How Films and Scripts Are Judged
DC Shorts is proud to be one of a small number of festivals to provide feedback to ALL entrants. In addition, we pride ourselves on our open judging process — we explain how it works before you enter, provide feedback after decisions have been made, and allow you the opportunity to call us for additional feedback and comments.
For the 2008 festival, we expect to review more than 600 short films and 100 screenplays.
Films are removed from all packaging and placed into blank tyvek envelopes with a code number for identification. Team of judges, comprised of local filmmakers, industry professionals, film enthusiasts and film critics, watch each film in its entirety. Films are scored by each judge for strength of plot, originality, technical proficiency, acting, editing, sound and other values. In addition, judges may leave a comment if they wish. At the end of the preliminary judging cycle, scores are generated, and the top 150 films, plus any selections the festival director has added to the list, are sent to a second team of judges. This group watches each film in its entirety and makes programming notes (but no additional scores.) At the end of the second round, volunteers from the preliminary judges, the secondary judges and the festival director choose a final lineup based on scores, the time constraints of showcases (each showcase runs for approximately two hours, with an average of eight short films featured in each showcase), and how films will play in a show with each other. We will also select no less than 10% of films from filmmakers from the greater DC region.
Scripts submitted as PDFs or Final Draft files are stripped of their cover pages, and sent with 10-12 others to a local screenwriter or film director. Each script is read in its entirety. Scripts are scored by each judge for strength of plot, originality, writing proficiency, ability to be produced on a budget of less than $10K, ability to be successfully read, performed and understood by a live audience, and other values. In addition, judges are encouraged to leave a substantial comment (but not complete script coverage.) The top 3 scripts from each judge is then reviewed by an additional judge and the festival director, who make programming notes (but not additional scores.) At the end of the second round, a final lineup is chosen based on scores and comments. We will try to include at least one script from a local writer.
Again, we encourage filmmakers to become an active part of the process. If you have questions, comments or need more clarification of the judging process, please feel free to contact the office at judge@dcshorts.com.
Want to read the thoughts from a previous judge? Here it is in the Washington City Paper. The account is not overly flattering, but we are proud of our system — and the fact that you know as much about it as we do. No secrecy, no bullshit.
Want to read the thoughts of some other judges? Check out our hints and tips on why some films are not accepted. This article has been published in various magazines, and is used by some film schools as a tip sheet for creating new works.