- Filmmakers' portal -

This page is intended to act as a resource for participants of the festival. Below you will find some key information, dates, tips, and FAQ from past filmmakers. You can also sign up to be a Filmmaker for the 2019 Festival. We recommend that you bookmark this page in your browser!

Registration:

Due Dates:

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

Exposed film cartridge is due:   EXTENDED: Monday, October 21st 2019
Audio track is due:   EXTENDED: Saturday, October 26th 2019
Film Posters are due:   Monday, November 11th 2019

Workshop:

Monday, September 16th 2019: We will be hosting an instructional workshop for Filmmakers upstairs at The Golden Pony. We'll answer any technical questions you have about shooting Super 8 film, and will have several cameras available for hands-on demonstration. Some of the points we'll cover will include: - Proper exposure (both automatic & manual) - Proper focusing techniques - Slow motion & stop motion techniques - Suggested techniques for creating/syncing audio.

We'll also have Cameras and Film available for pickup for any registered 2019 Super Gr8 Filmmaker. This event runs from 7:00-9:00. There will be brief presentations at 7:15 and 8:15, but we will also answer questions for anyone that comes between presentations.

Film:

You will be given one roll of super 8 film (about 3 minutes & 20 seconds) and a camera to shoot your film. You must shoot your film entirely in order, utilizing only "in-camera" editing. On the night of the screening, You will see your developed film for the first time on the big screen, along with your fellow filmmakers and the rest of the audience.

Where do I pick up my camera and film?
Once you have signed up as a filmmaker, you will receive periodic email updates with this information, and reminders about important dates.

How long should/can 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 on exactly how long each roll of film will end up being on screen, so it is safest to aim for around 3 minutes to 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

Note: If you film any of your film in slow motion, this will affect how long you will be able to film in real time. Although your film will still end up being about 3 minutes and 20 seconds on the screen, you will not 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 you to run through your roll faster. Basically, the more slow motion you use in your film, the shorter you will be able to film in "the real world".

Note: Super Gr8 retains your original negative for archival purposes. If you would like to have a duplicate made, you may do so at your expense, but keep in mind it will be a negative print, unsuitable for projection.

Audio:

How do I deliver my audio?
A digital file either attached to an email or via the Google Drive, Dropbox, 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.

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 image we see 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 image 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."

Film 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.