WHAT IS FILMQUEST EXPRESS?
NOTE: Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we are still figuring out how to run the FilmQuest Express Competition for the 2020 season, if at all. Stay tuned.
FilmQuest Express is a timed competition, presented by the stellar UFP Rentals in Provo, Utah, similar to a 48 Hour Film Festival competition, wherein we invite filmmakers from around the globe to create teams by which they will have one week to make a genre based short film. In order to keep the suspense high and the competition fair, we will not reveal the full details of what is required in your films, including length, genre, elements, etc. until the day YOU decide to begin your competition.
The competition has already begun. You must register now via FilmFreeway.com. Then you email us telling us what day you’d like to begin filming your film. We’ll email you the 6 elements you need to use in your film (length, genre, line of dialogue, prop, location, character), and you’ll have one week from the time you start filming to turn in your film. All filmmakers will have only one week to complete their films. Teams then must wait to premiere their films at FilmQuest for its world premiere. It’s that easy.
REGISTRATION
Teams can register now for $100 via FilmFreeway. Follow this link to sign up today: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/FilmQuest. Teams can sign up whenever they desire, but the final submissions deadline for each season’s FilmQuest is the last date of entry.
LENGTH
The maximum length for the short film is FIVE minutes, including credits. This is actually one of the six required elements, and is a fairly open secret.
ELEMENTS
There will be six elements required for each short film that MUST be addressed in every film in order for the film to be eligible for prizes. Films that don’t address the required elements will still be eligible to screen at FilmQuest.
GENRE
The specific genre (Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, Western, Supernatural, Thriller, The Beyond, etc.) the films must be made for will be sent to you via email or phone at the time you wish to start your week of filming.
TEAMS
Participants can only captain one team each, but they can participate with multiple teams. There is no limit on the size of each team.
FORMAT
All films must be submitted digitally as .mov file. You can upload your film and submit via FilmFreeway (the quickest and easiest way), or email a private link to us.
SUBMISSIONS
As stated above, films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. We’ll work with you when they’ll be due by each season.
FINAL DEADLINES
The final date you can start making your film is no less than one month before each festival’s official start date. We need to have your film so we can take stills to promote and schedule in the program guide.
SCREENINGS
All completed films, unless they do not meet the guidelines laid out in our General Rules, will be screened together during a designated block at FilmQuest during the festival.
AWARDS
All films, as long at they meet the contest rules and deadline submission, will be eligible for awards. Awards will be given out for Best Film (Grand Prize), 2nd and 3rd place, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Score, and Best Editing. The Grand Prize winner will be awarded the FilmQuest Cthulhu Trophy*, and will be voted on by FilmQuest’s Grand Jury (*only if there are enough teams that enter). It is often said that FilmQuest Express is the easiest way to win one. The remaining winners will receive plaques and possibly other prizes.
EXAMPLE
So say you want to participate in FilmQuest Express, but you got questions about how it works. Here’s a couple examples of how it does:
You register via FilmFreeway with a $100 payment on March 1st. Soon, either we will (or you will need to contact us) receive an email or phone call from us, and we’ll ask you (or you’ll tell us) what day you wish to begin. You inform us you will begin filming on March 20th and 4pm. All good. Then on March 20th before 4pm, we’ll email or call you your 6 elements you’ll need to use to film your movie that are unique to you and your film. From that moment, you have one week to complete your movie and submit it. Meaning, you’ll need to turn in your film on March 27th by 4pm.
Another example is to wait until the last minute to make your film. Say you procrastinated. That means you would need to register and start making your movie by our Final Entry Deadline. Even if you sign up earlier, you can still wait if you desire to start making your film. We’ll send you your 6 custom elements, and you get to filming.
So be sure to give yourself a week that works best for you! As long as you turn in your film no later than a month before the festival begins, you’re good to go.
Past examples of film elements have been the following:
Genre – Fantasy
Location (use at least one of three) – Body of Water, Dungeon, Woods
Length – 5 minutes
Character – Ragnar the Destroyer
Line of Dialogue – “Mmmmm. Salty wenches.”
Prop – Staff
If you have any other questions contact us at filmquestfestival@gmail.com and we’ll provide you with further details.
Good luck!