Last year's post:

OK, so you want to submit a film, eh? There are only a few guidelines you need to follow:

1) Feel free to shoot solo or in a group. If you win, the prize is yours. If your team wins, the prize is split amongst the members of the group

2) Please keep your finished product to around 5 minutes

3) All films MUST BE submitted in DVD form to:

The Mermaid Tales Book Store, 455 Cambpell Street

*Last pick up day is OCT.15! Make sure they are dropped off no later!!!!!

4) Keep it clean folks. This is an all ages event, so we won't accept
any porno, overly suggestive language, or slasher films.

Other than that, the theme is up to you! Enjoy and good luck!

"Help! I don't know how to make a film!"

If this is the case, you may be better off to work in a group, and find someone who has used a video camera before (if they own one, even better!).

REMEMBER YOU HAVE JUST OVER TWO WEEKS TO SUBMIT YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT!
(DVD's must be at Mermaid Tales Bookshop for pick up by October 15th)

Here are some ways you can make a film with even the most basic products:

CAMCORDER:
This is of course the 1st and best option. It doesn't have to be a fancy HD, just something that you can plug into a computer or laptop with a USB cable to transmit your film to DVD. (Most camcorders these days have a little plug on the side for computer connection).

WEBCAM:
You can make something ultimately entertaining but basic using a webcam. Place your computer somewhere with a good view of your "stage" and start capturing! Remember to speak up so the internal mic can hear you (external is better if you can get your hands on one).
*If you have a laptop, even better. You can carry it around to different scenes to make your movie more interesting!

DIGITAL "POINT & SHOOT CAMERA"
Yes, you can film short segments on your point & shoot camera. I've done this before... but I find the best way to finish your film is to delete the sound and edit in an overvoice. You could even make a silent film and edit it to music (like a surf movie?!). All you have to do is download your videos the same way you do with your photos, then use an editing program to tie them together.

SUPER 8/OLD SCHOOL FILM CAMERA
These are SOOOO FUN and amazing as an end result! The only trick is you have to send it in for processing to Vancouver, and they only develop color. This means you will have to get your film shot ASAP. The benefit is they will put it on a disc for you, which you can then edit on your computer.


WHERE TO BEGIN?

Step 1: You can either write a story board, or come up with a basic outline and "improv" the rest - if you have outgoing and comical friends, improv can be hilarious. Try to read out your script at home once or twice to ensure you will be able to edit your film to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Practice a couple times then shoot! Think about interesting angles and make sure you are capturing sufficient sound. It's good to review as you go along...

Step 3: Find a way to get your footage on a computer! There are a lot of knowledgeable people in Tofino, so ask around for help.

Step 4: Editing. There are lots of programs out there... find one you can download or see if your computer already has one! You may not realize it, but most systems (windows, vista, osx etc) come with some basic that are basic and user friendly (IE "Windows Movie Maker")
*If you have a digital 'point & shoot' camera, your software included in the box may even have something you can use.

Step 5: Send it in!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REMEMBER THE INTERNET IS YOUR BEST RESOURCE!