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General Questions
Q: WHY THREE "PRODUCTION WEEKS?"
A: To make Speed Film production possible for more people in different climate zones, as well as to fit in with other schedules, we've created three Production Week groupings. Speed film producers can choose one of the three date options at time of registration. This choice may be changed to a later option before the group's published Verse Assignment. Once a verse is received the clock starts, and your film is due by the deadline.
Q: HOW ARE VERSES "ASSIGNED?"
A: For Speed Film entries, a list of Bible verses related to the theme of the year are selected, printed on strips of paper and attached to stones placed on a table. One at a time, during the Verse Assignment Event, a representative of a team chooses a stone, and the attached verse becomes the foundational verse for the film (photo above). This happens 10 days prior to production start. For Non-Speed Films, the producer chooses the verse from the Bible that fits the story they have to tell, preferably one that fits with the annual theme. Non-speed producers can begin production as soon as the entry is purchased. Chosen Non-Speed verses need to be forwarded to 168 before the date of Verse Assignment. For Write of Passage Spotlight Films, the script is already based on an assigned verse.
Q: DOES 168 PROVIDE CAST, CREW OR OTHER RESOURCES?
A: Producers are responsible for finding cast, crew, gear, locations, props and other services needed to complete a film. As for traning and inspirational resources, there are many articles and training videos on the site available for free, and more available after signing up. Additionally our 3rd Monday "Network168" sessions provide a way to connect with other members of the 168 family for help and support.
Q: DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO HAVE A COMPLETE PRODUCTION CREW BEFORE I SIGN UP?
A: No. You do not have to have it all together to sign up. In fact, many teams come together at the last moment. Most teams have people who wear many hats, some even do solo films. An often-reported miracle is how much needed talent or material appears when needed, in response to prayer.
Q: HOW DO I FIND CREW MEMBERS? (HOW DO I FIND A TEAM TO WORK WITH?)
If you don't have a local network of filmmakers to invite into the project, some producers advertise their need for crew/cast on other social media or on local acting/film community bulletin forums such as Craig's List. Teams in remote places sometimes have casting events to recruit a pool of available talent, then they can write the story around available talent. Many aspiring crew members are willing to work just for the experience. But, note: some communities may be offended by a solicitation for free work. It is always better to mention some form of compensation, even if it is only good food to eat.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE ON A TEAM?
A: Include as many on your team as you wish. You can even go solo if you like wearing many hats. Most teams average around 10 people. If you like herding cats, you can have 100. All team members must sign a release form. Sample forms are provided once you sign up.
Q: WHAT RIGHTS DOES 168 CLAIM ON MY FILM?
Producers are required to sign an entry and licensing contract. This contract gives 168 Film a non-exclusive license to your film. The contract document is included with the Entry Agreement.
Q: CAN I ENTER MY LATEST FILM IN THE 168 COMPETITION?
With the exception of "Open" and “Proof of Concept” entries, 168 is for new productions made specifically within the current season's timeframe.
The 168 Film Project has built its reputation on filmmakers exercising their creativity on our scripture-inspired Signature Speed Films. These 11-minute tales use a regimented pre-production and production schedule. Writing is NOT permitted before scriptures are randomly assigned.As 168 has grown, we have also expanded, and added the Non-Speed film categories. Our intent with these films is to encourage other filmmaking forms and to allow more flexibility to the filmmaker. "Documentary" is allowed to use unlimited pre-existing content. "Proof of Concept" can be an edit of a longer, new-to-168, and previously unreleased work.
If we have festival screen time available, we may announce an "Open" category Call for Entries. This is for completed, new-to-168 films that meet our content standards, and could be shorts or feature-length. The Open call for entries will be announced on the website after the film production competition has ended. Open films are only eligible for a "Best Open Film" award and audience favorite.
Q: WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF "UNRELEASED?"
A: An unreleased film is one that is not currently on any publicly available platform (theatrical, disc or streaming). Shortened unreleased films may be entered in Proof of Concept.
Q: DO I HAVE TO BE IN CALIFORNIA OR GEORGIA TO COMPETE?
A: No! We have entries made on location all over the world, including places like Israel, Kenya, and even Ohio!
Q: DO I HAVE TO MAKE AN EVANGELISTIC MOVIE?
A: No. Most of the 168 films are just good stories with a Biblical worldview, which can be summed up as "Love God and Treat Others as You Wanna be Treated." See our CONTENT RULES. Films that would make good tools for people to use to start a conversation about the Gospel will compete for the Evangelista Award.
Q: WHICH VERSION OF THE BIBLE DO YOU USE?
A: It varies. We usually use NIV for verse assignment but occasionally use others, including KJV. If you prefer a particular translation for the verse displayed at the end of your film, we can use your preference. Once you receive a verse (or if you choose one yourself for a Non-Speed film), we encourage you to use multiple translations and other Bible study guides to explore the deeper meaning and context in order to develop your story.
Q: WHAT DOES IT COST TO ENTER THE CONTEST & HOW DO I PAY?
A: Team registration fees are listed Here. Pay by check or use a credit card. Fees go up as production week draws near, so hurry! (Fees are displayed when Call for Entries is open.)
Q: WHAT KIND OF FILM CAN I PRODUCE?
A: When you sign up you will declare what type of film you intend to produce. This can be changed if needed. Film types are listed HERE. Note: some film categories have different timelines and criteria for judging. Carefully read the descriptions before choosing.
Within each type you can choose any genre: comedy, musical, drama, noir, sci-fi, action adventure etc. that is appropriate to the assigned or chosen scripture, as long as you abide by the Content Rules. To encourage great Comedies, these compete for Best Comedy and Best Comedy Screenplay awards.
Q: CAN I USE AN EXISTING SCRIPT?
Write of Passage (WP) and Alumni Films are the only types that allow existing scripts. For a WP script (choose from this list), you MUST contact us prior to starting to make sure the script is available. We are here to facilitate this and we want you to succeed! See how a script is licensed HERE.
Proof of Concept is a non-speed film type also allows a pre-existing script, perhaps an excerpt from a feature script or TV pilot. Learn more about Proof of Concept HERE.
Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS IN A NUTSHELL?
A: The season starts with education and mixers to aid in team formation. For Speed Films, teams get a randomly-selected Bible verse which serves as the foundation for the story. No writing may occur before the verse is given. Verse Assignment marks the start of a 10-day pre-production period (writing, casting, locations, schedules etc). Cameras may roll at a specific hour and final films are due 168 hours later. For speed films, we offer three production week "groups" to allow for teams to take advantage of seasonal conditions. The current year's schedule is announced HERE. And yes, teams may choose to make more than one speed film if they choose, up to one in each group. Student Speed Films may "Pick Your Own Deadline" to fit in an academic schedule. The turn-in deadline for the final group of Speed Films is also the deadline for all non-speed films. See Rules for details. All films are judged by our internal programmers and the finalists go to the celebrity jury. All films will submit higher quality screening versions for screening.
Q: HOW DO I SUBMIT MY FILM?
A: Well first of all, you have to MAKE your film, within the time constraints of the contest. Speed Films have a strict 24 hour x 7 day shooting/editing schedule that is set by us. Non-speed films can begin anytime after registering. All films (except certain Proof of Concept entries) are new and original for this competition. Once signed up, teams have access to the "Competition Hub," where all technical specifications, required content, time constraints and other details are available, along with extensive help and training resources. Within the Competition Hub is the upload portal where the films are submitted before the deadline.
Q: CAN I SHOOT A WRITE OF PASSAGE SCRIPT FROM THE WRITING CONTEST? HOW DOES THAT WORK?
A: Yes, you can, and it takes one variablel off the table, as you start with a completed script. You'll want to choose a script for which you can find the resources to complete it. Details on making a Write of Passage Spotlight Film, and the process of licensing a script are found in the WOP FAQ page.
Q: CAN I MAKE MORE THAN ONE FILM THIS SEASON?
A: Yes. Producers may complete a Non-Speed entry(Write of Passage, Documentary, etc) prior to Verse Assignment, and then do a Speed Film within the 168 timeframe. You can also do up to 3 speed films by entering one film in each speed film group. Multiple entry purcchases are required if doing more than one film.
Q: I CAN'T DO THE COMPETITION BECAUSE THE DATES DON'T WORK WITH MY SCHEDULE. ARE THE DATES FLEXIBLE?
A: This is why we offer the three Speed Film groups with different dates. Pick the one that meets your schedule, or produce a Non-Speed film, which can be turned in anytime prior to the final speed film deadline. Only Student Speed Films may request a custom schedule.
Q: CAN I CHANGE MY GROUP ASSIGNMENT OR FILM TYPE?
A: Yes, you can switch from speed to non-speed, non-speed to speed, or change to a different speed film group UNTIL VERSE ASSIGNMENT for that group. Once the verse is assigned, you are committed to produce a speed film in that group. Contact us by email to request a change.
Q: WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
A: Refunds will be pro-rated on the following schedule: More than 90 days out (from Verse Assignment) 100% will be refunded. 60 days out 50%, 30 days out or less, no refund. Team fees are not transferable.
Q: WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE COMPETITION?
A: See the Film Project page.
Q: WHAT DOES IT COST TO MAKE A FILM?
A: Production budgets vary greatly (that's like asking, "How much does a house cost?"). Teams spend from $250 to $15,000 with the average being around $2,500. All teams are responsible for their own budget, cast and crew.
Q: HOW DO I FINANCE MY FILM?
A: Beg, borrow and squeal, starting with your friends and family. Kickstarter, Give-Send-Go or other crowd funding sources are options. If you can affiliate (or are affiliated) with a church or other nonprofit, you may be able to offer tax benefits to donors. You may add sponsor logos to your credits. All producers are responsible for financing their own films.
Q: WHAT DO I GET FOR MY ENTRY FEE?
A: Entry Fees include two (2) All Festival Tickets, passes to the mixers, and a chance to be seen by our VIP Jury and to exhibit at the Festival. You also get: full access to all films and other materials on "Channel 168," our film library, and other training resources (behond login).
Entry fees do not cover the whole cost of a production season and festival. Encourage your friends to donate to168.
Q: I'M NOT A PRODUCER - HOW DO I JOIN A TEAM
A: Find a 168 producer and ask! 168 often provides in-person and online mixers where you can meet people who have production needs. Very few teams will refuse your excellent, free help. You can also come to our live events in L.A. or Georgia. Get on the mailing list to be informed.
Q: THERE'S NOBODY NEAR ME DOING A FILM AND I WANT TO BE INVOLVED. NOW WHAT?
A: You can always travel to where someone is doing one, but is this your call to start a team and do a film? After signing up, you have access to hours of training on visual storytelling and production techniques. Then find someone who can write, someone with a camera and someone else with an editing rig, pray and see what direction God will send you. It can be life changing!
Q: CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR 168?
A: Yes, we love our volunteers! Inquire about positions. If you're simply curious about us, register for our email newsletter. This is our primary mode of communication. We use the most volunteers at the 168 Festival for everything from usher to stage tech. Contact us if you are want to help at this red carpet, gala affair and rub elbows with filmmakers from around the world.
Q: MAY I SUBMIT MY FILM TO OTHER FESTIVALS, PROMOTE AND SCREEN MY FILM BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE 168 FILM FESTIVAL?
A: Yes, but 168 reserves the right to premiere your film. You must wait to release your film to the public in any form (no YouTube, Facebook, other festivals, etc.) until after the 168 Film Festival premiere. You are encouraged to submit your film to other festivals as long as their screening is AFTER the 168 Film Festival. Then you are free to do as you like with your film, with regard to your contract with 168 Film.
Q: IS IT HARD TO START A TEAM?
A: That depends on you. Are you willing to talk to everyone you know to get help, finances and prayers? Editors, Directors of Photography, Gaffers, and other technical positions are always in great demand, so hug an editor today-you'll be glad later.
Q: CAN I ENTER MY COMPLETED SCREENPLAY?
A: It depends...
- For Speed Films, No. This is an original production competition and so pre-existing screenplays cannot enter. All 168 Signature Speed Films are to be created during the same time period. No writing will occur before the Verse Assignment or the team is disqualified. Prior to verse assignment you may formulate ideas about genre and characters based on your available resources, but no writing may commence until you have received your verse.
- If you wrote a Write of Passage script or bid and win permission to produce one, you may produce it as a Write of Passage Spotlight Film.
- If you are a 168 Alumni, having previously produced a film for the competition, you can enter a new film based on an existing script in the Alumni Film category, which will compete with other Alumni films for honors.
- Proof of Concept (POC) is a relatively new category that can use a completed screenplay or even a completed film, cut to 5-9 minutes as a sample of a larger project. POC films compete only for a Best Of award in this category. See more on POC
Q: WHAT IF I WANT TO BASE MY STORY ON AN EXISTING WORK (BOOK, MOVIE, TV SHOW, OR EVEN WRITE OF PASSAGE SCRIPT)?
Almost every high concept has been done and as the Good Book says, there is nothing new under the sun. All works are derivative of something, so what can you write on? Are spoofs/parodies ok? Yes! Is taking a script that is already written (outside of Write of Passage or Alumni entries) ok? No. Be original as possible. You must have a proper license for all books, media or life rights. You are free to borrow liberally and without a license from the best selling book of all time, the Bible.
The “Verse Justification” field in the Film Information Database is for you to disclose the inspiration for your film. It should not be any unlicensed book, story film or TV show unless it is a parody or spoof. It should be an original idea. If it is an exact copy of a pre-existing storyline, you are out of bounds, not only with us, but also copyright holders. That can get you in serious trouble (it has happened).
Q: WHAT IS OUR PHILOSOPHY ON THE COMPETITION?
A: The 168 Film Project primarily about process and individual growth. Secondarily, it is about awards and competition. You are expected to abide by the rules and to conduct yourself in a way that is honoring to God and to your peers. The spirit of this competition is that you would trust that inspiration for the story will be provided based on your theme and verse. Scriptural Integration (how well your film expresses the original meaning and intent of the verse) is weighted heavier than any other judging category, so you would do well to study and understand your verse and its context. A "spiritual advisor" is a good idea to help with the verse. Prayer is encouraged. We will gladly help you with both.
Q: HOW CAN I PREPARE IF I CANNOT WRITE UNTIL I GET THE VERSE?
A: First, we give you a clue, the "theme" for the year. Verses will have something to do with the theme, so you can get a tentative idea of what style of film you'd like to do. Then, think of your speed film production as an artist's palette. Your assets (or colors) are people, places and things you have access to: gear, set pieces, locations, actors, and crew members. Use these raw materials as colors to apply to your canvas once you receive the foundational verse. No writing of script may occur before the verse is randomly selected. Be prepared to abandon any preconceived ideas, as God may steer you in a totally different direction once you see the verse.
Q: ON THE FIRST DAY OF FILMING A SPEED FILM, DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE POSTED TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE FIRST SHOT?
A: No. You can do whatever you need to prepare to start filming at the stated hour. You can rehearse scenes, do makeup, costumes, lighting, camera settings, and even shoot test clips, practicing set protocols, checking lighting and sound quality. You just cannot use any test or rehearsal clips in the final output. Then at the designated time (11am Pacific/2pm Eastern), you can make your first take.
Q: WHAT BUDGET LIMITATIONS ARE THERE?
A: There are no restrictions on budget. We are all learning and it is an honor for newcomers to work and compete with pros, and vice versa. Creativity and an excellent story that integrates the scripture will hold up very well, even against a big budget, especially if the big budget one doesn't relate well to the verse. Good producers are known for budgeting according to their resources and being frugal. A smaller budget will naturally expand your creativity and skills to become a better producer. The playing field is never level.
Q: WHAT ABOUT MUSIC?
A: You can use production libraries, buy-out music or have a composer custom-produce a score that's precisely timed to your action (the best option). You might be able to use commercially-available music IF you can get clearance to use it. No rights, no use. License for a song must include rights assigned to 168, and proof of license must be included in film documentation. IMPORTANT: Even hinting of a copyrighted song can be considered a copyright violation. Using lyrics in dialog or humming or whistling a copyrighted tune without permission can be disqualifiying. If you see such a thing in your script, rewrite to stay out of trouble - or use a song you can confirm is in public domain..If we find unlicensed copyrighted material, you may be disqualified from awards, and have to re-edit prior to festival screening.
Q: WHAT ABOUT COMMERCIAL RECORDINGS, FILM CLIPS, TRADEMARKS, PHOTOS, ETC.
A: To use just about any pre-existing content, you will need a license from the copyright owner. Licenses, synchronization rights, and other permissions for commercial materials are expensive and take longer to clear than you have with the Speed Film timeframe. To attempt to clear content for use in your film, here is one resource: www,hiddenpondproductions.com
Q: WHO IS THE "SIGNING PRODUCER?"
The "Signing Producer" is the person who purchased the entry (Entrant).. We will assume that this is the owner of the Copyright unless you tell us different. This is the one we will deal with in all matters and he or she must then talk to any other producers. Note: only one login will access the Producer Dashboard. You may share your login with those you delegate to fill in the forms, but guard your entry by only using trusted partners with your data. Change your password as soon as you are able (not during crunch time!).
Q: WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN/MINORS ON SET?
A: We take protection of children seriously. Our rules require a parent or guardian be on-set with a minor at all times. Some states have laws regulating child actors. To learn if your state has requirements, we recommend the website Children in Film. Select your state to learn of child actor laws that apply to your set. We noticed that it can take a long time to get a permit for a minor if one is needed, so plan accordingly.
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