How to enter

The teacher information booklet provides printable information about the Film By program. It is intended for teaching staff to use as a guideline to submitting a film entry.

Here are the links to the documents in the booklet:

The coordinator information booklet is intended to support festival organisers.  If you are interested in becoming a festival organiser please contact the Film By Officer.

Here are the links to the resources in the booklet:

 Acknowledgement of country video request form 

 Service agreement single order very low risk

All films should be in .mp4 format, 1920 x 1080 (landscape), 25fps and submitted via the Film festivals application form (opening soon).

Sound levels in films need to maintain a consistent level. Films with sound levels that are distorted or disturbing to an audience cannot be accepted. This includes children screaming and poorly recorded speech that is difficult to understand. 

Films may be selected to reflect the greater participation of submitting schools. Judges’ selections will include variety and originality, among other considerations and all decisions are final. 

The following will be considered when viewing films:

• originality 
• cinematography 
• costume design 
• storyline 
• student performances.

Films may include action, comedy, drama, fantasy, mystery, romance, thriller, documentaries, mockumentaries, stop motion and claymation. 

Successful films: 

• are entertaining to a broad audience 
• are clear in their purpose, narrative and structure 
• use effective editing techniques 
• have a quality sound recording where levels are consistent, there is no feedback, distortion, or wind interference and all dialogue is clear and audible 
• are creative and collaborative. 

The department works closely with the Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner to ensure student online safety. As part of the Digital Citizenship program, students learn how to stay safe and healthy while using digital technologies, appropriate and inappropriate online behaviour, and how to contribute online positively. All submitted films must adhere to the G rating.

Literature Classification. Information about classification is available at What do the ratings mean?

All films require a talent release form for every student participating. Any adults that may appear in the film as 'actors' or 'supporters' must also have a signed talent request form too. All forms are to be signed and provided to the school upon application.

All films submitted should: 

• be 3.5 minutes in duration or less, including credits
• be age appropriate and conform to a G rating
• be appropriate to the skill level of the participating students
• only include students’ first names in the credits
• be original works created in accordance with copyright laws
• represent the department's values and beliefs
• be created by NSW Department of Education teachers and/or students. 
• have a script submitted
• include a poster to advertise the film that has been made

All films will be assessed by a panel and marked against a marking criteria against a variety of elements including:

• Story development
• Audience engagement
• Technical aspects
• Originality and authenticity

Please see the rubric for further details of each success criteria.

Copyright pertains to all print and online media as well as music – this includes books and illustrations, online sources and digital images. If you haven’t created it, you probably don’t own the rights to it. 

Many online sites offer Royalty and Copyright free music and images. Please check the licence agreement carefully before using these sources. 

Many sites, such as Bensound, have royalty and copyright-free music but also offer licences to use their artistic creations for a nominal fee. It is always preferable to pay for a licence as this not only allows the use of the content but also provides compensation for the creators, allowing for the creation of more resources for everyone to use. See Smartcopying Creative Commons for a list of providers and further explanation of copyright. 

All sourced materials must be acknowledged in credits. Copyright owners will usually specify how they want their intellectual property acknowledged. If there are no set instructions, always:

• credit the creator
• provide the title of the work
• provide the URL where the work is hosted.

More information on How to attribute Creative Commons licensed materials.

If commercial material (images, books, music, etc.) has been used, then permission must be obtained. This also pertains to story books and illustrations.  

Remember: 

• Care should be taken to ensure the music and lyrics are appropriate to the work's concept/intent or theme. 
• Songs with inappropriate lyrics or intent will not be accepted. 

If you are looking into a considerable sponsorship please contact Karishma as she will consult with our Arts Unit Sponsorship Office Sandra Copeman and come back to you with advice.

This may include discounts on cinemas, discounts on banners or donations of prizes.

Certain procedures and protocols must be followed for approval of any sponsorships. Please fill out the sponsorship risk assessment and conflict of interest declaration form which is mandatory for all sponsorship arrangements (complete and keep a copy of the assessment with your sponsorship agreement).

You must document every sponsorship, collaboration, and commercial arrangement. Use any of the following templates as appropriate to your sponsorship needs:

• sponsorship agreement (incoming)
• sponsorship agreement (outgoing)
• email agreement (low risk)
• letter of agreement – advertising
• collaboration agreement.

All arrangements valued at more than $50,000 will need to be approved and co-signed by the Business Engagement team (be@det.nsw.edu.au). If you believe you will be engaging in a large contract such as this please contact the Film By Officer for assistance.

Please read the following documents to ensure a better understanding of guidelines:

• commercial arrangements, sponsorship and donations policy
• implementation procedures
• policy resources.

To assist with your sponsorship needs please contact any of the following: