Requirements for Entry

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Gordon JL

Well-known member
Should there be other requirements for entering a dvxfestival besides just having 1 post? What if a "pro" who has had a lot of experience decides to enter the contest; doesn't this give a disadvantage to the newbies? Think about it. For someone like me; who owns a DVX, a basic tripod, and a lighting kit I got from a hardware shop, to go up against someone who has connections, access to major equipment like a recording studio, dollies, professional lighting, cranes, decent actors, etc., and a lot of experience to boot, wouldn't really be fair. There are many things to consider, like the person's experience in the industry, the connections he or she has, access to equipment, or maybe even how much money that person is willing to spend. Now, someone like Spielberg probably wouldn't want to enter the contest, but still; there probably should be a bar set or some limitation made.

Maybe setting a cost limit on the film (budget per entry) would work; like say $150, which would discourage those who are especially wealthy and experienced from entering, but the "pros" would still find ways to spend their money better than the amateurs -- this may only hurt the people who are new to this. Another requirement which could be implemented is to restrict those who have played an important role in a "big" budget movie. But I really don't know. I'm just throwing ideas out there.
 
There were people that are considered "professionals" that entered the previous contests and still did not win.

No need to be afraid of being outdone. Just put your best foot forward, the product you create is your award regardless if you place or not in the contest.
 
Gordon JL said:
doesn't this give a disadvantage to the newbies?
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Is there something wrong with this? Of course someone with less experience is at a "disadvantage" compared to someone with more experience. That's pretty self-evident.

That's the nature of a contest.
 
Yeah, I would use this as a call to all newbies to pull your sh*t together, make connections with professionals, talk to people and learn. Hell, I'm a working D.P. and I didn't win a damn thing in Sci-Fest. It's all about what the audience likes, and who puts their heart into their project. Contect has no direct correlation with experience. Technique on the other hand... this is where talking to pros is going to help you out. There's nothing in the rules that says that just because you own the dvx and the lighting kit, that's where you need to stop. Set your bar higher, don't try to handicap others. It's the only way to grow and learn.

My two cents, for what it's worth.
 
I'm in your situation. I am brand new, just have the camera, tripod and a shotgun mic. But I'm still gonna put out a great film.

Tools do not a filmmaker make. Mmmm, yes.

yoda.jpg


A filmmaker is good because of his talent and dedication. Experience and skill will always win out over toys and a big budget in my book. I am learning the ropes now and learning how important collaboration is. If you lack the tools, find others who have them. I'm just learning how great the indie film community can be. People love to work with someone with passion and vision. But before that, make sure you have a good script and know what you want.

Don't feel limited by your equipment. Filmmaking is about resourcefulness, adaptation and love of the craft.
 
Although I didn't get a chance to enter Sci-Fi fest I remember watching Similio and realizing that my odds of beating this film were slim to none based on my experience level. I am entering hero fest with the knowledge that a film or two of this caiber will also be in the running....I'm COUNTING on it! This fact doesn't bother me but instead sharpens my resolve to be at the top of my game throughout all phases of production in the making of my short. I for one am happy that people with more experienec and equiptment than I will be involved. It not only raises the bar, but will serve to bring out the best I can be with what I have In skill ang gear. If I should happen to win or place, I know it will make it that much sweeter to have had stiff competition...My .02
 
Mino's got a very good point, that those with less experience, beating out those who are considered industry pros, or work for a living in the industry, should feel that much better about the end result.

Two other things ...

I personally LOVE having some of the extreme talent that's on here entering the fest, as it raises the bar & pushes me all that much harder.

Secondly, there will get to a point that the major pros, probably wouldn't want to enter, as let's face it ... the larger majority of people that enter this fest are either just starting out, or still trying to learn how to maximize their camera (I'm in this category) ... so it'd be like a college grad wanting to enter a contest with a bunch of junior high kids. Where's the challenge for them? There wouldn't be much of one, and that alone will usually keep the big wigs out ... they want a challenge, just like most of us do.

For you REAL talented folks out there, don't take the above as an insult, as if I just classified you with junior high kids ... but a large majority of people entering, I'm assuming, are new or still have a long way to go (in one aspect or another).
 
Agreed here as well, I know this being my first shot at this, my film is going so suck ass. (BTW I dont even have a lighting kit) But It does give me a place to start. It will be work, but it will be fun at the same time.
 
lighting smiting, we dont need no stinkin lighting...... now a camera on the other hand would be great!!!!!!!!
 
I'd rather have some wicked good pro directors in the fest than a bunch of kiddies with cameras. I agree with jaustere and toilet_bob. It's the spirit of competition. If you lowered everything around you to suit your needs the world would be a crappy place. Bring yourself up to a higher level. It won't happen overnight. If you have some great people around that you can learn from; I think that would be better than being surrounded by a bunch of novices patting each other on the back.
 
Grant said:
lighting smiting, we dont need no stinkin lighting...... now a camera on the other hand would be great!!!!!!!!
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Oooooh, lighting is SO important. In fact, each aspect of the film is SO important (i.e. camera, lighting, sound, talent, story, editing, etc.).

But, you don't need expensive lighting gear ... get creative with DIY stuff from Home Depot.

I was able to pull off a pretty impressive newscast in my first short, DEATH MARCH, with just $30 worth of lights from Home Depot, and about $10 in blue fabric from Wal-Mart ... in fact, that newscast was probably the highest production value for my short. :)
 
Envision,
guess my scarcasm did not come through the message board..... i was obviously joking :)
 
Thanks, Astro-Boy, but I like Script Wrangler better ... I didn't even ask for that ... just what the J-Man assigned me.
 
I think the more restrictions that are placed on a film contest, the more it will dampen the creativity of those entering. As is now, all you need to do is shoot with a DVX or HVX and restrain your story to a certain time limit. This allows tons of creativity and results in a variety of work. If we impose budget restraints, camera constraints (jibs, dollies, steadies), sound gear constraints, all we're doing is limiting our creativity.

I loved that in both the zombie and sci-fi fest, there were films all over the map in terms of professionalism. There were clearly some beginners and clearly some professionals. It raises the bar for the entire competition and as these contests continue, the average film will improve overall. In general, the sci-fi entires seemed better than the zombie entries. I think the Hero entries will see a similar rise in quality.

It also gives beginners and non-professionals a chance to really see what can be done with these cameras. These cameras can do great things when in the hands of an experienced / creative user.

I remember a few years ago when the DVX first came out, I was broke at the time and kept telling all my friends, "If I had this camera...I could wake up tomorrow and make a movie, it's that good." I remember saying the same thing about the Apple G5s. It took me a long ass time, lots of work at crappy jobs, but I've finally got the G5 and an HVX to boot. Theoretically, I have the necessary tools to create a film... Whether or not I end up making a 'good' film depends on my skills and creativity... but from the stuff I've seen from the previous competitions, I at least know it can be done. It's evident from some of the work that can be seen on this site.

The professional looking films that blow me away are the ones that inspire me and remind me that although I may not be working with the same sound or lighting gear... that final image is coming through the lens of the same camera I've got in my hands.
 
Think WITHIN the contest

Think WITHIN the contest

The nature of this particular contest is to celebrate the aspiring artists; the amateurs; this isn't Sundance where everyone is allowed to join; personally, I feel experience level DOES matter -- an unfair level of experience within an industry. Also, those "pros" have access to more professional equipment -- which, no matter what people keep saying, DOES affect the film (with better equipment, it is "easier" to win the Best Cinematography award, for example; there are other awards besides "most original" or "best script"). Another thing in allowing no limits, is that the experienced could simply enter each time; and even when they are making money from their work in the industry, they, in a way, take from those with nothing, those who are "just starting out". This contest, in its nature, is for amateurs. Personally, I feel there needs to be a division somewhere; between personal and professional experience.

To help put things into perspective; let's all pretend Martin Scorcese (and a bunch of other top-notch filmmakers) all of a sudden decide to join the contest -- now, although we would all be extremely honored for them to even consider entering this festival; and no one would really complain (I know I wouldn't) if they did, I'm willing to bet that eventually, if they entered each year, and probably won most of the prizes, you would all consider changeing the rules. This extreme example shows that yes; experience DOES matter -- the question is, where the hell do you draw the line?
 
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i think anyone with a good idea should give their best not everyone is lucky enough to make something ith certain resources. im lucky enough but even i struggle to make this happen. if it helps the person to figure out how to improve then i know it is good.

As long as you don't make udder **** then you're good in my book but try to improve from the last thing you shot.
 
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