Choosing A Category

Choosing A Category

There are six categories to enter in the Portable Film Festival 2008. Here's an explanation of each, followed by some key points and a hints section for anyone that may need it (we'll deal with the prizes on offer later on). It's essential you enter the right category, so please be absolutely sure which you fit.

1. Short Film

The Portable Film Festival 2008 demonstrates the cream of the crop in short film. Welcoming directors of all nationalities, backgrounds and proficiency levels, work of any genre is acceptable in our flagship category. They're all side-by-side, fighting it out with their eyes on the major prize - the Grand Hopper.

Key Points

  • When we say short we mean short - nothing over 30 minutes if possible.
  • Double check our technical requirements and music rights issues in the Read Me file.
  • If previously available, your film should have been first shown no earlier than 2007 for us to consider it.
  • We really mean any genre. If you think of it as a short film, enter it.

Hints

  • We like: how-to's; making-of's; funny things; surprises; portraits; people who say something small; people who use portability, technically and conceptually, to its fullest.
  • Think differently about your framing, using more close-ups versus long shots.
  • Consider screen contrast when shooting.

2. Music Video

Whether it's surfaced online, was constructed D.I.Y. in a suburban bedroom or PR whipped to within an inch of its life, our 2008 programme features fresh and hip music video directors who are setting the musical scene. If you're ready to rock and roll, glam it up, or kick out the jams, then please, come on down.

Key Points

  • Double check our technical requirements and music rights issues in the Read Me file.
  • If previously available, your clip should have been first shown no earlier than 2007 for us to consider it.
  • This isn't a category for general music content. Don't enter a documentary, a first-hand capture of a gig, or a YouTube-style clip of you breakdancing.

Hints

  • Music videos that feature abstract ideas are far more likely to be included than ones featuring the band in traditional live or studio settings.
  • We're judging the video not the music.

3. Look At Me

In postage stamp-sized corners of the internet people are making us laugh, cry, herald or question their on-screen antics and personas. From bedroom bloggers to beatboxers, stand-up comics to crank-callers, here's our recognition of the most inventive people using video to further their cause.

Key Points

  • Double check our music rights issues in the Read Me file.
  • If previously circulated, your clip should have been first shown no earlier than 2007 for us to consider it.
  • This is a category for people who have used or are using the internet to further their art, or generally draw attention to their work, what they do, or what they are experiencing. Please don't just enter a clip of you doing something 'wacky'.
  • If you work under a pseudonym, we won't divulge any personal information.

Hints

  • We welcome and encourage you to enter something exclusive in this category. If you have a video podcast, why not record a dedicated entry for us telling us about you and what you do? Or why people should vote for your clip in the Portable Film Festival 2008?

4. First Hand Capture

Imagine sitting around minding your own beeswax - then boom! You've got your portable device such as a mobile phone or digital camera handy; you whip it out and reel off shot after shot of history as it happens. Think the London bombings rather than your drunk aunt falling over. This isn't Funniest Home Videos - this is cinema in true Portable-style.

Key Points

  • Double check our music rights issues in the Read Me file.
  • If previously online, your clip should have been first circulated no earlier than 2007 for us to consider it.

Hints

  • Think outside the square. And if it features drunk people, please ask yourself if it's truly worth entering.
  • We want to see the unexpected, unexplained, unbelievable and surprising.
  • Be unique. What did you capture that you're sure nobody else has?
  • This isn't Funniest Home Videos, The Planet's Funniest Animals etc.

5. Get Animated

For the past two years Portable Film Festival featured animations have gone on to be nominated for an Oscar - not bad at all! In recognition of this stellar achievement, this year we're expanding animation to feature as it's own category. They say these things happen in threes - will your animation be next?

Key Points

  • Double check our music rights issues in the Read Me file.
  • If previously online, your clip should have been first circulated no earlier than 2007 for us to consider it.

Hints

  • We love animation that pushes the boundaries of the medium, whether that be in stop motion, claymation, new-media or more traditional forms.
  • Fancy tricks don't compensate for a lack of story - don't let your medium overwhelm your message.

6. Features

Only for the brave, this year the Portable Film Festival is venturing into the realm of feature films. Do you have a reel sitting on the shelf that never gained distribution? This is your chance to get your work watched by a new, diverse audience and push the boundaries of traditional cinema.

Key Points

  • Double check our music rights issues in the Read Me file.
  • If previously online, your clip should have been first circulated no earlier than 2007 for us to consider it.
  • Make sure you download the terms and conditions for features rather than other categories.

Hints

  • Be brave. This is your chance to get a feature distributed that may never have have been able to otherwise.