24-hour FAQ

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Section 1 - Preparing to Enter

Who supplies the equipment?

Your team is responsible for securing all technical equipment. The TFC does not provide any of this gear, although there are a number of vendors who are willing to offer a special discount to challenge participants.

Who is allowed to compete?

You are eligible to compete if the majority of your team are a residents of the GTA. The team producer must be 18 years or older and no one is permitted to be paid for their services. The challenge is open to all skill levels, from students to seasoned professionals. Everyone gets their fair shot at taking home the prizes.

Can we prep anything before the challenge begins?

Yes. You may secure locations, cast/crew, equipment and music before the challenge begins. All other requirements such as writing, wardrobe, props, shooting, editing, and effects must be completed within the 24-hour time period. This must be followed and is strictly enforced. We rely heavily on the honor system for this one, so please play fair.

What happens if I don't get my film in on time?

10am on Sunday October 5th is the cut off for competition. If your film is submitted late it will not be accepted for competition. However we will still screen films submitted up to 4pm on Sunday. Don't be disappointed, time management is everything - traffic and technical excuses will not be tolerated.

What does the entry fee get me?

Your entry fee secures your team a spot in the challenge, a challenge pack, and a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. Each of your team members also get free entry into the screening (total value of $80). If you win, you will also take home a personalized TFC trophy, and your film will be promoted on this site.

What's in the challenge packs?

Your challenge pack contains elements that you must incorporate into your film. You will be judged on your ability to creatively incorporate these elements into your story in a seamless fashion. Each challenge pack is the same and will contain a theme, genre, prop, line or word & a mini DV tape.

How many teams members can I have?

Teams are permitted to use up to 8 people to create their films. This includes everyone, from technicians to actors. There is no minimum.

Who is considered background and are they part of my 8?

Background are non featured, non speaking parts and are used to create atmosphere in your scene. They do NOT count as part of your 8 team members. Please note that if a member of your background is easily definable, they must sign a release form. See 'general release form' in the documents section.

Can we use stock footage in our film?

No, stock footage is not permitted. All of your film elements (excluding music) must be made within the 24-hour time period. However, for the Spring 24-hour Action/Adventure challenge, stock special effects such as muzzle breaks, and explosions are permitted for use.

My friend is in a band, can I use her music in my film?

Yes you can, but you must secure a release for it. You can download a general release in section 6 which all of the song rights holders must sign & a music cue sheet which must be handed in with the film.

How do I add or change a member of my team?

To add or change a member of your team, email enter@torontofilmchallenge.com with the change/addition by October 2nd. After that, team rosters are locked, and no changes will be accepted.

Section 2 - The Kickoff and Shoot

Who needs to come to the kickoff?

We encourage all team members to come to the 24-hour kickoff. The producer must be present to sign in the team.

What do we need to bring to the kickoff?

You need to bring your 'terms & agreements' paperwork, signed off by the producer to hand in before you compete. This paperwork is part of the registration process.

Can I exchange challenge packs with another group?

No, you must use the challenge pack you are assigned. We realize it's a challenge, that's the point.

Are ACTRA members allowed to be in my film?

Not officially. Although we have had a number of ACTRA members compete in the past, we are not yet officially recognized by ACTRA. This is something we are working on changing, and we can use your help. If you are an ACTRA member, talk to your union and let them know you want to be allowed to take part.

Section 3 - The Drop-off and Judging

What do we hand in at the drop-off?

Inside your challenge pack you will find a manila envelope with submission instructions. You must submit you finished film on Mini DV along with your wrap up forms sealed inside the envelope.

Where is the drop-off?

Queen video on Bloor St. (480 Bloor st. W.)
Sunday, October 5th, by 10am

Are there any rating restrictions? I want to make a violent porn with lots of cussing.

Yes, please keep your movies to a PG-13 rating. Bad language and mature themes are ok, but keep in mind that one of the end goal for these films is broadcast, so keep it within reason.

What happens if we cheat?

You will be disqualified from the challenge and everyone will point and laugh at you. Bottom line, don't cheat, it ruins it for everyone.

What is the judging process?

All films received on time will submitted to the judges. The judging decisions are then tabulated and the winners a chosen.

Who are the judges?

Each challenge we select 3 new industry judges who have demonstrated success and mastery in their craft. Their bios are posted online when they are selected.

What are the prizes and who wins them?

The prizes are generously donated by our sponsors and total thousands in value. They are given away along with the awards to the winning teams at the Bloor screening. Awards are presented to teams ranking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as well as audience choice selected by the screening audience.

Section 4 - Technical Requirements

What are the technical guidelines for our film?

Your film must be submitted on SD mini DV NTSC (it does not have to be the exact one we've provided). We project in a 4:3 aspect ratio and widescreen films must be letterboxed.

What are the time considerations for our film?

Your film must be within 4 - 5:30 minutes including credits.

What format can we shoot on?

You may shoot on any format - DV, HD, HDV, Film, Beta etc, however your finished film must be submitted in standard definition on a mini DV tape. No exceptions. Films not submitted on Mini DV will not be screened or considered for competition.

Can we use multiple cameras?

Yes you can, up to a maximum of 2.

Any credit specifications.

Yes, but only one. Your last credit must read 'Made for the 24-hour Toronto Film Challenge - Fall 2008' and must be displayed in a readable font on a black background.

Section 5 - Screening

What does the screening consist of?

The screening will feature all films made in 24-hour including those submitted late up to 4pm on closing closing day. After the screening comes the awards presentation and audience choice selection where each audience member will receive a voting card to selected their favourite film.

Details?

Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W
Friday October 10th
6:30pm doors, 7pm start time

Tickets are available from the box office 30 minutes prior to show start. They are $10, and free to participants.

Section 6 - Documents

Use these releases if you have a minor on your team or use music and if you require a release for, background, locations and/or products.