FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What's the purpose of this event?
A: The intention of having this event is to promote public awareness and involvement with community based television like BETV-Ch28.

Q: When is the Deadline and does it have to be created this year?
A: Submission Deadline- March 27, 2010. We recommend films to be done between now and the deadlines, however, if you have something already produced after 2008, that's cool.

Q: What's the bottom line about using COPYWRITTEN MATERIAL?
A: Using material that is already Copywritten (i.e.- Clips from Other Movies, Stock footage, Music, Images), is allowed for those with no budget, however as a guideline, we do not recommend this for various reasons:
#1) This will restrict you from submitting your film into other festivals that may not accept copyright usage.
#2) This will restrict you from making any profit from your film such as DVDs, On-Demand charges, etc. should you want to sell it.
#3) You will not be able to file and own the full rights of your film.
#4) In order to obtain the rights to use copywritten material, you would have to get written permission from the rightful owners, which can be expensive.

Basically, down the line, using the Copywritten Material would be a headache to deal with. But if you just simply want to make your film for this event to show all your friends and family, go for it.

Q: Where will HEROFEST 2010 be held at?
A: At Berkeley Community Media - 2239 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA in late April 2010.

Q: What's the maximum length of film submission and what will it be judge on?
A: 15 min. maximum. The films will be judged on their merits of resourcefulness, style of storytelling, effort, and overall presentation. Even though this festival is geared towards Amateurs, the key is to "look professional".

Q: Why is there an entry fee for a community television event?
A: Unfortunately, we need to cover costs to rent the outside venue, printing fliers, and promotional fees. As a fundraising event, the intention is to bring awareness of supporting community based TV programming and promote local independent filmmakers.

Q: Is this an all ages event?
A: It's closer to a PG-13 event. Parents, please use your discretion because there will be alot of fighting and semi-intense situations.

Q: Will there be a TV Special promoting the event like the BCM Summer and Halloween Film Festivals?
A: We are seriously considering doing a TV Special that will feature the filmmakers and special guests.

Q: How "R" can we make our Rated R material?
A: Use your discretion, we recommend everyone to use common sense. No snuff films please.

Q: I already have a movie on YouTube or online, can I link it to you?
A: No, we require all submissions to be sent to BCM via tape or disc to maintain clarity from pixilation on the big screen.

Q: I don't have a lot of equipment to film or edit with, where do I go?
A: Visit the ultimate source for independent filmmaking-

(Berkeley Community Media and Torrid Productions will not claim any rights, representation, ownership, or responsibility of submitted materials. The authorship rights of each entry will be the sole responsibility of the person(s) submitting their film(s) to HorrorTV, BCM Horror Film Festival, BCM Summer Film Festival, and The Bay Area Fan Film Festival)