ioWA THESPIAN FILMWORKS

At festival, delegates will have the chance to see select short films from the Thespy Award competition. The short films presented in the FilmWorks event will be previewed and critiqued by judges prior to festival.

Event Guidelines
  • Films must be submitted online by November 1 to be critiqued by judges prior to the festival.
  • Students will use the Thespy registration portal to submit their short film.
  • Short Films that receive “Superior” ratings also qualify for the International Thespian Excellence Awards competition at the International Thespian Festival. 
  • Short Films submitted for the Thespy competition will automatically be eligible for inclusion in the Iowa Thespian Festival FilmWorks event - no additional registration is required after students submit their video through the Thespy registration portal. ​
  • At the Iowa Thespian Festival, the top ranked films, and a few other entries as time allows, will be shown during the Iowa Thespian FilmWorks presentation for all festival participants.   

If you have questions about the Iowa Thespian FilmWorks program, contact Joe Link at [email protected]
FilmWorks Guidelines 
  •  Films can be no longer than five minutes plus one minute for credits. 
  •  Films must be of original content and may be a collaboration among entrants.
  •  Music used in short films must be original, in the public domain, and/or properly credited.  If in the public domain or original, proper credit must be listed in the credits
  • If it is not in the public domain or original, proper credit must be in the credits AND proof of payment for the rights to the music must be documented and shared with the adjudicators.
  • Films must be submitted online by November 1 to be critiqued by judges prior to the state festival.
  • Mark your video’s YouTube privacy setting 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.)

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.

Short Film Execution: Entrant(s) must demonstrate:
  • 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 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).
  • Material deemed by the adjudicator(s) to be obscene or disruptive may receive lower ratings or, in some extreme cases, may result in disqualification.
  • If the film receives an overall superior rating at the state level, it may be uploaded to YouTube for national judging.​

Tips and Suggestions 
  1.  Use edit transitions purposefully.  A fade to black between two shots implies time passing, a wipe implies a change of location, a dissolve usually fades the audio, which affects the ability to catch the ends of words.  Plan what story your edits are telling your audience.  
  2. Take the time to choose shots free of distracting backgrounds or sounds.
  3. Be sure that all dialogue is effectively recorded by having actors near the recording device or using external microphones.  
  4. Create films that tell a full story and avoid videos that resemble social media postings.  
  5. Have fun.  ​

FILMWORKS PARTICIPATION GUIDE

1

register your short film performance in the online registration system

  • Troupe directors should register for the short film performance when completing the online registration system ​
  • For more information on how to register events in the online registration system, check out the registration guide 

2

complete the short film performance application in openwater

  • After troupe directors complete the online registration, the student OR troupe director should complete the performance application in OpenWater by the registration deadline (October 16)
  • For more information on submitting applications in OpenWater, check the registration guide 

3

submit a link to your short film

  • Students or troupe directors should submit a link to your short film by November 1, using the submission link above
  • Films must be submitted by November 1 in order to be adjudicated for the Thespy program, and for the film to be selected to be featured as part of the Iowa Thespian FilmWorks program

4

enjoy the films at festival!

  • Selected films will be featured during the FilmWorks program on the Friday afternoon of festival in Strayer-Wood Theatre
  • Filmmakers will be acknowledged during the event, but no additional participation is necessary