Stills from Bloodcall, Director Asha Harris-Cohen, 2017
Are you a first time filmmaker ?
Well, making a film can take longer than you think. Allow plenty of time. Remember, you're not only shooting but editing and making your sound as well. You can shoot your film on any video or stills camera but the simplest way to shoot is with a mobile phone or a device (like an iPad or Android equivalent). Your school could have access to these if you don't have your own.
Film your story in small sections. Always use your screenplay as a guide. You can sketch your scenes out in drawings if that makes it easier. As you are filming new ways to shoot a scene may pop into your head... go with it. It doesn't't have to be complicated or flashy.
There are also some great easy tutorials on youtube. Please make sure your film is shot in 24fps 9frames per second). we cannot accept your film if not shot at this speed.
Well, making a film can take longer than you think. Allow plenty of time. Remember, you're not only shooting but editing and making your sound as well. You can shoot your film on any video or stills camera but the simplest way to shoot is with a mobile phone or a device (like an iPad or Android equivalent). Your school could have access to these if you don't have your own.
Film your story in small sections. Always use your screenplay as a guide. You can sketch your scenes out in drawings if that makes it easier. As you are filming new ways to shoot a scene may pop into your head... go with it. It doesn't't have to be complicated or flashy.
There are also some great easy tutorials on youtube. Please make sure your film is shot in 24fps 9frames per second). we cannot accept your film if not shot at this speed.
When do entries close?
Friday 18th September, at the stroke of midnight, 2022. Entries open Feb 01 2022.
Friday 18th September, at the stroke of midnight, 2022. Entries open Feb 01 2022.
Does it cost to enter?
Yes. USD $35 (AUD $50). If you live in New South Wales you can apply for a CREATIVE KIDS voucher. This can be used to pay for the film submission. The voucher value is $100 so you will also recieve 2 tickets towards the Bloodfest 2020 Gala experience; including film screening, party and Q & A with the film makers.
Yes. USD $35 (AUD $50). If you live in New South Wales you can apply for a CREATIVE KIDS voucher. This can be used to pay for the film submission. The voucher value is $100 so you will also recieve 2 tickets towards the Bloodfest 2020 Gala experience; including film screening, party and Q & A with the film makers.
Does it need to be horror themed or a scary film?
Simply, yes. Horror film is a genre that aims to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, disgust or dread for the audience. It can be creepy, thrilling, gory, spooky, scary or even out of this world. Again your version.
Simply, yes. Horror film is a genre that aims to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, disgust or dread for the audience. It can be creepy, thrilling, gory, spooky, scary or even out of this world. Again your version.
Do I need to write a screenplay?
No. You are judged on the film only, however writing a script is incredibly helpful and what professional film makers do.
There are some screenplay help links in FILM MAKERS GET STARTED.
No. You are judged on the film only, however writing a script is incredibly helpful and what professional film makers do.
There are some screenplay help links in FILM MAKERS GET STARTED.
Do I need to be in school or university to enter?
No not at all. You just need to enter in your age bracket, so if you're:
13 - 17 Kids / Teens
18 - 26 Emerging
No not at all. You just need to enter in your age bracket, so if you're:
13 - 17 Kids / Teens
18 - 26 Emerging
How long? How short?
5 minutes max, including credits.
No minimum length.
5 minutes max, including credits.
No minimum length.
How do I edit my film?
Editing is simplest through iMovie on Apple, or for Android there's VidTrim or Magisto or Final Cut Pro. Check which one your school uses.
You could also submit a one shot film, where there are no cuts or edits.
Editing is simplest through iMovie on Apple, or for Android there's VidTrim or Magisto or Final Cut Pro. Check which one your school uses.
You could also submit a one shot film, where there are no cuts or edits.
Can I enter more than once?
Yes of course - each sumbission requires a separate entry fee.
Yes of course - each sumbission requires a separate entry fee.
Can international students enter?
Yes, we are encouraging international students to enter.
Yes, we are encouraging international students to enter.
Can I use subtitles?
Yes, of course.
Yes, of course.
Does it have to be in English?
Not at all. The screenplay will need an English translation attached for the judging panel.
Not at all. The screenplay will need an English translation attached for the judging panel.
What about animations, documentaries and mockumentaries?
These styles can be entered too.
These styles can be entered too.
Can I submit a film I've made before?
Yes. As long as it has not been in submitted into Bloodfest Film Festival before.
Note: Please remove all other festivals logos from the film.
Yes. As long as it has not been in submitted into Bloodfest Film Festival before.
Note: Please remove all other festivals logos from the film.
Can I re-cut a previously made film?
See above
See above
What can I shoot on?
You can shoot on any digital format - even your phone.
You can shoot on any digital format - even your phone.
Can I use music off the net?
Yes ONLY if it's royalty free or public domain OR the music could be composed by you, composed by Garageband or made from scratch. Ideally we would like submitters to make their own sound. You can compose by simply recording footsteps, fingernails scratching the floor, doors creaking or]voice. Or be more elaborate by composing. There is a prize for best sound.
Yes ONLY if it's royalty free or public domain OR the music could be composed by you, composed by Garageband or made from scratch. Ideally we would like submitters to make their own sound. You can compose by simply recording footsteps, fingernails scratching the floor, doors creaking or]voice. Or be more elaborate by composing. There is a prize for best sound.
Are there any restrictions for swearing and sexual depictions?
Yes. No swearing is allowed for Kids category and no explicit sexual depictions in kids and teens.
Yes. No swearing is allowed for Kids category and no explicit sexual depictions in kids and teens.
Do I need written permission from the cast?
Yes. Film Release Forms here
Yes. Film Release Forms here
Can I ask adults to help?
Sure. They can't make it for you, but you can get advice and guidance.
Sure. They can't make it for you, but you can get advice and guidance.
Can adults perform and/or be involved in my film?
Yes, but you're the boss!
All adult actors are required to sign a Talent Release Form.
Yes, but you're the boss!
All adult actors are required to sign a Talent Release Form.
Will my film be shown in a cinema?
If you make the 'Top 5' - yes ! We'll contact you by mid October.
If you make the 'Top 5' - yes ! We'll contact you by mid October.
How do I know if I've made the final round?
We will contact you, and your parent/guardian via email and phone.
We will contact you, and your parent/guardian via email and phone.
Why do I need the release forms?
A release form enables the festival to show your work publicly. We need the release forms so you agree that your actors, your film and stills pictures from your film can be shown online, on social media and any other media platforms . This includes our website, any public screenings and promotional materials. All entrants need to complete all release forms.
A release form enables the festival to show your work publicly. We need the release forms so you agree that your actors, your film and stills pictures from your film can be shown online, on social media and any other media platforms . This includes our website, any public screenings and promotional materials. All entrants need to complete all release forms.
How is the film judged?
Your entry is judged on 3 parts. Filmmaking, Artistry and Story
Your entry is judged on 3 parts. Filmmaking, Artistry and Story
Does my Film need to have blood in it?
No. Your character's horror may be as simple as being alone in a room, or a phobia of caterpillars.
No. Your character's horror may be as simple as being alone in a room, or a phobia of caterpillars.
Any more questions?
Email us here
Email us here