Q: Can I enter more than one film?
A: No, only one film/entry per person. However, if you have a friend who enters and makes a film, you are welcome to work on that film as an additional team member, actor or crew member.
Q: Can I submit my film online?
A: Yes! For the first time this year, we are accepting online submissions. You may only send one link, between July 16th and 8pm (EDT) Monday, July 18th.
Due to the nature of the competition, we will accept finished works online, either:
a) by e-mail: send info@aafilmlab.com your unlisted YouTube URL & your completed Submissions Form. In the subject line enter: 72 Hour Film Shootout Entry - Your Team Name.
b) via YouSendIt or WeTransfer: send your completed short in the Quicktime H.264 format specified in the Rules to info@aafilmlab.com. In the subject line include: 72 Hour Film Shootout Entry - Your Team Name and your Submission Forms.
Q: How much does this cost?
A: Registration entry fee is $45, which goes to supporting future Shootouts, Industry Spotlights and more! Learn about our programs here!
Q: Does my team have to be in New York? What about Canada?
A: The 72 Hour Shootout is open to participants from all over the world! In fact, we have received submissions from as far as Hong Kong! Just be sure your film reaches us by Tuesday, July 19 at 12pm noon EDT or online by Monday July 18, 8PM EDT Check out The Rules for details.
Q: I’m not Asian but I want to compete!
A: If your film has a person of Asian descent in a Lead Role and you also have an person of Asian descent in a principal production position (Writer, Producer, Director, Editor, Director of Photography or Editor), you can play with us. If your Asian friend or family member can do both, that satisfies the requirement. So grab your talented Asian buddy or buddies and put together a team!
Q: I’m a triple threat. Can a person of Asian descent fill principal production positions and acting positions at the same time? For example if I write, direct and act will I be eligible to compete?
A: Yes. As an example, you can be the lead Asian actress as well as the director and the rest of your team Non-Asian.
Q: What releases do I need?
A: Although not required in the final submission package, we expect filmmakers to have all the appropriate location, music and talent releases if requested. Please take a look at the The Rules and Registration for the required documents that you will need to submit with your Shootout submission.
Q: Can I use SAG Actors? I am a SAG Actor, can I participate?
A: Is the responsibiliy of the actors and individual filmmakers to make the proper arrangements for SAG/AFTRA agreements/releases if required. Visit this SAG.org link for more information.
A: We have been in touch with SAG, and they’re aware of the 72 Hour Shootout! Normally, SAG requires some preliminary info (i.e. scripts, cast list, budget, etc.) to review before clearing a production for filming, but as these productions are put together so quickly, SAG understands that producers wouldn’t have access to this info early enough for them to review. In the case of the 72 Hr. Shootout, producers may go ahead and submit the barest of info and will be still cleared for filming with SAG members. SAG will then collect the needed documents AFTER wrap.
Please complete as much info on the production as you currently have available via SAG’s online application at osa.sag.org. Be sure to mention in the production description that this is for the 72 hour film shootout, so that they can properly expedite the application.Q: What about music?
A: If you have rights to use an artist’s existing work, make sure to add them to your team roster and credit them in your film! Although not required, you may send us a copy of a written agreement!
Q: What about Creative Commons licenses? Do we still have to get in touch with the composer?
A: You’re free to use anything under a Creative Commons license in your films, as long as the type of CC license they use lets you. The team leader is solely responsible for any agreements with artists on their team to use their work.Additionally, we encourage your team to credit both creativecommons.org and your team artist in your film!
Q: I’m ready. Where do I get me a team?
A: Friends are a good start. If your friends have already used up their fifteen minutes of fame, then try posting on our message board for cast or crew. Otherwise, Craigslist, Mandy.com, Facebook. Be resourceful! And of course right here!
Q: I can’t find a scanner! How do I send your my signed submissions forms?
A1. You can copy and paste the info from the submission form to us in an e-mail with all the required information, make sure your team leader sends everything from their registered e-mail address.
A2. If one of your team members isn’t able to sign the forms by hand, please either copy/paste the Submissions information and send from the team leader’s registered e-mail.
A3. If you aren’t able to find a scanner to scan all of your teammates signatures, please send the Word file to each of your team mates and have them fill out the file. This will allow us to verify accuracy should there be any issues with your teammates!
A4. Otherwise, you can also send the signed sheet by PDF using r-post or another PDF signature program.
Q: My question isn’t answered here – what should I do?
A: Send an email to info@aafilmlab.org.
We’ll get back to you as soon as we can and will post other FAQ’s.
