General Guidelines
Please review the following rules before submitting your film. These guidelines apply to all categories in the Forsyth County Film Festival.
Submission Requirements
Submission Limits:
Each school may submit a limited number of entries per category.
Please check with your instructor on how finalists will be selected at your school.
Time Requirements:
All time limits will be strictly enforced per category requirements
Slate, Black, and Credits:
Note: additional credits can be used if you are under your runtime or if included in the film run time.
Each film should include the Linked MOGURT slate template that includes 10 seconds of black before the film begins.
Content Warning
Summary:
Use violence or romantic content at your own risk. If judges determine your video is inappropriate for the festival audience, it will be disqualified. Please remember: 8th-grade students and special county guests will be in attendance at this year’s event.
Language Restrictions:
No foul language of any kind is permitted. This includes spoken dialogue, on-screen text, bleeped profanity, or editing a scene to imply profanity.
Sensitive Content:
Topics involving sexual content, violence, or weapons must be handled with maturity. Explicitly violent, obscene, or overtly sexual content is not allowed. Students may show events leading up to or following an incident, but must not depict the explicit act its
NO GUNS of any type may be used as props in any video.
Category Information
Every film must be submitted under one of the categories listed below. Read the descriptions to ensure your project aligns with the category requirements.
Documentary
Description: Students will create a documentary on a subject of their choice, engaging the audience through documentary techniques (e.g., composition, movement, interviews).
Note: Mockumentaries should be entered in the Short Film Comedy category, not Documentary.
Time Limit: 3:00 - 6:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Music Video
Description: Students will create a music video using either an existing song or an original song.
Style Choice: There are two main types of music videos: performance, which showcases artists performing, and storytelling, which conveys a narrative. Choose one style—or a mix—that fits the assigned theme.
Please note: judges can award up to 20 bonus points for submissions with original music.
Time Limit: 2:00 - 3:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
News Package
Description: Students will create a news package informing their audience about a single newsworthy topic. News packages should be informative, engaging, and include these elements: b-roll, interviews, standup, and voice over.
Time Limit: 1:30 - 3:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Short Film
Description: Students will create a comedic short film that has clear story composition, engaging dramatic structure, character development, and excellent production value.
Time Limit: 3:00 - 7:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: (4 total any genre)
Comedy, Drama, Suspense
Micro Film
Description: Students will create a film that follows the three-act structure with excellent production value that is between :30 and :60 in length.
Time Limit: 1min or less
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Recreation Video
Description: Students will recreate a trailer from a professional production using only student-created content (audio and video).
Note: The final video should show the student recreation with the original PIP in the bottom corner.
Time Limit: 1:00 - 2:30
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Video Podcast
Description: Students will create a video podcast that entertains and/or educates the listener on a topic of their choice.
Time Limit: 2 - 4min
NOTE: SkillsUSA run time 4min exactly
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Marketing Style Videos
Hosted by Maxwell Bentley
Commercial
Description: Students will create a video that engages viewers with a clear, persuasive message promoting a product, service, or idea.
Time Limit: :30 or 1:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
PSA
Description: Students will create a video that engages viewers with a clear message aimed at raising awareness or encouraging positive action on a social issue.
Time Limit: :30 or 1:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Promotional Video
Description: Students will create a video designed to inform and persuade the audience about a school event, club, or activity. The video should highlight key details, benefits, or features, targeting a specific audience
Time Limit: 1-2min
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2