What Does a Short Film Thespy Entry Involve?
For a Short Film entry, the Thespian must create an original short film.
The film must be of original content and may be a collaboration of up to sixteen (16) Thespians in total, inclusive of actors, technicians, writers, and directors. Adaptations are not permitted.
Entries may be submitted in the following genres: Short Live-Action Film, Short Animated Film, or Short Documentary Film.
Only one (1) film may be submitted per student/group.
Showcasing Your Work for the Adjudicators
The Thespian must submit the work in advance of in-person adjudications so the adjudicators can thoroughly evaluate the material and provide feedback.
Inquire with your chapter Thespys coordinator for submission deadlines for your Qualifying Event. Those students advancing to finals at the International Thespian Festival should note the submission deadline posted at itf.schooltheatre.org after ITF registration opens.
No additional presentation or interview is required; the work should speak for itself.
Required Materials
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1. An original short film no more than five (5) minutes long, plus one (1) additional minute for credits.
- Short films should fit into one of the following genres: Live-Action, Animated, or Documentary.
The film must demonstrate:
- Proper use of title cards and credits within the time limit.
- Properly executed camera angles and shot variation to enhance the storyline and finished product.
- Control over lighting exposures for clarity, storytelling, and a professional finished product.
- The ability to capture, record, and manipulate all audio aspects of the production.
- Controlled and manufactured editing choices that enhance the overall storytelling.
- The ability to complete a storyline that includes a clear arc (beginning, middle, and end).
The film must adhere to the following requirements:
- Any music used in the film must be properly credited, whether it is original, in the public domain, or copyrighted. Music credits must appear amongst other credits at the end of the film. If copyrighted music is used, proof of payment for the rights to the music must be documented and shared with the adjudicators.
- The film should contain no content that would exceed a PG13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. The film should not include any nudity or depict acts that are illegal for anyone under 18 years of age.
- The film must be uploaded to YouTube with privacy settings set to Public or Unlisted for adjudication purposes. (If the video is set to Private, the adjudicators will be unable to view and score the work, which may result in disqualification.)
Skills Measured
The skills measured by the adjudicators during the presentation are:
- Ability to create opening and closing transitions, credits, and graphics that orient the viewer to the story.
- Ability to visually develop a story with dialogue.
- Camera, lighting, and sound use.
- Editing, including scene length and flow.
- The emotional and physical believability of the acting (if applicable).
- The filmmaker’s use of film elements to create a successful product.
