Corpus Christi 7 Day Film Project (CC7D) - Official Rules (2025 Edition)

To qualify as an Official CC7D Film, each team must comply with all the rules listed below. Don’t get disqualified. Read carefully and follow the rules.

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1. The Spirit of CC7D
CC7D is a 7-day challenge to make a film from scratch. Only non-creative prep is allowed beforehand:

• Organizing cast and crew*

• Securing equipment

• Securing locations*

• Gathering costumes and props*

*Note: Since your script isn’t written yet, you can prep a variety of options in advance.

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2. All creative work must happen during the 7-day period:
Writing, plot, rehearsals, set design, shooting, editing, sound, rendering, exporting—all must take place within the Official 7-Day Time Period.

 

3. Footage & Media Restrictions

• All footage must be shot during the 7-day period.

• No AI-generated video, imagery, music, scripts, or stills are allowed. All creative work must be conceived and produced by humans during the Official 7-Day Time Period.

• No stock or pre-shot footage.

• Effects/animation must be made during the 7 days.

• Stock SFX packages allowed with proof of rights.

• Still photos allowed (with rights), but can't be used to fake motion.
   

4. Filming Location
All filming must take place in one of the following Texas counties: Nueces, Kleberg, Jim Wells, San Patricio, Live Oak, Bee, Refugio, Goliad, Victoria, or Aransas.
 

5. No pay-for-play.
Cast and crew must be volunteers. No monetary compensation.

 

6. Committee Restrictions
Past Steering Committee or Jury members must wait 2 years before competing.

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7. Essential Elements Must Be Used Properly

• Character and Prop must appear on-screen.

• Prop must be handled on-screen.

• Character just needs to appear (lead role not required).

• Line of Dialogue can be spoken/sung/translated with clear identification.

• Written lines must have prior approval.

• The mysterious Fourth Element will be explained at Kick-Off.
  Timing Rule:

• Each Essential Element must appear at least 10 seconds apart. No overlapping use.

8. Releases Required
All teams must submit location, talent, music, and material releases. Attach licenses/receipts as needed.
 

9. Equipment
Any camera or sound gear allowed. No limits.
 

10. Include 5 seconds of black before film begins.
Time starts after the 5 seconds. No black could get your film disqualified.

 

11. Submission Format
Films must be submitted as self-contained .MP4 files. No exceptions.
 

12. Resolution
Accepted formats:

• 1920x1080 (HD 1080)

• 1280x720 (HD 720)

• 720x480 (SD 720)

• 4K (must also submit 1080 HD backup)
   

13. Tech Specs

• Codecs: H.264, DV-NTSC, DVCProHD only

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 or 4:3 square pixels (contact CC7D Steering Committee for permission to deviate from this standard)

• Audio (recommended for best screening experience): Stereo, 24-bit/48kHz, dialogue center panned, mix -18dBfs, SFX peaks -12dBfs
   

14. Time Limit
Films must be 4–8 minutes long.  With the required 5 seconds of black and a maximum length of 30 seconds for the credits, the minimum running time for a film will be 4 minutes 5 seconds and the maximum running time will be 8 minutes and 35 seconds. 
 

15. Submission Materials
Submit two flash drives, each with your film. Use this file naming format: 2025_TEAM NAME_FILM TITLE
Include each in a resealable bag with an index card labeled with year, team name, and film title.

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16. Credits
Max 30 seconds of end credits (not counted in film run time). Total runtime = film (4–8 min) + 5 sec black + 30 sec credits.

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17. Outtakes
OK during credits, but must not extend the story.

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18. Content Disclaimer
Content is at team’s discretion. Committee reserves right to disqualify inappropriate content.

19. Music Rights
You must have rights to all music used—original or stock.
 

20. Trademark & Copyright

• Branded items must be obscured unless used naturally/background.

• Prominent brands = disqualified from awards (but may still screen).

21. Multiple Films
Allowed. Each film requires separate $60 entry, must be fully original, and not part of a series.
 

22. Young Filmmaker Award
Ages 7–18 (through summer after HS graduation). Youth must complete:

• Story/script

• Element incorporation

• Direction

Adults may assist with technical tasks. Certification form required.

23. Best Original Song/Score
Must be composed/recorded during 7 days. Submit:

• MP3 files (name: 2025_TEAM_FILM_SONG_TITLE_COMPOSER)

• Cue sheet + release form
   

24. Best Screenplay
Must be written during 7 days. Submit:

• PDF script (name: 2025_TEAM_FILM_SCREENWRITER)

• Follow standard formatting with title page
   

25. Actor Eligibility
Actors appearing in multiple films are not eligible for acting awards.
 

26. Turn-In Process
Submit by the deadline announced at Kick-Off. Films must be physically in the box by the cutoff or will be disqualified. No play = no competition.

27. Required Docs
Certification and support docs due with submission. Available at Kick-Off and online.
 

28. Screening Eligibility
Only films that meet time, element, and rule compliance will screen.
 

29. Premiere Policy
Your film must premiere at CC7D. If it's released publicly beforehand, it’s disqualified.
 

30. Posters & Promotion
Promos allowed after Turn-In. Trailers may not appear before August 15, 2025 and must:

• Be 30 seconds max

• Use cleared or original music

• Include CC7D name/logo/date

Inappropriate or unapproved marketing could lead to disqualification.
 

31. Official Status
Only teams who follow all rules earn "Official CC7D Film" status.
 

32. Rule Updates
Rules posted on July 9, 2025 are final. 
 

33. Binding Agreement
By registering, you agree to all rules and decisions by the CC7D Committee and Jury.
 

34. Alcohol Policy
Minors caught drinking at CC7D events will be ejected and barred. No refunds.
 

35. Final Authority
CC7D Steering Committee reserves the right to disqualify any entrant for violations.

If you have any questions about the CC7D Rules, email the CC7D Steering Committee at infocc7d@gmail.com.