CC7D CELL PHONE PROJECT OFFICIAL RULES
1. Purpose, Eligibility, and Entry Fee

• CC7D challenges participants to create a film from scratch within 7 days.

• Only non-creative preparation (crew, equipment, location scouting, etc.) is allowed before the official start.

• Entry Fee: $20 per film, due at registration.

2. Official CC7D Cell Phone Project Time Period Requirements

During the 7-day period, all creative activities must be completed, including:

• Writing, rehearsing, set design, shooting, editing, sound design, rendering, and exporting.

3. Footage Guidelines

• All footage must be shot within the 7-day timeframe using a cell phone camera.

• No stock footage, pre-shot clips, or non-cell phone camera footage is allowed.

• Special effects and animation are allowed but must be created during the 7 days.

• Third-party stock effects may be used if you have usage rights (no release form is required).

• Still photos are permitted but must be incorporated into cell phone footage.

4. Shooting Location

• All filming must occur in the following Texas counties: Nueces, Kleberg, Jim Wells, San Patricio, Live Oak, Bee, Refugio, Goliad, Victoria, and Aransas.

5. Compensation

• Cast and crew members may not be paid.

6. Essential Elements

• The required Character and Prop must be shown on-screen.

• The Prop must be physically handled by a character.

• The Character must appear as a live person but doesn’t need to be the main character.

• The Line of Dialogue must be clear and can be spoken, sung, or written (with prior approval).

• A 10-second gap is required between the introduction of each essential element.

7. Equipment and Technical Guidelines

• Video Codec: Only H.264, DV-NTSC, or DVCProHD are allowed.

• Resolution: 4K, HD 1080 (1920x1080), HD 720 (1280x720), or SD 720 (720x480).

  • If submitting in 4K, an HD 1080 backup must also be provided.

• Audio Specs:

  • Stereo, 24-bit, 48,000Hz sample rate.

  • Mix target: -18dBfs; SFX peaks: -12dBfs.

8. Submission Format

• Submit the film as a .MP4 file (no other formats will be accepted).

• Include 5 seconds of black before the start of the film.

• Duration: 3 to 6 minutes (not including credits).

• Credits: Max 30 seconds (does not count towards film duration).

• Submit two flash drives with identical copies of the film in resealable plastic bags.

  • Use an index card to input the following information and place it in the resealable plastic bag:

    • CC7D Cell Phone Project

    • Year, Team Name, and Film Title

  • Include a “CLIPS” folder with raw cell phone footage used during filming.

9. Additional Submission Requirements

• Turn-in occurs at the exact time determined at the Kick-Off Event.

• Only films in the official submission box before the deadline are accepted.

10. Multiple Submissions

• Teams may submit multiple films.

• Entry Fee: $20 per film.

• Each film must be original with no shared footage between films.

• Films must not be part of an episodic series or connected narrative.

11. Disqualification and Screening Criteria

• Films must meet all rules to be screened and compete.

• Disqualification may occur due to rule violations, inappropriate content, or late submissions.

• The Steering Committee reserves the right to amend rules and disqualify films based on discretion.

12. Marketing and Promotion

• Teams may post behind-the-scenes content during the filming week (March 12-19). Trailers (up to 30 seconds) may be distributed after the official turn-in date (March 19, 2025).

• All promotional materials (posters, trailers, etc.) must include CC7D branding and adhere to local posting rules.

• Unauthorized posting of physical marketing materials without property owner permission may result in disqualification.

13. Premiere Requirement

• CC7D Cell Phone Project films must premiere at the CC7D Screening and cannot be publicly released before the event.

14. Participation Agreement

• By registering, participants agree to follow the official rules and respect the Steering Committee's final decisions.

• Certification Statements and required documents must be submitted at turn-in.

15. Age Restrictions

• All participants must comply with Texas alcohol laws at CC7D events. Minors found violating these laws will be removed without refunds.

16. Awards and Prizes

• Awards and prizes will be determined by a combination of a secret jury and audience voting during the official CC7D Cell Phone Project Screening event.

• All attendees will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite films, and winners will be announced during the the Awards Ceremony.