Fiction Film competition
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:04 am
May I just post a quick reminder here about the PHASE 4 Fiction Film competition.
The closing date for entries is at the end of this month and anyone who intends
to send a film should be contacting me for an entry form. This is only open
to UK FICTION films with a running time of 30 minutes or less.
I would also like to mention here something about running times. I have been
reading in one of the IAC regional magazines a continuing correspondence
regarding film lengths. I would probably not have voiced my opinions on this
subject, except for the fact that my name is being used as a kind of weapon
in this debate as to my attitude to this issue.
It seemed to be said by the organiser of the Cotswold festival, Lee Prescott,
that I make short films and anyone who cannot make a short film and still
tell a story, should see me about it.
Lee e-mailed me prior to this being put into the magazine, so I had been
forewarned.
In the latest issue of the magazine, the debate continues, mentioning the
fact that our own competition has a maximum time limit of 30 minutes.Perhaps
implying that I prefer longer films.
Due to this, I think I should set the record straight here (and probably
in the magazines too at a later date.)
I have made over 70 films (not counting family/holiday films etc) of varying
length.
I made ONE single one minute one, possibly as a bit of an experiment, as
this does not appeal to me at all as a film maker.(Some people can do this
type of film well.)
I have also made a few approaching one hour in length plus the one hour "Take
One" documentary reviewed in the latest FVM.
Mostly though, I would say that my films fall into the "average" 10 to 15
minute time slot. Lately, many have tended to be around 25 minutes, which
does allow for more scope for character and plot development if the story
warrants it.
So the basic point is: a film is as long as it needs to be.
I have no problem with films of ANY length as long as they are entertaining.
The reason for the 30 minute limit with our own competition is simple logistics.
Apart from the time we will need to view and judge the competition, we also
would like to show several entries at our show if possible and shorter films
will fit easier into the programme. This does not mean of course, that longer
films have any bias levelled against them.
Ken.
The closing date for entries is at the end of this month and anyone who intends
to send a film should be contacting me for an entry form. This is only open
to UK FICTION films with a running time of 30 minutes or less.
I would also like to mention here something about running times. I have been
reading in one of the IAC regional magazines a continuing correspondence
regarding film lengths. I would probably not have voiced my opinions on this
subject, except for the fact that my name is being used as a kind of weapon
in this debate as to my attitude to this issue.
It seemed to be said by the organiser of the Cotswold festival, Lee Prescott,
that I make short films and anyone who cannot make a short film and still
tell a story, should see me about it.
Lee e-mailed me prior to this being put into the magazine, so I had been
forewarned.
In the latest issue of the magazine, the debate continues, mentioning the
fact that our own competition has a maximum time limit of 30 minutes.Perhaps
implying that I prefer longer films.
Due to this, I think I should set the record straight here (and probably
in the magazines too at a later date.)
I have made over 70 films (not counting family/holiday films etc) of varying
length.
I made ONE single one minute one, possibly as a bit of an experiment, as
this does not appeal to me at all as a film maker.(Some people can do this
type of film well.)
I have also made a few approaching one hour in length plus the one hour "Take
One" documentary reviewed in the latest FVM.
Mostly though, I would say that my films fall into the "average" 10 to 15
minute time slot. Lately, many have tended to be around 25 minutes, which
does allow for more scope for character and plot development if the story
warrants it.
So the basic point is: a film is as long as it needs to be.
I have no problem with films of ANY length as long as they are entertaining.
The reason for the 30 minute limit with our own competition is simple logistics.
Apart from the time we will need to view and judge the competition, we also
would like to show several entries at our show if possible and shorter films
will fit easier into the programme. This does not mean of course, that longer
films have any bias levelled against them.
Ken.