up and down this page will have the info you need to upload your film, or download a film you want to see
					What kind of films can I send ? go to: home On what topic  ? go to: 2005 Can students enter ? go to: about the festival Where are the films from ? more fun stuff what forms do I need to send? go to: submit form what will you do with a trailer ? h2omovies
		THIS WEEKS FEATURE
		Ready to submit a film to the website ? here is the fine print...with apologies to everyone we lifted the policies from... Get Releases from All Individuals. Whether the Film is real or fictional, it should be made certain that no names, faces, likenesses, or other indicator of identity of any recognizable living persons are used or depicted unless written releases have been obtained.  A release is unnecessary if a person is part of a crowd scene or shown in a fleeting background.  The term “living persons” includes thinly disguised versions of living persons or living persons who are readily identifiable because of identity of other characters or because of the factual, historical or geographic setting. Once the camera focuses on a face in the crowd, that person is identifable. Even dead persons may have a “right of publicity" claim under certain circumstances.  Furthermore the family and/or successors of deceased persons may under the laws of certain foreign jurisdictions have the right to bring actions akin to defamation.  Clearances should be gotten from their personal representatives or heirs. Obtain the right to portray deceased persons unless the Filmmaker’s counsel has concluded that the law clearly does not require such releases. If a minor gives consent, the Filmmaker and its counsel must be able to verify and confirm that the consent is legally binding. Trademark/Product and Business Releases.  The same principle is generally applicable to the names, logos and other indicator of identity of business and other entities.   Music. If music is used, the Filmmaker must obtain all necessary synchronization and public performance licenses from copyright proprietors of music and lyrics.  Licenses must also be obtained on pre-recorded music from the owner of the master as well as from the copyright proprietors of the music and lyrics.  Music is complicated.  These rights are often owned or controlled by different entities (such as a publishing company and a record company).  Do yourself a BIG Favor...use original music. A license to incorporate a composition into a film is known as a “synch” license.  A license to use a particular sound recording is known as a “master use” license.  A license to a composition does not include a license to a sound recording of it, and vice versa.   Film and Audio Clips. Film and audio clips are dangerous unless licenses and authorizations for the second use are obtained from not only from the owner of the clip or party authorized to license the same, but also from all persons rendering services on, or supplying material contained in, the film clip; e.g., underlying literary rights, performances of actors or musicians.  Special attention should be paid to music rights as publishers are taking the position that new synchronization and performance licenses are required when clips are used.  In addition, use of clips often implicates re-use and residual payment obligations to guilds and unions. If you cannot obtain a release for one of the items listed above, we strongly suggest that you DO NOT USE THE ITEM IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR FILM.  There are many other substitutes available.  If your film is not cleared, it will greatly decrease the likelihood that you will obtain distribution for your film. Ever. Copyright Registration.  Filmmaker should register his or her Film with the US Copyright Office using form PA.  The script can and should also be separately registered. Its really painless, and the folks there will answer your questions and help you. OK 'NUFF SAID. Don't send us the releases. Once you send the form in, we are done with this issue.
	For the moment - we are not ready to accept films uploaded to the site. Please send your uncompressed DVD to the address on the submit form.