Short Film

In-PersonTeam (1-6)Early Submission

View Official PDF (Page 95)

Create an original short film that reflects this year’s theme. Showcase your filmmaking skills in directing, cinematography, editing, and storytelling.

Format

In-Person

Submission Requirements

Early Submission (2 weeks prior):

• Unlisted YouTube/Vimeo link of short film
• Written statement (500 words max)
• Short Film Entry Form

On-Site:

• Three (3) copies of the written statement

Registration Guidelines

1. A minimum of one (1) and a maximum of six (6) people can register.
2. One submission per MIST team/school.
3. More than 6 people may work on the project (acting, costume design, makeup, set design, etc.) but only up to 6 can be registered.

Procedure

1. Submit no more than one typed page explanation of the film.

2. All work in the film must be completed by registered competitors, with exception of acting:

   • Filming
   • Directing
   • Scriptwriting
   • Editing

3. Actors may include others outside competitors, but at least one team member must be in the production.

4. Films may be any genre: fiction, documentary, animation, art, or experimental.

5. Film group allowed 3 minutes to explain:

   • How they made the film
   • Purpose behind the film
   • What inspired them

6. All videos must be in 16:9 Aspect Ratio.

   • Widescreen films must be letterboxed to fit 16:9.

7. Submit unlisted YouTube link to MyMIST two (2) weeks prior to competition.

8. Title and competitors’ MIST ID must be clearly identified on submission.

9. Complete list of crew members, cast, and equipment must be submitted with short film.

10. Short Film Entry Form is required.

    • Points lost if not submitted.

11. Written statement (500 words max) must include:

    • What the short is about
    • What inspired you to make it
    • Answers to interview questions (Section C)

12. All films MUST relate to this year’s theme.

13. Films may NOT exceed 7 minutes (excluding blank opening and closing credits).

14. Films must NOT contain inappropriate audio or video content.

15. If more than 15 entries, only top 10 advance to interview.

    • Preliminary judging round before tournament weekend
    • Top 10 get 5-10 minute interview with Judges’ Panel

16. Entries must be original works not previously distributed, awarded, or publicly exhibited.

    • Entrant must be creator with full copyright ownership

Important

The written statement is an integral component of qualifying for an interview in the top ten.

Interview Questions

Written statement should answer:

1. How did you aim to convey this year’s theme in your work?
2. What do you hope to teach people about the theme with this work?
3. What element of the work is the most important towards conveying your understanding of the theme?

Checklist

• Unlisted YouTube/Vimeo link (7 minutes max)
• Short Film Entry Form
• Written statement (500 words max) answering Section C questions
• Complete list of cast, crew, and equipment
• Submission labeled with MIST IDs and Competition Name
• 16:9 Aspect Ratio

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Interactive Scoring Ballot

Interactive Ballot

Enter scores to calculate the total automatically.

Criteria	Score
Section A: Technical (4 points)
Technical Presenters are on time for interview Film duration within 5-7 minutes No identifying characteristics aside from MIST ID Presenter(s) look credible and dressed for interview
Section Subtotal	0 / 4
Section B: Production Quality (50 points)
Audio Clear, crisp audio throughout External microphones used when necessary Sound effects used appropriately Balance between music and dialogue when necessary
Video Proper transitions used (dissolves for time changes, not between every scene) Proper headroom in all shots Tripod for steady camera when available Quality consistent throughout Variation in shot selection Scenes edited/cropped tightly for smooth storytelling
Section Subtotal	0 / 50
Section C: Narrative (46 points)
Theme Story addressed the theme thoroughly Theme consistent and present throughout film Written statement answers interview questions about theme
Acting Props/makeup used appropriately Casting is believable
Story Cohesive narrative from beginning to end Narrative shown through visual storytelling, not text graphics Film does NOT contain profanity, sexual innuendos, or vulgar content Events of story believable given context of film
Section Subtotal	0 / 46
Total Score	0 / 100

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Short Film Entry Form

The entry form requires:

• MIST ID of group (or group name)
• Individual MIST IDs
• Number of people in group
• Film title
• Brief synopsis
• Film genre (Narrative Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Art, Experimental, Other)
• Length (minutes and seconds)
• Original format (Film, Video, Computer Graphic)
• Sound (Mono, Stereo, No sound/music)
• Production tools used (Camera, Hardware, Software, etc.)
• Owner of copyright
• Signature confirming rules understanding