Story-Film Rules and Judging Guidelines

Story-Film Rules & Judging Guidelines

Download the Story-Film Rules and Guidelines for 2012 (PDF)

1.0    What is Story-Film?

1.1    Create your own short film under 5 minutes in any style you’d like. Upload your film to the Wakakirri website.

2.0    What stories can you tell?

2.1    Schools can tell any story they wish. That story could be an adaptation or interpretation of an existing story (such as a picture book, movie or novel), or it could be a completely original story. The important thing is there is a clear narrative  to your story rather than just a theme with loosely linked scenes. You can find more information about story structure in the Resources section of the website.
2.2    Wakakirri requires schools to gain permission and take special consideration when interpreting Indigenous stories or portraying Indigenous individuals or images
2.3    Each year Wakakirri has a different signature item. Schools are encouraged to incorporate this item into their Wakakirri entry in a creative way. PLEASE NOTE: this is not compulsory and you will not be judged down if you do not incorporate the signature item, having said that, it is always fun for the audience to spot it! There is an award for the most creative use. The 2012 signature item is TWELVE.

3.0    Why are stories important?

3.1    Stories are a great way for students to learn about themselves and others. Stories have wide reach and they can convey important messages. Most importantly a good story stays with you for life.

4.0    Who will see our story?

4.1    Wakakirri helps schools share their story nationally. Other than inviting people to see your performance live when you film it, every school has the opportunity to exhibit their story on the Wakakirri website, where it can be viewed by the thousands of participating students across the country.

5.0    General Rules

5.1    Up to three Story-Film entries per school
5.2    Work must depict original stories or original interpretations of stories
5.3    Any soundtrack should use original music (PLEASE read carefully the rules below on music)
5.4    Any number of students may perform in or work on the production
5.5    Any featured performers or animation voice overs must be students (unless making a documentary)
5.6    Can be edited and involve voice overs, effects, animations, credits and captions
5.7    All editing must be the work of students
5.8    Stories, language, images and themes must be appropriate to age group.  Primary school items must be G Rated.
5.9    Films must not exceed 5 minutes in length (including opening titles and end credits).
5.10    Films created for other competitions or assessments can be submitted as long as they fit the Story-Film rules.
5.11    Only works received by the due date (Friday 3rd August 2012) will be eligible for judging. Late entries will not be accepted.
5.12    If making a documentary, you will need to get a Documentary Release Form signed by everyone you film (a release form is like a permission form and you can find one under the forms section of this website.

6.0    Important Story-Film Dates

6.1    Register your interest ASAP to receive updates and entry information
6.2    Works due at the Wakakirri office – Friday 3rd August 2012.

7.0    Rules relating to music in your Story-Film

7.1    Although you might be able to use existing songs for films you make for school assessments, you are not allowed the same freedom in Wakakirri because the films will be made available to the public via our website. We recommend you use either original music or license/royalty-free (see below) recordings in your story-film, however, should you wish to use other music, please read carefully the following information on music copyright. NOTE: Films received that use existing songs in their soundtrack without written permission from all copyright owners will be DISQUALIFIED.
7.2    You will need permission to include other people’s music in your film, even if the music was accidentally recorded in the background while you were filming.  A single piece of music may include a number of copyrights: if using an existing recording, you will need permission from the recording company that own that particular recording, as well as permission from the publisher who holds copyright over the lyrics and music.
7.3    When applying for permission to use copyrighted music, you must make it clear that the music is being used for a short film that may be displayed in live venues and featured on the Wakakirri web page.  Generally copyright lasts for the life of the relevant creator plus fifty years, however, there are exceptions to this rule. When in doubt, you should check out the Australian Copyright Council’s web page (www.copyright.org.au)
7.4    Some music exists that is licence/royalty-free and therefore free to use, however, it is always best to check this with the producer of the music source and where possible, obtain this in writing.  A simple way to avoid the tricky problem of obtaining permission from the copyright holders, is simply to create your own original music. There are lots of simple (and sometimes free) software programs for creating music on your computer (eg Garage Band)– or you might want to involve music students from your school in the production by getting them to create music for you.

8.0    How do I send my Story-Film entry in to be judged?

8.1    Works must uploaded to the Wakakirri website. You should have received instructions how to do this and if you run into any problems, please contact us for assistance. You can upload videos in Quicktime, MP4 and AVI format. For ease in uploading, try to keep the film size under 100MB. Your film will look better on the website if it is filmed in the 16:9 ratio format.
8.2    Keep a good quality DVD version at your school in case Wakakirri chooses your film to screen at any of our live events.

Judging Overview

A panel of judges will be selected to assess the Story-Film entries according to the judging criteria.  Wakakirri Judges are sourced from both the public and private education sectors as well as the film industry reflecting a balance in skills and areas of expertise.

Films will be judged after entries close and National Winners will be selected and announced in November. Depending on the number of entries, there may also be state winners announced. A list of short listed schools will be announced in September.

* Every entry will receive a Recognition/Assessment Award
* Each student will receive a Participation Award

Prizes

1st 2nd, 3rd Place National Winners.
1st place receives $500.

Special Story-Film Awards

Additional awards may be given out: Signature item; Editing; Cinematography; Soundtrack; Acting

2012 Story-Film Judging Criteria

Story (40 points)
• Clarity
• Script
• Creativity

Cinematography (15 points)
• Creativity
• Composition Skill

Soundtrack (15 points)
• Creativity
• Quality of Audio Recording
• Composition Skill

Editing (15 points)
• Creativity
• Composition Skill

Acting (15 points)
• Timing
• Expression
• Elocution
• Personality

TOTAL    100