Film It! Challenge
Who can participate?
The Film It! Challenge is open to all D65 students and Evanston residents starting 5th – 8th Grades in the Fall of 2026. Registration is required. Click the button below to register.
What are the requirements to submit my short film ?
Your mini-movie must meet the following requirements:
Include at least FIVE core filmmaking elements from the list below. You must include at least one element from each category: Pre-production, Filming, and Post-production.
Your film must be 2 – 3 minutes in length.
You can and are encouraged to include more filmmaking elements. Some elements are critical to a movie and others are optional. Feel free to mix and match elements. The more filmmaking elements you include the more prize tokens you can earn. We have tutorials you can watch for each filmmaking element below.
Using AI to create, edit, or enhance your video is not allowed. Your video should be entirely created by you. Be thoughtful. Be creative. Be original. Any video submissions found to have been created or enhanced by AI will be disqualified from the prize raffle and screening. We encourage you to take videos, screenshots, or pictures during your video making process – which will win you more prize tokens!
Filmmaking Elements
Pre-Production
- Write a script/outline
- Create a storyboard/shot list
- Create props
- Create costumes
- Design and/or decorate your set or location
Filming
- Lighting techniques
- Change perspectives/ different types of shots/camera angles
- Conduct an interview
- Create Animation (Drawn, Stop-Motion, etc.)
- Screen capture video on your device
- Choreograph a dance or action scene
- Block your actors’ movements
- Use and place microphones for good sound quality
Post-Production
- Edit Your footage together
- Add a title screen
- Add credits
- Use a green screen
- Add a graphic overlay
- Add other special effects
- Add voiceover
- Add background music
- Add blooper reel
- Add sound effects
- Scene transitions
- Add captions
- Use filters or color coding
- Clean up audio
Do I need any special equipment?
This challenge can be completed using whatever camera is available to you. Phones, tablets, or even a digital camera. You can use your camera to record video or take images and then use iMovie or other apps and tools to edit all your content. All of our tutorials use the iPad iMovie app or readily available household materials. Tutorials on Cap Cut are coming soon!
Again, using AI to create, edit, or enhance your video is not allowed. Your video will be disqualified if it has been created or enhanced by AI.
We will be checking out iPads and other equipment to registered participants who need one. All you need to do is let us know you need an iPad when you complete the registration form. You can then check one out from either the Main Library or the Robert Crown Library Branch beginning Monday, June 8, 2026.
You are also free to use any video recording equipment and video editing software available to you.
When is my short film due?
The challenge begins on Monday, June 8, 2026. You have six weeks to plan, shoot, and edit your mini-movie. You must submit your final project before 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 12, 2026.