that the competition begins at the same time for all competitors, no matter where they live in the world. Competition beginning and end times are all set to Eastern Time. Make sure to check what time zone you are located in and how many hours off from the Eastern Time Zone to see when you will receive the theme assignment!
Q. Do the films have to be in English? What about subtitles?
A. No, but we highly recommend including subtitles for those that aren’t, since our judges are all English-speaking and there is no guarantee that they will speak the non-English-language being spoken in the film. We allow teams to submit either a separate caption file OR an updated copy of the film with subtitles added (this is the only change to the film allowed) up to 72 hours after the submission deadline.
Q. I would like to participate but I don't have a team. How can I join a team?
A. Teams are always looking to fill cast and crew positions. Post your information on the various options listed under 'How to Join a Team or Fill a Position' on the main page.
Q. Can I use SAG-AFTRA actors in my film?
A. At this time, no. We do not currently have an agreement with SAG-AFTRA for the Film Race, but we are working on that. Actors belonging to this union may not participate as actors in any Film Race film. However, they may participate in non-acting roles such as writing, directing, editing, etc...
Q. Do I have to finalize my list of team members (cast/crew) when I register or can I submit that later?
A. You will not need to submit a full list of cast and crew until the end of the competition, along with the rest of your required documentation. You may register without having a finalized list of cast and crew.
Q. How do we receive the Theme & Surprise Elements Assignment?
A. All teams that register for the competition will receive an e-mail at the beginning of the competiti8on with the assigned Theme and Surprise Elements (Action & Prop). In addition, the assignments will be posted here on filmracing.com and on the Film Racing Facebook page.
Q. Does everyone receive a Theme, Prop, and an Action?
A. Every team will be assigned the same Theme, Action, and Prop which must be included in the film. The central plot of your film must revolve around the Theme. The Prop and Action must appear at some point in the film, but do not have to be central to the plot. Examples of previous themes have been Identity Theft and Spare Change. The actions ranged from looking through a peephole to sealing an envelope. The props have included a deck of cards, noodles, and a can opener.
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. It's ok to get creative with the theme, but it still needs to be central to the plot of your film in order to be eligible.
Q. What are the Surprise Elements?
A. The Surprise Elements include a Prop (ex. A toothbrush, chopsticks, a balloon, etc...) and an Action (ex. A slap, a kiss, tying a knot, etc...) that must be incorporated into your film. The Surprise Elements must be included in your film, but do not have to be central to the plot of your film.
Q. What is the maximum length of the films?
A. There is no minimum or maximum length for films. Simply make the best film you can in the time allotted, using the required elements.
Q. What aspect ratio is required for the films?
A. The films should be 16:9 aspect ratio.
Q. What are the submission requirements for our uploaded film?
A. Films must be submitted in either MP4 (preferred) or MOV. No other formats will be accepted.
Q. Can we use stock footage in the films?
A. You may use stock footage in your film, as long as you have the rights to the stock footage and it is composited in the footage that was shot during the competition’s time period. For example, you may use stock footage of an explosion or flames composited in the footage you shot during the competition, but you may NOT use a 3 second clip showing an explosion that contains no footage that you shot during the competition (even if you own the rights).
Q. What are the rules about animation?
A. Previously created artwork, characters, objects, sets, etc. can be used in the film as long as you have the rights. But animating those images or characters must be done during the Creative Window. For example, you may use a previously created 3D Model of a Cat and animate it during the Creative Window to show it running, but you may NOT use a previously animated clip of the 3D Model Cat running in your film (unless it is composited with footage that was shot during the competition).
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 are provided at the beginning of the competition in the email listing the Theme, Prop and Action.
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. Talent releases are provided at the beginning of the competition in the email listing the Theme, Prop and Action.
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. Location Releases are provided at the beginning of the competition in the email listing the Theme, Prop and Action.
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.
Q. What happens if I submit my film a few minutes past the deadline? How late can I submit my film?
A. The official submission time for the films will be when you start uploading, not when you finish uploading. So, as long as the film begins the upload process before the submission deadline, you will still be considered on time. If a film begins uploading after the deadline, it will be considered "late". Whether it's 2 minutes or 20 minutes after the deadline, it will still be considered late. Confirmation e-mails will be sent within 72 hours after the submission deadline regarding your film status.
Q. Can we submit revised films after the deadline? What if it's only minor color and sound corrections?
A. Films submitted after the deadline, even if it's only making minor changes to sound or in the credits, are not accepted. The exception to this is that Finalists ARE allowed to submit an updated “screening version” of their films for the screening and awards program, but the original film submitted before the deadline is the one seen and scored by the judges.