Film Submission Guidelines
Welcome to Fear Fest Online Horror Film Festival! To ensure a high-quality and fair competition, please adhere to the following submission requirements:
1. Genre: Only horror films are accepted. We are looking for films that evoke fear, suspense, and thrill in the audience.
2. Length: Films must be no longer than 15 minutes, including credits. Ensure your story is concise and impact within this time frame.
3. Language: Films from any language and any part of the world are welcome. However, English subtitles are a must. Films without English subtitles will be rejected and refunded. Subtitles should be clear, accurate, and well-timed.
4. Completion: Filmmakers cannot submit work in progress. Only completed films are accepted. Ensure your film is polished and ready for screening.
5. Gore: Gore with a purpose is welcomed. Please ensure that any gore shown has context within the film and is not included just for visual effect. The gore should enhance the story and contribute to the overall narrative.
6. Release Status: Films cannot have been released on any online platforms, on disc, VOD, or screened publicly. We are looking for fresh and exclusive content.
7. Copyright: All music and other copyrighted material must be properly licensed and attributed. Ensure you have the rights to use all elements in your film to avoid any legal issues.
8. Technical Quality: Films must have proper sound, color grading, and LUT. Quality matters! It doesn't matter the budget of your film. A simple iPhone, if used properly, can look like a million-dollar camera. Do your research and plan extensively before starting your production.
Pay attention to the following:
- Sound: Clear dialogue, appropriate sound effects, and balanced audio levels.
- Color Grading: Consistent and professional color grading to enhance the visual appeal.
- LUT: Use LUTs to achieve the desired look and feel for your film.
9. Cinematography: Plan with your cinematographer (Director of Photography) as much as you can. The cinematographer is responsible for the visual look and feel of the film by making many technical and creative decisions. Their expertise can significantly enhance the quality of your film.
Consider the following:
- Lighting: Proper lighting setups to create the right mood and atmosphere.
- Camera Angles: Thoughtful camera angles and movements to tell your story effectively.
- Framing: Well-composed shots that draw the audience into the narrative.
10. Script and Story: A good script and story are essential. Your film should have a compelling narrative with scares and twists that engage the audience. It can't sound like a Shakespeare play; it needs to be accessible and relatable. Take the time to develop a strong script with well-defined characters and a clear plot. A great story can make a significant impact, regardless of the budget.
11. Planning: Quality is key, and thorough planning and execution can make a significant difference.
We encourage you to:
- Research: Study successful horror films and understand what makes them effective.
- Storyboard: Create a storyboard to visualize your scenes and plan your shots.
- Rehearse: Conduct rehearsals with your cast to ensure smooth execution during filming.
- Post-Production: Allocate sufficient time for editing, sound design, and visual effects.
12. Budget: Films of all budgets are welcome. Be creative and do your research. You can make good-looking films with little to no cash if you already own the equipment. If you have a decent digital cinema camera, you have a good advantage. However, even with an expensive camera, if not done right, it will still look like a cheap video. It's not a race; it's a marathon. Take your time to ensure your film is the best it can be.
13. Submission Platform: Submissions will be handled directly by us. Ensure your film is uploaded as an online streaming video via our official submission platform.
14. Entry Form: Complete the online entry form accurately and thoroughly. This includes providing all necessary information about your film and its production.
15. Press Kit: If your film is selected, you may be required to submit a press kit, including a trailer, promotional images, and other marketing materials. We can assist you with creating the press kit if needed.
16. No Fan Films! **
Fear Fest Online Horror Film Festival strictly prohibits the submission of fan films. This includes any films that incorporate characters, settings, or other elements from existing copyrighted works, such as Pinhead, Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Chucky, Leatherface, Pennywise, Ghostface, Jigsaw, Norman Bates, and similar.
The primary reason for this restriction is to ensure compliance with copyright and licensing regulations. Using copyrighted characters or elements without proper authorization can lead to legal issues and potential liabilities for both the filmmakers and the festival. By prohibiting fan films, we aim to protect the intellectual property rights of original creators and avoid any legal complications.
We strongly encourage filmmakers to submit original content that reflects their unique creative vision. This not only helps in showcasing their talent but also ensures that their work can be freely distributed and promoted without any legal constraints.
We encourage you to put in the effort to ensure your film meets these standards. Quality is key, and thorough planning and execution can make a significant difference.
Thank you for your submission, and we look forward to seeing your work!