"Signature Speed Films" are entries into our original speed film contest. These short narratives (dramas, comedies) are created by teams around the world, based on a theme and a randomly selected scripture. Ten days are allotted for pre-production (writing, casting, locations and schedules). No writing is allowed before the verse is given. Shooting begins at a specific hour and 7-days or 168 hours later, a finished film is due. To be eligible for 20 categories of awards, all completed films will be uploaded to our media server by the deadline. Top entries are invited to screen as Official Selections to the 168 Film Festival and judged by Hollywood Pros. Awards are given for over 20 categories of technical and artistic merit. See FAQ and Official Rules for more.
"Write of Passage Spotlight Films" come from the Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition Scripts. Producers may elect to license and make a Write of Passage screenplay (see W.O.P. Rules) and may start as soon as their bid is accepted and entry fees are paid. All films have the same turn-in date. Write of Passage Spotlight films compete only in their own category.
"Unlimited Documentary" entry rules are quite different from those for the Signature Films. Doc Producers may begin shooting as soon as they CHOOSE and DELIVER their foundational scripture to 168 and pay all fees. Turn-in date is the same as signature films, but Docs will compete ONLY in their own category.
"Pure Animation" films include full Computer Graphics or Stop Motion Animation genres, with animation in every frame. Teams may begin building models no sooner than one week prior to Verse Assignment, but may begin filming, keyframing or rendering as soon as desired after Verse Assignment. Pure Animation competes in its own category and is ineligible for Best Film. (NOTE: "Hybrid" Signature Speed Films that include composite animation effects must abide by all Signature Speed Film rules to be eligible for awards. No animation work allowed until start of production week.)
"Music Video" films are limited to 5 minutes in duration. These are films where the visuals enhance or illustrate a song that may be pre-existing or original. Music Videos may begin production immediately after verse assignment, and compete in their own category.
"Student Films" is a category where key personnel (producer, director, etc.) are active college or high school students, supervised by a team of adult advisors. All Signature Speed Film rules apply, except Production Week (168 hour period) may be rescheduled if the announced schedule conflicts with exams. Student films compete within their own category.
Read the full rules for the season prior to registering your team.