The rules.

So, my latest video was disqualified for an online short movie contest. Watch it here and comment about how epic it is:




So, what filmmaking/business lessons are to be learned here? Mostly, keep an eye on the rules during the whole run of the contest! They could and DO change.

It isn't that I misunderstood the rules. The rules were changed during the last couple of days stating that no music is allowed.

This is their prerogative and the rules state that they can change without notice. Now, I could complain about this or could elaborate a conspiracy theory about why I think this happened (I do have one, btw). Doing these things would not help me progress toward any of my goals.

The rules to this particular contest were very murky. Not all of the rules were easy to understand. Oddly worded rules like, "only 3 people can be in the short, including you.". Did that mean just on cam or cast and crew? Rules like this should have made me realize that a rules change or clarification was upcoming.



Music licensing his has always been a nightmare to manage in movie and short movies. It is expensive, and the rules for something that is royalty free might only be so in certain circumstances.



Now, I have a great guy I call to for great music when I need it (Epic shout out.  ), but not everyone is so lucky.


And, finally, have a backup plan. This isn't the first time I was burned somehow and was not able to get a short entered in a video contest for some reason. Last time there was myriad hardware problems, this time it was an external rules problem. Both times could have been helped by maybe keeping more people in the team informed about what is happening. Maybe brainstorming about a solution, and enacting some kind of follow up short, or even just reworking the one we had. This time, I entered the contest so late, I didn't have this option, but next time, I will give myself more time to learn about changes and issues.


So, how did I vote in this contest I was DQd in? I voted for Epic Slide. I like that it didn't use any music, but instead used a wind sound that not only helped keep interest, but helped sell the effect of how high he was supposed to be. And, though I knew how it was going to end, it still made me laugh seeing it. I laughed halfway through it as well.



So, vote for Epic Slide, the no music, two laugh in 30 seconds (not bad), and creative use of sound Epic short.