2025 DATES COMING SOON
A. All creative work must be done during the official 48 time period.
Creative work includes:
• Writing the script
• Shooting
• Editing
Topic research is highly encouraged and not considered creative work.
B. Prior to the official 48 hour period teams may work on the following:
• Organizing crew
• Organizing cast
• Securing equipment and materials
• Scouting and securing locations
C. All footage must be shot during the official 48 hour period.
• No stock footage may be used on the piece. (see section D for exceptions)
• Found or acquired footage is not permitted
• Still photos can be used but must be shot during the official 48 hour time-frame
D. All effects and motion graphics must be done and rendered during the official 48 hour time period.
• Layouts for title graphics may be done prior to the event. Title graphics may not be rendered until the official 48 hour time begins.
• Visual FX footage used for composites and FX are permitted IF the team has official license to use it.
Sound / Music
All music used must fall into the following categories in order to be used in the participant's films:
• Original score created specifically for the piece. Music can be scored by someone outside your team and prior to the event. The soundtrack must have appropriate written permissions.
• Music created using royalty free loops and beds.
• Royalty free music with written documentation.
• Purchased sound FX / Music beds
• Copyrighted music with written permission from the artist/publisher. Festival rights are acceptable.
• Creative Commons with Attribution and documentation
No song parodies will be accepted.
Firearms and Weapons
Due to liability and safety issues, the use of real or prop firearms are prohibited for this competition. If you use guns in your film you are immediately disqualified from the competition and no refunds will be granted.
Past Films
A. All creative work must be done during the official 48 time period.
Creative work includes:
• Writing the script
• Shooting
• Editing
Topic research is highly encouraged and not considered creative work.
B. Prior to the official 48 hour period teams may work on the following:
• Organizing crew
• Organizing cast
• Securing equipment and materials
• Scouting and securing locations
C. All footage must be shot during the official 48 hour period.
• No stock footage may be used on the piece. (see section D for exceptions)
• Found or acquired footage is not permitted
• Still photos can be used but must be shot during the official 48 hour time-frame
D. All effects and motion graphics must be done and rendered during the official 48 hour time period.
• Layouts for title graphics may be done prior to the event. Title graphics may not be rendered until the official 48 hour time begins.
• Visual FX footage used for composites and FX are permitted IF the team has official license to use it.
Sound / Music
All music used must fall into the following categories in order to be used in the participant's films:
• Original score created specifically for the piece. Music can be scored by someone outside your team and prior to the event. The soundtrack must have appropriate written permissions.
• Music created using royalty free loops and beds.
• Royalty free music with written documentation.
• Purchased sound FX / Music beds
• Copyrighted music with written permission from the artist/publisher. Festival rights are acceptable.
• Creative Commons with Attribution and documentation
No song parodies will be accepted.
Firearms and Weapons
Due to liability and safety issues, the use of real or prop firearms are prohibited for this competition. If you use guns in your film you are immediately disqualified from the competition and no refunds will be granted.
Past Films
A. All creative work must be done during the official 48 time period.
Creative work includes:
• Writing the script
• Shooting
• Editing
Topic research is highly encouraged and not considered creative work.
B. Prior to the official 48 hour period teams may work on the following:
• Organizing crew
• Organizing cast
• Securing equipment and materials
• Scouting and securing locations
C. All footage must be shot during the official 48 hour period.
• No stock footage may be used on the piece. (see section D for exceptions)
• Found or acquired footage is not permitted
• Still photos can be used but must be shot during the official 48 hour time-frame
D. All effects and motion graphics must be done and rendered during the official 48 hour time period.
• Layouts for title graphics may be done prior to the event. Title graphics may not be rendered until the official 48 hour time begins.
• Visual FX footage used for composites and FX are permitted IF the team has official license to use it.
Sound / Music
All music used must fall into the following categories in order to be used in the participant's films:
• Original score created specifically for the piece. Music can be scored by someone outside your team and prior to the event. The soundtrack must have appropriate written permissions.
• Music created using royalty free loops and beds.
• Royalty free music with written documentation.
• Purchased sound FX / Music beds
• Copyrighted music with written permission from the artist/publisher. Festival rights are acceptable.
• Creative Commons with Attribution and documentation
No song parodies will be accepted.
Firearms and Weapons
Due to liability and safety issues, the use of real or prop firearms are prohibited for this competition. If you use guns in your film you are immediately disqualified from the competition and no refunds will be granted.
About Us
48 Hours of Non-Stop Creativity
Get ready for Gainesville's 48 Hour Film Competition! Teams of up to 5 will race against the clock to create a 3 to 5-minute short film. Categories include Best in Show, Student, and Open.
Open to US residents and guests only; judges cannot compete. Join us for a weekend of creativity and cinematic magic!