The Ten Sec Commandments
1: Thou shalt not submit Ten Secs that are dull, tedious, boring or pointless.
It can be useful to repeat this mantra at least ten times before you start filming. You have the world's attention for 10 seconds, use it wisely.
2: Thou shalt not submit Ten Secs that nobody else is going to want to watch.
Ask yourself at all times, will this be entertaining to anybody else to watch and will they want to pass it on to their friends? Your cat chasing a ball of string or Granny falling out of a hammock is not really what we are looking for.
3: Keep it short. 10 seconds to be precise.
It’s not called the Ten Sec Film fest for nothing, but we are reasonable people. If your masterpiece can only exist in nine or eleven seconds who are we to tell you otherwise. However unless your name is Spike Jonze, Spielberg or Scorsese keep your fifteen seconds to yourself (please).
4: Your most important tool is your imagination
Your camera and computer are your friends but not your masters. With the Ten Sec format the idea is king. Master your equipment, don't let it master you. Read through our filmmaking tips and scour the net and book stores for the technical information to help you make a quality film. We will be adding a links page soon to provide you with more filmmaking tips.
5: Seek inspiration. It's everywhere
Keep your eyes open and synapses firing and Ten Secs ideas will come flowing. Inspiration for Ten Secs are in joke books, in the situations you see every day, on greeting cards, in magazines, on TV, in your dreams, on the bus, in the bath, right behind you and hanging upside down from a tree. Look for ideas and they will find you.
6: Ten Secs can be made with practically anything
If it's got a lens you can use it. Haven't got a video camera, use a digital stills camera, a video phone or CCTV camera. Did you know you can shoot timelapse with a video phone ? If it's got a processor in it you can use it. Flash, 2D, 3D animation is an ideal format for Ten Secs. Can't animate, there are kids animation programs you can learn in five minutes.
The only excuse for not getting involved is, 'I haven't got a brain'
7:You are a virus. Act like one.
One of the most the beautiful things about a Ten Sec is it's virus like behaviour. You make it, people watch it, download it and send it on. Others watch it, send it on and on and on, until one day you find it back in your in box, full circle. Think about why people want to send Ten Secs to their friends, either by email or on their mobile phones. If you incorporate a theme such as 'running late' or 'good to see you last night' your Ten Sec will spread like wildfire.
8: Nothing obscene please
Goes without saying, this is a family show. Use your judgement because we will use ours and if we feel your Ten Sec is obscene, defamatory or promotes violence or or any isms we don't feel suitable, it's in the bin.
9: Own your work. Make it legal.
Make sure you have read our legal terms. Don't steal anyone's work, don't include trademarks or copyrighted material and get the permission of the main players in front and behind of the camera. You can download the release forms and legal documents you need, make sure that you are aware of our terms and conditions. They protect you as well as us.
10:Thou shalt not submit Ten Secs that are dull, tedious, boring or pointless.
It's so important we'll say it again. Trust yourself. Have an idea, organise your thoughts, shoot (or animate) it, cut it, send it. Job done. Go forth and Ten Sec it. Good luck.
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