Short Film Challenge
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Welcome! Please read this entire page before submitting to this program.
Please send your questions to H.Cherdon at me@austinfilmmeet.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge program?
This project challenges a collection of individuals who are committed to improving as filmmakers to work together as a team to create a short film from screenplay to screening with no budget and only available resources. Our crews and cast consist of only volunteers and those who submit to our program.
This program focuses on accountability, completion and learning the process of filmmaking. Practice resourcefulness, creativity, technique and teamwork skills. Get better at the difficult art of filmmaking with each film you help make.
All positions needed! All skill levels welcome – there’s a place for everyone!
The Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge is a collective of individuals who come together to make films under the following conditions:
- Everyone has something useful to contribute.
- Learning is key to success.
- The journey is the destination.
- Pay-it-forward pays back in the long run.
What is the timeline for this program?
Timelines are flexible. Projects start any time. Screenplays may be submitted anytime. Projects not finished by the screening deadlines simply roll to the next screening date. Rather than setting hard deadlines that might exclude hardworking filmmakers, we encourage you to maintain consistent momentum and just make the best film you can!
What is the time commitment?
Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge hosts events for this program, online and in person, on various days and times, typically on weeknights but sometimes weekends. Individual Short Film Challenge teams also meet at various other times needed to complete the film productions. On-set production typically involves 2 to 4 shoot days ideally limited to 10 hours each day. Exact time commitments are dependent on the specific project and your position on that team. We highly recommend that you attend as many AFM events as you can, as these events are specifically tailored to supercharge your experience and help you learn as much as possible. However attendance at these events is not required to participate, except some events are mandatory for Directors and Producers of SFC projects. You may attend AFM events as often or as little as you’d like, but if you take an assignment on a Short Film Challenge team and make a commitment to helping with the production in a specific way, please follow through or allow us to reassign the job ASAP. Fellow filmmakers and the project will be depending on you!
Is this for inexperienced or experienced people?
This program is intended to provide an opportunities for filmmakers of all experience levels. Ideally, teams will consist of a balanced mix of more experienced and less experienced individuals. It’s a great opportunity for beginners to work alongside an experienced person who wants to try wearing a new film hat. Not only does this program assist newcomers, but it also provides a unique opportunity to those who are more experienced. As well as being a chance to serve your community by passing on the knowledge and expertise you have, this program gives more experienced filmmakers an opportunity to make films with in-kind labor. This program relies on filmmakers of all areas and all skill levels. Keep your skills sharp! Mentor others while having a ton of fun and building strong friendships. Strengthen your skills or try a new filmmaking position. We welcome you!
How many projects will be produced?
We have multiple projects running in parallel. The exact number depends on how many people show up & want to be involved.
Can I work my preferred position?
Yes! Submit your info for all the positions that interest you. Your info will go to a shared database from which our teams will choose their crew. We do our best to get everyone in their preferred areas, but we appreciate your patience and willingness to help in other ways, too.
How many people are on each production team?
Production teams are usually small, consisting of 6 to 12 individuals, but may vary based on the project needs. Directors and/or Producers may remove or add additional support members to their team as needed. The recommended minimum positions are Producer, Director, Assistant Director, Cinematographer, Production Designer, Sound Designer, Sound Mixer/Recordist/Boom, Assistant Camera, Gaffer/Grip, Costume/Hair/MUA/SFX, Assistant Camera, Grip/Gaffer, Editor/DIT, Production Assistants (if needed), and definitely Still & Set Photography / BTS / Promotions.
Will there be only one producer of each project?
As a Short Film Challenge producer, you will not be working alone. Instead, you will work in conjunction with H.Cherdon Bedford, Austin Film Meet’s Organizational Director, who will act as a Producer on all projects, and who will be available as a resource at every step of your project to walk you through any area of producing. When the project is complete, H.Cherdon will assist with and, if desired, can assume responsibility of the marketing and distribution for the project, developing media kits, posters and trailers, as well as film festival plan and submissions.
May I direct or produce my own screenplay?
We strongly encourage everyone to direct or produce someone else’s screenplay. Directors and Producers in this program should have at least a little experience Directing or Producing, as well as experience in other areas of filmmaking before they may direct or produce their own screenplay. Experienced Directors and Producers may direct or produce their own screenplays. If you have limited or no film experience, please work other film positions first.
What happens to the films when they’re done?
The producers will prepare marketing materials including press kit, posters, etc. and the films will be submitted to film festivals.
Can I audition to be cast in a project?
Yes! Opportunities for actors are based on the screenplays that are chosen. Not all actors will be chosen. However, first priority is given to those who submit their information to our program. Also, you’re more likely to be cast if you attend events and network as much as possible. Filmmakers usually prefer to work with people they already know. If you just want to be involved and increase your film knowledge, we suggest submitting to work on a crew, even just as a production assistant, or any position!
Can I bring my ego?
Please leave drama at the door. Please come with a positive, can-do attitude. Always be kind, considerate, and remember it’s rarely about you. Sometimes difficult decisions must be made quickly for the sake of the project. You can always learn from others no matter how much you or they know. This is an opportunity to make lifelong friends and build a community that will support you through your filmmaking dreams. We can’t wait to work with you! So please, bring friends, but not your ego!
Is this too good to be true?
Austin Film Meet has existed since 2008, hosted more than 500 events and helped over 10,000 people in film and video. Our staff has decades of combined experience and knowledge in professional film and video production. More importantly, we love filmmakers and all the different people that it takes to make one happen. We believe that any film completed is a bit of a miracle. Filmmaking is the most difficult art form and we love to champion creators as they grow.
Is there a cost to participate?
There’s no fee to participate in this program, but you must be a paid Austin Film Meet member – not a FREE member. Membership is not required to submit, but if selected for a team, you will need to join. Membership dues cover organizational operations, but mostly film festival submission fees for these projects.
JOIN NOW! If you are unable to pay for a membership, you can always volunteer for our organization and receive a complimentary membership.
What now?
Get serious! Make a movie! Commit to making your film dreams happen! From concept to screening, practice the craft of storytelling using film and video. Improve your filmmaking game with hands-on experience!