Paranormal Short Film Competition Application

Thank you for your interest in the Paranormal Short Film Competition! Please complete the following application form to submit your film for consideration.

**Sound Mix (Stereo, 5.1 Surround, etc:**

**Subtitles Available? (Yes/No):**

Competition Criteria Agreement By submitting this film, I affirm that: 1. I have full rights to submit this film and all its components. 2. My film does not infringe on any third-party copyrights. 3. My film adheres to all festival rules and guidelines. 4. I grant permission for promotional use of my film (trailer, stills, etc 5. I understand that submission does not guarantee selection.

### **Submission Deadline:** 8/31/2025 ### **Screening Date:** 10/4/2025

For questions, contact us at: ninelivesparanormal@gmail.com

Paranormal Short Film Submission Rules

All submitted films must center on hauntings, haunted locations, cryptids, or aliens.

Permissions & Releases Submissions must include all necessary releases and permissions, including but not limited to:

- Appearance releases for all individuals featured in the film. - Location authorizations granting the use of any private or restricted-access areas. Any additional licenses for music, stock footage, or third-party media included in the film. Each release must provide valid contact information for verification purposes.

Respectful Representation Films must not contain defamatory, accusatory, or false claims against individuals, groups, locations, abilities, or investigative equipment. Content should be presented in a respectful and factual manner, avoiding allegations of illegal activity or misconduct. Film Length Submissions can be up to 30 minutes in duration.

Summary Submission Requirement Each film submission must include a one-page summary containing: - A brief description of the story, including its conclusion. A list of all cast members and their roles. - The filming location(s - A clear focus statement explaining the film's central theme or investigation. Panel Participation The director and/or key members of the crew or participants must be available on October 4, 2025, for a 30-minute panel discussion immediately following the screening of their film. This panel will allow filmmakers to discuss their work, answer audience questions, and engage with the event's attendees. Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in disqualification from consideration.

Paranormal Short Film Rubric Excellent (10 Category pts) Unique and compelling story concept with a with a fresh take clear story, though some originality or

predictable, with few Strong narrative execution mayengaging structure andbe lacking.elements. effective use of

Improvement (1-3 pts) Lacks coherence or originality; story is difficult to follow or

Atmosphere &ExceptionallyGood Mood eerie and

atmosphere with some immersive. effective use of Effective use ofuneven or lighting, sound,weak. lighting and andsound but lacks cinematographyconsistency. to create suspense. Cinematic and Good use of

Little to no Attempts at mood-setting, lacks tension or but execution is

camera work, though some shots may feel uninspired or inconsistent.

cinematographyunconsidered with minimal cinematography that detracts creativity or effectiveness in from the film.

Sound Design &Exceptional Music

visually engaging. Thoughtful framing, movement, and composition enhance the storytelling. Good use of sound and use of sound to music, thoughused and suspense.some momentseffectively to Music andenhance the may be less effects are effective. well-integrated and impactful. Believable andPerformances Decent feel forced or performances, compelling performances thatthough someinconsistent, enhance the story moments may and tension. lack

present but notdistracting sound design; lack of appropriate paranormalmusic or effects. elements.

Generally well-edited, though some pacing

making it hardmakes the film to engage with unconvincing. the story. Poor editing Some choppy or awkward or pacing that disrupts the editing; pacing

that builds tension and maintains audience engagement. High-quality effects that arethough realistic and be less enhance the horror effective. experience.

Scare Factor &Highly Emotional

scares and effective scares emotional with strong emotional not consistently impact, leavingscares. a lastingstrong. impression. Paranormal supernaturalelements are elements feel authentic andmay feelfeels somewhat well-integrated forced or into the story. inconsistent. A well-crafted,A solid effort with some immersive paranormalstrong short film that elements, though not all is engaging andexecution. memorable. aspects are equally effective.

Good effects, distracting unconvincing effects that mayeffects that reduce take the audience out ofbelievability. the experience. A few moments Little to no Some effective of suspense, buttension or lacks truly impact; fails to impactfulevoke fear or emotion.

Believability ofThe Paranormal Elements

Some attempt at paranormal realism, but it interesting butweak, superficial.

Has potential Lacks impact and cohesion, but is weighed making it an down by ineffective inconsistent paranormal film.

Scoring Guide points Exceptional - A standout paranormal short film that excels in storytelling, atmosphere, and execution. 80-89 points: Strong - A well-done film with minor weaknesses but solid overall impact. poings: Decent - Has good moments but struggles in key areas that weaken the overall effect.

poings: Needs Work - Some engaging elements but lacks consistency, tension, or execution.

Below 60 points: Poor - Lacks the necessary components to be an effective paranormal short film.