Guidelines

• Your movie must be made specifically for MovieFest 2003
• MovieFest 2003 must be the movie’s first public screening
• Your movie must be no longer than 5 minutes including any titles and credits
• Your movie must contain or relate in some way to the MovieFest Topic (MFT) for 2003.

An downloadable file with the rules, a printable entry form and further guidelines is now available in pdf format. The entry form can be filled in, viewed and printed using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The aim of MovieFest 2003 is to encourage the movie makers of New Zealand, and to promote and showcase the talent New Zealand has to offer.  We aim to promote the use of digital video editing tools such as Apple's iMovie, and Final Cut and to promote the use of computers for digital video editing.

What is the deadline for Moviefest 2003?
The deadline for preregistration to enter competition was 27 July 2003. If you missed it we were still accepting entries until the 18th of August.  Entries have now closed for 2003 - but if you entered and think your movie was worth a place on the finalists and notable entries DVD, then please read the info on the movies page

When is MovieFest held?
The festival is scheduled for September 2003. The Awards Ceremony is from 4:30 pm on the 27th of September, following the Finalists Screenings - hourly, all day from 10am.  More details are available in our press announcement.

Does MovieFest accept international entries?
No.  Entrants must have a New Zealand residential address.

Which genres of movies will MovieFest accept?
Generally all, including animations, documentaries and entirely computer generated movies.

Are there other restrictions?
MovieFest 2003 must be your movie's first public screening. This means that the movie must not have been screened at any other movie festival, on free to air or pay TV, in cinemas or any other public arena prior to MovieFest. This restriction does not include cast and crew screenings.

Can I re-edit a movie that has already screened so it fits the MovieFest guidelines?
No! We consider this a different version of the same movie, therefore if it has screened previously, it is not eligible for MovieFest.

Does MovieFest place restrictions on swearing or sexual/violent content?
MovieFest receives a PG classification rating from the Office of Film and Literature Classification, so we advise you follow these restrictions.

Does it cost anything to enter?
Yes, it costs NZ$25 (including GST). You can include a cheque with your entry form, or deposit your entry fee into our nominated bank account.  Credit cards will be accepted by prior arrangement. More details are available on enquiry.

Do I have to obtain copyright clearance for the music, performance or script?
YES! The moviemaker must own all copyright for or have written permission to use all content in the movie, including music, performance and script.

Can I use any piece of music as long as I have permission?
You can use most pieces of music granted you have received the necessary permissions. Well known/published music can become very expensive to use. You will need to have cleared rights to use the piece of music in "all media" and in "all locations". Try to use local music in your movie. It means that local musicians and composers can benefit from MovieFest, as well as every one else, and it is usually easier to organise. Don’t limit the life of your movie by making hasty music choices or leaving this till the last minute. Music should be one of the first things you consider when planning your production.

Are all decisions made by the MovieFest Staff and Judges final?
We will not accept any correspondence into the final results supplied by the judges and may rescind any prize if any impropriety is subsequently found in the completion of any entry.

What is the MovieFest Topic (MFT) for 2003?

The MFT for 2003 was be announced on 30 July 2003 at the commencement of the competition. The MFT is Travel: "The Journey".  Moviemakers are invited to interpret the MFT in any way they choose - we strongly encourage a creative interpretation of the word!

Why does my movie have to feature the MFT & how can I use it?
The MFT is meant to show that your movie was made specifically for the festival - as MovieFest is about encouraging production, not just exhibition. 

Submitting Movies

What is the maximum length for MovieFest movies?
5 minutes including titles and credits.

Is there a minimum length?
Yes, 3 minutes

Can I submit more than one movie for competition?
Yes - there is no restriction on number of entries providing an entry fee is paid for each movie, and a complete entry form is filled out for it.

What format do you accept for entry?
You must submit 2 VHS PAL copies of your movie with your completed entry.  You need to submit your movie to the judging panel before 5pm on the 18th of August 2003.  In addition, finalists will have to supply a digital copy of their movie in a standard format by the 1st September 2003. You will be contacted prior to this date if you are a finalist.  If we cannot view your movie, your movie may not be eligible for judging.