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DOCUMENTS AND RELEASES
Sign and Return by Oct 1st: Terms and Conditions 2020
Download Editable Releases: Talent, Location, Music
Full Filmmaker Packet including Criteria Instructions
Official Entry Form
Greetings filmmakers! 2020 has proposed its own unique challenges, so we thought it be best to provide criteria that would be less restrictive than some of the past years.
72 Film Fest 2020 is also an anniversary year (Year 15). As such we thought it would be fun to look back once again. In fact last year we hinted a little bit at this year’s theme when we showed you a frame of every entry from the first fourteen years of the Fest.
2020 THEME:
WILDCARD. A wildcard in a card game can be used as any other card in the game. It is yours to use when you feel it will be the most powerful. As such, your wildcard can be used ANYWHERE in your film.
2020 CRITERIA:
There are 4 Parts to the Criteria:
1) THE WILD CARD – THE VISUAL Each team is given a frame from a previous 72 Film Fest entry (2012-2019). The team is tasked with recreating this frame SOMEWHERE in their film. Props to those that give weight to the frame within the context of their story. DO NOT simply print this frame and include it as a photo or do a throwaway shot etc. We want to see a similar composition in your own film and we want the shot to have some sort of weight to the story in your film.
2) THE OPTIONAL CHALLENGE – THE BLIND Teams are optionally challenged to make a HOPEFUL film. We may have a block of just HOPEFUL films on Saturday/Sunday.
3) MAXIMUM RUNNING TIME: Revealed at the end of the Launch Party. Feel free to be shorter. 6 Minutes Pro, 5 Minutes 30 seconds Amateur. 5 Minutes Student. Credits ARE included in those maximum running time. 10 Second Team Videos are Not so Students max time with 10 Second video is 5 Minutes 10 Seconds.
4) INSTAGRAM: Take a photo of your assigned PLAYING CARD on your set throughout the weekend. You must take a minimum of one photo per day (Fri-Sat-Sun) and upload to Instagram and tag @72FilmFest and #72WILDCARD, #72FILMFEST and #YOURTEAMNAME. You must FOLLOW @72FilmFest and allow @72FILMFEST to follow you if you are private. Feel free to delete or kick us after Oct 11.
QUESTIONS:
Q) I don’t have enough actors/dogs/props to recreate this frame.
A) Think outside the box. Is there something you can use instead of the subjects in the frame, but still be true to the composition?
Q) It’s inside, but I’m shooting outside.
A) The composition is what we’re looking for.
Q) I don’t have any playing cards!
A) Print one, or pull your card up on a phone and take a pic of that.
RULES
THESE HAVE CHANGED THIS YEAR!
- BE SAFE AND CAREFUL. Team Leaders – you are responsible for all members of your team which means you are responsible for all SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN RELATION TO COVID-19. Take control of your team to ensure the safety of everyone involved including bystanders that may be near, as well as the property you may be shooting in and around. Parents of Team Leaders under 18 – You are responsible for the actions of every member of the team. By signing you agree to take responsibility for any issue that may arise. We recommend making rules for those under 18 or be there for the shoots.
- ALL FILMS MUST HAVE HAD ALL CREATIVE CHOICES MADE WITHIN 72 HOURS. Films deemed to have been made partially or in full outside of the 72 hour period may be ineligible for judging and/or screening. Proof must be available for content that was created before the 72 hour period such as music, public domain footage etc. (This is where releases come in.) If you are unsure of the content you are using, please contact us and approve things before this becomes an issue.
- MAXIMUM RATING R equivalent. This should go without saying of course, but just in case.
- Please put “Made in 72 Hours for 72 Film Fest” somewhere in your end credits of your entry in all future screenings.
- DO NOT POST YOUR FILM ONLINE PUBLICLY UNTIL AFTER 72 FILM FEST AWARD CEREMONY on OCT 11th 7pmEST. Feel free to post a TRAILER or TEASER to your movie to get people excited. If you want to share your movie with your team, post it PRIVATELY and send them the link. After the award ceremony it’s yours to post anywhere.
- DISCORD – Make sure someone is checking the discord. If needed, we will send out information by @TEAMNAME. You can also send out questions to our team day or night throughout. Feel free to chat with each other during your downtimes etc. If there is a chatboard you’d like to see, ask us to add it.
DELIVERABLES: NEW for 2020!
- ALL FILMS MUST HAVE THE 10 SECOND TEAM VIDEO BEFORE THEM. In the past you turned these into us, but this year you will receive a template by Friday evening. It will be posted in the Discord. Put one frame of black at the beginning of your timeline, Drop the template in and drag to exactly 10 Seconds. Place your 10 Second Team Video in the appropriate box. Start your film directly after. Add 1 Frame of Black after your film. Do not alter the template any other way. Make sure your team video is not more than 10 Seconds, and is not just your logo. It is fine to use previous years team videos. If you can’t make one due to time constraints, simply do a photo collage of your team in the box.
- FILMS MUST BE IN AN ACCEPTABLE FORMAT. Accepted Format for screening is H.264 1080p Files preferred. From Eventive: “We recommend you upload an H.264 video file encoded at 10Mbps. If possible, select “High Profile” H.264 setting instead of “Main Profile” when you export your video.” No 4K this year. Nothing less than 720p.
- PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE STILL IMAGE AND OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM WITH YOUR FILM. – One of your stills MUST be the corresponding frame to the criteria given.
- ALL RELEASES MUST BE TURNED IN WITH YOUR FILM. All location, talent, and music releases must be turned in with your film. Failure to provide releases may result in your film not being judged and/or screened. Don’t sweat though- we will accept these up until Monday, Oct. 5th at 9pmEST.
- OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM MUST BE TURNED IN with entry.
HOW TO TURN IN:
- Films must be turned in Sunday, Oct. 4th ONLINE anytime before 9pm EST. We accept GOOGLE DRIVE, DROPBOX and other cloud storage links. Put your film with 10 second video before, your still image(s), Official Entry Form and any releases into a folder. Then on Google, click GET SHAREABLE LINK on the folder. Or on DROPBOX select COPY DROPBOX LINK on the folder itself. Message the link to us on Discord or Email the link to staff@72fest.com. We must be able to download the link in its entirety by 9pmEST. We will update the Discord as we receive and verify. Failure to provide us a fully downloadable link by 9pmEST will constitute a late entry.
- Revised films and Late Films for screenings may be turned in by 9pmEST Monday, Oct. 5th. Only the original films received on time will be viewed by the judges. Revisions received after Monday Oct 5th 9pmEST will not be accepted.
QUESTIONS? Message in Discord, or Text/Call: (240) 397-8498
INFO AND ADVICE FOR TEAMS IN 2020
Scroll all the way down for more Detailed Version
THINGS YOU CAN DO BEFORE THE FEST:
- Add Staff at 72Fest.com to your email address book. Here is most recent email.
- Assemble and Secure Crew/Cast/Locations/Equipment.
- Develop a Safety Plan for Covid-19 (masks/distancing/sanitizer/food prep etc)
- Make your 10 Second Team Video ahead of time. (See FAQ)
- Sign up for Instagram (you will need one to post Behind the Scenes)
- Sign up for Discord (at least Team Leader will need one, keep eye out for Discord invite)
- Sign Terms and Conditions Need this before Launch – Download Editable Version and SIGN it.
- Download Releases – Download Editable Talent, Location, Music
- Sign up for Eventive and Test your Device Compatibility to Watch the Virtual Festival.
TIPS/ADVICE for 72 FILM FEST
Thursday Night- Attend the Launch Party to receive Criteria. Brainstorm/Write.
Friday – Finalize cast and assemble locations/costumes/props and START SHOOTING.
Saturday – Continue to Shoot, START TO EDIT if you haven’t already. If you have a separate editor- have them send out shots/pickups needed to smooth out the cut.
Sunday – Finish the edit cutting down to maximum length if necessary and throwing in any final pickup shots, music, fix any audio issues, and color.
Sunday Evening – Export and upload. Keep in mind that DropBox and Google Drive can sometimes take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on your connection. We must be able to download it by the turn-in time.
DOCUMENTS AND RELEASES
- Sign and Return by Oct 1st: Terms and Conditions 2020
- Download Editable Releases: Talent, Location, Music
Full Filmmaker Packet including Official Entry Form (Given at Launch).
Criteria Instructions (Given at Launch).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Due to the nature of 2020, all information is subject to change as we approach the Fest.
NEW FOR 2020
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN? (UPDATED)
72 Film Fest is a film competition where teams have 72 hours to make a film: write, shoot, edit and turn in a finished film within 72 Hours. Teams are expected to make all creative choices within those 72 hours.
The Launch Party will be online Oct 1st 2020 from 7:30pm – 9pm EST. Teams will get their criteria to be included in their films at the Launch Party.
Teams will make their films Oct 1st 9pm EST to Oct 4th 9pm EST. Turn in will be online this year.
The Fest will be Virtual at https://watch.eventive.org/72filmfest. 72 Film Fest Premiere Livestream will be Friday Night October 9th with shorter On Demand Blocks including Finalist Block on October 10th-11th. Purchase Passes/Tickets here: https://72filmfest.eventive.org
WHY VIRTUAL? WILL WE SEE ANY FUTURE PHYSICAL SCREENINGS FOR 2020?
We honestly thought about bumping this year’s Fest. To us, the electric feeling of Friday Night with over 500 folks and 50 teams all anxiously awaiting their film to screen is what 72 Film Fest is all about. We know we can’t quite have that feeling online, but when we put out feelers for this year’s Fest it was clear many of you are looking for a creative outlet…so VIRTUAL 72 FILM FEST. We’re super excited to see how this whole thing will translate into a streaming Festival and can’t wait to see what everyone’s creativity will bring.
We have a lot of fun stuff planned for the Virtual Fest, some stuff will look like 72 Film Fest, just online, and some will be new. Our hope is to have SOME physical screenings as well after the Online Fest.
MAKE A MOVIE? WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?
All productions around the world are tackling this, and we encourage everyone to do their due diligence to make their sets as safe as possible. Smaller productions have the benefit of smaller cast/crews. Many teams will be made up entirely of friends/family that are already around each other daily so adding a film into the mix doesn’t necessarily add any risk. Others may be bringing in one or two folks. It’s important to be safe, social distance where possible, shoot in open areas, clean surfaces, wear masks throughout the crew and cast (when not on camera), be mindful of your team’s past and present exposure to one another and make sure everyone on your team understands the risks. Keep your crew small. If there will be new folks on your set, team leaders may want to have members tested prior to the shoot. Ultimately as team leader, you are responsible for your team so be safe and you must follow all federal, state and local guidelines come October.
GENERAL FAQ
WHAT IS 72 FILM FEST?
A Time Based Competition where filmmaking teams have only 72 hours to write/direct/edit and score a short film based on specific criteria given out to each team. Perfect time to step up and make a movie!
SO WHAT IS THIS CONTEST EXACTLY? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
On a Thursday night in October (Oct 1st) Filmmakers from around the region will collect at the VIRTUAL LAUNCH PARTY and await the hosts MIKAEL JOHNSON and DOUG POWELL to take the stage and begin giving out criteria. Teams will then have 72 hours to write/shoot/edit a short film based around that Criteria. Teams are instructed to share behind the scenes photos on Instagram, so everyone can follow along throughout the weekend. Once the films are turned in Sunday Night they are judged and the following weekend all of them Premiere on Friday Night.
This year will be Virtual at https://72filmfest.eventive.org
FILMMAKER GENERAL FAQ:
DO I HAVE TO BE FROM MARYLAND TO PARTICIPATE? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
No. Anyone from around the US can participate. And since the whole thing is virtual this year, you will be able to experience it all.
CAN I JUST WAIT UNTIL THE LAUNCH PARTY TO REGISTER?
It is strongly advised to register before Launch, as we may close down registration earlier that week.
WHERE DO I TURN IN THE MOVIES?
Films must be turned in between 7-9 pm Sunday, Oct. 4th,ONLINE. We take a GOOGLE DRIVE or DROPBOX link. Simply right clip and “get shareable link” and send us that. Do not add us to your Dropbox. We must be able to download the link in it’s entirety by 9pm EST so make sure you allow ample time for uploading. Dropbox and Google may take from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on your connect and file size.
WHAT IF I'M LATE? DO YOU ACCEPT SCREENING COPIES?
We will accept late entries/screening copies online until Monday Night (Oct 5th) at 9pmEST. NOTE: Any film that is late, or has a screening copy turned in is ineligible for Juried awards. For 2020 late entries will however be eligible for Audience Choice.
WHO ARE YOUR JUDGES? HOW DOES IT WORK?
The full jury will be posted as we get closer to the Fest. We have judges that have worked in various parts of the industry both in front and behind camera. They judge various aspects of each film including the ones we recognize with awards (writing, cinematography, editing, acting etc…) as well as overall quality of the film both storytelling and technical.
WHAT AWARDS/PRIZES ARE YOU GIVING OUT THIS YEAR? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
Awards and Prizes are developing. Check the front page for more details.
HOW ARE YOU ANY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CONTESTS LIKE THIS?
Everything showing under one roof at the same time is one. Or in the case of Virtual 2020 one gigantic block on Friday Night. But also our criteria is specific to the team. No two filmmakers have the same criteria. Past years we’ve given “Opposites”, two Hollywood movies to mash-up, a Science term to draw inspiration, a “fairy tale”, a polaroids, first lines of novels, and even international proverbs like “The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”
I DON’T HAVE A TEAM BUT I REALLY WANT TO BE INVOLVED. (CHANGED FOR 2020)
Normally we would help you find a team, however 2020 poses a unique challenge for folks wanting to join a team due to Covid 19. While we will have places where you can potentially connect to others (FaceBook/Instagram/Discord) please recognize that folks may be reticent to bring strangers onto their crew.
I’M UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, SO CAN I STILL COMPETE?
Of course you can. All we ask is that you bring a legal guardian with you on the night of the Launch Party to sign the waiver forms on your behalf. Make sure your parents know that movies can range the gamut from G to R. The parent or guardian must be willing to take responsibility for your team in the same way a Team Leader would including Covid Guidelines/Requirements!
DOES MY TEAM GET A TICKET TO THE VIRTUAL FEST?
Yes, for this year we are giving out ONE WILDPASS per team ($18)
Normally we give out two, but since we cut registration prices by half (or more), and you’re potentially able to watch in same house, we can only do 1 weekend pass this year. Your pass will be attached to the email you registered with, so when registering for Eventive use that email.
FILMMAKER TECHNICAL FAQ:
HOW LONG CAN MY MOVIE BE? DO CREDITS COUNT TOWARDS LENGTH?
Credits do count to your total length. Your maximum time will be assigned at the Launch Party or posted online with your criteria. Please include 1 frame of black before/after your credits/film.
WHAT IS THE 10 SECOND TEAM VIDEO?
We ask teams to make a 10 Second Team Video where teams can announce who they are before the Fest. There are no rules except do not just put a 10 second logo and DO NOT USE COPYRIGHT MUSIC. For examples please go to WATCH PAST ENTRIES, and view some of the more recent years.
For 2020, we will be asking you to put your Team Video before your entry, rather than turn it in to us. We will provide a template on Friday Oct 2nd and you’ll add 10 Seconds to the beginning of your film. If you cannot make a team video this year, no worries, simply place a picture or collage of your team in the box. Full instructions will be available at Launch.
WHAT FORMS OF MEDIA DO YOU ACCEPT THE ENTRY ON? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
Video: 1080p Preferred File with H.264 @ 1080p / 10Mbp.
Audio Channels: two-channel stereo with Matrix embedded surround (Pro Logic or similar)
Subtitle/Captions: .srt or .vtt files 4K Not accepted in 2020.
2020 will require teams to fully upload entry and forms via Dropbox or Google Drive. Once uploaded Click “Get Shareable Link” on the DropBox folder or “click Share then Copy Link” on a Google Drive Folder and email us that link. Do not “share” the folder with us.
WHAT FORMS OF MEDIA DO YOU ACCEPT THE ENTRY ON? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
HD H264 Quicktime Mov or MP4 with AAC sound (not PCM). 1080p Preferred File with a maximum bitrate of 10-20.
4K Not accepted in 2020.
2020 will require teams to fully upload entry and forms via Dropbox or Google Drive. Once uploaded Click “Get Shareable Link” on the DropBox folder or “click Share then Copy Link” on a Google Drive Folder and email us that link. Do not “share” the folder with us.
WHAT IS THE RULE ON COPYRIGHT MUSIC? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
Like every year we need you to have rights to your image and music. We understand not all of you are able to create music for your films, but you can team up with a local musician. There is also enough in the public domain to score your film, or you can use some Creative Commons licenses, or negotiate/purchase rights from content owners. Submit the proper releases with your film or if purchased/Creative Commons – print out the license. Using copyrighted music may prevent you from being screened or judged including in future screenings. NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE RIGHTS TO YOUR MUSIC AS ONLINE STREAMING SITES MAY FLAG/MUTE YOUR AUDIO. Even properly attained rights will sometimes flag the online systems so we recommend you test it on YouTube with an unlisted/private link before submitting your film.
CAN I USE SPECIAL EFFECTS or STOCK FOOTAGE?
Sure. We ask that all creative elements (other than music) are created within the 72 hour period. It’s possible to use various filters and editing tricks to get some canned VFX into your movie but no filming should be done outside of the weekend. Stock Footage, like public domain music, is acceptable if all rights are attained and creative decisions are made within the 72 hours of the contest and the footage is used to accent your film and isn’t the main creative push.
DO I NEED A LOCATION RELEASE FOR EVERYTHING INCLUDING PUBLIC PROPERTY?
You need a location release for every private property you shoot on. We do not need releases for public property but you may need a permit to shoot there. You are not required to turn in proof of a permit.
DO I REALLY HAVE TO SHOOT EVERYTHING WITHIN 72 HOURS?
Yes. Don’t sell yourself short, or try to game the system by cheating. Your reputation will be forever tarnished and “you’ll never work in this town again”, said some producer somewhere, but that’s pretty much how it works here too. Teams like to police each other, and if they catch you doing something, you’ll be the wrong kinda talk around the Fest.
DO I KEEP ALL THE RIGHTS TO MY FILM? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
Of Course. The film remains your own and after the 72 Film Fest screenings you can do whatever you want with it. We reserve the right to screen the version turned in at 72 Film Fest events, for promotional purposes and use it in our DVD and online compilations. Our agreement is above so you and your lawyer (or cousin that claims to be one because he’s seen almost every episode of Night Court) can go over it. NOTE: The screening period of 72 Film Fest may have expanded this year. Do not upload until that period is over.
THE SCREENINGS FAQ
WHERE IS THIS THING?
Launch Party and Festival will be online this year. Links will be pushed out when we get closer to the Fest but will be available on 72Fest.com and 72FilmFest.com.
Virtual Fest will be here: https://72filmfest.eventive.org
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON WHAT NIGHT AGAIN? (CHANGED FOR 2020)
Everything will LIVESTREAM Friday Night in one long block.
Finalists will be announced on Saturday at 10AM and short on demand blocks including Finalist Block will then go live. Folks will be able to watch those blocks on demand through Sunday Night, with Award Ceremony concluding the weekend 7pm on Sunday.
https://72filmfest.eventive.org
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE VIRTUAL EVENT?
The WILDPASS ($18) is your best deal as it gets you unlimited access to Friday Night Premieres Livestream ($13) and all of the On Demand Blocks ($5-10 each).
I WANT SOME MERCH. CAN I HAVE SOME MERCH ALREADY?
Merch this year is limited.
BUT I WANT TO SUPPORT YOU FOLKS AT 72.
Feel free to send us money, BUT we are also encouraging folks to support local artists, bands and venues in the area including the Weinberg Center. Artists, Filmmakers, Musicians, Live Performance cast/crew and Venues have been hit super hard by Covid. If you can support folks, support them. We’ll have donation buttons for some Friends of the Festival on the website throughout the Fest.
WHO ARE YOU FOLKS?
72 Fest is made up of filmmakers and writers, some have even participated in previous 72 Film Fests and came on board after they retired their team. Formed in 2006, 72 Fest has the mission “To provide an outlet for the creative community by hosting challenges in the fields of filmmaking, stage, writing, and other arts.”
| Team Name | Level | State | Bio | Turned in? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3iCreate | (A) | MD | Creators coming together to create | n |
| 9:51 Productions | (A) | MD | - Director/Screenwriter- Dominic LoCicero Director of Photography - Eric Starick Lead Actor - Micah Forrest | n |
| Aging Eagles | (A) | MD | Two middle aged guys make movies that entertain us and hopefully you too. | y |
| Ah Muh Face! | (A) | MD | Offending old people since 2002! | n |
| Anne & Amy | (A) | VA | Two women, one unlikely sisterly friendship. An artist, a teacher. A blond, a brunette. Both moms. Bound together by destiny ... and coffee... | y |
| Black Fox Pictures | (A) | MD | We only play the first track off the Led Zeppelin 4 album. | y |
| Blood Bunny Studios | (S) | AZ | I've been doing acting since I was nine and now I want to do a film on my own. I'm thirteen and I want to do more acting and filming when I grow up. | y |
| Brain Map Productions | (S) | WV | 3 Shepherd students who like to make films specializing in horror. | y |
| Bright Boy Alert | (A) | MD | Animation. Plagued. But for real with the plague this time. | y - late |
| Can We Change This Later ? (Productions) | (P) | MD | A unique group of humans with a strange sense of humor and a broad range of experience who enjoy making movies. | y |
| Carpet Wall | (A) | MD | Making movies after the bell except not any more because we’re old | y |
| CC | (S) | WV | College students begging for (remote) work and videos to make, wishing for a happy, healthy world. | y |
| Cerko Sisters | (S) | MD | Thrill Seeking Females Just Looking to Groove | n |
| Cinema Criminals | (A) | CT | By & for the creative outcasts. | y |
| Comatoast | (P) | MD | - All buttered up! | y |
| Crowded Elevator Pictures | (P) | IL | We may have relocated our home base to Chicago, but we left our heart in Frederick! Our doctor says we need the heart back if we “want to live...” We’re hoping someone at 72 Fest could do us a solid and ship that back to us? | y |
| Dead Filmmakers Society | (A) | MD | Just some old boys who, one misty night in the cemetery, decided to resurrect their childhood dreams of making movies. | y |
| Deer Friends | (P) | MD | Deer Friends is a DC-based sketch team that has never done a political sketch. | y |
| Dishwasher Safe | (P) | VA | When possible, we like to use our on-hand resources and generate original, quality, polished, and stylistic, films while keeping our budget at a minimum. The artists formerly known as Visually Wired are entering our 6th year in the Festival (And, oh boy, isn't it a doozy!). Looking forward to whatever wackiness this year will bring but, no matter what, a film will be made in 72 hours! | y |
| Doodle Dame | (S) | MD | Mother eaten by sharks, father eaten by bears. Doodle dame was abandoned on the doorstep of a Tibetan monetary at 3 days old. She killed her first mountain puma at 5 years old, and wears its skin as her only piece of clothing. After breaking up with Donatello from the ninja turtles, she swore she’d never love again, and turned to animation. Once a trained assassin for team bebop, she joined the 72 film fest to regain her honour. | y |
| Dreamin' About Dumplings | (P) | NY | A group of NYC Asian American filmmakers/youtubers/videographers trying to tell a story. | y |
| EEG Productions | (A) | MD | Same as last year | y |
| Ellen's Page | (S) | NJ | 4 Film majors, a musician and an engineer walk into a bar... | y |
| Film.Lovables | (P) | MD | To you all: thank you for the privilege of participating in 10 years of fun with 72 Film Fest. There have been so many amazing movies by so many fantastic teams; we admire your talents and achievements greatly. We appreciate you putting up with our weirdo movies for as long as you have, and hope this year's movie actually turns out halfway decent for once! We don't know the future of Film.Lovables, but we will at least make this year a memorable one. We love you and thanks for a wonderful decade. | y |
| Frexit | (A) | NY | Frederick belongs to Britain now. Please head to your nearest queue at the brolly dispensary. | y |
| Goldfish Media | (A) | MD | Every single aspect of making movies is a giant pain in the ass and it’s never worth it. | y |
| Great Vengeance & Furious Anger | (P) | MD | #FEARTHEMULLET | y |
| IC Movie Mouth | (S) | MD | IC Movie Mouth is a team of 2 quite dazzling young boys: Luke and Alex that will one day prove they are probably the worst filmmakers alive. | y |
| Jagged Edge Productions | (A) | MD | Just a few amateur filmmakers having a few yuks! | y |
| LALAROC + LEECA PRODUCTIONS | (A) | NM | We are the flower | n |
| Montressor Media | (A) | MD | Scorsese thinks movies have become theme park rides. If that's the case, we deserve engineering degrees. | y |
| One Way Productions | (A) | MD | We’re a small team who enjoys making funny films with a touch of darkness. | y |
| Party Dog | (A) | MD | Party Dog is a two-person, quarantine-era spinoff. | y-late |
| Pecos Bill and the Wranglers | (P) | MD | y | |
| Psychedelic Samurai | (P) | MD | A group of Ronin with high aspirations no lords or masters, so we decided to make movies. | n |
| Raven Lost Pictures | (P) | MD | Three little birds making movies. | y |
| Screenburn Productions | (A) | MD | The production boys hailing from Harford County, Maryland are back for a 3rd year. A lot of our stories happen outside (in the woods typically), making us tailor made to create weird films in a distanced world. That said, we're missing those chill after parties. | y |
| Shrug Productions | (P) | MD | We are a group of Filmmakers and Improvisers who met at a film camp. Somehow we still like each other. | y |
| Skinhunger Productions | (A) | MD | Two filmmakers that keep having to explain that skinhunger doesn't mean cannibalism. | y |
| Skybox Media | (P) | MD | Back in the saddle after a brief intermission. Enjoy the show. | y |
| Smash Productions | (S) | MD | uhhhh | y |
| SRK Video | (A) | MD | The dead speak! The galaxy has heard a mysterious broadcast, a threat of REVENGE in the sinister voice of the late SRK VIDEO. GENERAL JACOB dispatches secret agents to gather intelligence, while JESSE, the last hope of the Jedi, trains for battle against the diabolical OMAR. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader [RAN OUT OF NAMES] rages in search of the phantom, determined to destroy any threat to his power.... | y |
| Star Wipe Films | (P) | MD | A close-knit group of filmmakers who love seeking adventures and finding new stories to tell! | y |
| Stellar Door Studios | (A) | MD | A buncha downtown creatives who like making stuff. | y |
| Stepdad Productions | (P) | MD | Having just lost half of their assets after a bitter divorce with Stepmom, Stepdad Productions sunk into a deep depression. After eating dangerous amounts of Halo Top and listening to some pretentious jazz album you’ve never heard of, Stepdad Productions came to the conclusion that they needed to reconcile with their former spouse. Approaching Stepmom’s condo with flowers and optimism, Stepdad Productions made an impassioned plea that they were meant for each other and destined to make films together forever. However, Stepmom rebuffed Stepdad Productions, telling them that she wanted to focus on true art and not non-sensical comedies. Hearing that their comedies weren’t true art threw Stepdad Productions into a rage! Deciding to go with Plan B, Stepdad Productions murdered Stepmom and devoured her body. With a full belly after having consumed her, Stepdad Productions felt tremendous power flowing through their veins and was able to ascend a higher plane of existence. Stepdad Productions is currently traveling throughout the cosmos looking for an interesting film location that would serve as cool backdrop for a bicycle-turned-CIA agent that wants to go to culinary school. | y |
| STRANDEAD | (A) | MD | STRANDEAD is art without overthinking. Built upon the premise that some creative work is best expressed in its initial draft form, STRANDEAD has existed - sporadically - since 1989. STRANDEAD's Team Leader, Denis Superczynski, loves playing in the art bin and hopes to be able to say on his deathbed, "Dang, I never really mastered anything. Maybe I should have tried harder...or something." STRANDEAD's super groovy, enigmatic, smash hit film from Year 13, "Mrs. Huston, We Have A Problem" continues to resonate with fans across Frederick County who absolutely and completely believe that this was Denis' first film. With this year's film, STRANDEAD hopes to finally solve the mystery of who killed William Deane Tanner. (Hint: It was Baby Peggy, in the Conservatory, with a shiv fashioned from a jumbo rainbow lollipop) | y - late |
| Ten/One Films | (A) | AZ | Arizona Grown Film crew with 14 years experience in timed film challenges. Love participating and seeing the work of everyone involved. | y |
| The Second to Last Brownie | (A) | MD | It's entirely guilt free. | y |
| The Soccer Moms | (S) | NJ | Hailing from South Jersey, Hunter, Mark, Mike and Sophia (and a few others on the rare occasion) comprise the team. The Soccer Moms look to make their best short yet. | y |
| The Storytellers Nook | (S) | MD | y | |
| Twilight Jones Productions | (A) | MD | We Are Marshall | n |
| Uncanary | (A) | VA | A family affair. | n |
| Unimental West | (A) | WV | We're a quarantined portion of Team Unimental, comprised of folks that have participated in every single year of the Film Fest. | y |
| Void Where Prohibited (VWP) Media | (A) | MD | We're a group of friends who came together to collaborate, create, learn, discover, and experience all aspects of filmmaking. | y |
| Washington Film Festival Team | (A) | MD | wa ge | y - late |
| Weapons Grade Geranium | (A) | MD | Sixth time is the charm, right? Or is it our seventh time? Seventh time is the charm. (Ninth if you count that other team. So yeah. Ninth time is the charm.) | y |
| weoughta productions | (S) | MD | Team Bio: Teeming with Bio | n |
| West End Media | (A) | WV | Living on the west end of town, Liz and her cat Xena have seen enough oddities to inspire many strange tails. | y |
| WinMore Productions | (A) | NJ | We're a team of young filmmakers with a passion for creating and film, excited to test ourselves and see what we can do! | y |
| Zimm Media | (A) | MD | Ive always wanted to do this. | y |
FOR EVERYONE
(Newbs and Veterans alike):
THINGS EVERYONE CAN DO BEFORE THE FEST:
- Assemble and Secure Crew / Cast / Locations / Equipment. – While you may not have your criteria or all of the details of your story etc, you can at least start to draw the lines of who you will include in your film and where you will possibly shoot it. Lock down the crew/equipment now, maybe have a good game plan for props/costumes etc depending on what you’re given.
- Make your 10 Second Team Video ahead of time. You’ll be attaching it to the beginning of your film entry. Since it may be difficult to get your team together before Launch- you can shoot your 10 Second Team Video DURING your Fest shoot. When it comes time to turn in your movie, you’ll put our template before your film, simply drop your 10 second team video into the box on the template we give you and export your whole movie. The template will be available on Friday Oct 2, after you pick criteria. Newbs- check out PAST ENTRIES to see what folks do. NOTE: Do not use copyright music on these or your film may not play online!
- Look for a musician or find a place online for music that you can acquire or purchase rights to. There is plenty of music in Creative Commons, Public Domain, and there are many sites where you can purchase rights to music for a small fee. It’s good to have a few options before you’re scrambling to find that perfect song. Do not use any copyright music or your film may be muted or even not stream online!
- Develop a Safety Plan for Covid-19 (masks/distancing/sanitizer/food prep etc). This year is going to be tough to shoot safely, and guidelines may loosen or tighten before October 1st, so develop a good plan now. Only you know your situation but we suggest using a small crew, keep minimum 6 feet apart as much as possible, mask up when not on camera, have sanitizers around, reduce touching surfaces, reduce your confined indoor spaces, and shoot outside when possible. As a team leader you are responsible for the safety of your cast/crew.
- Sign up for Instagram and follow @72FilmFest (you will need one to post Behind the Scenes during the shoot). Feel free to delete this after the Fest if you hate Insta/FB, but you’ll need one through the duration.
- Sign up for Discord (at least Team Leader will need one). Discord is a chat/message board app and we’ll be keeping a centralized chat spot on Discord for all teams. Discord can be downloaded on phone or computer. Feel free to share with the rest of your team, create your own team discord for private chat etc. Instructions for our server will greet you when you follow our invite link (coming in the next week).
- Sign and Return Terms and Conditions (Need this before Launch) – See Below.
- Download Releases – Talent/Music/Location Releases.
ADVICE FOR NEW TEAMS
OR A REFRESHER FOR RETURNING TEAMS (IF YOU WANT IT)
Honestly, most folks do this contest for fun and barrel through the weekend tackling whatever challenges arise…and after a few years, they have a system down that works for them. Feel free to do 72 your way. But we do get a lot of questions about how teams could better prepare or manage time during the weekend. If you’re looking for some advice, here ya go:
72 Film Fest typically gives thematic criteria. Some of this can be a little specific (like a Fairy Tale or a Constellation Myth) that you then have freedom to interpret, and other things may be very vague (say like a Polaroid image) that you then have to come up with the meaning behind and launch a new story. Rarely do you get things like “lines of dialogue” or “props” although there have been those occasionally as well. Some years there will be multiple pieces of criteria. All Creative Elements are to be created within the 72 hours between Thursday Night and Sunday Night…that means brainstorming, writing, shooting, editing and turning in.
Here’s some more tips on how to schedule your weekend:
Before the Fest: it’s good to lock in your crew and your main cast and some sense of where you can shoot. You may not know the details until you get the story cracked, but it’s good to have options. Also know the limitations of your equipment and the size of your crew. Do tests. Can you shoot outside at night without lights? How many folks can you pick up on the Mic you have. Do you need another mic, light, clamp, stand, a makeshift windguard? If you’re low on budget- experiment with what you have. You don’t need thousands of dollars of equipment to make a good film by any means but dedicated equipment and people to each job (Camera / Sound / Light etc ) will work wonders. Get acquainted with your editing software. Export a movie out and see how long it takes. The more info you have going into the weekend the less chance for something extra to go wrong. Also it’s good to have your food plan laid out in advance so you’re not spinning your wheels trying to figure out food when you should be in creative mode.
Thursday Night– Attend the Launch Party to receive Criteria. Brainstorm/Write around your known locations/sets/cast/crew etc. It’s better to know your limitations going into that night as it will help you understand the scope of the story you can tell. If you have time break the script down into shoots/scenes.
Friday – Finalize cast, get a good shot list, assemble locations/costumes/props, and START SHOOTING. Go until you drop. Make sure you have someone getting good SOUND. And don’t forget to get clear room tone even when you’re outside (roll 30 seconds to a minute with cast/crew being silent), so you can make quicker fixes in post.
Saturday – Continue to Shoot until you’re done and START TO EDIT during the day if you haven’t already. If you have a separate editor- have them send out shots/pickups needed to smooth out the rough cut. Due to the smaller size of crews many directors will edit themselves, but even if you do – it’s good to have someone ingest the footage and make sure you truly have what you need on the scenes as you shoot them. One of the questions we get a lot from newer teams is “How did that team do so much in so little time?” or “How was that so polished etc?” It’s not always the answer, but oftentimes it’s having a dedicated editor working throughout the weekend. It’s tough to do a really good edit if you don’t start until Sunday at 2pm (although plenty of folks will prove that wrong). And we’ve heard many horror stories of folks who think they shot a short under the maximum time limit and it ended up twice as long. It happens to the best of us, but it’s good to know this before Sunday so you can adjust.
Sunday Morning/Afternoon– Finish the edit cutting down to maximum length if necessary and throwing in any final pickup shots, music, fix any audio issues, and color. Watch your film, make notes on issues and fix them if you have time. Some folks may still be shooting final scenes even.
Sunday Evening – If you have time – check the sound/color and export and upload. If you are pressed for time, rather than endlessly tweak down to the last possible second- export a safety copy that you can upload to us then finish up the tweaks if you have time. Warts are totally fine for 72 as you can take your time to fix them before you put them on your channel. But you need to turn in by the due time to be judged. Keep in mind that DropBox and Google Drive can sometimes take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on your connection. We must be able to download it by the turn-in time so start this process earlier than you think you should.