Guerilla Film Contest - 4th Year!

Here we are in our fourth year! Thanks to all you enthusiastic participants and Shelter Restaurant we are able to continue the Guerilla Film Contest again. Keep the films coming!

So as of last year we decided that any film genre would be accepted, including somewhat adult content. *Consider this a warning if you are sensitive to offensive material or plan on bringing children to the show!* HOWEVER, excessive swearing/nudity or slanderous material directed towards any group of persons, religion, or race etc will NOT be accepted. Try to keep it clean... to some degree! (Use your discretion... you know what's appropriate).

Films should be between 3 - 8 minutes long, and will not be shown if they do not fit the criteria. Also, please have your film burned to DVD and test it before you send it to make sure it works! NOTE: Don't give us your only copy... because you might not get it back!

Again, there will be prizes, food and drink specials, and lots of laughs and good times again this year. Be sure to show up early to ensure you get a seat!! Doors are at 8pm, but we encourage you to come and grab some eats/drinks and settle in.

***If you don't know how to make a film, or need help or tips, visit our "Help, I don't know how to make a film!" post, which is copied and pasted below this one. There are lots of people in Tofino and Ucluelet who have cameras and editing equipment, so ask around for assistance. Also, you can email us at tofinoguerillafilm@gmail.com and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

Lastly, please have your finished, burned DVD's sent to:
Mermaid Tales Bookshop or PO BOX 806 in Tofino, V0R 2L0 by OCTOBER 16th at the latest!!!

Thanks everyone - we can't wait to see what you come up with this year :)

"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 THREE WEEKS TO SUBMIT YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT!
(DVD's must be at Mermaid Tales Bookshop for pick up by October 16th)

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

DON'T HAVE EDITING SOFTWARE? DOWNLOAD A TRIAL FOR FREE!
Yes! There are freeeee editing programs out there... you just have to google them. Some need to be downloaded, some do not. Try Apple's site for free trials of iMovie (if you have a Mac) or the Adobe site (PC & MAC) for some of the more technical 30 day free trials like Premier and Premiere Pro. They're a little trickier to use if you're a first time editor, but there's lots of resources on the internet to help you learn.

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.

iPhone/Smartphones:
They take great video! Although, you may have to practice holding your phone very still, or find something to rest it on, because camera phones tend to be very shaky... and that makes for poor quality viewing. But the same applies to iPhones as does other cameras - plug it in to your computer, download your files, and get editing!

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!