Heed the call of cinematic horror

Some ground-rules first: Here's everything you need to know before creating your horror film for Northwest Nightmares:

Filmmaking

There are a few creative guidelines you'll need to be aware of as you write, produce, and edit.

Theme
Horror is the primary theme, but feel free to blend it with other genres (action, thriller, comedy, sci-fi, mystery, etc.).

Just keep in mind that your film will be judged on its qualities as a horror film, first and foremost.

Length
Your final film must be between (5) and (10) minutes long—your credits and intro sequence don't add to this.

Intro Sequence
An introductory sequence is found at the beginning of a film and sets the mood for the audience—get creative!

Your short film must begin with:

• Your film's title.
• Your team name.
• The film's primary location.

Your intro sequence must be under (1) minute long.

End Credits
Your film should close with a list of everyone and everything that went into the creation of your film. This includes:

• Cast names and characters.
• Crew names and roles.
• Media credits (the names/titles of any music, videos, and/or images you get permission to use).

End credits must be under (1) minute long.

Video Format
After editing, export your film in HD. Exact specifications:

• 1920x1080 (HD) resolution.
• Export as an .mov or .mp4 file.
• 2-channel stereo audio is highly recommended.

Rating
Your horror film should conform to the MPAA's PG-13 rating, with a few exceptions.

• Drug use. The graphic depiction or use of drugs and alcohol must be kept to an absolute minimum.
• Language. Explicit language should be kept to an absolute minimum.
• Violence. Avoid including scenes of prolonged graphic violence, sexualized violence, and extreme gore in your film.

Legal & Copyright
We pride ourselves on screening entirely original work. Some legal information to keep in mind:

• Copyright
  Your film will air on broadcast television—the unauthorized use of copyrighted music, videos, or images in your film is not allowed. Written permission from the copyright holder must be made available upon request.
• Privacy & Defamation
  Your film cannot contain defamatory statements targeting individuals, groups, organizations, or companies and you may not infringe on their privacy rights.
• Permission
  Written permission from your actor(s) and any owners of filming locations are essential and must be available upon request.

Relase Forms
Film locations, actors, and copyrighted media all require a corresponding release form.

Download all the release forms you'll need (.zip). They're printable PDFs that we'll request prior to the premiere.

Registration

Joining the festival, entering your team information, and submitting your film is all done online.

Deadlines
You can register and submit your film prior to the October 23rd deadline via FilmFreeWay.com.

Cost
It's $40 to enter a film. Unfortunately, entry fees aren't refundable, and each team is independently responsible for funding their film and paying the entry fee.

Film submissions

You can upload your video file privately via FilmFreeWay or by adding a Vimeo or Youtube link.

Signing Up
FilmFreeWay will ask you to create an account—fill out the basic name and contact information.

Once you've completed the quick registration process you'll be asked to create a project—this is where you'll add your team name, film details, and upload or link your file.

Upload a file
If you'd like to upload your film directly to FilmFreeWay from your computer, upload a file.

Make sure the video is set to private (default) and give film festivals permissions to view and download automatically.

Add a link
If you're adding a link, your video must be set to "unlisted" (Youtube) or have a password (Vimeo).

This keeps the video from being viewed by the public ahead of the film premeire—it'd be a shame to ruin the fun!

Help
Need help? Visit FilmFreeWay's help center or ask us a question using our contact form under "Questions."

Terms

Making a film is best done safely, legally, and honestly. Below is legal information you agree to by entering our film festival.

By submitting a film in the Northwest Nightmares Film Festival, entrants. . .

• Warrant and represent that they own all rights to their film ("the entry").
• Has obtained written permission from all actors, film location owners, and copyright holders that appear in the entry.
• Bears all claims and/or damages resulting from the entry.
• Understands and agrees that the organizers of the festival are in no way responsible for any claims resulting from the entry, now or in the future.
• Acknowledges that all music, images, and video used in the film must be original or royalty-free content. Any copyrighted works used in the film require written permission from the copyright holder, as stated above.
• Acknowledges that no responsibility or liability is assumed by the organizers of the festival resulting from any users participation in or attempt to participate in the festival.
• Agrees that the organizers are not responsible for lost data (video or otherwise).
• Agrees that the organizers reserve the right to withhold films from screening that contains graphic content. Films withheld may remain eligible for awards and prizes.
• Acknowledges that the organizers are not responsible for any physical harm that may occur in the course of any entrant attempting to enter or entering the festival.

Registration runs from September 1st to October 23rd. All registration and film submissions must be received by October 23rd at 11:59pm.

Our judges will evaluate your film on a number of different levels.

Creativity
How original was your film? Did your writers and actors succeed in telling an engaging story?

Technique
How well did you demonstrate your technical skill in creating an aesthetically pleasing film in terms of video, audio, and editing?

Horror
How well did your film succeed on its merits as a horror film?

Every year we present awards to our top three winners, giving them commemorative plaques celebrating their creativity.

Our grand prize winners, however, will additionally receive hundreds of dollars in Amazon gift cards and film gear.

Need help?

Reach our organizer via email during regular business hours via the form below or directly at info@nwnightmares.com.