Short Film
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What To Prepare (All Genres)
For a Short Film entry, the Thespian(s) must create an original short film. The film must be of original content and may be a collaboration among up to 16 Thespians. Adaptations are not permitted. Only one (1) film may be submitted per student/group in one of the following genres: Short Film (live-action), Short Animated Film, Short Documentary Film. Separate rubrics are below for each category. The Thespian(s) must prepare the following:
- An original documentary, live action, or animated film no more than five (5) minutes long, plus one (1) additional minute for credits.
- The film must demonstrate:
- Proper use of title cards and credits within the time limit;
- Properly executed camera angles and shot variation to enhance the storyline and finished product;
- Control over lighting exposures for clarity, storytelling, and a professional finished product;
- The ability to capture, record, and manipulate all audio aspects of your production;
- Controlled and manufactured editing choices that enhance the overall storytelling;
- The ability to complete a storyline that includes a clear arc (beginning, middle, and end).
- The film must meet the following requirements:
- Music used in short films must be properly credited, whether it is original, in the public domain, or copyrighted. Music credits must appear amongst other credits at the end of the film. If copyrighted music is used, proof of payment for the right to use the music must be documented and shared with the adjudicators.
- The film should be uploaded to YouTube with privacy settings set to “Public” or “Unlisted” for adjudication. Note: if the film is set to “Private,” the adjudicators will be unable to view and score the work, which may result in a disqualification.
- The film should contain no content that would exceed a PG13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. The film should not include any nudity or depict acts that are illegal for anyone under 18 years of age.
- The film must demonstrate:
- The Thespian(s) does not have to give a presentation — the work should stand alone. Adjudicators will supply feedback in the adjudication form online.
Skills Measured: Short Film (All Genres)
- The ability to create opening and closing titles, credits, and graphics that orient the viewer to the story;
- The ability to visually develop a story with dialogue;
- Camera, lighting, and sound use;
- Editing, including scene length and flow;
- The emotional and physical believability of the acting;
- The filmmaker’s use of film elements to create a successful product.
Deadline
Like other Thespy categories, writers must qualify at a chapter event or at the Alternate Thespy Qualifier in order to be eligible for the final round of adjudication at the International Thespian Festival. Qualified students in this category will be adjudicated earlier than other Thespy categories in order to allow adjudicators adequate time to view the films. Chapters must report qualifying students to EdTA by April 1.
Qualifying students must be registered to attend ITF by May 1, 2024 and submit their entry materials online by May 8, 2024.
Rights
All work is protected by copyright from the moment it is created. Filmmakers own their films and have exclusive control of the rights to produce, distrubute, and adapt them. By submitting work for Thespy adjudication, you agree to allow the International Thespian Society and Educational Theatre Association (at their discretion) to publish your film (or portions of it) on its website(s). All other rights remain the exclusive property of the writer.
Short Film (Live Action) Rubric
STORYTELLING
Visual development of story and dialogue; opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations; conclusion.
Above Standard
Story is well organized, fully developed, and compelling; visuals and dialogue seamlessly advance the narrative to enhance the audience connection to the plot and character(s); choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations enhance and support film’s message; ending concisely resolves the central conflict.
At standard
Story is well organized, and engaging; visuals and dialogue advance the narrative and the audience connection to the plot and characters; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations support the film’s message; distinct conclusion.
Near Standard
Story is somewhat organized and mostly developed; visuals and dialogue are moderately effective in advancing the narrative and the audience connection to the plot and characters; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations inconsistently support the film’s message; conclusion is somewhat unclear.
Aspiring to Standard
Story is disorganized and/or difficult to follow; minimal use of visual cues and weak dialogue fail to develop the narrative or produce an audience connection; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and
animations do not support the film’s message; conclusion is lacking or unclear.
CINEMATOGRAPHY AND AUDIO
Integrated use of camera, lighting, and sound.
Above Standard
Scenes/characters are skillfully shot or framed and align with filmmaker’s vision; lighting exposure and camera movement/angles are purposefully chosen to enhance performances and advance the story; music (if applicable) underscores action and offers clues to character/ plot; sound levels are consistently even and well metered.
At standard
Scenes/characters are appropriately shot or framed and align with filmmaker’s vision; lighting exposure and camera
movement/angles are purposefully chosen to advance the story; music (if applicable) is appropriate to the story; sound levels are mostly even and well metered.
Near Standard
Inconsistent use of appropriate shots or framing and lighting exposure do not align with filmmaker’s vision; camera movement/angles sometimes advance the story visually; some music (if applicable) is appropriate to the story; sound level errors are evident.
Aspiring to Standard
Most scenes/characters are not shot or framed properly, are under or over exposed, and do not align with filmmaker’s
vision; scenes include multiple errors in camera
movement/angles; music (if applicable) detracts from rather than supports the story; sound levels are inconsistent.
EDITING
Editing skills; scene length and flow.
Above Standard
Purposeful continuity in editing produces well-composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement,
and narrative; scene length and flow purposefully and
effectively lead audience from one focal point to another while consistently maintaining physical/spatial relationship of the narrative.
At standard
Continuity in editing produces composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement, and narrative;
scene length and flow effectively lead audience from one focal point to another while consistently maintaining physical/spatial relationship of the narrative.
Near Standard
Inconsistent continuity in editing produces transitions that disrupt scene flow, audience engagement, and narrative; scene length and flow sometimes lead audience from one focal point to another yet seldom maintain physical/spatial relationship of the narrative.
Aspiring to Standard
Discontinuity in editing does not produce well- composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement, and narrative; scene length and flow do not lead audience from one focal point to another, and does not maintain physical/spatial relationship of the narrative.
ACTING
Emotional and physical believability; choices and tactics.
Above Standard
Character movements, actions, gestures, and expressions are consistently believable; choices and tactics toward an objective prompt instinctive reaction to partners or events that create insight into the text.
At standard
Character movements, actions, gestures, and expressions are believable; choices and tactics toward an objective prompt reaction to partners or events.
Near Standard
Character movements, actions, gestures and expressions are sometimes emotionally/ physically believable; choices and tactics toward an objective sometimes prompt reactions to partners or events.
Aspiring to Standard
Character movements, actions, gestures, and expressions are rarely emotionally/physically believable; choices and tactics toward an objective are not evident and do not prompt reactions to partners or events.
FILMMAKER'S VISION
Use of film elements to create a successful final product.
Above Standard
Filmmaker conveyed clear vision and consistently adhered to rules established for film; all elements worked together to create an impactful, engaging film with a powerful voice.
At standard
Filmmaker conveyed mostly clear vision and frequently adhered to the rules established for the film; most elements worked together to create an engaging film.
Near Standard
Filmmaker attempted to convey clear vision and inconsistently adhered to the rules established for the film; few elements worked together to create an engaging film.
Aspiring to Standard
Filmmaker failed to convey a clear vision and did not adhere to the rules established for the film; elements did not work together to create an engaging film.
Short Documentary Film Rubric
STORYTELLING
Visual development of story and dialogue; opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations; conclusion.
Above Standard
Story is well organized, fully developed, and compelling; thoughtful visuals and interview sequences seamlessly advance the narrative and audience connection to the subject(s) and their experiences; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations enhance and support film’s message; ending succinctly resolves central conflict.
At standard
Story is well organized, and engaging; visuals and interview sequences advance the narrative and audience connection to the subject(s) and their experiences; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations support film’s message; distinct conclusion.
Near Standard
Story is somewhat organized and mostly developed; visuals and interview sequences are moderately advance the narrative and audience connection to the subject(s) and their experiences; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations inconsistently support
film’s message; conclusion is somewhat unclear.
Aspiring to Standard
Story is disorganized and/or difficult to follow; minimal use of visual cues and weak interview sequences fail to develop the narrative or produce audience connection; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations do not support film’s message; conclusion is
lacking or unclear.
CINEMATOGRAPHY AND AUDIO
Integrated use of camera, lighting, and sound.
Above Standard
Subjects, images, and scenes are skillfully shot or framed and align with filmmaker’s vision; lighting exposure and camera movement and angles are purposefully chosen to
enhance subject and visually advance subject's story; music (if applicable) clearly underscores the action and offers clues to subject and experiences; sound levels consistently even and well metered.
At standard
Subjects, images, and scenes are appropriately shot or framed and align with filmmaker’s vision; lighting exposure and camera movement and angles are purposefully chosen to advance subject's story; music (if applicable) is appropriate to the story; sound levels are mostly even and well metered.
Near Standard
Subjects, images, and scenes inconsistently shot or framed and do not align with filmmaker’s vision; lighting exposure and camera movement and angles sometimes advance subject's story visually; some music (if applicable) is appropriate
to the story; sound level errors are evident.
Aspiring to Standard
Most subjects, images, and scenes are not shot or framed properly, are under or over exposed, and do not align with the filmmaker’s vision; scenes include multiple errors in
camera movement and angles; music (if applicable) detracts from rather than supports the story; sound levels are
inconsistent.
EDITING
Editing skills; scene length and flow.
Above Standard
Purposeful continuity in editing produces well-composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement,
and narrative; scene length and flow purposefully and
effectively lead audience from one focal point to another while consistently maintaining physical and spatial relationship of the narrative.
At standard
Continuity in editing produces composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement, and narrative;
scene length and flow effectively lead audience from one focal point to another while consistently maintaining physical and spatial relationship of the narrative.
Near Standard
Inconsistent continuity in editing produces transitions that disrupt scene flow, audience engagement, and narrative; scene length and flow sometimes lead audience from one focal point to another yet seldom maintain physical and spatial relationship of the narrative.
Aspiring to Standard
Discontinuity in editing does not produce well-composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement, and narrative; scene length and flow do not lead audience from one focal point to another, and does not maintain physical and spatial relationship of the narrative.
POV AND PORTRAYAL OF SUBJECT
Filmmaker's POV; choices that affect the portrayal of the subject(s).
Above Standard
Consistently strong POV gives viewer a deeper understanding of film's subject(s); filmmaker's main thesis and intentions for telling story are always clear; strong choices and tactics employed by filmmaker create solid and insightful portrayal of subject.
At standard
Mostly consistent POV gives viewer insight into film's subject(s); filmmaker's main thesis and intentions for telling story are clear; choices and tactics employed by filmmaker help create solid and insightful portrayal of subject.
Near Standard
Fairly consistent POV sometimes gives viewer insight into film's subject(s); filmmaker's main thesis and intentions for telling story are sometimes clear; at times, choices and tactics employed by filmmaker help create a meaningful portrayal of subject.
Aspiring to Standard
Inconsistent POV rarely gives viewer insight into film's subject(s); filmmaker's main thesis and intentions for telling story are rarely clear; no evidence of choices and tactics that help to create a meaningful portrayal of subject.
FILMMAKER'S VISION
Use of film elements to create a successful final product.
Above Standard
Filmmaker conveyed clear vision and consistently adhered to
rules established for the film; all elements worked together to create an impactful, engaging film with a powerful voice.
At standard
Filmmaker conveyed mostly clear vision and frequently adhered to the rules established for the film; most elements worked together to create an engaging film.
Near Standard
Filmmaker attempted to convey clear vision and inconsistently adhered to the rules established for the film; few elements worked together to create an engaging film.
Aspiring to Standard
Filmmaker failed to convey a clear vision and did not adhere to the rules established for the film; elements did not work together to create an engaging film.
Short Animated Film Rubric
STORYTELLING
Visual development of story and dialogue; opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations; conclusion.
Above Standard
Story is well organized, fully developed, and compelling; visuals and dialogue seamlessly advance the narrative to enhance the audience connection to the plot and character(s); choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations enhance and support film’s message; ending concisely resolves the central conflict.
At standard
Story is well organized, and engaging; visuals and dialogue advance the narrative and the audience connection to the plot and characters; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations support the film’s message; distinct conclusion.
Near Standard
Story is somewhat organized and mostly developed; visuals and dialogue are moderately effective in advancing the narrative and the audience connection to the plot and characters; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and animations inconsistently support the film’s message; conclusion is somewhat unclear.
Aspiring to Standard
Story is disorganized and/or difficult to follow; minimal use of visual cues and weak dialogue fail to develop the narrative or produce an audience connection; choice of opening and closing titles, credits, graphics, and
animations do not support the film’s message; conclusion is lacking or unclear.
CINEMATOGRAPHY AND AUDIO
Integrated use of camera, lighting, and sound.
Above Standard
Scenes and characters are skillfully framed and align with filmmaker’s vision; lighting exposure and camera movement
and angles are purposefully chosen to enhance performances and visually advance the story; music (if applicable) clearly underscores action and offers clues to character and plot; sound levels are consistently even and well metered.
At standard
Scenes and characters are appropriately framed and align with filmmaker’s vision; lighting exposure and camera movement and angles are purposefully chosen to advance the story; music (if applicable) is appropriate to the story; sound levels are mostly even and well metered.
Near Standard
Inconsistent use of appropriate framing and lighting exposure do not align with filmmaker’s vision; camera movement and angles sometimes advance the story visually; some music (if applicable) is appropriate to the story; sound level errors are evident.
Aspiring to Standard
Scenes and characters are not framed properly, are under or over exposed, and do not align with filmmaker’s vision; scenes include multiple errors in camera movement and angles; music (if applicable) detracts from rather than supports the story; sound levels are inconsistent.
EDITING
Editing skills; scene length and flow.
Above Standard
Purposeful continuity in editing produces well-composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement,
and narrative; scene length and flow purposefully and
effectively lead audience from one focal point to another while consistently maintaining the physical and spatial relationship of narrative.
At standard
Continuity in editing produces composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement, and narrative; scene length and flow effectively lead audience from one focal point to another while consistently maintaining the physical and spatial relationship of narrative.
Near Standard
Changing continuity in editing produces transitions that sometimes disrupt scene flow, audience engagement, and
narrative; scene length and flow sometimes lead audience from one focal point to another yet seldom maintain the physical and spatial relationship of narrative.
Aspiring to Standard
Discontinuity in editing does not produce well-composed transitions that enhance scene flow, audience engagement,
and narrative; scene length and flow do not lead audience from one focal point to another, and does not maintain the
physical and spatial relationship of the narrative.
VOICE ACTING AND ANIMATION TECHNIQUES
Believability and compatibility of voice and animation; animation style and choices.
Above Standard
Character voices and animation (movements, actions, gestures, and expressions) are consistently believable and work in unison to create character; strong and consistent animation choices are reflected through an original art style that helps build a unique animated world for viewer.
At standard
Character voices and animation (movements, actions, gestures, and expressions) are believable and mostly work in unison to create character; consistent
animation choices are reflected through an original art style that helps build a unique animated world for viewer.
Near Standard
Character voices and animation (movements, actions, gestures, and expressions) are sometimes believable and work in unison to create character; animation choices are reflected through an original art style that helps build a unique animated world for viewer.
Aspiring to Standard
Character voices and animation (movements, actions, gestures, and expressions) are rarely believable and do not connect well with each other; strong animation choices are rarely evident, and the art style does not help build a unique animated world for viewer.
FILMMAKER'S VISION
Use of film elements to create a successful final product.
Above Standard
Filmmaker conveyed a clear vision and consistently adhered to rules established for film; all elements worked together to create an impactful, engaging film with a powerful voice.
At standard
Filmmaker conveyed mostly clear vision and frequently adhered to the rules established for the film; most elements worked together to create an engaging film.
Near Standard
Filmmaker attempted to convey clear vision and inconsistently adhered to the rules established for the film; few elements worked together to create an engaging film.
Aspiring to Standard
Filmmaker failed to convey a clear vision and did not adhere to the rules established for the film; elements did not work together to create an engaging film.