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Texas Thespians Short Film Spotlight

Documentary 
El Ray
by Nora Cassaola 
PSJA Southwest HS
Troupe: 10950
Documentary 
Fishers of Men
by Badilla Siena
PSJA Southwest HS
Troupe: 10590
Animation
The Gauntlet
by Drew Gordon
Memorial High School
Troupe: 2980
Documentary ​
The Frontlines
by KC Cerda
Edgewood Fine Arts Academy
Troupe: 7382
Animation
The Little Wizard
by Skylin Allgood
Sandra Day O'Connor HS
Troupe: 5872

SHORT FILM

SHORT FILMS WILL BE DUE OCTOBER 28TH BY 11:59 pm in Submittable!

In a Short Film adjudication, the Thespian must create an original short film. The film must be of original content and may be a collaboration among up to 16 Thespians total, inclusive of actors, technicians, writers, and directors. Adaptations are not permitted. Only one (1) film may be submitted per student/group in one of the following genres: Short Live-Action Film, Short Animated Film, Short Documentary Film. Separate rubrics are included for each category.

Required Materials
  • An original animated, documentary, or live-action film no more than five (5) minutes long, plus one (1) additional minute for credits. The film must demonstrate:
    • Proper use of title cards and credits within the time limit
    • Properly executed camera angles and shot variation to enhance the storyline and finished product
    • Control over lighting exposures for clarity, storytelling, and a professional finished product
    • The ability to capture, record, and manipulate all audio aspects of the production
    • Controlled and manufactured editing choices that enhance the overall storytelling
    • The ability to complete a storyline that includes a clear arc (beginning, middle, and end)

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Required Elements & Format
The film must adhere to the following requirements:
  • Music used in the film must be properly credited, whether it is original, in the public domain, or copyrighted. Music credits must appear amongst other credits at the end of the film. If copyrighted music is used, proof of payment for the rights to the music must be documented and shared with the adjudicators.
  • The film should contain no content that would exceed a PG13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. The film should not include any nudity or depict acts that are illegal for anyone under 18 years of age.
  • The film must be uploaded to YouTube with privacy settings set to Public or Unlisted for adjudication purposes. (If the video is set to Private, the adjudicators will be unable to view and score the work, which may result in disqualification.)
Submitting the Film
Directors must submit the work in Submittable in advance of in-person adjudications so the adjudicators can thoroughly evaluate the material and provide feedback.

Skills Measured
The skills measured by the adjudicators are:
  • The ability to create opening and closing transitions, credits, and graphics that orient the viewer to the story
  • The ability to visually develop a story with dialogue
  • Camera, lighting, and sound use​
  • Editing, including scene length and flow
  • The emotional and physical believability of the acting
  • The filmmaker’s use of film elements to create a successful product
An easy to use in the classroom resource for teachers and students. Meant to be printed on one piece of paper and includes additional information and the rubric
Link to the official Nationals website information and rubric. These are the same as ours but this is the rubric you will see used during festival adjudication.