Tofino Guerilla Film's FIFTH YEAR!!!

Well Folks, this is officially the fifth anniversary of the Tofino Guerilla Film Contest!!! And this year is sure to be better than ever.

We have introduced a new genre called the "Healthy Raindrop Film Category" for those wishing to submit films or documentaries about watershed stewardship. For more information on the Healthy Raindrop Film Category visit www.raincoasteducation.org. There will be a separate judging and additional prizes for these films.

Otherwise, it's all you! Grab a friend or two and have some fun. If you don't have a video camera you can always use your iPhone, or iPad... or webcam on your computer works too. There are loads of people in town who have video editing programs, and there are even some you can download for free, so ask around. 

If you need help or have questions, feel free to shoot them at us: tofinoguerillafilm@gmail.com and we will do our best to help you.

The deadline this year for submissions is Oct. 15th! (I extended it...) Submit your films, labelled with the title, your name and contact information, and the category of your film to Mermaid Tales Bookshop. Videos should be 2-8 minutes in length max and must be playable on a DVD player! Test your films before you submit them please :)

This is an all ages show so please try to keep it clean. BUT, on that note, parents or people with sensitive eyes and ears should be warned that the films often contain adult humor and content!!! 

Below I have re-posted the subject "Help! I don't know how to make a film!" if you are in need of assistance.


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.

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!