Lightsaber Choreography Competition IV
July - November 2005

Rules: http://boards.theforce.net/fan_films/b10015/20973432/p1
Voting: http://boards.theforce.net/fan_films/b10015/22323660/p1

CONTEST RULES: 

As mentioned in the other thread, we’ve changed some stuff this time around. Why ? Because many of you complained that the actual choreography never counted enough. Although we did encourage everyone to try and see past the flashy effects and pretty sounds, we understand it’s not always easy. We hope the changes will bring balance to the judging process. So here’s how things are going to happen from now on – unless of course something goes wrong. In which case we reserve the right to change the rules at any time (so keep an eye out for this thread).


UPDATED RULES

This new set of rules is much simpler and less demanding. There are two kinds of entries, but before going into the details, this applies to BOTH categories :

Entries must be lightsaber-based. This means that the majority of your fight must feature single-bladed and/or double-bladed lightsabers. Hand to hand combat is fine as long as it doesn't become the highlight of your entry. You may include original/weird weapons if you like but please keep them relatively believable (for example : lightsaber nun-chucks would be pretty stupid).

VIDEO 1 – Choreography

Your choreography entry should be filmed from 3 angles or less, the camera being completely stationery. You may pan (right/left) or tilt (up/down) the camera to follow the action. Editing should not be more than straight cuts (no crossfades, slow motion sequences or anything like that).

You are NOT ALLOWED to add visual effects.

It should not feature any sound other than what's captured during filming. Music is also out.

You must jump right into the fight. No introduction of characters or story. No fancy costumes. Regular clothes will do.

Briefly put, this is designed so that people will judge only your choreography without being influenced by eye-candy. This is pure choreography.

VIDEO 2 – Lightsaber-based Fight Scene

This is for those who feel more comfortable working with the complete tools and tricks of filmmaking. Your entry may feature effects, sounds, music, costumes, fast paced editing, multiple camera angles... the whole package. Please note that you do NOT have to do all of that. You may just want the freedom of multiple camera angles along with music and sound effects, but do not wish to add the visual effects. Well, fine with us. Just know you'll potentially be up against high-production value entries... but you and I both know you're in it for the FUN, right ? Cause ultimately, that's what it's all about. wink

Now for the grand finale, the catch. If you enter the fight scene category, you MUST submit a choreography video as well. So refer to the rules above. I know this is a turn off for some of you, but we want to keep the vocation alive - this IS a choreography competition after all. But don't worry, it won't take you too long to do that. happy


VOTING

This will happen between November 8th and November 15th - if everything goes smoothly. There will be a special page designed to let you vote once only.


TECHNICAL DETAILS

Originality will help you score more points. That's not a rule, just common sense. Duel of the Fates gets on everyone's nerves now (at least in fan films).

The duration of each video must be less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The logos and credits DO NOT COUNT toward the time limit. A DV resolution logo will be made available soon, that you will have to put at the beginning of your video.

The maximum compressed file size limit is, as usual, set to 30 Mb.
All files have to be QuickTime, Sorenson 3 videos. We know some of you really like that new H.264 codec, yes, it IS nice, but QT7 has been the source of problems for some people. S3 is tried and true and is a favorite on this board.

Entries must be previously unreleased.

No anonymity rule this time.