Frequently Asked Questions - to see FULL SET OF RULES CLICK HERE
Questions specifically asked by students/teachers for clarification about 10 Day Film Challenge rules and procedures
Q: One of my concerns is the "DRAWING A GENRE from a hat" concept. Too much room for dishonesty or just selecting the genre.
A: We are aware that there is room to cheat here with the genre picking (and in other areas too we are sure...). Ultimately the goal here is for a fun and educational experience for all of our students. So don't cheat! It sets a bad example and is not at all in the spirit of what we are doing here. After all, this is, in essence, a co-op of educators and we are only as strong as our weakest link.
How many students can be in a FILMMAKING GROUP?
A: That is the teachers sole discretion. Whatever works in your classroom works for us. On the final day, students will complete an online form about their film. On that form they are asked to list ALL the members of their team.
Q: Can my school only SUBMIT 1 film? Is that the limit? One film per school?
A: You can make as many films as you like. When you see the actual films, before submitting, we ask that you do NOT send us films that you feel are sub-par, didn't meet the time limits, broke the rules, etc...
Q: I have three teams in one class. What if they all want to use the 'trade in' GENRE? Can they all use the special trade-in genre?
A: Yes. The trade in genres are purposely made 'more challenging' (by our estimation) so that teams will think twice before trading in.
But if they want to make three musicals (if that happens to be the 'trade in' for you), they can do so. Remember, the 10 Day will supply YOU, the teacher, with that 'trade in' genre on Day 1 via email.
Q: When it comes to the GENRE, do they have to keep the GENRE they pick from the hat?
A: Yes. They should only trade in their chosen genre for our special 'trade in' genre. Other than that, challenge the students to create a film with their chosen genre.
Q: Do I just choose one GENRE for my class even if I have 3 films being made in that class?
A: No. Every film team chooses a genre from the hat. In your example, you should have 3 films made with 3 different genres in that class. If you have multiple classes throughout your day, replace all the genres in the hat for each period.
Q: Do you have a list of definitions for the required GENRES?
A. No. We do not supply the exact definitions for the genres. We suggest some online research to get the 'essence' of the genres and make your films accordingly. The definitions can be very grey, which is actually helpful for your students and their creativity. There are plenty of ABSOLUTE rules in the Challenge so we leave genre up to interpretation.
Q: Are they allowed to use any cinematic TECHNIQUE in the opening sequence?
A: Yes. You can always use any technique you like when making your film. Our 'Optional Cinematic Technique' is there to challenge them specifically with a skill. Remember, it is OPTIONAL.
Q: The required NAME. Sometimes you give us an option of a female name OR male name as the 'required name'. Can the students use both names?
A: By rule the one name and their required backstory would meet that element requirement. The extra/other person would just be a character in the movie with that name (and even the backstory if decided).
Q: Does the NAME you assign have to be the main character in the film? Also, can the backstory be assigned to any character?
A: The character does not need to be the main character. Just be aware of that. Most importantly, the backstory MUST be assigned to our required character.
Q: (just an example here) You said the PROP is a 'calendar'. Does it have to be a paper calendar? Or can it be a calendar on a phone?
A: Our prop is always "any kind of..." unless otherwise noted. For example, we set the prop as a "framed picture" for a Challenge (instead of "a picture"). Therefore, a selfie on a cellphone would not be acceptable. It's not in a frame. So, yes, in your case, a digital or paper calendar works.
Q: I have a question about the ACTORS in a film. During the 10 days of filmmaking, our elementary school students are visiting our school for the day. Can we use some of those kids in a movie? They are district students.
A: No. All cast and crew MUST be either students of YOUR school or employees of your school. Any student participating in a film must be enrolled in some type of classes in your high school building.
Q: Can my students film in the city park right ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY SCHOOL? Sometimes our PE classes go there for gym.
A: No. The film must be shot on your campus and those grounds must be owned and operated by the school district. City schools can be on the sidewalks adjacent to the building even though they officially be city property (and not school district property). Of course, production can happen outdoors, just make sure it's on school property like parking lots, or playgrounds, etc...
Q: There is a cemetery adjacent to our SCHOOL PROPERTY The kids won't even cross a street to film in there. Can they use that location?
A: No. Every film must be made on property owned and operated by the school district. The school most likely does not own that cemetery. Note: If you are an inner-city school, you can use the sidewalks adjacent to your building (even though they technically may be city property and not school property). Other than that, stay on school grounds.
Q: We know professional STOCK FOOTAGE is not permitted, but can we use old, personal HOME MOVIES that we shot ourselves.
A: Personal photos are permitted, but the home movies that were NOT shot during the 10 school days are NOT permitted. In fact, NO footage can be shot off campus at any time. This would be in violation of 2 separate rules. In this case, students would be encouraged to shoot footage that appears to look old, or use still images from that old video.
Q: Music. I know we can't use LICENSED MUSIC, like a Michael Jackson song for instance. But, can we use a COVER of a Michael Jackson song?
A: Of course you can NOT use a Michael Jackson song because chances are you don't have the permission of his record company. The same thing applies to a COVER or ANY music at all. DO YOU HAVE PERMISSION to use the music? If the answer is NO, then NO.
On the other hand, is it royalty-free? Is it on a website the explicitly says "You can use my music in any project you are making?" Do you have a subscription to a music marketplace? If the answer is YES, then YES. The simple rule is you need PERMISSION to use ANY music. No permission...don't use it.
Q: What is the cinematic TECHNIQUE this year?
A: You can go to our CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE PAGE... It is always listed there. Remember, it's OPTIONAL.
Q: If the students use the green screen can it be EXISTING FOOTAGE we shot earlier? Or a location off the school grounds shot earlier or stock video from our royalty-free library? Example: Beach footage, etc...
A: This can NOT be footage shot earlier. You must shoot any video during the 10 days. It can, however, be copyright cleared stock photos or stills you took before the challenge began (and therefore own the copyright yourself). You can NOT use ANY stock video footage in any project.
Q: The 10 Day Film Challenge organizers/judges may, in their sole discretion, DISQUALIFY entries deemed to be inappropriate (including but not limited to the use of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, knives as weapons, profanity, or strong sexual content) or otherwise non-compliant as per ANY of the rules of the 10 Day Film Challenge.
In regards to the above rule, would that include NERF GUNS used as futuristic props that shoot special effects energy blasts? My students are psyched to demo some of their SFX skills.
A: We do always struggle with this. I always tell students that 'remote control looking' devices can pass as 'future guns' as well as a pair of gloves that shoot 'plasma pulses' and so on. But nerf guns (that look absolutely like nerf guns) that shoot only laser beams would not be considered firearms. The 'guns' rule is in place to keep kids and your school safe. Fake guns that look like real guns will result in a DQ.
Q: The rules state 'no alcohol'. My students want to film a party scene as a flashback. They are asking about RED SOLO CUPS without showing the liquor bottles. Is this okay?
A: The implication of showing students drinking alcohol is not acceptable. Students should be creative and 'shoot around' the need for showing the actual 'drinking'. They, of course, can discuss alcohol. (For example, if the film is about a tragedy involving a student who was drinking and driving.). Always keep this 'rule of thumb' in mind for what's acceptable: "Would you make a film that you would be proud to show at a faculty meeting or a school assembly where all teachers, administrators and students are present?"
Q: The rules feel limiting when it states 'no guns, knives as weapons, drugs, alcohol, profanity or inappropriate sexual content.' What should I tell my kids? How should I approach these limitations?
A: Keep this simple rule of thumb in mind (as a teacher): Would you answer YES to this: "Would I want my students to make a film that I would be proud to show at a faculty meeting or a school assembly where all teachers, administrators and students are present?"
Q: DO I NEED TO SUBMIT sub-par films? My students made 7 films. Honestly, there were 2 films that weren't our best work.
A: No. You do not need to submit films that you think are sub-par. Ultimately, you should still have the students submit their film's INFORMATION on Day 10 regardless of whether or not YOU submit the actual film. It will give them a sense of completion.
Q: Are we allowed to SUBMIT A VIDEO higher than 720p, such as 1080p? Also, are we allowed to submit a video file other than a Quicktime, such as an mp4 or mpeg? If a 720p Quicktime file is required, please let me know.
A: You are allowed higher quality levels and codecs. But we do need them to be 299MB or less for our upload/download process.
Q: How do you want us to NAME THE VIDEO FILE file we submit to you?
A: First, make sure it is less than 299MB. You should name the video file as STATE - FILM NAME - SCHOOL NAME
(ex: NJ - COLOR OF MONEY - CHEROKEE HS)
Q: This is the first year my students have participated in the challenge. I UPLOADED two films yesterday and just wanted to make sure it worked. I thought I would receive some notification that the two films had been received but I didn’t. The students submitted their thumbnails and information this morning. How do I know everything is good to go?
A: We will cross reference your uploaded files against the student submission forms and alert you to any discrepancies. Essentially, you will hear from us if we feel that something is missing. As long as you didn't get any 'errors' on your computer, you are all good to go.
A: We are aware that there is room to cheat here with the genre picking (and in other areas too we are sure...). Ultimately the goal here is for a fun and educational experience for all of our students. So don't cheat! It sets a bad example and is not at all in the spirit of what we are doing here. After all, this is, in essence, a co-op of educators and we are only as strong as our weakest link.
How many students can be in a FILMMAKING GROUP?
A: That is the teachers sole discretion. Whatever works in your classroom works for us. On the final day, students will complete an online form about their film. On that form they are asked to list ALL the members of their team.
Q: Can my school only SUBMIT 1 film? Is that the limit? One film per school?
A: You can make as many films as you like. When you see the actual films, before submitting, we ask that you do NOT send us films that you feel are sub-par, didn't meet the time limits, broke the rules, etc...
Q: I have three teams in one class. What if they all want to use the 'trade in' GENRE? Can they all use the special trade-in genre?
A: Yes. The trade in genres are purposely made 'more challenging' (by our estimation) so that teams will think twice before trading in.
But if they want to make three musicals (if that happens to be the 'trade in' for you), they can do so. Remember, the 10 Day will supply YOU, the teacher, with that 'trade in' genre on Day 1 via email.
Q: When it comes to the GENRE, do they have to keep the GENRE they pick from the hat?
A: Yes. They should only trade in their chosen genre for our special 'trade in' genre. Other than that, challenge the students to create a film with their chosen genre.
Q: Do I just choose one GENRE for my class even if I have 3 films being made in that class?
A: No. Every film team chooses a genre from the hat. In your example, you should have 3 films made with 3 different genres in that class. If you have multiple classes throughout your day, replace all the genres in the hat for each period.
Q: Do you have a list of definitions for the required GENRES?
A. No. We do not supply the exact definitions for the genres. We suggest some online research to get the 'essence' of the genres and make your films accordingly. The definitions can be very grey, which is actually helpful for your students and their creativity. There are plenty of ABSOLUTE rules in the Challenge so we leave genre up to interpretation.
Q: Are they allowed to use any cinematic TECHNIQUE in the opening sequence?
A: Yes. You can always use any technique you like when making your film. Our 'Optional Cinematic Technique' is there to challenge them specifically with a skill. Remember, it is OPTIONAL.
Q: The required NAME. Sometimes you give us an option of a female name OR male name as the 'required name'. Can the students use both names?
A: By rule the one name and their required backstory would meet that element requirement. The extra/other person would just be a character in the movie with that name (and even the backstory if decided).
Q: Does the NAME you assign have to be the main character in the film? Also, can the backstory be assigned to any character?
A: The character does not need to be the main character. Just be aware of that. Most importantly, the backstory MUST be assigned to our required character.
Q: (just an example here) You said the PROP is a 'calendar'. Does it have to be a paper calendar? Or can it be a calendar on a phone?
A: Our prop is always "any kind of..." unless otherwise noted. For example, we set the prop as a "framed picture" for a Challenge (instead of "a picture"). Therefore, a selfie on a cellphone would not be acceptable. It's not in a frame. So, yes, in your case, a digital or paper calendar works.
Q: I have a question about the ACTORS in a film. During the 10 days of filmmaking, our elementary school students are visiting our school for the day. Can we use some of those kids in a movie? They are district students.
A: No. All cast and crew MUST be either students of YOUR school or employees of your school. Any student participating in a film must be enrolled in some type of classes in your high school building.
Q: Can my students film in the city park right ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY SCHOOL? Sometimes our PE classes go there for gym.
A: No. The film must be shot on your campus and those grounds must be owned and operated by the school district. City schools can be on the sidewalks adjacent to the building even though they officially be city property (and not school district property). Of course, production can happen outdoors, just make sure it's on school property like parking lots, or playgrounds, etc...
Q: There is a cemetery adjacent to our SCHOOL PROPERTY The kids won't even cross a street to film in there. Can they use that location?
A: No. Every film must be made on property owned and operated by the school district. The school most likely does not own that cemetery. Note: If you are an inner-city school, you can use the sidewalks adjacent to your building (even though they technically may be city property and not school property). Other than that, stay on school grounds.
Q: We know professional STOCK FOOTAGE is not permitted, but can we use old, personal HOME MOVIES that we shot ourselves.
A: Personal photos are permitted, but the home movies that were NOT shot during the 10 school days are NOT permitted. In fact, NO footage can be shot off campus at any time. This would be in violation of 2 separate rules. In this case, students would be encouraged to shoot footage that appears to look old, or use still images from that old video.
Q: Music. I know we can't use LICENSED MUSIC, like a Michael Jackson song for instance. But, can we use a COVER of a Michael Jackson song?
A: Of course you can NOT use a Michael Jackson song because chances are you don't have the permission of his record company. The same thing applies to a COVER or ANY music at all. DO YOU HAVE PERMISSION to use the music? If the answer is NO, then NO.
On the other hand, is it royalty-free? Is it on a website the explicitly says "You can use my music in any project you are making?" Do you have a subscription to a music marketplace? If the answer is YES, then YES. The simple rule is you need PERMISSION to use ANY music. No permission...don't use it.
Q: What is the cinematic TECHNIQUE this year?
A: You can go to our CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE PAGE... It is always listed there. Remember, it's OPTIONAL.
Q: If the students use the green screen can it be EXISTING FOOTAGE we shot earlier? Or a location off the school grounds shot earlier or stock video from our royalty-free library? Example: Beach footage, etc...
A: This can NOT be footage shot earlier. You must shoot any video during the 10 days. It can, however, be copyright cleared stock photos or stills you took before the challenge began (and therefore own the copyright yourself). You can NOT use ANY stock video footage in any project.
Q: The 10 Day Film Challenge organizers/judges may, in their sole discretion, DISQUALIFY entries deemed to be inappropriate (including but not limited to the use of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, knives as weapons, profanity, or strong sexual content) or otherwise non-compliant as per ANY of the rules of the 10 Day Film Challenge.
In regards to the above rule, would that include NERF GUNS used as futuristic props that shoot special effects energy blasts? My students are psyched to demo some of their SFX skills.
A: We do always struggle with this. I always tell students that 'remote control looking' devices can pass as 'future guns' as well as a pair of gloves that shoot 'plasma pulses' and so on. But nerf guns (that look absolutely like nerf guns) that shoot only laser beams would not be considered firearms. The 'guns' rule is in place to keep kids and your school safe. Fake guns that look like real guns will result in a DQ.
Q: The rules state 'no alcohol'. My students want to film a party scene as a flashback. They are asking about RED SOLO CUPS without showing the liquor bottles. Is this okay?
A: The implication of showing students drinking alcohol is not acceptable. Students should be creative and 'shoot around' the need for showing the actual 'drinking'. They, of course, can discuss alcohol. (For example, if the film is about a tragedy involving a student who was drinking and driving.). Always keep this 'rule of thumb' in mind for what's acceptable: "Would you make a film that you would be proud to show at a faculty meeting or a school assembly where all teachers, administrators and students are present?"
Q: The rules feel limiting when it states 'no guns, knives as weapons, drugs, alcohol, profanity or inappropriate sexual content.' What should I tell my kids? How should I approach these limitations?
A: Keep this simple rule of thumb in mind (as a teacher): Would you answer YES to this: "Would I want my students to make a film that I would be proud to show at a faculty meeting or a school assembly where all teachers, administrators and students are present?"
Q: DO I NEED TO SUBMIT sub-par films? My students made 7 films. Honestly, there were 2 films that weren't our best work.
A: No. You do not need to submit films that you think are sub-par. Ultimately, you should still have the students submit their film's INFORMATION on Day 10 regardless of whether or not YOU submit the actual film. It will give them a sense of completion.
Q: Are we allowed to SUBMIT A VIDEO higher than 720p, such as 1080p? Also, are we allowed to submit a video file other than a Quicktime, such as an mp4 or mpeg? If a 720p Quicktime file is required, please let me know.
A: You are allowed higher quality levels and codecs. But we do need them to be 299MB or less for our upload/download process.
Q: How do you want us to NAME THE VIDEO FILE file we submit to you?
A: First, make sure it is less than 299MB. You should name the video file as STATE - FILM NAME - SCHOOL NAME
(ex: NJ - COLOR OF MONEY - CHEROKEE HS)
Q: This is the first year my students have participated in the challenge. I UPLOADED two films yesterday and just wanted to make sure it worked. I thought I would receive some notification that the two films had been received but I didn’t. The students submitted their thumbnails and information this morning. How do I know everything is good to go?
A: We will cross reference your uploaded files against the student submission forms and alert you to any discrepancies. Essentially, you will hear from us if we feel that something is missing. As long as you didn't get any 'errors' on your computer, you are all good to go.