FAQ v12
Q: Does the 5
seconds of black at the very beginning count toward the 5 minutes?
A: No. We apologize that this was not made
clear in the Rules. The only
elements which count toward the 5 minutes are: The Film's Opening Credits, the Film itself, and the Closing
Credit Text.
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Q: The website says that no copyrighted 'signage' can be
used. Does this include a
logo/name on a shirt?
A: Technically, yes.
In the "real" world, this is a big issue -- that's why a
lot of times on "reality TV" you see people's t-shirts, or products on
their kitchen tables, blurred out.
HOWEVER, if you've already shot the scene or edited it into your
Film, continue as is... If your
Film becomes one picked for a broadcast situation there are ways to deal with
the issue at that time.
Just be sure to avoid such situations in the future as you move
forward with your career!
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Q: I am having some trouble printing the
documents. What should I do?
A: Make sure you have Adobe Reader
installed on your system. You can download the software for FREE from:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
With
Adobe Reader installed your print requests will generate a .pdf file which you
can then print.
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Q: I am somewhat
afraid that some location managers may be reluctant to sign a release form that
is only referenced on the signature page of a document that references a web
address. Would it be possible to
have the location manager sign a printed copy of the release text and then
indicate such on the electronic document and provide a copy of the original
signed document at the turn-in on Sunday?
A: Yes. The same procedure can apply to all the
release forms if you find that works best for the people you are seeking
releases from.
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Q: What will the
awards consist of this year? The same prizes as years before?
A: We are dependent
on contributions for the cash awards.
We hope they continue at the level of previous years.
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Q: In the FAQ, a
question was asked about using animated versions of the 'prop.' My film wasn't going to be animated, but
would a drawing or picture of that item be sufficient?
A: Yes. If we are allowing such usage in an
"animated" film we must allow it in any film.
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Q: Will there ever
be any opportunity to get a hold of a DVD of this year's or previous year's films?
A: We would like to
make that happen. Please let us
know of any grants or funding opportunities to cover the costs of time,
materials, postage, and the like, to create and distribute such a DVD.
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Q: What is the THE
RISING STAR AWARDS CEREMONY?
A: That is the name
of this year's Recognition and Awards Ceremony.
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Q: As long as a
person's face is not in focus in the backround can we go without using a cast
waiver? Like at a restaurant.
A: Yes.
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Q: It says the
following on the SATO 48 homepage:
"If the Film is shot in a 16:9 ratio, it must be delivered as
letter-boxed. The projector will
not be switched to stretch the film." How do I deliver it letter-boxed?
A: You will need to
consult your particular editing software to find that answer.
However, we did contact Dan Chilton at The Moxie and he responded
by email with this:
"Jeff,
Please inform the filmmakers to output their films to 4:3, which
means they'll need to letterbox if they shoot in 16:9.
Thanks,
Dan"
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Q: The website
says, "Your Film’s Opening Credits must incorporate your TEAM NAME, the
date “APRIL 20, 2008” and the TITLE OF YOUR FILM." Is it ok to place this as more of a
"Title Slate" fashion before the period of 5 minutes starts.
A: No. It is included in the 5 minutes. Though feel free to be as creative as
you want with this requirement, so long as you meet it.
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Q: Does the
"Closing Credit Text" requirement count toward the 5-minute length of
the film?
A. Yes.
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Q: What if I'm
using royalty-free (or similar, such as Creative Commons) music from the
Internet?
A: Comply with all
requirements of the site, print out those requirements and include them with
your paperwork, put the URL(s) into the "Website" portion of the
"Music" Sheet in your Google Doc, along with all the other
information you can get (such as the name of the composer, which would go into
the "First Name / Last Name" portion of the "Music" Sheet
in your Google Doc).
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Q: If I can't physically
be in Springfield, can I submit a film?
A: Yes. To make absolutely sure your entry
is not given preferential treatment, your entry will be treated as an official
entry if you agree to and comply with the following:
1. All rules of SATO 48 as posted on
www.sato48.com.
2. At your own expense you accept delivery
of the "Inspiration Package" for Saturday Delivery to an address you
will supply us. You are
responsible for determining if such delivery criteria can be met in your area.
3. At your own expense you deliver your
entry via overnight delivery to Hlabeard Productions, 2470 S. Wallis Smith
Blvd., Springfield, MO 65804 with
a machine-generated time and date stamp appearing on the envelope which will be
used to determine if your entry was completed within 48 hours and therefore
complies with the Delivery Deadline.
You are responsible for determining if such delivery criteria can be met
in your area.
4. If your entry does not comply with any
of these requirements it will not be eligible for awards but may still be
considered for screening.
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Q: Can a narrated voice be a second character?
A: Yes.
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Q: For SATO 48, I
am wondering if I can produce an animated film? If I do an animated film, and the "Inspiration
Package" features physical items, do we just use an animated version of
the item in the film?
A: Yes, of course you
can produce an animated film as long as it adheres to all the rules. With regard to a physical item that
may, or may not, be part of the "Inspiration Package" using an
animated version of that item would fulfill the rules.
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Q: Below, you
address the question about the use of Digital Juice Products. You mention the revealer and motion
design elements, is it safe to assume that you also would include the music
portion of DJ in that list?
A: Yes, the music
portion would be included as long as you don't create any music prior to the
Kickoff Start Time.
Q: What about the
“permission for use” when dealing with DJ products?
A: A receipt would
serve as proof of your ownership, and permission to use.
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Q: Are we allowed
to use products from the company Digital Juice (www.digitaljuice.com)? Specifically the "revealers"
and the "motion design elements." Basically they are pre-made animation pieces with an alpha
channel behind them, so they are a real easy way to jazz up some of your titles
and such really quickly.
A: As long as you have the rights to those elements AND (and this
is the _most_ important part) you DO NOT create anything using those elements
PRIOR TO the Kickoff Start Time, then it's okay.
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Q: For SATO 48
– 2008, am I supposed to copy the text for the releases, paste them into
a word document and then have the appropriate people sign them?
A: No, all you need
do is print the TEXT of the 4 Releases as they appear at www.sato48.com and
have that text available for people to read... (You might want to have some hard copies for people to
keep)…
Then, on your "sato48.2008" spreadsheet as you enter
names in the "Crew," "Cast," "Music," and
"Location" tabs you'll see that the names are "copied" into
the corresponding Release tabs...
AND that the text of those Release tabs states they have read the
Release...
Just have them sign next to their name, and upon delivery of your
film bring in the TEXT of the Releases and all the signatures.
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Q: I initially
wanted to do it [make a Film] as a one man show, however I read in the rules
that is not possible. Can I be *both* actors?
A: Yes. We have amended the rules to require
two CHARACTERS, not two actors -- so as long as you play at least two
CHARACTERS you will have fulfilled that rule.
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Q: If I use a song
of my own in my SATO film, do I have to credit myself?
A: You do not have to
credit yourself, but you WILL need a Release indicating you are the songwriter,
and have, therefore, permission to use the song.
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Q: Do you see it
as breaking the rules for me to have an idea for my film in mind (no work done,
just an idea) so that I have at least some direction to go and don't waste
valuable time thinking of 100% of the idea.
A:
"Thinking" ahead of time is not a problem. Just NO production ahead of time!
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Q: Can we post
photos from our production on the web and behind the scenes shots?
A: Still photos are
fine. Just no video until AFTER
The Moxie Screenings are completely over (i.e., not just YOUR film has
screened, please).
Also, we'd really appreciate it if you would share those photos
with us, as well. The Moxie can
now do preview screenings using digital media and we'll be compiling a piece
for them, as well as other publicity, and the Awards Ceremony.
If you do decide to share the photos with us, include:
1. The name of the
person to be credited (this is sometimes a requirement for magazines,
newspapers, etc.); and
2. A brief statement
giving us permission to use the photos in connection with SATO 48.
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Q: Regarding use of
music / sound effects, so can I buy sound effects off a site like sounddogs.com
and use them? I'd get a sync
license so I'd be legally entitled to use them.
A: Yes, that's right.
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Q: Does the DVD we
deliver have to be +R or -R or do you accept both?
A: We accept both.
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Q: I have an
existing contract for Song/Music rights for music / songs I want to use in my
film. Do I also have to get your
"Song / Music Release Form" signed?
A: No. However, we must have a copy of that
existing SIGNED contract.
Here's what to do:
Fill out the SATO 48 Song / Music Release Form (both hard copy and
electronically) with as much information as applies.
THEN, in the place for the musician to sign, write "SEE
ATTACHED" and then attach a COPY of the __signed__ contract you have.
Turn in the SATO 48 form, with the existing SIGNED contract
attached, when you turn in the paper copies of your paperwork on Sunday, the
Delivery Day.
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Q: Regarding the
Releases, what about a cast member who is also a crew member? Do they need two sets of Paperwork?
A: If a person is
both a cast member and a crew member (or any other combination), they must sign
each release in each capacity.
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Q: Are Team
Biographies a "required" form?
When can they be submitted?
A: Team Biographies
are not a "required" form, however, it is nice to give your team a
chance to tout their additional accomplishments. They can be submitted at any time.
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Q: What will the
team biographies be used for?
A: The Team
Biographies will be used for a variety of purposes, including, without
limitation: press releases,
promotional material, and presentation materials.
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Q: A lot of my
cast/crew will be under 18 and need a parent signature. How would you prefer I add the
signatures (it'd be difficult for me to get all the parents to sign the same
piece of paper)? Should i attach a
form for each person with their parent's signature along with a compiled list
of all the names/addresses (w/o signatures)?
A: Yes, submit the
paperwork as you described.
Remember, paper copies and electronic copies are required. There is an FAQ below addressing this.
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Q: Electronic copies
of the release forms/checklist/certification/biographies, etc., can be turned
in online after we turn in paper copies with the DVD on Sunday, the Delivery
Day, correct?
A: Correct. This year (2008) will be easier. All paperwork is going online in a
"Google Docs" created for each individual team. It will be a spreadsheet that you type
information into, then, that information is automatically transferred to the
Release Forms. You simply print
out the Release Forms (as many times as necessary to get all the signatures)
and bring in the paper copy when you turn in your film. There is no "submission" of
electronic forms.
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Q: Exactly what
papers need to be turned in on Friday, the Kickoff Day?
A: On the Kickoff
Day, NO PAPERWORK needs to be turned in.
All the paperwork is for Sunday, the Delivery Day, when you turn in your
film.
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Q: What do I do
with the Award Nominees List form? Do I turn it in with the other paperwork on
Sunday? Is it for the screening after the challenge? Do I fill it out or does everyone involved in our film fill
one out too?
A: Submit the Award
Nominees List form on Sunday with the rest of the paperwork. It is for the Awards Ceremony. You, as the Producer, fill it out with
those persons you would like to nominate in the various categories. It behooves you to nominate someone for
each of the categories inasmuch as your film will then be eligible to win in
that category.
This year (2008) with our use of "Google Docs" as you
type in information about, say, a screenwriter, that screenwriters name is
automatically entered in the Award Nominees Form.
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Q: Our team has an
animated logo (with original music) that appears at the beginning of all our
works. We have used that logo to identify our group for the past 7 years. Would
it be against S.A.T.O. rules if we used that animated logo at the opening
credits of our film?
For the challenge, you should not use your logo.
You can see where it might give the impression to an audience
member, or a judge, that it was created within the 48 hours, and therefore,
influence their response to your film.
HOWEVER, for all purposes OUTSIDE the challenge (i.e., submissions
you make of the film to festivals, etc.) use everything you've got!
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Q: How should we
treat releases for kids/teenagers? Since they are minors, won’t we need their
parent’s permission first?
A: Yes. If you look at the very bottom of the
"Cast Release Form" you'll see the following:
* Signature of parent/ guardian if under 18
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Q: I have a
question about locations: Do you
need a location release for a public-use area like a park?
A: This is not a
legal opinion, but only one which satisifies the Rules and Terms for SATO 48 -
2007. No, you do not need a location
release for a public-use area.
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Q: How do we
handle releases for group shots like church services, basketball games,
parades, etc.? Do we need a mass
signature list from them or is a verbal agreement caught on video tape
acceptable?
A: The following
answer is not a legal opinion.
This answer is purely a response that satifies the "Rules and
Terms" of SATO 48.
Any public event (such as a basketball game, or parade) where a
person might reasonably expect to be on videotape (either from other attendees,
a television station, or the like) does not require any releases.
Other gatherings (such as a church service) where there is no
reasonable presumption of being videotaped, should have signs at the entrances
stating that videotaping is going on, and anyone who is easily recognizable, or
featured in a shot, should sign a release.
