LittleBigPlanet
What is Media Lab Studios?
Media Lab Studios, an independent film studio focusing on web and on-air content development and financing, is offering development deals to the brightest and best filmmakers out there.
Media Lab Studios development executives will periodically call for pitches - in the form of either video submissions and/or written descriptions - in any number of genres, topics, and themes. The mission is to identify and finance great content by great new filmmakers, such as yourself.
Media Lab Studios also offers a multi-platform distribution network, leveraging the IFC channel, IFC.com, Media Lab, IFC Free (On Demand) and a host of TV network and web affiliates.
What kind of films do you accept?
The LittleBigPlanet Play/Create/Share Short Film Challenge is accepting short films of all types and genres, at 5 minutes or less. Drama, comedy, romance. Music video, art piece, silent film. It's all about having fun and being as creative as you can possibly be.
The only type of film we are not accepting for this initiative are documentaries.
Remember, we're not just looking for a great idea, we're looking for a great filmmaker. Showing us creative, unique concepts with a strong grasp of the filmmaking medium will certainly increase your chances of being selected as winner or runner up.
This assignment will be judged on the originality of your idea, the execution of your short, and the overall technical and overall production merits. We are not looking for a PLAYSTATION® or LittleBigPlanet™ commercial.
I don't have a lot of money? How can I compete with those who do?
We understand that budgets are tight. Ingenuity, resourcefulness and attention to detail go a long way. Focus on creating a captivating video short.
I see that PLAYSTATION® and their game LittleBigPlanet™ are part of this project. Do I need to include PLAYSTATION® or LittleBigPlanet™ products or messaging in my series?
IFC is looking for a great short film, not a commercial. While we're not trying to hide the fact that LittleBigPlanet™ is involved, we're also not looking to highlight them either. Your assignment play, create and share with us your short film. If you feel it necessary to include either in your film, please keep the product placement and/or mention to a minimum.
This should be obvious but we'll say it anyway: presenting PLAYSTATION®, its games or IFC in a negative light is a bad idea and will very likely eliminate you from consideration.
Are there content concerns? Should this be family friendly?
IFC is always uncut and uncensored but, as stated in the official rules and regulations, don't do anything gratuitous...it's just not necessary.
How long can my short film be?
Submitted short films must be no longer than 5 minutes in length. The rules and regulations are clearly established and not adhering to them can lead to your film's disqualification.
How will my short film be judged? How will you choose the winner?
The submissions will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including IFC executives and creatives.
What is the prize?
If you are selected as the Grand Prize winner (1) of this contest, you will receive one $5000 cash prize. Your short film will air on IFC TV at a date agreed to by IFC (subject to change).
Two runner ups will each receive a $1000 cash prize.
How do I convert my film into a QuickTime or Windows Media file?
Most movie editing tools have the ability to export as either QuickTime or Windows Media. Check the Help menu or documentation for the program you are using.
My film is perfect for your latest contest, but I uploaded it to Media Lab already- can I also make it eligible for consideration?
Yes, but since films are voted on an ongoing basis and to ensure fairness for each competition, you must resubmit your film under the specific contest section and guidelines.
Will my film ever air on IFC even if it is not chosen as the winner?
Perhaps. Throughout the course of this program, submitted short films may be broadcast on IFC, or one of its partnership related sites. However, since this is a contest, simply submitting does not mean that the film will ever air on IFC, Media Lab, IFC.com, or other partner sites.
If my short film is chosen as a finalist or winner, will my short appear on TV? Will I appear on IFC?
The winning film will be shown on IFC TV. Additionally, throughout the campaign we will be promoting the contest on-air to drive viewer interest in going to IFC.com. In creating the promotional spots we may utilize submissions and the winning web series in both clip and full length episode format.
How will I know if my film has been approved?
You will receive an e-mail from us letting you know your film has been received.
What type of clearances do I need to provide you?
We've outlined the some of the key rights and clearances below. However, be sure to read the complete Terms and Conditions for all the specifics.
Rights
- You are the sole owner or have exclusive rights to the video pitch or treatment you supply
- You grant IFC and their partners non-exclusive, royalty-free right in perpetuity throughout the universe to use your submitted film for consideration in the contest in any and all media
- IFC will own all rights in and to the web series you create if you are the winner of the contest
Clearances
- You have paid all applicable copyright, contractual and participation payments
- You have not granted rights to any other entity with respect to the video treatment or pitch that would interfere in IFC rights under this contest
- You have obtained written consent from every person in the film to use his/her name and likeness and authorize others to do so
- Your film is an original work of fiction or you have obtained the consent of the original author / owner of the material
- Your film contains original music or you have obtained the appropriate rights from the original songwriter / owner of the material
Can I mail you my film for inclusion on the Media Lab site?
No. At this time, the IFC Media Lab is only accepting films via Web upload. In certain cases, we may request a tape for broadcast or other use.
How do I do a direct export from Final Cut Program?
- File> Export> Using QuickTime Conversion> Format: QuickTime Movie
- Hit Radial: "Options" button > Opens pop up window
Check: "Video", "Sound" uncheck "Prepare for Internet Streaming"VIDEO
Hit Radial: "Settings"
Compression Type: Sorenson Video 3
Motion
Frame Rate: (Drop Down) 15
Key Frames: Every - 24
Data Rate
Restrict to:
For Files 1-6 mins: 450 - 600 kbits/sec
Compressor
Quality:
For Files 1-6 mins Low/Medium
Hit Radial: "Size"
Dimensions: (Drop Down) Custom: 480x360
Check: Deinterlace Source VideoAUDIO<
Hit Radial: "Settings"
Format: Linear PCM
Channels: Mono
Sample Rate: 32.000 kHz
Sample size 16-bit - click OK >Save to desktop
How do I do a direct export from Final Cut using Compressor?
1) File>Export Using Compressor
File opens in program Compressor
2) Apply Settings > Apple >Other Workflows> Web> QuickTime 7
compatible > H.264 800kbps (H.264 for high-bandwidth connections)
3) Hit Submit
How do I export from QuickTime Pro to Final Cut?
1) Open File in QuickTime Pro enabled player
2) File > Export: Movie to QuickTime Movie
3) Apply Settings > Apple >Other Workflows> Web> QuickTime 7
compatible > H.264 800kbps (H.264 for high-bandwidth connections)
4) Hit Submit
What other compression software can I use?
