Film Racing | frequently asked questions

A. This is to allow a little more time for the filmmakers to polish their films. For those that are familiar with NYC Midnight, the organization that runs Film Racing, we held the very first 24 hour film competition in the United States back in 2002. The 24 hour format has been a success in the past, and we hope everyone is up to the challenge. For those of you that feel 12 hours is more than enough, you can always sleep in and check your e-mail in the morning…but we don’t recommend it.

REGISTRATION

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 in our Cast & Crew Forums and get picked up by a team or put together one yourself.

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 for NYC Film Race Films.

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? Can we shoot widescreen?

A. The films will be screened in 4:3 aspect ratio. You may shoot in widescreen or other aspect ratios, but we highly recommend letterboxing the film to 4:3 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 11PM (1 Hour 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 hour to sharpen up your film and make sure to get's in by 11PM.

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?

A. The screenings are open to the public, so anyone may come. Tickets 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. Up to 10 of the top films from each city will be streamed online.

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 and an Online Audience Award for the top films from each city. The Best Film in each city compete against each other for thousands in prizes and the "Best Film of the 2008 Film Racing Tour" title.

Q. When are the awards announced?

A. The top films in each city will be streamed online approximately 3 weeks after the screenings, and the awards for each city will be announced 2 weeks later. So, the awards for each city will be announced approximately 5 weeks from the screenings. The overall winners will be announced after all of the cities have been completed in December-2008.

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