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Film Production

A film production entry must be an original work of fiction or nonfiction relating to the current Reflections Program theme. Entries may be with or without sound.

The student submitting the entry must be the director, screenwriter, and cameraperson. If using a computer, the student must do all the work. If the student chooses to appear in the production, a camera on a tripod may be used. All storyboarding, editing, etc. must be done by the student.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique.

Styles

  • Animation: Animation may be drawn; created from a collection of objects, clay, torn paper, etc.; or computer-generated.
  • Narrative: A story told through the images created on film or computer. (This is not the same as a storyteller narrating an original story.)
  • Documentary: Nonfiction documentation using narration, facts, and images.
  • Experimental: Video that explores movement, light, and montage.
  • Media presentations: Computer-generated media presentations must be completely original, and the student must do all the work. Cutting and pasting from other sources is not permitted. In addition, the use of software that allows the user to build a virtual environment using prefabricated characters and elements is not permitted. Any software that is used to create an entry should be used only to enhance and present the work of the student, not to provide the primary design.
  • PowerPoint presentations will not be accepted. Students must adhere to copyright laws. Software should be used only to enhance and present the work of the student. Due to the fact that most graphic elements of PowerPoint presentations are copyrighted clip art, use of this program is prohibited.

Presentation

  • Entries may not exceed five minutes.
  • The film should directly relate to the theme.
  • If the film is not in English, subtitles are required.
  • The student submitting the entry is not required to appear in the film.
  • Entries should be submitted on CD or DVD.

Review the complete Film Production Rules in the PDF below. Students must adhere to the Film Production Rules as well as the General Student Participation Rules.

Film Production Rules (PDF)
Film Production Rules (PDF) SPANISH