Frequently asked questions

 

Download FAQ's here

What is the deadline for the film competition?
Entries MUST be received by 5pm, Tuesday 4 May 2010.


What is the keyword for 2010?
The 2010 keyword or key object is SPLASH.


Do I have to use the keyword?
The keyword is a good way to get the ideas flowing, but it is not compulsory to include in your film.


When will the film screening be held?
During the Fist Full of Films Festival 3 – 6 June Civic Park and Browns Mart Darwin City All screenings are FREE entry so bring along every one involved in making your film.
Thursday 3 June – features music clip entries
Friday 4 June – features short film entries
Saturday 5 June – features finalist entries and the presentation of the Galah Awards


The complete screen program will be posted on this site a week before the festival so you can see when your film is on.
Day #1 Thursday 3 June – 7.30pm features music clip entries.
Day #2 Friday 4 June - 7.30pm features short film entries.
Day #3 Saturday 5 June - 7.30pm features finalist entries short films and music clips with the Galah Awards ceremony to recognise our outstanding filmmakers at 10pm
Day #4 Sunday 6 June - Territory Screen Showcase in Civic Park – come along and see films and docos from the NT’s independent filmmakers and industry.


Check out the program for details about the NT Screen EXPO and the session and forum program you can attend for no charge.
What length of film may be submitted?
Maximum of 7 minutes including credits.
Is there a minimum length?
No.

Can I submit more than one film for the competition?
Yes, there is no restriction on entries, however each entry must adhere to the competition guidelines.


What films are eligible for the Fist Full of Films Festival competition?
Only Northern Territorians and Territory made and content films are eligible for the Fist Full of Film Festival competition. National and International entries will not be accepted unless you are an ex pat Territorian. The Fist Full of Film Festival is open to all film genres.


What material should I submit for the competition?
1. Completed Entry Form
2. Submit your film on a DVD – export in PAL codex full quality in wide screen or 4 x 3 we prefer widescreen file format. mov. or avi file please.
4. One still photo to assist us promote your film. Preferred submission for stills is in electronic format – email with name of film on file name. If stills are submitted on disc, please ensure resolution is at least 300 DPI.
5. Remember the one sentence and one paragraph we ask you to fill in on your entry form will be used to promote your film.


Where do I send my entry form and DVD?
Check out our entry form and the terms and conditions of entry on this website if you have any concerns about meeting the terms and conditions of entry please don’t hesitate to call Fist Full on 89811495.


DEADLINE – Tuesday May 4 at 5pm – the day after the May Day long weekend.


You can send your entry before the deadline if you chose.
No late entries will be accepted as we can’t hold up our judging and programming processes just for your film. If you think your film may arrive after the deadline you MUST let us know. Then we can consider accepting it.


Hand Delivered
Entries can be hand delivered to Brown’s Mart 12 Smith St Darwin City 0800. Opposite the Bus Terminal in the Heritage Precinct off Harry Chan Avenue. In the courtyard look for Fist Full signage.

By Post
Fist Full of Films PO Box 728 Nightcliff, Darwin NT 0814. - send by express post to ensure it arrives by the deadline.


Posted films must reach us no later than the 5th of May. If your entry is coming from down the track or out bush you should get it in the post by Thursday 29 April just to make sure it gets to us by the deadline.


By Courier
If you are sending your entry by courier send it to Fist Full of Films, Browns Mart 12 Smith St Darwin City 0800 – attention Dixi Joy Bankier


By Plane
If you are sending your entry by plane from a community, please let us know which charter company and what time it will arrive and we will go to the airport and collect it on the 4th of May only.
Please contact FFoF if you have any concerns about getting your entry to Darwin by the deadline.


What is the entry fee?
It’s free to enter


When will selection be confirmed?
If your film is selected as a finalist in the competition you will be emailed or phone by 25 May.


Will my DVD be returned – NO
We will keep your submitted DVD, we will hold your DVD and it will be made available to you if you ever require a copy of your film.


How do I contact the festival office?
By phone on [08] 8981 1495, or 0403995751 Email: fistfulloffilms@brownsmart.com.au


In what format can I supply my finished film?
We require you to submit your films on a DVD in a uncompressed mov. or avi. file
TV format must be “PAL” / Regional Code must be “All Regions”
All DVD discs are accepted (DVD-R, DVD-RW etc) EXCEPT DVD-RAM.
We recommend you test your DVD after you have burnt it on at least two different DVD players to make sure that it is working correctly.


What is a production still, and why do I need one?
A production still is simply a photo from the film. It is usually of the action itself, not a behind the scenes photo. We would like you to submit one so that if your film is selected as a finalist, we can use it for publicity and promotional purposes.


What is broadcast quality and why do I want to do it?
Broadcast quality means your short film will look good on the big screen and can be shown on TV. Cameras with “3CCD” chips are of broadcast quality but not all video cameras have 3CCD.


Censorship Rating
Our screen programs are submitted to the Office of Film and Literature Classification for censorship rating. We prefer all films to be G – general audiences including children or P – parental guidance recommended children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult or M – mature audience, from young adults up.
R rated films will not be shown in public so much not use entering them. Films with extreme violence or swearing will most likely not be screened in public. Check out two websites, www.oflc.gov.au and www.freetvaust.com.au for more detailed ratings information.


Do I need clearance to use a piece of music?
YES! You will find that most pieces of music, film clips etc are copyright. This means that you CAN NOT use them without permission. Gaining permission to use a popular song even for a short film can be quite expensive (check out www.apra.com.au for more), so we have a suggestion - get one of your musical friends to write an original piece of music for your film, that they will let you have the copyright for. This way, you won’t be infringing upon anyone else’s rights, and you will also be showcasing some local artists.


Is there somewhere else I can get music?
YES. Check out on the internet for sites that have royalty free & copyright free sound clips and music loops. They will sell you the copyright for these at a nominal fee, or you may even find that some of them only require you to include where you got the music / sound effects from in your credits.


Once I have submitted my film, do I still own the copyright?


Yes. The film is yours. However, when you sign the entry form you will also be agreeing to the following –


That the Fist Full of Films will have the right to show or broadcast films or extracts of films for publicity and or promotional purposes and that any net profit derived from any subsequent screenings or DVD sales of the films that are hosted under Fist Full of Films.


On the entry form you can select where you will allow Fist Full to screen your film.


Our aim is to get your work as much exposure as we can, without compromising you or the films integrity!