old draft of rules... please disregard...

[Larry Rutledge]

http://www.dvxfest.com/monsterfest/monsterfest1.jpg

DVXuser Announces ...
Monster Fest coming October 31th, 2009


What is Monster Fest?

A monster is any of a large number of creatures which usually appear in legend or horror fiction. The word monster derives from Latin monstrum, meaning "omen", from the root of monere ("to warn") and also meaning "prodigy" or "miracle".

The term monster refers to a being that is a gross exception to the norms of some ecosystem. It could be a gigantic lizard (Godzilla) or huge moth (Mothra), it could be a mythical malevolent being (zombie, werewolf, vampire, etc). It could be an unnatural creation (the Smog Monster, Frankenstein, or The Fly, for examples). If referring to a human, a person referred to as a monster is taken as exceptionally evil, grotesque, unreasonably strict and uncaring, sociopathic, and/or sadistic. The word monster connotes something wrong or evil (e.g. a monstrous being is: very morally objectionable, physically or psychologically hideous, or a freak of nature). Society or individuals usually feel threatened by a being classified as a "monster".
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster, as expounded upon by DVXUser here)


SHOOTING DATES

DVXuser has set July 27th, 2009 - October 30th, 2009 as the designated shooting dates for all Monster Fest films.

Films MUST be made between this time. Deadline for entries is October 30th, 2009 at 11 AM Pacific Daylight Time

ADD'L GUIDELINES, LIMITATIONS, & REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMITTED FILMS




Required Element - There is no required element, however you are required to create and submit a poster.

Poster must be equivalent dimensions to a standard one-sheet (26"x40"). An example, equivalent dimension would be 3.25" x 5" (same dimensions as standard one-sheet, but 8 times smaller). Can also be portrait (26"x40") or landscape (40"x26").
Poster must not exceed 5MB

Each Filmmaker may submit a maximum of TWO (2) films. However, there is no limit to the number of films you may collaborate on, and you are encouraged to do so. Films MUST be separate, and not two halves of a whole film.
Films may be any Genre, provided they meet the required theme.




Your total film, including all opening titles and credits, may not exceed six minutes. PERIOD.

Film Title - you must include the title of your film in your film. This may be in any format and may appear anywhere within the 6 minutes of the film.
Credits - You must include AT LEAST ONE (1) FRAME of credits at the END of your film. A MAXIMUM of FIFTEEN (15) SECONDS of credits will be permitted at the END of your film. This does NOT include any additional credits you place at the beginning of (or elsewhere in) your film.

You will also be required to attach a DVXuser leader to the beginning of your film. The running time of the leader does not count against your six minutes. (Note: If the length of the entry exceeds 6 Minutes plus the length of the leader, it will be disqualified. NO EXCEPTIONS.)

Must be one of the leaders provided here: http://www.dvxfest.com/leaders/
The leader must remain visually unaltered.
You are free to alter the leader's audio in any way. If audio is provided with the leader you may use it, omit it, or replace it (examples include, but are not limited to: overdubbed narration, V.O., music, etc)

Films may be shot with any camera and may be delivered in any aspect ratio. Depending on the viewing process this time around, if you have an unorthodox aspect ratio (such as "Again to Return" from LossFest), you may be required to submit a letter/pillarboxed version. Please just keep this in the back of your head as we move forward.
Films must be Rated "R" or lower... This is a hard R. If you are unsure, please ask first. Do NOT assume.
Absolutely NO Copyright Violations. Your material must be original, licensed, or royalty free. This includes (but is not limited to) Your script, music, sound effects, etc. DVXuser assumes no liability for copyright violations in your submitted entry.
All Filmmakers agree to grant DVXuser a NON-exclusive license to use your film for promotional purposes, for it to appear on a future DVXFest DVD (should there be one) or at a DVXuser Sanctioned Public Screening. We will make every attempt to contact you first if any of the above situations should apply to your film. If we cannot make contact, or you request us not to, we will not include your film.
You may NOT publicly exhibit any footage from your film entry, or shot for your film entry (this includes outtakes, alternate takes, etc) prior to the conclusion of the festival, or your participation in the festival. At such time you publicly exhibit any footage from your film, this will be seen as a forfeiture of any rights to prizes, awards, or acknowledgments. You will cease to be in competition at this point.

EXCEPTION: If you have submitted your film to a LIVE Film Festival and been accepted (Slamdance for example) and your film will air before the conclusion of our festival, this is an acceptable exception, BUT you must notify us that you are utilizing this exemption. This exception applies ONLY to LIVE festivals. Screening in any other online festival prior to the conclusion of MonsterFest, will render your film invalid for competition in MonsterFest. However, NO films may be publicly exhibited in any form prior to October 30th, 2009.
EXCEPTION: You may post screen grabs from your footage

The Festival is open to every country and every language. However, if your film's dialogue is in a language other than English, you must include English subtitles in your film.
There is NO Entry Fee. As always, our festivals are free and open to the public.
Anonymous entries are permitted with pre-approval from the DVXFest staff.
DVXuser Moderators, and DVXFest staff, are free to enter films, and have them rated by the viewers. However, they will NOT be eligible for prizes.
OUTSIDE PROMOTION
You may promote your individual entry outside of DVXuser for the purposes of drawing attention to the festival and to let people know the work you are involved in.

This is NOT to include any kind of vote begging whatsoever. The purpose is to draw attention to the festival and to your individual entry, not to garner votes.

You must also include a direct link to the Monster Fest forum, not just your own thread.

DVXuser will not tolerate any kind of spammish behavior.

Any outside activities deemed by the festival staff to be considered "spammy" or "vote beggy" may lead to your immediate disqualification from the festival.

Outside promotion is part of the filmmaking process, so we encourage you to take full advantage of it and enjoy spreading the word about your film. Be creative and have fun with it :)

UPLOAD INFORMATION

Upload information will be made available by Monday, October 12th, 2009 and will remain open until the upload deadline passes. Upload as early as possible in order to have time to adjust if you have a rule compliance violation.

CONCERNING TRAILERS/TEASERS
If you wish to make a teaser/trailer for your film, you may BUT... It may NOT contain any live action footage of any kind WHATSOEVER. Whether from your film or not. Absolutely NO live action footage. So, think of it more as a teaser than a trailer.

You MAY make teasers/promotionals promoting DVXFest on the whole, and these may be displayed at anytime. The NO Footage rule, still applies of course. You MAY use footage from previous festivals, but please obtain the filmmaker's permission for any clips you would like to use in this manner.

IF you are not absolutely sure that your teaser would be legal, then you need to ASK FIRST.


VIEWING AND VOTING PERIOD

The films will go live on October 31st, 2009. There will be two rounds of rating, and the rating system will be much the same as it has been for the past several fests... a 10 star rating system. We will have an additional sticky thread that will post as a FAQ/Q&A for the rating period.

The first round of Rating will take place from October 31st, 2009 (at the time the viewing officially opens) until 11 AM Pacific Daylight Time, November 10th, 2009.

Once the first round of rating closes, we will review and verify the results and in the same day announce a to be determined number of films that will be designated "Finalists". The 2nd round of rating will run from November 10th, 2009 until November 20th, 2009.

Anyone who is a registered DVXuser Member will be eligible to rate the films. However, only those persons ratings with 50 posts or more, (or if you are a submitting filmmaker) will determine the Finalists and the Winners of the festival acknowledgments and prizes (if any).

All other ratings will be for the benefit of the filmmakers to receive data on the how good the audience thought their film was, and we will also announce an "Audience Favorite" that will reflect the highest overall rated film, including ALL ratings.

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DVXuser reserves the right to make alterations, clarifications, and/or modifications to the rules until August 15th, 2009. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates.

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If you have any questions at all please feel free to ask away here in the rules thread, or, if you prefer, PM a moderator. But, let's all try to remain calm and civil as it will help the flow of information and ensure that as many people as possible have the most enjoyable festival experience possible. Please do not assume anything. If you are not absolutely certain, ask us first so we can clarify, and also make any changes necessary to the rules in the even that any confusion is caused by a lack of clarity within them.

Good Luck, and Enjoy MonsterFest!

[Ki-Ki]

Really pumped now!

Submitting a poster, as in you must create your own thread - with the poster / hence submitting it? :)

If so I think that's good, would be nice to see every entry with a thread.

Thanks Larry, looks ace.

[RichardVClark]

This will be my first.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

You may NOT publicly exhibit any footage from your film entry, or shot for your film entry (this includes outtakes, alternate takes, etc) prior to the conclusion of the festival, or your participation in the festival. At such time you publicly exhibit any footage from your film, this will be seen as a forfeiture of any rights to prizes, awards, or acknowledgments. You will cease to be in competition at this point.Screen grabs still permitted?

[Larry Rutledge]

Yes, screen grabs are still permitted (will adjust the wording to clarify).

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Yes, screen grabs are still permitted (will adjust the wording to clarify).
Thanks. I'm assuming that since grabs are permitted that they can also be used in Teasers, no?

As long as it's not footage right?

Just checking.

Thanks,

MAH

[Larry Rutledge]

As it states:


If you wish to make a teaser/trailer for your film, you may BUT... It may NOT contain any live action footage of any kind WHATSOEVER. Whether from your film or not. Absolutely NO live action footage.

So, yes, you can include screen grabs in a teaser. But these would be individual grabs ... not a series of them into a "flip book" animation of your footage

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Cool. Just wanted to check to make sure.

[Brandon Rice]

Or a series of grabs that happen to play at 24 frames a second? ;)

[mattspat]

hum I have two interesting ideas brewing!!! I need to find time now!!!

[Lawsuit_Boy]

This may have been covered elsewhere, but what is the time limit on an exhibition-only film (if there is one)? I won't quite be able to make the 6 minute limit, so I'm curious as to how long it can run. Perhaps it's more a matter of storage space and file size for exhibition-only?

[Ki-Ki]

I think if it's exhibition, it won't matter - most people would just prefer it to be shorter than longer I'm guessing.

[Barry_Green]

We prefer not to have exhibition-only films. We much prefer that you approach the festival as it is intended.

Exhibition-only films are those that *almost* qualified, but had to be disqualified for some reason or other. But the filmmaker set out to comply with the rules, and (usually) submits the film thinking that he or she has indeed complied with the rules, and cannot modify the film in time to comply with the rules. In cases like those, we will occasionally allow them to be listed in an "exhibition only" category.

If you set out to make a film that will not comply with the fest, then don't submit it to the fest. Instead, you can start a User Films thread for that film.

[pauly_the_hitman]

Cool I am going to get to work on this with some friends whcich have worked on other entries so my Siesta is over...Muahuh...
Pauly

[chriscurl]

Would aliens be considered monsters by default, or do they require some degree of grotesqueness to be considered a monster.

And this is a completely serious question!

[stinkpot]

We will make this fest for sure.

:beer:

[Barry_Green]

Would aliens be considered monsters by default, or do they require some degree of grotesqueness to be considered a monster.
Tricky. Do aliens, inherently, have to be considered monsters? Would you consider "Starman" or "E.T." as "monsters"? Starman was a human-appearing "alien" who wasn't a threat to anyone. E.T. was a grotesque little "monster" but he was completely beneficial to everyone. However, Scott's "Alien" was unquestionably a monster, as was the Predator.

Could "Hellboy" be considered a monster? Probably, but... heck, for that matter, what about every one of the "X-Men" characters, or those off of "Heroes"? Sure don't seem like "monsters" to me, even the nastiest ones. For some reason I don't think Sylar is a "monster". He's a bad dude with "abilities" but does that make him a "monster"?

If it was me empirically making a decision, I say there should be some threat involved and some element of non-humanity. Godzilla wiped out Tokyo over and over, that's a threat. Vampires are human-ish, but also are undead/non-human, and they are most definitely a threat to the innocent. I would think there should need to be some malevolance towards humanity (or individuals) and some manner of non-human-ness in order for us to properly consider the being in question a "monster".

[chriscurl]

Thanks for the clarification, that makes perfect sense.



Tricky. Do aliens, inherently, have to be considered monsters? Would you consider "Starman" or "E.T." as "monsters"? Starman was a human-appearing "alien" who wasn't a threat to anyone. E.T. was a grotesque little "monster" but he was completely beneficial to everyone. However, Scott's "Alien" was unquestionably a monster, as was the Predator.

Could "Hellboy" be considered a monster? Probably, but... heck, for that matter, what about every one of the "X-Men" characters, or those off of "Heroes"? Sure don't seem like "monsters" to me, even the nastiest ones. For some reason I don't think Sylar is a "monster". He's a bad dude with "abilities" but does that make him a "monster"?

If it was me empirically making a decision, I say there should be some threat involved and some element of non-humanity. Godzilla wiped out Tokyo over and over, that's a threat. Vampires are human-ish, but also are undead/non-human, and they are most definitely a threat to the innocent. I would think there should need to be some malevolance towards humanity (or individuals) and some manner of non-human-ness in order for us to properly consider the being in question a "monster".

[Kholi]

Why is it that Barry turns up en masse when the Halloween Fests roll around?

Heheheheh

[JonB]

This might be a dumb question, but I want to be sure... Does the film maker have to make the poster themselves, or can they have someone else make it for them?

[Jason Ramsey]

you can have anyone make them... That's fine. I'm sure you can find some folks in the "TagTeam" section who are willing to take on the task to do some posters for some folks.

later,
jason

[Lawsuit_Boy]

We prefer not to have exhibition-only films. We much prefer that you approach the festival as it is intended.

Exhibition-only films are those that *almost* qualified, but had to be disqualified for some reason or other. But the filmmaker set out to comply with the rules, and (usually) submits the film thinking that he or she has indeed complied with the rules, and cannot modify the film in time to comply with the rules. In cases like those, we will occasionally allow them to be listed in an "exhibition only" category.

If you set out to make a film that will not comply with the fest, then don't submit it to the fest. Instead, you can start a User Films thread for that film.

I see. That makes sense. Okay, I'll stay out of this one. I started writing the script before the fest was announced, but the material really seems to fit the theme of this fest. I certainly did not jump into this to intentionally make a film that doesn't comply with the regulations of the festival. I just assumed that since I've participated before, I could try to work in a smaller version of my film that will deal with a monster in a surrealistic drama/horror film.

Anyway, thanks for clearing that up. I never really knew before what constitutes an "exhibition only" film besides running over the limit. I know past films tried to cut it down but couldn't. Should have thought of that sooner.

[Mike@AF]

For some reason I don't think Sylar is a "monster". He's a bad dude with "abilities" but does that make him a "monster"?

I think this particular situation deserves discussion and clarification. I think Sylar should be considered a monster. He possesses inhuman or superhuman abilities and is clearly evil and does evil things. Sure he is troubled and has been influenced and manipulated by his past and things happening to him now, but you could argue that to some degree about many monsters.

Also, how about the movie "Monster" starring Charlize Theron? I mean, they called the movie "Monster". She (as Aileen Wuornos) is not the alien from "Aliens" or "Predator", but to me she's clearly a monster because of the things she did. And it's based on a real person in case anyone isn't aware of the movie.

I think this is important as I was thinking about finally entering a DVXfest with a film of my own, but wanted to lean more towards "monster" in the psychological, symbolic, and/or metaphorical sense. I wanted to stay away from making a film about a "monster" in the literal and traditional sense.

So clarification on this aspect of "monster" could make a huge difference for me and I imagine others as well.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Also, how about the movie "Monster" starring Charlize Theron? I mean, they called the movie "Monster". She (as Aileen Wuornos) is not the alien from "Aliens" or "Predator", but to me she's clearly a monster because of the things she did. And it's based on a real person in case anyone isn't aware of the movie.
Don't worry.

This...

If referring to a human, a person referred to as a monster is taken as exceptionally evil, grotesque, unreasonably strict and uncaring, sociopathic, and/or sadistic. Covers Aileen Wuornos just fine. :)

Movies about serial killers will fit right in.

MAH

[Barry_Green]

See, but that's the problem -- while we put in there about those folks, it leaves the theme so unfocused as to make it, really, meaningless.

The mods are very seriously considering changing that rule to specify that a monster is a monster. Psychological effects, etc., would be better left to a different fest, such as PsychoFest or DramaFest or something like that.

This is our traditional Halloween festival, and it just doesn't seem theme-appropriate that we would have Charlize Theron "Monster" type films. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Michael Myers, maybe. But abusive daddy and child molester films? For this fest? Really? Seems like a circumvention of the intention of the theme, even if the Wiki description of a monster seems to allow it.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

See, but that's the problem -- while we put in there about those folks, it leaves the theme so unfocused as to make it, really, meaningless.

The mods are very seriously considering changing that rule to specify that a monster is a monster. Psychological effects, etc., would be better left to a different fest, such as PsychoFest or DramaFest or something like that.

This is our traditional Halloween festival, and it just doesn't seem theme-appropriate that we would have Charlize Theron "Monster" type films. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Michael Myers, maybe. But abusive daddy and child molester films? For this fest? Really? Seems like a circumvention of the intention of the theme, even if the Wiki description of a monster seems to allow it.

If you didn't want this then you shouldn't have put this in....


If referring to a human, a person referred to as a monster is taken as exceptionally evil, grotesque, unreasonably strict and uncaring, sociopathic, and/or sadistic. You can always change it since it's still early. :)

Frankly, I think seeing a lot of monsters might grow tiresome but it's your call. The rule quoted above might at least add some variance.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Might want to call it Mythological Monster Fest.

Reading the headlines lately, people can be far more monstrous. Mothers eating babies, etc...

:(

[Barry_Green]

With every fest we get lots and lots of PMs from people asking if their particular idea "fits the theme".

Sometimes it seems like the artists in the community are just pushing the boundaries because, hey, that's what artists do.

But sometimes it seems like the definition, or the theme, should be easy enough to accomodate.

For example: if I said "hey, did you see that new monster movie at the multiplex?" would you think I was talking about "Taken"? It could be argued that the thugs in Taken were monsters, by the above definition, but come on, everyone everywhere would know that "Taken" wasn't a "monster movie", right? It's like the famous definition of obscenity by supreme court justice Potter Stewart, who said (paraphrased) "I may not be able to define it, but I know it when I see it."

Could it be argued that Anthony Perkins' character Norman Bates was a "monster"? Probably. Would "Psycho" be appropriate for MonsterFest? Probably not. I mean, wouldn't something like that be much more appropriate for something like PsychoFest, or CrazyFest, or PsychologyFest, or even DramaFest?

So yes, perhaps that description shouldn't be in the rules, and perhaps we'll change it.

[Jeff Anderson]

Hmm perhaps I'll re-write my psycho killer into a vampire... actually really starting to dig that direction... off to go find some teeth...

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

So yes, perhaps that description shouldn't be in the rules, and perhaps we'll change it.
I don't think there's any question about it. If you don't want any human monsters then the rule I quoted should be removed.

The current rules allow it even without any artist interpretation or boundary pushing. It's as plain as day as far as I can see. It states 'human' and 'sociopath'.

That equals serial killer.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Barry, that would be cool to actually put some "teeth" into this fest and require it to be an actual monster of some sort.

Great example of telling someone 'hey, did you see the new monster movie??'

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Barry, that would be cool to actually put some "teeth" into this fest and require it to be an actual monster of some sort.
I agree. Take out the human aspect and make it happen. :beer:

Of course, if I have to sit through 30 zombie films I may start to get bitter. :grin:

[Brandon Rice]

Ok fine... destroy my first concept.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Ok fine... destroy my first concept.
LOL! That's the problem. The current rules clearly allow serial killers and the like.

Hopefully they will make a decision soon so that we can all get underway. :thumbup:

MAH

[Larry Rutledge]

There are always many ways to define a theme, but being our "dark" theme and falling on Halloween I agree with the idea of removing the "psychological monster" ideas and leaving traditional, gross exaggerations/exceptions of nature that pop into your head when you (as Barry mentions) reference the "latest monster movie".

[Kholi]

I don't even participate beyond watching but since there's no required element and it's for Halloween, to get more people to submit...

Is it too late to vote in for a broad theme?

SCARE FEST instead of MONSTER FEST?

I'd think many more people would enter, as much as Drama Fest and as good as Drama fest if things were broad.

[Larry Rutledge]

Theme is set and won't be changing ... the definition of that theme is just being clarified.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

There are always many ways to define a theme, but being our "dark" theme and falling on Halloween I agree with the idea of removing the "psychological monster" ideas and leaving traditional, gross exaggerations/exceptions of nature that pop into your head when you (as Barry mentions) reference the "latest monster movie".

But a vampire is also a legitimate monster, it's not a 'gross exaggeration' but it does feed on the blood of the living!

[Barry_Green]

A vampire definitely qualifies as a monster.

[Larry Rutledge]

it's not a gross exaggeration, but it is an exception of nature. It's not natural for a humanoid creature, in our known view of nature, to require the feeding of blood

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

So are you guys going to make it official by removing the human sociopath aspect or are you still mulling it over?

MAH

[Tom Shortridge]

A vampire definitely qualifies as a monster.

Unless you're talking about the ones from Twilight... those are just abominations.

[DarkElastic]

Well said, Dopey.

[Chris_Keaton]

I think an exceptionally evil person should qualify. Monsterous beings don't necessarily have to be supernatural.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I think an exceptionally evil person should qualify. Monsterous beings don't necessarily have to be supernatural.

But you could have done a movie about a "monsterous" person for Quest Fest, or Loss Fest, etc. I think it'd be cool to have a focused fest that deals with actual monsters, there are tons to choose from. Also if you want to explore that theme then it's altogether possible to have a monster movie where there is a human is more of a monster than the monster (classic monster movie reversal), i'm sure will get that, wherein the theme is "what makes a monster and what makes a man?" wherein the man is more monster than the monster is.

[J.R. Hudson]

I would much rather see Monster's in the vien of werewolves, sea creatures et al than serial killer's or mean evil people

Be creative !

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I would much rather see Monster's in the vien of werewolves, sea creatures et al than serial killer's or mean evil people

Be creative !
Just remember, these are low budget indy flicks. Many of the entries won't have great effects and could end up looking quite cheesy if forced in this direction.

This coming from the guy with access to THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3192L395ag).

I feel for those who may be pushed into one direction.

And yes, I know that if you are creative you don't even have to show the monster. :)
Sometimes that's the scariest monster of all.

We need to know though one way or the other. I'm fine either way.
Some people have already started writing who are not.

MAH

[Zak Forsman]

I'm sitting here thinking that just because we often refer to a child abuser as "a monster" doesn't mean he/she literally is one. I would suggest that we save our stories about pathologies for the winter fest where the human dramatic element is more appropriate.

[KOHR]

I've been thinking of grabbing one of those spfx masks for about 2 years now... just because I wouldn't ever have to get a new costume for halloween ever again-- those things are just about perfect. Really cool stuff.

Anyway-- if anyone is having a problem thinking of monsters/creatures/etc. I happened to have stumbled across a website with an actual list of monsters/creatures/freaks of nature... from actual cultures across the globe. Its a pretty interesting resource: http://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

Check it out if you need any info. By the way, someone would be my god if they actually made a movie about this monster: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolpertinger

Some quick facts about the wolpertinger:
It has the body of a rabbit, antlers of a deer, wings of a bat, and the feet of a duck
They are incredibly hard to catch, but there is one known way:
You must find a beautiful woman and have her show her breasts to the creature, this will cause the creature to become a fumbling love puppet-- making it very easy to catch and destroy.

Yep. You read right.

[lawriejaffa]

Yep interesting, i mean with it being halloween etc, (Well over this fest) i think the general enthusiasm is for films that celebrate monsters (somewhat more literally).

But would we normally get so many psychological interpretations of monsters in a fest like this anyway? I'm sure its not a concern.

I know im entering and im thinking of all the kinds of beasties that exist in folklore and legend!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I'm sitting here thinking that just because we often refer to a child abuser as "a monster" doesn't mean he/she literally is one. I would suggest that we save our stories about pathologies for the winter fest where the human dramatic element is more appropriate.I agree, but as long as 'human' and 'sociopath' remain in the actual rules of this Fest you can't DQ someone for going in that direction.

If you all want out of this world Monsters then just remove that portion and you'll be fine.

No?

MAH

[Jeff Anderson]

Been thinking about it alot this morning and I'm really liking the idea of the fest being restricted to actual monsters and not monster-like things or people. No one's brought it up but I'm guessing monster trucks aren't what you all had in mind either.

MAH - in regards to not having access to FX and such due to low budgets, I'm finding lots of resources on how to pull off what I'm needing on the cheap. Or at least relatively cheap. Looks like its going to take a LOT of work and practice on my part to keep any FX realistic, but pushing the fest in this direction is pushing me to explore something I normally wouldnt do given looser guidelines. And to me thats pretty damn cool.

[KOHR]

Been thinking about it alot this morning and I'm really liking the idea of the fest being restricted to actual monsters and not monster-like things or people. No one's brought it up but I'm guessing monster trucks aren't what you all had in mind either.

MAH - in regards to not having access to FX and such due to low budgets, I'm finding lots of resources on how to pull off what I'm needing on the cheap. Or at least relatively cheap. Looks like its going to take a LOT of work and practice on my part to keep any FX realistic, but pushing the fest in this direction is pushing me to explore something I normally wouldnt do given looser guidelines. And to me thats pretty damn cool.

Agree. 100%. :thumbup:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

MAH - in regards to not having access to FX and such due to low budgets, I'm finding lots of resources on how to pull off what I'm needing on the cheap. Or at least relatively cheap. Looks like its going to take a LOT of work and practice on my part to keep any FX realistic, but pushing the fest in this direction is pushing me to explore something I normally wouldnt do given looser guidelines. And to me thats pretty damn cool.

I agree, I like the challenge myself.
Like I said, I'm good either way. :beer:

But if this is what they want a rule change will have to be made.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I've been thinking of grabbing one of those spfx masks for about 2 years now... just because I wouldn't ever have to get a new costume for halloween ever again-- those things are just about perfect. Really cool stuff.

I have access to the old man mask and the zombie version whenever I want. They are really incredibly detailed. :thumbup:

[chriscurl]

Should we create and sticky a thread inside this fest category that has links to resources, information , tutorials for the kinds of things we may all be doing? or just keep stuff like that in the separate filmmaking production threads?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Greater restrictions can lead to higher creativity.

If someone is truly strapped with zero access to makeup or fx, then they can go watch some classic horror and hitchcock and learn to use shadows to hide things, while still having literal monsters.

Also, they could take the time to learn some basic makeup or costuming, because after all, these fests are about learning

[Larry Rutledge]

Michael - We fully understand that if we restrict the definition than we have to alter the rule definition. We haven't altered it yet as the final decision on how to define it has not yet been reached.

You can be sure we will update the definition in the rules and we will note here in the thread that the rules have been updated/altered and what was changed. There is no need to keep telling us to change the rule. We are aware we have to change the rule.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Michael - We fully understand that if we restrict the definition than we have to alter the rule definition. We haven't altered it yet as the final decision on how to define it has not yet been reached.

You can be sure we will update the definition in the rules and we will note here in the thread that the rules have been updated/altered and what was changed. There is no need to keep telling us to change the rule. We are aware we have to change the rule.No problem, Larry. Just not sure what the problem is? If you just want out of this world type Monsters just omit the paragraph pertaining to humans and sociopaths?

And I'm not telling you, I'm asking IF you are going to.

My push for the information is because some people have already started writing for this and I know a couple of people who have headed down the sociopath road.

By the "if we restrict the definition" it sounds like you haven't decided completely. I thought that you had.

I'll wait to see what you guys do. I just hope we get something soon so we can get moving.

Thanks,

MAH

[Barry_Green]

but pushing the fest in this direction is pushing me to explore something I normally wouldnt do given looser guidelines. And to me thats pretty damn cool.
Exactly exactly exactly!

Creativity does not spring from freedom, it comes about because of the restrictions placed upon you.

We've always had vague, loose interpretations of the theme before. Maybe it's time to shake it up a bit and require strict adherence to the literal interpretation of the theme...

[Barry_Green]

No problem, Larry. Just not sure what the problem is?
Well, the problem is that we don't take these things lightly. We are thorough; we debate the daylights out of it in the mod forum and get all sorts of perspectives and hash it out until we think we've come up with a consensus on what will serve the membership and the festival the best.

[Barry_Green]

Greater restrictions can lead to higher creativity.

If someone is truly strapped with zero access to makeup or fx, then they can go watch some classic horror and hitchcock and learn to use shadows to hide things, while still having literal monsters.

Also, they could take the time to learn some basic makeup or costuming, because after all, these fests are about learning
Excellent post.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Well, the problem is that we don't take these things lightly. We are thorough; we debate the daylights out of it in the mod forum and get all sorts of perspectives and hash it out until we think we've come up with a consensus on what will serve the membership and the festival the best.
And that's great, I know it's not an easy decision. It just seems that all the Mods that have posted in this thread seem to agree with the change. :)

I personally hope you make it.

MAH

[Jason Ramsey]

Michael... Chill out...

One minute, everyone is hounding us for the rules, so we try to get them out... Now this...

Just relax.. We're about to post an update to the rules.

It's easier when you aren't behind the curtain :)

later,
Jason

[Brandon Rice]

Hurry up guys!

JK!

But seriously, this has changed my plans completely... so it's best to get them out sooner than later... just a thought...

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Michael... Chill out...

One minute, everyone is hounding us for the rules, so we try to get them out... Now this...

Just relax.. We're about to post an update to the rules.

It's easier when you aren't behind the curtain :)

later,
Jason
Jason, if you look back in this (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1701032&postcount=120) thread I actually quoted your post about the rules coming out soon to get other people to relax. :huh:

And Jason, I mod a forum with over 760,000 members. I'm well aware of what goes on backstage. :)

Sounds like you guys are working on it. I'm sure everyone's in pause mode waiting for the update.

Thanks,

Mike

[Kholi]

Been thinking about it alot this morning and I'm really liking the idea of the fest being restricted to actual monsters and not monster-like things or people. No one's brought it up but I'm guessing monster trucks aren't what you all had in mind either.

MAH - in regards to not having access to FX and such due to low budgets, I'm finding lots of resources on how to pull off what I'm needing on the cheap. Or at least relatively cheap. Looks like its going to take a LOT of work and practice on my part to keep any FX realistic, but pushing the fest in this direction is pushing me to explore something I normally wouldnt do given looser guidelines. And to me thats pretty damn cool.


Great, positive attitude. Let's see how many people drop out, though.

I'm kinda with Horrigan, though. MOnsters require a lot of FX treatment to sell, it's really no less taxing than trying to do post VFX of an interstellar war.

Vampires and Zombies being the easiest, might as well be sociopathic monsters in there too to allow more people with less money to enter.

Anyhoo, mods know best.

[teresadecher]

If you were to change it, what type of "monster" would you be banning? Would you just ban the idea of a movie about evil people and would any mythical monster still be valid? Or does it have to be a traditional monster, ie, zombie, vampire, warewolf.. etc. I'm a little confused.

[Kholi]

If anything, I think they're encouraging the craziest monster you can pull off.

[Larry Rutledge]

The revised definition is coming shortly ... the discussion about whether it should have come sooner or later is moot at this point. We posted the rules when we did because we wanted to give everyone the most advantage possible; and to be fair, many people were developing stories/securing locations/etc before the rules were posted, so while I agree we need to nail the details down as quick as possible it is not this need to redefine that is causing issue with entries that might not qualify.

Also, indicated in those rules they were/are subject to change for a limited time.

We are only talking about pulling the psych definition of monster (a human who has a mental instability, e.g. Hanibal Lecter, or Jeffery Dahmer, etc). Any traditional monster (vampire, mothra, godzilla, wolfman, etc) or mythical monster (jersey devil, etc) will still be allowable.

I am closing this thread as the discussion is no longer constructive. I will post a new rules thread shortly with the revised definition.