Required Elements How It Works

Element Assignment Character, Prop & Line Requirements

At the start of the Official Filmmaking Period, each team will receive a character, a prop and a line of dialogue assignment via email.

These elements must be included in your film.

The elements will vary from timezone to timezone, but in each location ALL teams will have the same required elements. It's up to each team to decide how to integrate them into their own film. Teams compete for most creative use of these elements.

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Examples of Previous Characters

Melvin or Megan Cashion, Dentist Fargo, North Dakota 2012

Chris or Christina Murray, Blogger Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2012

Ashley or Ashton Brown, Expert Saint Louis, Missouri 2009

Dr. Clark or Claire Larson, Plastic Surgeon New Hampshire 2010


Examples of Previous Props

An extension cord Buffalo, New York 2017


Examples of Previous Lines

It can't be that difficult. Chicago, Illinois 2016

We're hoping things will change. Washington, District of Columbia 2009

Don't touch me. Chicago, Illinois 2015

Required Line

The required line of dialogue must be heard or seen - it may be written. It may be in a foreign language; however if it is not clear that this is the required line, it should be translated.

Required Character

The required character does not have to be the star, but we must actually see him/her on the screen. Name tags, etc. are not necessary so long as the audience can infer who he/she is.

Required Prop

The required prop must be seen, and it should be used in your film in some way.

Adherence to Assignment

Did you know judges base part of their scores on a film’s adherence to assignment? This refers to the genre and required elements.

Elements in Credits Do Not Count

The required elements must appear in the story of your film. Use of the elements only in the end credits will NOT fulfill the requirement.

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