Challenge

ROUND 1
Submission date : Mon 17 March, 12pm.

ROUND 2
Submission date: Mon 28 July, 12pm

Awards: November.

• Everyone in your team must be 24 years old or under, including yourself
• Make sure you have written permission from everyone involved in your film (team members, actors, etc.) and all the material you use (music, videos, stock images not made by you).
• You have an adult contact that is responsible for your entry, if you are under 16
• Avoid explicit content - your film should not exceed an M “mature” rating

• Impact Shorts: Films under 10 min that are "Stories for a better tomorrow".
  
• Short Shorts: Films under 1 min. Wrap up your message in 60 seconds (or less) in a vertical social media style reel.
  
• Phone Shorts: Films under 5 min that are shot in a phone only.
  
• "How To" Shorts: Films under 5 min that share the knowledge about something that matters to you!
  
• Music Shorts: Music videos for a song you have permission to use.

Pick your category and list in the 'Comments' section of the submission section below.

The judges will be after the following:

• Message delivery - Getting your message across, making an impact or telling stories for a better tomorrow.
• Alignment - Making sure your visual and audio elements match the theme and tone of your film.
• Originality - Coming up with a unique and powerful view.
• Engaging - Leave a lasting impression.

We have multiple awards for the films entering the Film Challenge! Get ready to bring your A-Game and grab a chance to win these epic rewards at the end of the year.

• Day One Standout Winner
  
• Category Winners (Impact Shorts, Short Shorts, Phone Shorts, “How To” Shorts, Music Shorts)
  
• Age Awardsn (Under 11, Under 14, Under 18, Under 24)
  
• Community Awards (Whakitipuranga, Cultural (subject to funding), Women in Film, Regional (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington - subject to funding)
  
• Craft Awards (Best Best Story (aka script), Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Performance, Best Cinematography, Best Animation, Wild Card)
  
  Additionally, we have special mentions at the end of each round: the Judges' Favorite and People's Choice awards will highlight two films, each receiving additional prizes that include Prezzy cards, Photogear vouchers and gear, passes for Wētā Workshop Unleashed, Day One merchandise, industry mentorships, and a one-year subscription to Viva La Dirt League’s premium content.

Terms and Conditions

By entering a film (referred to as 'the Film') for the Day One Challenge (referred to as 'the Challenge'), you:

1. Entry Requirements

• Confirm that you and, if applicable, all members of your filmmaking team were born in 2000 or later.
• Confirm that you are entitled to use all material in your Film throughout the world in perpetuity across present and future media platforms, as well as in advertising and publicity for both the Challenge and the Film.
• Understand that the Film remains your intellectual property.
• Acknowledge that Connected Media Charitable Trust ('Connected Media'), organising the Challenge, aims to achieve a widespread audience for selected films entered.
• Agree that if the Film is shortlisted or wins in the Challenge, Connected Media, its licensees, and assignees have the non-exclusive right in perpetuity to use the Film or any part of it at their discretion, throughout the world across any present or future media.

2. Film Content and Rights

• Agree to the Challenge rules upon film submission.
• Grant permission to Connected Media to use any imagery submitted with the Challenge entry, or taken during related events to be used for promotional purposes.
• Permit Connected Media to screen the film on its media platforms, broadcast platforms and at its events, with no guarantee of nomination or award.
• Declare ownership or authorization of all necessary copyrights and intellectual property rights associated with the film.
• Agree to indemnify Connected Media against any claims related to intellectual property rights violations.
• Acknowledge that collecting and holding release forms for all elements used in the Film until requested is the responsibility of the filmmaker and/or the adult contact person.
• Understand that Connected Media reserves the right to exclude films they deem inappropriate from the Challenge.
• Confirm ownership of all intellectual property associated with the Film and obtained releases, licences, and permissions for its content.

3. Promotion

• Acknowledge that nomination does not guarantee winning any award, and decisions made by the Challenge judges are final.
• Grant the Challenge unrestricted rights to promote your name, the Film's name, and synopsis, regardless of awards.
• Permit Connected Media to distribute photos, videos, and audio recordings taken at in-person events related to the Challenge.

4. Privacy Policy

• Agree to Connected Media Privacy Policy regarding the collection, storage, and use of personal information.
• Understand that Connected Media may share your non-personalised demographic details with partners and funding organisations for statistical purposes and relevant communications.

5. Safety and Compliance

• Agree to follow the Challenge policies, procedures, and safety rules during filming and events.

6. AI

• The filmmaking competition allows the use of AI tools within certain limits. AI can assist in pre-production tasks like scriptwriting aids and concept art, as well as in certain post-production tasks like upscaling footage.
• AI cannot generate the majority of the screenplay or produce principal photography footage. Human filmmakers must handle the bulk of editing, VFX, and animation manually.
• Any AI use must be disclosed in the credits and failure to do so may lead to disqualification. This policy aims to balance the use of AI as a tool while ensuring human creative input remains central to the filmmaking process.

By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.