Make Your Mark with Atom Films and Sony

[My Fault]

Kind of a bummer that it requires your film to be live-action though.

[lildragon]

Originally posted by My Fault
Kind of a bummer that it requires your film to be live-action though.

Yeah :\ but anyhoo, maybe compositing :D dunno heh

still great in any respect

salud

[slaughters]

"December 19: Three contest winners are announced. They receive a prize package featuring a $15,000 film budget plus a great stash of Sony digital video filmmaking gear."

Do you really want to try and make a real film for only $15,000 ? Of course, it would be nice to get all the video equipment for free.

[MDB101]

lildragon: What did you mean that your independant short film developer? I have a great idea here that I'm doing all in 3d just for the fun of it :) but Im not too sure if i wanna enter this contest becauuse of copyright issues? I dont know mabe ill read that page through. Cause what if you enter right and your idea is great however what if they liked it too and made somethin out of it? I dont know mabe im just paranoid :) I'll think it over before I enter it :) would be a great prize if you do win it. heh :) later

[srich23]

Originally posted by lildragon
Yeah :\ but anyhoo, maybe compositing :D dunno heh

still great in any respect

salud

are you saying if someone gave you 15k and a bunch of expensive gear you couldn't pull a nice short film off? it would probably take some thinking but i think it could definitely be done.

[lildragon]

srich23: erm I think you quoted the wrong person, slaughters said that :p


MDB101: I didn't read the full details until after :rolleyes: heh I'm all 3D for now

salud

[MDB101]

Well I did more reading, and this is what I read and Im a Canadain so I dont think I qualify for this.

Make Your Mark is strictly for first-time filmmakers. The contest is not open to people who have previously directed, edited, filmed, or written movies that have been publicly screened. Eligibility is also limited to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years of age as of October 1, 2002. Please read the Official Rules for complete information on eligibility and contest regulations.

So thats a Bummber, I would Like to see Canada Doing the same thing.. Im sure there is but we don't hear about it :)

[parallax]

Eligibility is also limited to residents of the 50 United States

Crap:thumbsdow

I really would like to see a european one.

Do you really want to try and make a real film for only $15,000 ? Of course, it would be nice to get all the video equipment for free.

Are you kidding me??
Most of the people have to make do with a ZERO dollar-budget, and less then 'quality' gear to make a short film.
..make that video, film would be astronomically more expensive, indeed, then you probably would need at least a few thousand dollars.

[lildragon]

Yeah I'm in Canada also, it's a shame there's such a shortage on things like this for artists :shrug:

[PiLe3D]

Wow, this is awsome

but I'm in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Europe) so I can't apply :scream:

considering these living standards here, I could make that movie for less than $1000 and with only one sony digital camera.

I'd compose it in adobe after effects, sound editing in gold wave :)

It could be done for very low amount of money here. Plus I have many ideas. If someone from USA or Columbia District is interested for this "Director" job we can do it together ;)

:applause:

[NightFox]

It would be really funny to see a contest that involves the rest of the world, EXCEPT the United States. lol. Let alone a contest limited to Canada eh? :applause:

That would really be something to be silly about.

[Aaron]

I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but check out these exclusions:

"The following persons are not eligible for the Contest: (a) any individual who has received any form of credit (sole or shared) as director, editor, cinematographer, screenwriter or producer on any film, series, episode, movie-of-the-week, music video, or mini-series produced for release in theaters or by means of home video, any form of television, Internet, or similar medium; (b) any individual previously or currently enrolled in a university-level film school; or (c) any individual who is prohibited or restricted from participating in this type of contest, including but not limited to due to a contractual restriction or due to an affiliation with a particular organization, which also may require third parties to assume obligations and/or to comply with any minimum requirements (other than those required by applicable laws). "

Taken from this site (http://atomfilms.shockwave.com/af/spotlights/sony/rules.htm), Section 3: Eligibility.

So, by a show of hands, how many people here are still eligible? ;)

Under condition (b) I'm out. :annoyed: Ah well, live action was never my forte anyway =)

Cheers,
-Aaron.

[slaughters]

Well,

When it comes right down to it anybody can make a home movie for virtually free if they have the video equipment. But, when it comes down to having to create/rent sets and props as well as gettting work permits, hiring actors, hiring sound and lighting crew (lighting and sound are killers for cheaply made films), etc.. you'll find that $15,000 goes pretty quickly.

The cheapest way to go would be with a documentary style movie (A Day In the Life of My Dog) as this does not require you to actually have to pay for the actors. It all depends on the type of film Sony and Atom Films will be looking for and on the quality of the film you want to make.

[DesignDawg]

I'm confused about something you Canadians...

What about the CFB? Here in the States, Art students and film students watch SO MUCH Canadian stuff and hear so much about all the opportunity in Canada from the Canadian Film Board. All McLaren's stuff was CFB-funded. Is that no more?

What has changed there?

I just ask all this because I don't know how many times I have heard people say, "It's a shame there's not opportunities like they have in Canada for people here in the US.

Ricky

[RockinAkin]

Sounds like a fantastic oportunity for an aspiring film-maker, and espescially tempting for me (I'm currently minoring in Film, and have been wanting to turn some of my student films into professionally funded work).

I just wish I had know about it earlier... the deadline is less than 10 days away... and the contest started on October 1'st :hmm:

Oh well, what can you do?
-DivideByZero-

[Gamoron]

Too bad I'm not american. Then I'd be eligible. As for the CFB, which is the NFB, it's good but tough to get into. I applied once and I felt that I was ignored because it was too Sci-fi. I don't know but I think you still need connections even when a resident of Canada. Most NFB things I've seen, I think kinda suck, revolving a lot around canadianna. The stuff at the oscars is a small example.

[Matt_Forcum]

dang it. I dont think i meet the requirements.

[Gentle Fury]

Originally posted by Aaron
I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but check out these exclusions:

"The following persons are not eligible for the Contest: (a) any individual who has received any form of credit (sole or shared) as director, editor, cinematographer, screenwriter or producer on any film, series, episode, movie-of-the-week, music video, or mini-series produced for release in theaters or by means of home video, any form of television, Internet, or similar medium; (b) any individual previously or currently enrolled in a university-level film school; or (c) any individual who is prohibited or restricted from participating in this type of contest, including but not limited to due to a contractual restriction or due to an affiliation with a particular organization, which also may require third parties to assume obligations and/or to comply with any minimum requirements (other than those required by applicable laws). "

Taken from this site (http://atomfilms.shockwave.com/af/spotlights/sony/rules.htm), Section 3: Eligibility.

So, by a show of hands, how many people here are still eligible? ;)

Under condition (b) I'm out. :annoyed: Ah well, live action was never my forte anyway =)

Cheers,
-Aaron.



So basically if you have done anything more then watch movies your whole life you are inelligible......lame lame and more lame!!!!!!

Hell im sure there is even finer print that says if you attend more then 3 movie showings a month and have a slight knowledge of 3 act paradigm you are ineligible!!

I would think it was geared towards high school students.......but im sure you have to be at least 18 to qualify!!!

Damn Fine Print!!!!!

[Gentle Fury]

here is the reason i never entered any of my work onto Atom Films when i finished college!!

By entering Sony's "Make Your Mark" Contest (the "Contest"), each entrant ("Entrant") agrees that Promoter (as defined herein) has the license, right and permission, without obligation, to use the name, photograph, likeness, biographical information, statements of such Entrant and the submitted Entry (as defined herein) (and any element thereof, and all concepts and images embodied therein), for purposes of marketing and promoting the Contest on the Contest Web site and/or other media now or hereafter known, without consideration to such Entrant or any third party, except where prohibited by law.

EACH ENTRANT UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT ATOMFILM'S, SONY'S OR THEIR AFFILIATES' USE IN MATTERS INDEPENDENTLY DEVELOPED OF MATERIAL SIMILAR TO OR IDENTICAL WITH THE ENTRY (AS DEFINED HEREIN) OR CONTAINING FEATURES OR ELEMENTS SIMILAR TO OR IDENTICAL WITH THOSE CONTAINED IN THE ENTRY (AS DEFINED HEREIN) WILL NOT OBLIGATE PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATES TO NEGOTIATE WITH ENTRANT, NOR WILL IT ENTITLE ENTRANT TO ANY COMPENSATION OF ANY KIND. EACH ENTRANT AGREES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL PRECLUDE PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATES FROM USING ANY MATERIAL IN OR SIMILAR TO THE ENTRY (AS DEFINED HEREIN) WITHOUT OBLIGATION TO ENTRANT IF PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATES HAS OR HAS DETERMINED THAT IT HAS AN INDEPENDENT LEGAL RIGHT TO USE SUCH OTHER MATERIAL, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, BECAUSE SUCH FEATURES OR ELEMENTS WERE NOT NEW OR NOVEL, OR WERE NOT ORIGINATED BY ENTRANT, OR WERE OR MAY HEREAFTER BE INDEPENDENTLY CREATED BY OR SUBMITTED TO PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATED COMPANIES.

anything you submit is no longer yours.........sorry, but i could NEVER do that, not unless they are paying me :) (even then you get a nice lil invisible watermark and contract stating you are not to change the artwork by way of copyright law :) )


again!!! ARTISTS ARE NOT SLAVES!!!!!!!

there should be a law against stealing artwork from people in order for them to try to make a name for themselves....under those provisions they could legally take your work, use it to market themselves and never even say you made it :) isnt that special!

[slaughters]

Nah. It's still yours, it's just theirs as well. It escentially looks like they'll be able to use it for promotional reasons without needing to pay you for the privilage.

[Gentle Fury]

Originally posted by slaughters
Nah. It's still yours, it's just theirs as well. It escentially looks like they'll be able to use it for promotional reasons without needing to pay you for the privilage.

read the rest of the rules on the site there :)

it also says you are allowed to use it to show at festivals but thats all, you are not permitted to use it for commercial use.....only they are, it also says that they own everything you create and that you are paid your budget based on milestones......not a lump sum. And if you dont complete your script you dont get the remainder of the money, you have to give back the gear, and they get full right to complete the script without you (as they own all intellectual rights) go ahead and read all the fine print, you shall see its all there!

[Lunatique]

Err... Guys, think about it. This is a great opportunity for aspiring filmmakers. Where else are you going to get a stack of Sony gear and $15,000 to make a short film and enter film festivals. If your stuff is outstanding, you could be looking at a nomination or a gold medal--which could lead to directing feature films and a career that most only dream about.

Wake up. :D

[Flog]

The Festival they are entering and bieng a part of is called South By Soutwest. It happens here in Austin, Tx every year. It is open to everyon and they have an animation category, short and long. A short is under 40 minutes. The festival is open to everyone. The animation one is the easiest to get into from what I hear. Guys I suggest you make your movies by Dec 9th and enter. You can enter it for 40 dollars.

www.sxsw.com

I want to work on a film for next year, if anyone would like to help and work together to get promoted in next years sxsw then contact me at sarms@austin.rr.com or post here.

Oh and you keep your rights!!! They have the right to show it but thats as far as it goes.

[Gentle Fury]

Originally posted by Flog
Oh and you keep your rights!!! They have the right to show it but thats as far as it goes.

ok, we arent talking about the festival here.....lets have a little read of the rules!!!! This is a good legal lesson for those of you that dont read the fine print.

By entering Sony's "Make Your Mark" Contest (the "Contest"), each entrant ("Entrant") agrees that Promoter (as defined herein) has the license, right and permission, without obligation, to use the name, photograph, likeness, biographical information, statements of such Entrant and the submitted Entry (as defined herein) (and any element thereof, and all concepts and images embodied therein), for purposes of marketing and promoting the Contest on the Contest Web site and/or other media now or hereafter known, without consideration to such Entrant or any third party, except where prohibited by law.

Each Entrant further acknowledges that because of Promoter's (as defined herein) position in the entertainment industry, other persons, including without limitation employees of AtomShockwave Corp. ("AtomFilms"), Sony Electronic Inc. ("Sponsor") (Sponsor and AtomFilms are referred to herein as "Promoter") or their affiliated companies, may have submitted to Promoter, their affiliates, or to others, or may have made public, or may hereafter create, submit to Promoter or their affiliates or make public, similar or identical material that Promoter or their affiliates may have the right to use.

EACH ENTRANT UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT ATOMFILM'S, SONY'S OR THEIR AFFILIATES' USE IN MATTERS INDEPENDENTLY DEVELOPED OF MATERIAL SIMILAR TO OR IDENTICAL WITH THE ENTRY (AS DEFINED HEREIN) OR CONTAINING FEATURES OR ELEMENTS SIMILAR TO OR IDENTICAL WITH THOSE CONTAINED IN THE ENTRY (AS DEFINED HEREIN) WILL NOT OBLIGATE PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATES TO NEGOTIATE WITH ENTRANT, NOR WILL IT ENTITLE ENTRANT TO ANY COMPENSATION OF ANY KIND. EACH ENTRANT AGREES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL PRECLUDE PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATES FROM USING ANY MATERIAL IN OR SIMILAR TO THE ENTRY (AS DEFINED HEREIN) WITHOUT OBLIGATION TO ENTRANT IF PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATES HAS OR HAS DETERMINED THAT IT HAS AN INDEPENDENT LEGAL RIGHT TO USE SUCH OTHER MATERIAL, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, BECAUSE SUCH FEATURES OR ELEMENTS WERE NOT NEW OR NOVEL, OR WERE NOT ORIGINATED BY ENTRANT, OR WERE OR MAY HEREAFTER BE INDEPENDENTLY CREATED BY OR SUBMITTED TO PROMOTER OR THEIR AFFILIATED COMPANIES.


Entries deemed obscene, defamatory, offensive or otherwise inappropriate will be disqualified, in the sole discretion of Promoter. Entries shall not include the following: nudity; gratuitous gun imagery/gestures; hard liquor placement; materials which endorse or condone illegal drug or alcohol abuse; explicit, graphic or excessive sexual activity; derogatory characterizations of any ethnic, racial, sexual or religious groups; gratuitous violence; language which is vulgar or offensive; phone numbers; Web addresses (URLs) or e-mail addresses; license plates; or commercial products or services placement. Any entries which do not conform to these guidelines will be disqualified. Promoter reserves the right to reject any entries that it deems, in its sole discretion, to violate any of the foregoing guidelines or that it deems to be inappropriate for any reason. Promoter may, in its sole discretion and without obligation, modify or edit any entries, or request submitters to do so, so that the entries meet the accepted guidelines.
After all of the Finalists have been selected and posted to the Contest Web site, the online audience will vote for their favorite Finalist. Limit one vote per person. The online voting will be completed at 11:59:59 a.m. PT on December 13, 2002. Upon verifying eligibility, the top three (3) vote-getters will each receive the $100 prize and will be offered the Production Contract in accordance with Paragraph 7 below. If any of the top three (3) vote-getters do not sign the Production Contract in accordance with Paragraph 7 below, Promoter may offer the Production Contract to one or more of the other Finalists, and if none of the Finalists sign the Production Contract in accordance with Paragraph 7 below, then to one or more of the other Entrants based on next highest judging scores. The three (3) Entrants who sign the Production Contract (the "Winners") will be announced on the Contest Web site on or around December 19, 2002. In the event of a tie which makes it unclear which Finalists are the top three (3) vote-getters, the judges will make the final selection, in their sole discretion, based on the artistic merit of the submissions.
The three finished films created by the Winners will premiere on the Contest Web site and at the South By Southwest film festival.


Each person who participates in the Contest fully and unconditionally agrees to abide by these official rules and the decisions of Promoter, which shall be final and binding in all respects.
Each of the Entrants selected to become a Finalist will be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility, a liability release (including indemnification provisions), and, where legal, a publicity release, and to have any person(s) appearing in his or her Entry's digital images sign and return a talent/model release within three (3) days of attempted notification or by November 19, 2002, whichever is earlier. Each of these documents is available at http://sony.atomfilms.com.
If the top three (3) online vote-getters among the Finalists wishes to enter into the Production Contract, they each will be required to sign the Production Contract within three (3) days of attempted notification. The terms of the Production Contract are non-negotiable, and include the following:
· The Winner must complete a film based on the ideas and submitted digital images expressed in his or her Treatment, and deliver such film to AtomFilms no later than February 25, 2003.
· The film must be a new film produced during the production period specified in the Production Contract.
· The film must be produced with the equipment provided by Promoter.
· The film must comply with the content guidelines set forth in Paragraph 4.
· The film must be approved by Promoter at several stages of production.
· Promoter will own all rights to the film and all footage created during its production. Promoter will grant perpetual film festival and non-commercial screening rights to Winners.
The production budgets will be paid in installments, as each Winner meets certain production milestones. Any Winner who does not meet one or more milestones during the production process may be required to forfeit the remainder of his or her production budget, and deliver all assets (footage, script, etc) pertaining to his or her film to Promoter. In these instances, Promoter and/or its designated representatives may complete any remaining work on the film, and such Winner will be credited only for the work that he or she actually delivered.
The Winners' completed films (and any incomplete portion(s) thereof) will be owned by Promoter according to the terms of the Production Contract.


Does it make more sense now with the parts you are debating highlighted???????????????



Promoter will grant perpetual film festival and non-commercial screening rights to Winners........non-commercial means YOU DONT OWN YOUR OWN WORK!!!! They are the only ones that can make any money off of YOUR work!!!!!

This is what i was talking about......this is standard for Atomfilms...........this should be illegal!!!!!!!!

hope there are no further questions of right distribution here!


Happy Rendering...........and not getting screwed by corporations!!!!!!

[Lunatique]

Ok, assuming you believe with absolute conviction that your idea could make a gret basis for a feature film. Now that you entered, and you'll lose that idea.

What are the PROS of this entire ordeal????

Just exposure at that ONE festival and on the internet?

When they say that you don't own it, does that mean you can't even post it at places like ifilm, pocketmovies, or your own website?

Man, I already scheduled a shoot today with 3 actors. #$(#$&

[entertainment]

Check out:

CAPTAIN JACKSON

http://www.ifilm.com/ifilm/product/film_info/0,3699,211923,00.html

also CAPTAIN JACKSON.COM

Comments?

POST EM!

J

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