DVD Fest 2009 Official Rules and Regulations

These rules are subject to change for clarification purposes by the DVD Fest Staff at any time.

I. Teams

Teams must consist of one captain and at least three additional student members. One person cannot be the captain of more than one team. However, one can be a member of more than one team. Faculty, alums, community members, and staff are welcome to be on a team, however they cannot be a captain.

II. Film Length

All films must not last longer than five minutes, with an additional 30 seconds allotted for credits. Please try to keep it to 5 minutes - with 37 films last year, the premier night was pretty long.

III. Content and Editing

All films must be made using only Apple's iMovie software. Films are to be made using the iMovie '06 version, not the iMovie '08 version. No films made using any other software are permitted to compete in the festival. The DVD Fest Coordinator reserves the right to disqualify any film if he determines that it does not meet this requirement. In other words, just don't try to cheat. It's not worth it. The iMovie requirement is meant to make sure that everyone on campus has an equal opportunity to make a good film - not just Media Studies students :)

A orientation session will be held on Thursday, February 2nd for all team captains and interested team members.

a. Photo Content

Photo stills, whether originally digital or analog, are acceptable and may constitute up to 100% of the film.

b. Non-DVD Fest Movie Content

Outside film clips are allowed if that content is either free of copyright or falls under fair-use provisions. However, this provision cannot be used to allow editing in non-iMovie applications. For example, a movie cannot be edited/generated in Final Cut Pro or Premiere, cut to video tape, and reimported. Special effects from those programs will be noted and the submitted film disqualified.

c. Flash Content and other Special Effects

Content generated in Macromedia Flash, or other special effects generated in applications besides iMovie (such as Motion, Live Type, or other such special-effect-generating programs) may constitute up to 30 seconds of the final film. iMovie plug-ins not installed on the DVD Fest-provided MacBooks count as effect-generating programs.

d. Decency

DVD Fest staff reserves the right to disqualify a film if it does not meet reasonable decency standards. (Note the ambiguity!) So, please don't include any inappropriate nudity, underage drinking, or drug use in your film. This rule isn't meant to constrain your creativity - just to keep the event fun for all involved. Also, if you want your film to be eligible for the Regional competition, it must conform to the MPAA PG rating.

IV. Camera Availability

DV (Digital Video) cameras are available from the PEPS department. Visit the DVD Fest office in Basement Laird to check out a camera.

V. Deadlines

Deadlines for the 2008 festival will are available on the schedule.

VI. Submission Rules

Each team can only submit one movie. All films must be submitted digitally to the DVD Fest server. Information about how to do this will be posted on the DVD Fest website soon.