Please read the following rules and regulations before submitting your short film.
• Submission deadline is 5 October, 2020 at 9 AM.
• View November screening schedule at end of Rules.
Overview
The Top of the South Film Festival has 3 different screening events to enter in 2020.
1.The Gold and Silver Reel screenings which showcase local films from the Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and Kaikoura regions. Entries can be accepted only if the film was produced by a filmmaker (or had significant crew) from the Top of the South region or was filmed (or a significant portion was filmed) in the Top of the South region. 48 Hour films are accepted this year also.
2. The Aotearoa screening. This is a NEW screening for 2020. Entries will be accepted from any New Zealand Filmmaker and can have been filmed anywhere in the world. 48 Hour films are accepted this year also.
3.The Young TS Filmmaker screening. This also is a NEW screening for 2020. Entries will be accepted from any YR3-YR10 student from the NelsonTasman schools.
How to Enter
This year all submissions are accepted only via FilmFreeway.com.
1. Go to www.filmfreeway.com and hit “Browse Festivals”
2. Search for “Top of the South Film Festival 2020”
3. Click on the link that says “View Festival” for more information or “Submit Now” if you are ready to submit your film.
4. You will be asked to SIGN UP to create a FREE FilmFreeway.com account if you don’t already have one.
1. Then submit your film(s) and be sure to add the PRESS KIT materials per below.
2. Please fill out a separate submission form for each film submitted.
3. Make payment (if required) via FilmFreeway’s online payment service.
Submission Cost
1. Top of the South Filmmakers members: FREE (maximum 3 film submissions)
2. Non-members: $20 per film entry
3. Registered Students: 50% discount - $10
4. Please create a new FilmFreeway “project” for each film submission
5. Submission fees are non-refundable.
6. The Festival Submission Fee must be paid after you have submitted your film via FilmFreeway. Please pay via the FilmFreeway payment service which is prompted after you submit your film. This will allow you to pay by either credit card, debit card or Paypal. If none of these methods work for you please contact us, per contact info below.
Rules
1. Entry deadline is 9 AM October 5, 2020. Films received after this deadline will not be accepted.
2. Post your film to Vimeo or YouTube and provide us with the link for selection and judging purposes.
3. In addition to your film, you must submit a PRESS KIT. Details below.
4. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2018
5. Films must be 15 minutes or less, including credits. (Longer films may be accepted based on the significance of the film and at the discretion of the Festival Director.)
6. Black screen credits must be no longer than 30 seconds. (Reducing credit rolls allows us to screen more films.)
7. Films are preferred to be submitted as MP4 files.
8. Films are preferred to be rendered in 16:9 aspect ratio either as in 2560×1440 (2K) or 1920×1080 (1080p Full-HD) (H264 codec). If you cannot export this format or quality, please contact the Festival Director to discuss alternative arrangements.
9. If films are submitted in video file formats other than MP4 and H264 codec and 16:9 aspect ratios, the Film Festival retains the right to NOT accept the entry.
10. There are no restrictions on films that may have been accepted to other festivals or been screened online.
11. Films must not contain copyright infringing content including music, video or photos. Any film identified as containing obvious copyright content without the appropriate license or written release will be rejected.
12. The Top of the South Film Festival “Gold Reel” screening has a maximum running time of 105 minutes (Nelson/Motueka) and 120 minutes (Blenheim/Kaikoura). The best films as determined by our panel of judges that fit within these time limits will be included in the “Gold Reel” screening. Films whose judged score did not include it within the “Gold Reel” time limits will be included in the “Silver Reel.” While we aim to screen as many films as possible, if the total running times of submitted films exceeds 4 hours, some films may not be screened in either the Gold or Silver Reel screenings.
13. The Aotearoa screening has a maximum running time of 90 minutes. Only the highest scoring films as determined by our judges that comprise 90 minutes will be included in the Aotearoa screening.
14. The Young TS Filmmakers screening has a maximum running time of 90 minutes. Only the highest scoring films as determined by our judges that comprise 90 minutes will be included in the Young TS Filmmakers screening.
15. The Top of the South (TS) Film Festival organizers reserve the right to:
a.include (or not) your film in their Gold Reel, Silver Reel, Young TS Filmmakers and Aotearoa theatrical screening events
b.to extract excerpts from your film for TS Film Festival promotion
c. and, after the festival theatrical event dates, post your film online at the Top of the South Film Festival’s website for a minimum period of 30 days from the last theatrical live screening date – November 29.
d. By submitting your film, you grant the Film Festival organizers the right to screen, excerpt and post your film per the preceding sentences at no cost to the Top of the South Film Festival.
Press Kit
Along with your film, you must submit the following Press Kit elements:
1. Logline: 30 words or less.
2. Film Synopsis: 500 words or less
3. Productions Stills: up to 5 Screenshots or on-set photographs which best depict your film.
4. Background story for your film: up to 250 words – who produced the film; how did the idea come about; who was on your team; interesting behind the scenes stories; obstacles you overcame.
5. Trailer – if you have one. Preferred 30 seconds. Longer trailers are acceptable.
Ratings
Your film will be submitted for classification by the NZ Film and Video Labelling Body (FVLB). All films viewed by the public must have a FVLB rating. For more information about NZ ratings please see: https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/find-ratings/new-zealands-classification-labels/
1) Young TS Filmmaker films (YR 3- YR10) must be “G” rated – suitable for all audiences.
2) Silver/Gold screening and Aotearoa screening films can be “G” or “PG” rated but must be no more than “M” rated – “more suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over.” Failure to obtain this rating means your film is not eligible for public screening. Minimizing content in the following areas will increase your chances of obtaining an “M” rating: Offensive Language, Gore & Violence, Explicit Nudity, Strong Themes.
3) If a film is rated by the Film and Video Labeling Body (FVLB) as harder than a “G” for the Young Filmmakers competition or a harder than a “M” for the Silver/Gold/Aotearoa screenings, a 3-day extension to edit and resubmit may be granted. If you choose not to resubmit or miss the 3-day deadline, your film will be removed from the festival. If you choose not to re-submit your film, you must let the Festival Director know immediately your intention to withdraw your film.
4) If a film is rejected for any reason, submission fees will not be refunded, with exception in hardship cases.
2020 Screening Schedule
Saturday, Nov 14 – ASB Theatre - Blenheim
6 – 7 PM – Red Carpet Event
7 PM – Gold Reel
Friday, Nov 20 – Suter Theatre, Nelson
5 – 6:30 pm – Savage & Savage Silver Reel
6 – 7 pm – Red Carpet Event
7:30 – 9 pm – Gold Reel
Saturday, Nov 21 – Suter Theatre, Nelson
10:30 – 12 noon – YikesNelson Young TS Filmmakers screening
1 – 2:30 pm – YikesNelson Young TS Filmmakers screening
3 – 4 pm – Tuia 250 Voyage documentary - Free
4:30 – 6 pm – Pomeroy’s Aotearoa Filmmakers Screening
6 – 7 pm – Red Carpet Event
7 – 9 pm – Gold Reel
Sunday, Nov 22 – Suter Theatre, Nelson
6 – 7 pm – Red Carpet and closing night socializing
7 – 8:30 pm – Paranormal Activity Feature Film
8:30 – 9:15 pm – Q&A with Writer/Director Oren Peli and Doug Brooks
Saturday, Nov 28 – Motueka State Cinema
2 – 3:30 pm YikesNelson Young TS Filmmakers screening
Sunday, Nov 29 – Motueka State Cinema
5-6 pm Red carpet and kai
6 – 8 pm Gold Reel screening
Mid-December TBD – Kaikoura - The Mayfair Arts and Culture Centre
7 PM – Gold Reel screening
Judging and Awards
1. Films are judged by a selection panel of 6, consisting of four Marlborough based judges and four Nelson/Tasman based judges. Judge profiles can be found at: https://tsfilmfest.org/judges
2. Filmmakers submitting narrative (fictional films) must designate their lead Actor and Actress for judging purposes.
3. Gold Reel Trophies awarded:
a. Best Film, Director, Screenplay, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Editing, Original Score,
b. Best Documentary, Best Student Film, Best Music Video, Best 48 Hour Lockdown film, People’s Choice (Audience) Award
4. Silver Reel Trophy awarded: Falvey Best Film
5. Aotearoa Screening Trophy awarded: Aotearoa Best Film Award
6. Judges will announce 4 nominations in each award category.
7. The judges will assess and score all films according to the creative categories below.
8. Those films that don’t have actors (e.g. documentaries, animation, music videos) will not be judged on “Performances” and their overall average score will be based on 8 categories vs. 9 for narrative films with actors.
Judging Criteria
Originality/Creativity
The production provides fresh insight into the subject. The entry is original and unique or
interesting.
Direction
Story is told in a cohesive, clear, distinctive style and tone. Acting is natural and believable.
Combined elements of story, acting, visuals and music make for a rewarding experience.
Writing
Story is original, fresh, interesting and masterfully woven. Characters are compelling and
distinctive. Dialogue is excellent, real and engaging. Has artistic merit.
Cinematography
Visually excellent; appropriate use of camera movement; lighting, composition and shot
selection serve the story; color grading enhances overall look and feel.
Performances (narrative/fictional films criteria only)
Acting performances were fresh, compelling and interesting, that support the story. Relational
dynamics are strong & believable.
Production Value
The film tells its story professionally with technical mastery, in an appropriate style. Technical
elements such as the lighting, sound, scenery and props were all used effectively to improve the overall look and feel of the film.
Pacing
The editing/pacing of the film is rhythmic, moving, engaging arrangement of pictures and
sound.
Structure
The film shows clear intent in its narrative “shape” and sequencing of events. Are there good
story choices instead of choices which confuse the audience and take the story offline? Is there a beginning middle and end, a story arc, and a clear goal? Does the story resolve itself and pay off the premise it sets up?
Sound/Music
Consistently clear dialogue recording; believable and creative use of sound effects; quality
transitions between words and music. The music complements and enhances the story, tone and overall message.
For more information contact:
Emily Thompson
Top of the South Film Festival Director
info@tsfilmfest.org
027 606 7977