FILMMAKER’S PORTAL

Key information for filmmakers, deadlines, tips, FAQ’s, etc.

Deadlines

Your Super Gr8 film will be turned in in three pieces, each with their own deadline:

Exposed film cartridge is due:   TBD, 2026
Audio track is due:    TBD, 2026
Film Posters are due:   TBD, 2026

Workshop

TBD, 2026
We’ll host an Instructional Workshop at The Golden Pony where filmmakers can learn the basics of shooting Super 8. Discussion will cover:

• Proper Exposure and Focusing techniques

• Slow Motion and Stop Motion techniques

• Creating / Syncing Audio

Registered Filmmakers will be able to collect their cameras and film.

Camera

Registered Super Gr8 Filmmakers will be able to pick up their Cameras (and film) at the Instructional Workshop at the Golden Pony. We will do our best to provide you with a camera that meets your film’s technical needs, based on the information that you provide to us. If you’re unable to make it to the Workshop, contact us to set up a pickup time.

Film

Filmmakers are given one roll of super 8 film (about 3 minutes and 20 seconds) and a camera; both of which can be picked up at the Instructional Workshop (see above). Films are shot entirely in order, utilizing only "in-camera" editing.  On the night of the screening, filmmakers see their developed films for the first time on the big screen, along with their fellow filmmakers and audience members. Exposed Film Cartridge deadline for 2026 to be announced.

How long can/should my film be?
If you shoot your whole roll of film, your film will be about 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Due to the limitations of this 50 year old format, there will always be a bit of inconsistency in the exact length that each film will end up being on screen, so it is safest to aim for around 3 minutes to 3 minutes and 10 seconds max.

Note: If you film any of your movie in slow motion, this will affect how long you can film in “real time.” Although your film will still end up being about 3 minutes and 20 seconds on screen, you won’t be able to film for a full 3 minutes and 20 seconds. This is because while shooting slow motion, the film runs through the camera at a faster speed, causing your roll to run out faster. Basically; the more slow motion you use in your film, the shorter you will be able to film in "real time.”

Note: Super Gr8 retains all original negative for archival purposes.

Audio

How do I deliver my audio?
A digital file attached to either an email or via the Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc. is preferable. If you have only a physical copy of your audio track (CD, flash drive, etc.) we can make arrangements to pick it up from you. Audio deadline for 2026 to be announced.

What file type should I use while exporting my digital audio file?
.wav is preferable, but most common audio file types, like .mp3 & .m4a will work as well.

How long should my audio be?
This is primarily a creative question, but typically your audio should be as long as your film. That being said, if you used your entire roll, your audio should be around 3 minutes and 20 seconds.

How will you sync up my audio with my film? Unless you give us instructions for a specific sync point (see below) we will sync the very first non-black frame of your film with the very beginning of your audio file. That being said, if you have 5 seconds of silence at the beginning of your audio track, we will assume that it is intentional and will still line up the beginning of your audio track with the first image we see, so plan accordingly. Also, be sure to let us know if you intentionally put any black time at the beginning of your film by either covering the lens or closing the aperture and filming, as we will still sync from the first non-black frame we see, unless told otherwise.

What if I want to choose a specific moment in my film to sync my audio?
We allow each film ONE sync point. If there is a moment in your film where it is most important that the audio and video line up, we will sync that moment for you, as long as you give us detailed instructions. For example: Lets say at 2 minutes and 15 seconds into my audio track, you hear a door slam. If this is the point at which I would want to sync audio and video, I would request it like this:

"At 2 minutes and 15 seconds into my audio track, you will hear a door slam. At roughly 2 minutes and 15 seconds into my film you will see a green door slamming, in a room with yellow walls. Please sync that moment as best as possible."

Posters

Your film posters are to be submitted to the festival director via email as either a PDF, JPEG or PNG file. If your poster is hand-drawn or collaged, you can submit a physical copy instead. Please keep all film poster submissions to the dimensions of 11 inches wide by 17 inches tall. Super Gr8 will print and hang all posters before the premiere. Poster deadline for 2026 to be announced.