​

1. REGISTRATION

1.1. Registration fee: $40 (non-refundable) and includes a free submission to FiveFest.

1.2. Payment: Credit/debit card via Festival Manager.

 

2. PARTICIPANTS / YOUR TEAM

2.1. SATO48 is open to everyone, including amateur filmmakers, hobbyists, and professionals.

2.2. Participants must:

• Volunteer their time (no paid participation).

• Have at least one team member present at the Kickoff.

  • Virtual participation is allowed if the team owner’s address is located 50 miles (80 km) or more from the Kickoff location.

• Ensure all participants under 18 have parental/guardian consent.

2.3. Team Members: Anyone who contributes in any way to the film is considered a participant.

2.4. Teams must adhere to all local, state, and national safety guidelines during production.

 

3. PRE-KICKOFF PREPARATION

3.1. Teams may:

• Organize crew and cast.

• Scout and secure locations.

• Source music and assemble equipment.

• Arrange for food, transportation, and other logistics.

 

4. INSPIRATION PACKAGE

4.1. The Inspiration Package (IP) will be revealed at the Kickoff and is the cornerstone of the SATO48-2025 Challenge.

4.2. All IP elements must be incorporated into your film.

4.3. Films that do not include all required IP elements will not be screened, regardless of submission timing.

 

5. YOUR FILM

5.1. Must incorporate all Inspiration Package elements revealed at the Kickoff.

5.2. Feature at least two principal characters (voiceovers or dual roles are allowed).

5.3. Be created entirely within the 48-hour period.

5.4. Include references to "SATO48-2025" in all screenings or exhibitions.

 

6. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1. Length: 5 minutes or less (00:05:00:00).

6.2. Opening Event Credit (OEC):

• Format:

  • [Team Name]

  • APRIL 25, 2025

  • [Film Title]

6.3. Closing Event Credit (CEC):

• Text:

  • "This film was made as part of SATO48–2025"

  • SATO48.com

• Specifications:

  • Final moment on screen, 5 seconds minimum.

  • Arial font, 46 points, white text on a black background.

 

7. EQUIPMENT

7.1. Any type and number of video, film, or still cameras, and sound equipment may be used.

7.2. Computer-generated material may be used if created during the 48-hour time limit.

 

8. PROHIBITED ACTIONS

8.1. Footage Restrictions (Before the Kickoff)

• No shooting or creating footage for your film prior to the Kickoff.

• No use of stock footage or pre-existing material of any kind in your film.

8.2. General Restrictions

• No use of copyrighted material without permission (e.g., logos, music, signage, brand names, etc.).

• No royalty-free music can be nominated for the Song/Music Award.

• No paid participation: All team members must volunteer their time and effort.

8.3. Online Posting

• No posting of your film online in any form before July 1, 2025.

• If creating a trailer (optional), it must first be uploaded to Festival Manager before being shared publicly.

 

9. SONG/MUSIC AWARD ELIGIBILITY

9.1. All music must be documented in the MUSIC RELEASES section of Festival Manager.

9.2. Original music submissions require:

• A Rights Request from the filmmaker to the musician.

• A Musician’s Agreement granting permission for the music's use.

• Both documents must be uploaded to Festival Manager.

9.3. Royalty-free music may be used but is ineligible for the Song/Music Award.

 

10. POSTER REQUIREMENTS

10.1. A poster for your film is required and must be submitted within the 48-hour time limit.

10.2. Poster Technical Guidelines:

• File Format: JPEG or PNG.

• Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels.

• Must include the film title and team name.

 

11. TRAILER (Optional)

11.1. If submitting a trailer:

• Length: 1 minute or less.

• Must be uploaded to Festival Manager before public posting.

 

12. DISQUALIFICATIONS

12.1. Films may be disqualified for:

• Failing to meet Inspiration Package requirements.

• Violating technical requirements or safety guidelines.

 

13. SUBMISSION TIMING & ELIGIBILITY

13.1. Submitting late will not disqualify your film from being screened, provided it meets all IP and technical requirements.

13.2. There is no grace period for late submissions. Films submitted past the deadline are not eligible for awards or prizes.

13.3. Late films that fail to incorporate all required IP elements will not be screened.

 

14. AWARDS & PRIZES

14.1. On-time submissions are eligible for awards and prizes, recognizing excellence in creativity and execution.

14.2. Awards include recognition for Best Film, Audience Favorite, and technical categories such as Cinematography, Direction, and Editing.

 

15. FESTIVAL SCREENINGS & BROADCAST

15.1. All submitted films meeting IP and technical requirements, whether on time or late, will be screened at festival locations.

15.2. Films meeting IP and technical requirements, regardless of submission timing, are considered for inclusion in SATO48 The TV Show.

 

Examples of Required Elements

 

Opening Event Credit (OEC)

 

[Team Name]

APRIL 25, 2025

[Film Title]

 

Closing Event Credit (CEC)

 

This film was made as part of SATO48–2025

SATO48.com

 

Final Note

• Remember, teamwork, creativity, and adherence to the rules ensure your film stands out!