The TolFilm FanFilm Exhibition Any questions may be directed to rebekah@tolcon.org. Guidelines for Submitting a Film We will accept submissions of all kinds, as long as the films relate to the Tolkien universe. Any of Tolkien’s books, languages, landscapes, even his environmental views are fair game. Yes, the actors too are fair game—as long as you show their relation to Tolkien. If it's a music video, parody, comedy, documentary, animation, a humorous look at waiting in line for tickets to LOTR, we wants it, precious! Due to time constraints, not all submissions can be screened at TolCon. We have provided guidelines that if followed, (more than in the “Pirate’s Code” sense) will increase your film’s chance of being screened. Submissions will be accepted beginning December 1st, 2003. Please have your submission(s) postmarked no later than April 16th, 2004. Quality The TolFilm Fanfilm Exhibition will only screen fan made films that are of the highest quality. While we appreciate the efforts of all fans, we will be looking for films that contain a universal quality, especially auditory and visual quality. Be sure to make the best film you can. We encourage you to push the envelope and explore your creativity! Content All films must be rated no higher than PG-13 according to MPAA standards (www.filmratings.com). We would like to iterate for those fans using New Line/Wingnut Films LOTR material: As of the submission deadline only Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers will be available on official DVD release. We will not accept any submissions that are considered to contain bootleg material. The title slate for each film must appear for a minimum of 6 seconds and must include the following information: Filmmaker Title of Film Acknowledgements of source material (i.e. "Video footage courtesy New Line Cinemas and Wingnut Films: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, 2001, music by Englebert Humperdink "Release Me"). Please, please, please acknowledge all your sources! As tedious as that may be, it’s less tedious than the paperwork involved in legal proceedings... A single line dedication is allowed, but please no lengthy dedications, Director’s Notes, or your recipe for Lembas. Format Films submitted in the original film categories must be under 8 minutes in length. Music videos must be limited to 4 minutes. Films must be DVD-quality Films must be submitted in .avi, .mpeg, or .wmv format. Please do not email your submission(s). All submissions must be mailed on a CD to: NW Tolkien Society 24320 SE 43rd PL Issaquah, WA 98029 Keep these things in mind when making your film: Story - Does the story actually fit the Tolkien universe? Is the story coherent and thought out? Is the story unique or have we seen this type of film in another fan film? Characters - Do the actors fit the parts they are playing? Can the audience accept the person for who they are supposed to be? Can the actors even act? Location - Do the backgrounds look correct? Are the backgrounds fitting for the film? Are all mundane objects removed from all shots? Technical - Do the effects detract or enhance the film? Are the effects up to par with most current films? Audio - Is the audio mixed correctly? Does the audio fit the video and the effects? The TolFilm FanFilm Exhibition is a free event, solely for the enjoyment of NW Tolkien Society members.