FAQs

 

QUESTION:  Can you use music that is in the “public domain” or under a creative commons license?
 
I’m glad you’re asking the question! This is one of the most crucial aspects of submitting a video to the film festival. (For those who haven’t read through the submission form on the website, it would be good to do so!)
Short answer: As long as no one else owns the copyright to the music, you may use it. You are just required to provide the necessary documentation when you submit your film.
 
Long answer: Public domain music could be a little tricky. For example, if someone on your production team plays “It is Well” on the violin, you are good to go. This hymn is in the public domain and was played by your team member. However, if Jeremy Camp is singing “It is Well,” you will need to provide a copyright permission from Jeremy Camp.
 
Creative Commons depends on each artist’s specific terms. Here’s what creativecommons.org states on their website:
Can I use any song with a CC license on it?
Almost — you need to make sure that what you want to do with the music is OK under the terms of the particular Creative Commons license it’s under. CC-licensed music isn’t free for all uses, only some — so make sure to check out the terms (you can find these by clicking on each song’s license icon).
Most importantly, you need to use music that is not licensed under a No Derivative Works license. This means that the musician doesn’t want you to change, transform, or make a derivative work using their music. Under CC licenses, synching the music to images amounts to transforming the music, so you can’t legally use a song under a CC No Derivative Works license in your video.
Also, make sure to properly credit the musician and the track, as well as express the CC license the track is under. For example, you might include text like this at the end of your video:
This video features the song “Desaprendere (Treatment)” by fourstones, available under a Creative CommonsAttribution-Noncommercial

You may also use royalty-free music. Certain websites sell a plethora of royalty free music for about 89-99 cents per song or sound effect.

 

QUESTION:  Am I limited to one entry for the film festival? May one family have more than one entry?

 We are excited to hear that your family would like to submit entries to the film festival! And, yes, you can submit more than one. The entry fee would be applicable to each one, but you may submit as many as you like. If you haven’t already, please be sure to read the entry form as well as other essential info about the film festival on http://www.mhea.net/events/film-festival/. 
 
QUESTION:  How involved may parents be in the film their children are putting together?
We hope parents will be very involved.  Making a film can be a wonderful learning tool in many different ways.  Children need encouragement and discipling, and making a film can provide many such opportunities.  If the parents find themselves doing the majority of the technical production or the directing, simply list the parents’ names as director(s)/producer(s) on the entry form, and the film will be entered in the family division.  Otherwise, we hope parents will be among the best consultants their children can find. 
 
QUESTION:  What if I don’t have a high quality movie camera? Will my entry still be considered?

 By all means, all entries will be considered! For most homeschool families, high quality movie cameras simply don’t fit in the family budget. As a result, most—if not all—entries will be filmed with an inexpensive family camera.

To improve the quality of your video, here are some things to consider:

1.      Make sure you have plenty of light. Film outside if possible—natural light is the best.  If you film inside, test a variety of lighting situations. Perhaps turning on all the lights and letting in as much natural light as possible will provide enough illumination.  Arrange for light that shines from behind the camera and not on the camera. Early morning light, the light just before sunset, and an overcast day all seem to be great times to shoot video.

2.      Limit or control as much background noise as possible. Avoid filming on a windy day, unless wind is part of your story. If filming indoors, pick a time when household appliances like a clothes dryer or dishwasher are not in use. Even a slight hum in the distance can distract from your movie.

3.      Use a tripod (or something to stabilize the camera) and avoid zooming in and out. Keeping the camera steady will result in better video.

4.      Make the most of what you have. If the video is turning out grainy despite all your efforts, perhaps adding a sepia or old-time movie effect can make your disadvantages work in your favor.

Have fun! And remember, most everyone is working with the same sort of equipment.

 

QUESTION:  Can I enter a film even if I can’t come to the film festival?

Yes!

 

QUESTION:  How can I sign up to receive the Film Festival e-Newsletter?

Send a request to MHEAFilmFestival@gmail.com .


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