168 HOUR FILM PROJECT

Frequently Asked Questions

 

IS ALL INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME?

Yes.  You must keep up on your email.

HOW DO I PAY?  WHAT DO I GET FOR MY MONEY?

Make Checks payable to '168 Hour Film Project' or use your credit card online: www.168project.com.  Team Registration In the U.S.A is $299 per team by Friday, February 22nd by Noon.  Casting is $40 per team if desired.

 

Outside the U.S.A, Team registration is $249 per team by Thursday, February 14th. 

 

This includes Festival tickets (to be used at the producers discretion), passes to the Producers Mixer (to find crew), and an exhibition before thousands (depending on competitive placement).  See store for refund policy.  Entries are limited to 100 teams. 

 

 

Also included: Team promotion Discount rentals Safety meeting Verse assignment The right to submit your film for judging by working pros

 

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED WITH 168?

1) Go to our directory to see if there is a team in your area.  Consider starting a team in your area.  Remember, you can compete from anywhere.  We just email you a verse and the rules and away you go.  There IS a fee per TEAM, NOT per individual.  Entries are required to sign an entry and licensing contract.  This contract gives the 168 limited license to your film.

 

2) Sign-up for our email newsletter too.  This is our primary mode of communication.

 

3) Come to mixers in L.A. or organize mixers and castings in your area.

 

FINANCING YOUR FILM?

 

In addition to the entrance fee all producers are responsible for financing their own films.  Discounts are available in the Los Angeles area witih certain vendors.

 

WHAT POSITIONS ARE IN DEMAND?

We can never get enough Productions Assistants and Gophers.  Editors, Directors of Photography, Gaffers, and other technical positions are always in great demand.  Please refer these people to us.

 

If you are a WRITER and DIRECTOR it is harder to get placed on a team because there are many more people who want these jobs.  And of course ACTORS are the most PLENTIFUL of all the ingredients, so MANY ACOTRS TAKE THE PLUNGE and start a team, thus avoiding casting altogether.

 

WHAT THE CONTEST IS NOT:

It is not for pre-existing screenplays.  All 168 films are created during the same two week period in Feb/March 2008.  NO writing will occur before the Verse Assignment.

 

PHILOSOPHY:

The 168 is primarily about process and individual growth.  Secondarily, it is about awards and competition.  You are expected to abide by the rules and to conduct yourself in a way that is honoring to God.  The spirit of this competition is that you would trust that inspiration for the story will be provided based on your theme and verse.  Scriptural Integration (how well your film expresses the original meaning and intent of the verse) is weighted heavier than any other judging category, so you MUST understand your verse to do well in this contest. 

 

Tip: have a "spiritual advisor" on your team to help in this regard.  Prayer is encouraged. 

 

Script writing should NOT occur before the scripture is assigned.  You will be disqualified if you write early.  Story is to be emphasized rather than preaching.  Ask what the Word is trying to tell you, then show this in your film.  Brainstorm for concept and genre and look at your assets, such as locations, actors, and crew members to plan your shoot based on your resources.  See our website for updates.  You must read all email communications.

 

BUDGET:
There are no restrictions on budget.  We are all learning and it is an honor for newcomers to work and compete with pros, and Vice Versa.  Creativity and an excellent story will hold up very well, even against a big budget.  Good producers are known for budgeting according to their resources and being frugal.  A smaller budget will naturally expand your creativity and skills to become a better producer.  The playing field is never level, and the bar should be high.

 

FORMAT/LENGTH:

Q: How long can the final project be?

A: Projects are a max of 11 minutes.  Your short can be any length up to 11 min all told. 

Q: How do I know how long my story is? 

A: You should time the script by reading it aloud.  Generally, one page is equal to one minute of screen time in Courrier 12 point on a formatted page.

Q: Can I shoot on film? 

A: Yes.  Shoot in any form you like, but you must deliver on hard drive, data disk or DV/DVCAM Tape for Standard Definition. HD formats must deliver in 1920X1080i only.  NO LP SPEED! NO VHS!  NO VIDEO DVDs!

PAPERWORK:
Q: How do releases work for semi-public areas - i.e. the lobby, elevators, etc of my apartment building? Do I need a release from my landlord, or is my release enough? 

A: You should get releases whenever you can.  All 168 releases are merely suggestions.  You must do your own legal work.  168 is not liable for your releases.
Q: What about releases for public spaces: street, public parks, etc.? What if someone happens to walk through the shot in the back ground, for example?

A: If you can recognize someone, you should try to get a release.
Q: When are the releases due? 

A: Releases are due with your finished film.
Q: Where do we get the release forms? 

A: A Forms will be posted on the website.  These are for example only.  You should get your own forms vetted by your lawyer.
Q: Do we need releases for music?  

A: Yes, see the website for forms.

MUSIC:
Q: Can we use pre-recorded music or must it be created in the 168 Hours?

A: You may used prerecorded music--but you must have the rights.  There is such a thing as festival screening rights.  If you are planning a life for your film, other than festivals, you should get a composer and acquire the rights to the music they compose.  Royalty free music is acceptable. Songs from your friend's band-as long as they sign a release.  Only music composed during production week is awards-eligible for Awards.  Many composers are just waiting to be asked to participate.

JUDGING:

Q: How will the films be judged? 

A: All films will be pre-screened and numerically rated by qualified personnel.  The top scoring films will go to our jury for similar rating and awards.
Q: Can I enter from another state or another country? 

A: Yes, However you must follow all the rules and your deadline is the same.  Your production week starts earlier than the inside California teams.  You must provide a FedEx or other shipping account number so we can send you the stone (with your verse on it) and other materials.

 

AWARDS:

Categories are for BEST:

1. Scriptural Integration 2. Film (drama and comedy) 3. Comedy 4. Screenplay-Drama 5. Screenplay Comedy 6. Director 7. Cinematography 8. Sound Design 9. Original Score 10. Production Design 11. Actor 12. Actress 13. Supporting Actor 14. Supporting Actress 15. Editing 16. Documentary 17. Documentary Unlimited (you pick theme and verse, 11 minute time limit still) 18. Children's Film 19. Animation 20. Student Film 21. 3-5 Minute Film 22. Documentary (BTS on a "168" project) 23. Music Video 24. International

MANDATORY EVENTS:

Q: Do we need to attend assignment night?  What is the Safety Meeting?  How would we get the Bible verse from Zimbabwe? 

A: Each team must have a phone or email link (if out of town) or have a representative present during assignment night (where the theme and verse is given).  You must attend the safety meeting or have a safety briefing with your team if you are an out of town team.

 

This is to help you avoid legal liability in production and protect your cast and crew.  You are the one producing your film (not the 168 Project), you will own it when it is done, and you assume all liability in making it.  We want to help you do the best job possible your cast and crew and your own personal interests.