Short Film


Short Films will be submitted via the  online submission portal just like the other National Qualifying IEs. 

You will only have to choose short film on the entry due by October 8. You will not have to provide the short film title until you submit it by the November 7 deadline. 

The total of short film submissions are not a part of each troupes 14 IE entries. Each school is allowed as many Short Film entries as they wish. 

A student cannot be the director of a short film entry AND compete in an acting or tech IE category. 

Students may perform in films and still compete in other IES as long as they are listed as directors in the Short Film credits. 

Multiple students can work together to co-direct a short film and entry the film under all of their names. 

Entrant must demonstrate:
  • Proper use of title cards and credits within the five-minute time limit
  • Properly executed camera angles and shot variation to enhance the story line 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 your production
  • Controlled and manufactured editing choices that enhance the overall storytelling
  • The ability to complete a storyline which includes a clear arc (beginning, middle, and end).
  • Music must either be original or documented public domain material.
  • Material created by entrants that is deemed by the adjudicator(s) to be obscene or disruptive may receive lower ratings or, in some extreme cases, may result in disqualification.

In Short Film, the skills measured are:
  • The ability to create opening and closing titles, 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.

Download the rubrics below.
2015 National Qualifier- Short Film "Jamie" by Marisa Emiliani & Danish Nelson, Troupe 7186, William B. Travis HS
Rules
  • Films can be no longer than five minutes in length.
  • Films must be of original content and may be a collaboration among entrants.
  • The films will be viewed and critiqued by the judges prior to the Thespian Festival.  ​
  • National Qualifying Short Films will be shown at a screening at Festival.
  • The film will stand alone, i.e., the entrant will not have to make any type of presentation.
  • The film will be discussed and openly critiqued by one of the judges.  
  • Critique sheets will be placed in school folders toward the end of festival.
Other Info
If the film receives an overall superior rating at the state level, it may be uploaded to YouTube for national judging.
  • Mark your video’s YouTube privacy settings as either Public or Unlisted so the URL may be shared with judges (do not select Private or the judges will be unable to view the film).​
  • The films will be viewed and critiqued by the judges prior to the Thespian Festival.
At the International Thespian Festival, the film will be:
  • Shown in a teaching workshop, and will stand alone (i.e. the entrant will not have to make any type of presentation)
  • Discussed and openly critiqued by one of the judges, who will give the entrant the critique sheets completed by all of the judges.
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short_film.pdf
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