72 hour filmmaking competition

Sapphic short film competition

We are delighted to be supporting Lesflicks in the running of their first 72 hour filmmaking competition. This is designed to encourage anyone out there to pick up their phone or camera and bring their ideas to life. This is different from most 72 hour competitions because you will receive strategy, marketing and filmmaking guidance throughout the process. You will be part of a cohort to support and guide each other to make the best possible short films. Whether you have made a film before, or just want to have a go and see what you can do – take the plunge today and sign up to one of the best opportunities out there for sapphic film creators.

All entrants will have their film available on the Lesflicks platform as Lesflicks Originals from 1 January 2024, and will receive marketing by Lesflicks upon release. Standard royalty rates are 55% for all films. Based on current short film performances on Lesflicks, we would expect most films to make back the £100 investment within the first 2 quarters of release.

Specifications of entry

  • Duration: 5-15 minutes
  • Topic: must contain a sapphic lead and core story
  • Genre: any
  • Shoot time: must not exceed 72 hours
  • Filming requirements: Must not currently be already filmed or scheduled to be filmed
  • Budget restrictions: £0-£5,000
  • Equipment: can be filmed on a smart phone or camera
  • Cast/Crew: must be at least 50% female

Timings

Pre-production: April/May

Production: June/July

Post-Production: August/September

Entry

£100 entry fee

3 month turnaround starting on 1 April 2022 – films must be delivered by 1 November and will be released on 1 December 2023.

What you get with your entry

1 60-minute 1-2-1 meeting on zoom with Naomi each month to discuss budgeting, marketing and strategy along with problem solving (May, Jun, Jul, Aug)

1 monthly group 90-minute zoom to brainstorm and collaborate on strategy and ideas (Sat 1 Apr, Sat 6 May, Sat 3 June, Sat 1 Jul, Sat 5 Aug, Sat 2 Sep)

Access to an online cohort group to share and support each other

Guaranteed distribution on Lesflicks going live on 1 December 2023 with guaranteed revenue from royalties

Choosing the Winner

Audiences will watch films on Lesflicks.

The competition winners will be the 3 films with the most views between 1 December 2023 and 31 December 2023.

Prizes

1st prize: Guaranteed distribution on Lesflicks; 1 quarter 100% royalty rates; a year’s access to the Sapphic Creators Network (worth over £200); a year’s free website hosting (worth £150)

2nd prize: Guaranteed distribution on Lesflicks;1 quarter 80% royalty rates; a year’s access to the Sapphic Creators Network (worth over £200); 6 month’s free website hosting (worth £75)

3rd prize: Guaranteed distribution on Lesflicks;1 quarter 75% royalty rates plus a year’s access to the Sapphic Creators Network (worth over £200); £50 discount on domain website hosting

All entrants: Guaranteed distribution on Lesflicks; 55% royalty rates; 50% discount on website hosting (saving £75 per year)

 

 

Name of Entrant

 

FAQs

Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone who identifies as sapphic can participate. Any team leader under 18 must have parent or guardian sign documents and take responsibility for the team and production.

I don’t have a team, can I take part?
Whilst some people may use a team, some creators are a one-woman band or create something simple. All you need is your device and a good idea.

What are the rules on music?
You need to have rights to your image and music. We understand not all of you are able to create music for your films, but you can team up with a queer indie musician. There is also enough in the public domain to score your film, or you can use some Creative Commons licenses, or negotiate/purchase rights from content owners.  Submit the proper releases with your film or if purchased/Creative Commons – print out the license. Using copyrighted music may prevent you from being screened or judged including in future screenings.

What is the 10 second entry video?
We ask entrants to make a 10 Second Team Video where teams can announce who they are online. There are no rules except do not just put a 10 second logo and DO NOT USE COPYRIGHT MUSIC. 

Terms and Conditions

All footage for the Team Film must be shot within the Competition Time Period. No stock footage or footage shot or created before the Competition Time period may be used in the Team Film. Animation and special effects are permitted, but must be created during the Competition Time Period.

The finished short will become a Lesflicks Original and will be available on subscription and as a rental through Lesflicks+.

The finished short will only be on Lesflicks+ for a period of 12 months, after which you can look to place the short on other platforms.

You will need to keep a competition diary publishing one article a week on the highs and lows and progress (can be written, photo and/or video based).

You will need to attend at least 50% of the group meetings (on Zoom) and participate in the cohort group (on Sapphic Creators Network). The cohort will have access to a private network space to network and share.

Finished films must be delivered on or before 14 February 2023.