Monster Fest 2009 - Official Rules - "Monster" defined - Please read carefully

For clarification, are the following three statements correct?

1. There must be a monster which is seen by viewers of the film.
2. The monster must look monstrous to viewers of the film but not necessarily to others in the film.
3. The monster need not behave monstrously or commit monstrosities (according to the film's viewers or characters).
 
1. we'd prefer to see the monster, but one acceptable scenario is that you could take the "Blair Witch" approach and make a film where we see the pursuit of the evidence, trail of bodies and ramifications of a monster's actions.

2. the monster should be a monster to your characters. even if it's a manifestation of a pathology, it's a monster. the audience may have a different understanding that works on a level unique to watching a work of art/entertainment. but for the characters and the universe within your short film, it's a monster.

3. the monster is a monster, and yes, some monsters inspire fear superficially but are revealed to be benevolent creatures once "conquered". See: "Where The Wild Things Are". but remember, the overall tone of the fest is that of dark fiction. it is no coincidence that viewing is intended to open on Halloween.


now, there is certainly a gray area in all of these. so if you'd like to discuss your characters and story privately, send me a PM.
 
Regarding "which camera", keep in mind that not only could you shoot on an iphone, you could also choose to shoot on a stills camera, a film camera, or even "no camera" (all-CGI animation, for example, or hand-drawn animation on a tablet PC, or whatever you want).
 
ok... so... theres this "one eye monster" that terrorizes WHAT ? This is not THAT KINDA FILM ?? I Cannot use that monster ???
 
As is typical with the fests, we do keep getting questions about whether a particular interpretation of a "monster" qualifies. To help folks better understand what we're looking for, I offer the following:

1) This is our halloween dark-themed fest, not our human-drama fest.

2) We would really like to see folks embrace the theme, rather than try to work around it or somehow squeak in under the theme. Go all out, filmmakers!

3) We've said previously that a human being behaving badly does not qualify as a "monster". I mean, we all pretty much know what a monster is, and that's the definition we'd like to see folks steer towards. We're looking for the common interpretation, not legal-ese; nobody needs to fret over what the definition of "is" is. :thumbsup:

4) The question has come up: does the monster have to ACT monstrously? And while there's a little bit of gray area there, let me offer the following example:

E.T. certainly fit the physical characteristics of being a monster, but because he didn't ACT monstrously, he was instead a lovable adorable critter who was adopted by a 4-year-old Drew Barrymore. Should E.T. be considered a "monster" movie? Definitely not.

Whereas Chucky, who didn't look in any way monstrous, in fact he was a (supposedly) lovable, adorabe kids' doll, became a hideous monster because of voodoo and murder. Would we allow Chucky as a "monster"? Sure.

So -- I guess the question is -- is the filmmaker trying to make a monster movie? Or not? Rely on your judgement of "does my proposed film embrace the theme, or does it try to skirt around the theme?"

Just some things to think about. Of course, if you're still wondering whether your interpretation qualifies, by all means PM one of the fest mods and we'll be glad to discuss and make a judgement.

Good luck filmmakers!
 
I have a quick question. Do I need to register somewhere or just submit when submissions are open? I may have missed the answer already.
 
I believe all you need to do is create a thread in 'monster lair' with a promo poster. And then submit your film once the submission page is opened.
 
Jason Ramsey said:
Everyone always asks this, so I'll clarify it now as well...

NO FOOTAGE... you can post frame grabs from your film... That is fine.

You can NOT post any footage from your film whatsoever... this includes, outtakes, stuff that hit the cutting room floor, etc.

You can make bts reels, interviews, etc... I used to do fun ones with fake characters. Others have posted clips from actor auditions, interviews with the directors, editors, etc... That kind of stuff is fine. Just no footage. Whether it made it into the final product or not.

later,
Jason
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As you said, this always gets asked. But as I'm rather new to the contests I have to wonder the reasoning behind this. Sorta dashed my hopes. :( So I was curious as to why this rule is in place... after all, isn't a trailer... about the movie?!
 
yes, but the films are only 6 minutes long to begin with :) Just want to try to keep the playing field level and encourage you to find more creative ways to promote your film and your thread.

later,
jason
 
maybe we'll address this as a possibility beginning with next fest. We're already a bit heavy into this one though to change a rather big rule like this that has been long standing. Wouldn't be fair if we made the change mid-fest on that one.

But, we'll bring it up for discussion and weigh it all out, potential pros/cons and see about giving it a test run for next fest.

Neil's adfest is fast becoming a trailerfest, so it might make a good tie in with that mini-fest. But, for monsterfest, the rule stands :)

later,
jason
 
Jason Ramsey said:
maybe we'll address this as a possibility beginning with next fest. We're already a bit heavy into this one though to change a rather big rule like this that has been long standing. Wouldn't be fair if we made the change mid-fest on that one.

But, we'll bring it up for discussion and weigh it all out, potential pros/cons and see about giving it a test run for next fest.

Neil's adfest is fast becoming a trailerfest, so it might make a good tie in with that mini-fest. But, for monsterfest, the rule stands :)

later,
jason
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Good to know, thanks Jason for the clarification.
 
I have this weird recollection that there was a restriction from promoting your entry outside of DVXUser. Was that ever the case?

Can I create my own web site for my project? If so, what can I put on it?

Also, I see that you can't publicly exhibit the films prior to the fest. Since the fest will launch the entered films on October 31, can I also launch my project on my web site on the same day?

If not, when is the first day that I can put it on my web site or Vimeo or something? Thanks!
 
yes, there once was a rule that disallowed promotion of your film off the boards. that is no longer the case. as to the remainder of your inquiry, I respectfully direct you to the first page of this thread. The following excerpt covers when you can show your short, or footage from it, outside this fest.

YYou 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.
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yes, there once was a rule that disallowed promotion of your film off the boards. that is no longer the case. as to the remainder of your inquiry, I respectfully direct you to the first page of this thread. The following excerpt covers when you can show your short, or footage from it, outside this fest.

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.
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