NASA and the Houston Cinema Arts Society have partnered up once again to host the 2019 CineSpace Short Film Competition. We are looking for filmmakers, editors, and animators with a passion for storytelling to create unique films for a chance to win cash prizes.

Professional and aspiring filmmakers, editors, and animators (at least 18 years of age) from all around the world are invited to participate and will have a chance to share their work inspired by real NASA footage that has been collected from over 50 years of space exploration!

We want you to flex your creative muscles and get inventive. Show us films that are experimental, narrative, documentary, comedy, drama, animation, ambient, music videos, re-mix, horror, sci-fi, and more! Submissions can range from any genre and style so long as they are based on innovative and artistic storytelling, provoke an emotional response, and showcase mastery of filmmaking, editing, and/or animation.

Your short film will be judged on its creativity, innovation, and attention to detail – the hallmarks of spaceflight itself – with special guest judge Richard Linklater (Boyhood, Dazed & Confused) weighing in. Your films may showcase elements of space exploration and its benefits to humanity but are not required to focus on these areas to be selected as a winner.

Please read the remainder of the brief for all the important details.

NASA and Houston Cinema Arts Society are looking for short film submissions of 10 minutes or less that are comprised of at least 10% (based on your video’s total running time, not including credits) imagery from any publicly available source. (see: Cinespace.org)

--Judging Criteria: The Selection Committee and Competition Judges (collectively the “Jury”) understand that various genres and formats have different artistic qualities. The Jury will consider the following criteria to select finalists and winners:

• Is the work based on innovative artistic presentation and storytelling?
• Does the work provoke an emotional response?
• Does the work show a mastery of filmmaking?
• Does the work show a high level of technical, conceptual, and aesthetic innovation and display an exceptional creative vision?
• Does the work show an exemplary use of the original NASA material used?
• Extra credit for using unusual or obscure NASA imagery that hasn’t been used before.

--Helpful Info:  Here’s some do’s & don’ts to give your video the best shot:

• Review past winners here ( 2015,  2016,  2017, and 2018). Take note of what footage has been used the most. A fresh perspective is sure to get more attention.
• If you have specific imagery in mind and can’t find it, please contact us at info@tongal.com. 
• Assets found on YouTube can contains graphics, music and other production elements. Footage with these elements should not be used. 
• Video's creation must post-date Jan 1, 2016,
• Submitters do not grant exclusive rights to NASA or the Houston Cinema Arts Society. Just the right to screen the film at associated outlets.
• Filmmakers retain all rights to their own films.
• If your film is any other language other than English, the review copy of your work should have English subtitles. Should you win, you’ll be require to submit a 1080p version without subtitles and provide either English subtitle transcript or SRT file with English subtitles. 
• There is no entry fee to submit to CineSpace. You may submit up to 5 short films.

-- Awards: The following prizes will be awarded:

• Grand Prize: USD $10,000
• Second Prize: USD $5,000
• Third Prize: USD $3,000
• Three Special Categories: Individual Prizing (see below)

Please reference prizing above as the platform lists the prizing numerically rather than by ranking or category.

-- Special Judging Categories and Awards: Besides the above awards, the Jury may also award three additional prizes for $4,000, $3,500, and $500 each.  For these awards they are looking for Submissions that elevate the featured themes using creative and original cinematic and/or storytelling techniques. If the jury feels that a Submission meets these criteria, the Submission may be considered for these awards. If no Submissions sufficiently meet the criteria, these categories may not be awarded this year.

Best Documentary: USD $4,000

• Designated for best film in documentary format using NASA imagery.  Can be any topic or style, but should have an editorial or journalistic element.

Film That Best Depicts "Humans in Space": USD $3,500

• Awarded to the film that best captures the spirit and concept of humans living, working and exploring space.  Films can be documentary or narrative in format or simply inspirational in style.

Film using the most unusual or obscure Imagery from NASA: USD $500

• Prize goes to film that incorporates NASA imagery that has not been used before and/or is most obscure or unusual.

Please reference this prizing as the platform orders the prizing numerically rather than by ranking or category.

-- Mandatories: Please read the "Restrictions" section under the Requirements section of this page.

NASA FOOTAGE & AUDIO TO SELECT FROM

The Restrictions and Limitations on Use of NASA Material is available here: MEDIA USAGE GUIDELINES

The finalist films will screen at the Houston Cinema Arts Festival in November 2019, and other selected screenings/film festivals across the country, as well as on NASA TV and even the International Space Station.

This Project will consist of one (1) Phase: a Video Phase. Before beginning please be sure to review the Submitter’s Agreement and Official Rules.

 

PHASE 1: CineSpace Video Submission - Submit a ten (10) minutes or less short film that is comprised of at least 10% (based on total running time of video) of actual NASA footage. Submissions will be reviewed by the sponsor and Finalists will move on to Phase 2 and be screened at the CineSpace Film Festival in Houston. 

--Music: Tongal has partnered with Jingle Punks, which can be used to source music for your Video submission to this Project. Music from this provider is available to registered Tongal members at no charge solely for their incorporation into Submissions to this Project and will not require a separate Music Release Form. To learn more about using this provider, click on any of the provider’s names above.

If you are selected as a winner and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from other catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with our Music Release Form when you turn in your Video paperwork.

PHASE 2: CineSpace Finalists - Upon completing evaluation, Finalists will move on to Phase 2 to be displayed on Tongal and be screened at the CineSpace Film Festival in Houston. Upon delivering final assets for display, Finalists will await prizing results to be announced at CineSpace followed by Tongal. 

--Delivery:  In order to be featured at CineSpace, finalists will need to deliver their submissions according to the specifications below. After the sponsor will judges and announce a Grand Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and three Special Category awards at CineSpace, participants will awarded. 

-- Awards: The NASA judges will award the prizes listed below.

• Grand Prize: USD $10,000
• Second Prize: USD $5,000
• Third Prize: USD $3,000

Special Categories:

• Best Documentary: USD $4,000
• Film That Best Depicts "Humans in Space": USD $3,500
• Film using the most unusual or obscure Imagery from NASA: USD $500

Please reference prizing above as the platform lists the prizing numerically rather than by ranking or category.

 

1. ELIGIBILITY

The Screenings and Competition (hereafter “Competition”) is offered and open only to natural persons who are at least 18 years of age at the time of entry. Parents and guardians of filmmakers younger than 18 can submit on their behalf.

The following persons are not eligible to win prizes: employees of NASA, Houston Cinema Arts Society (hereafter “HCAS”) and their Board, employees of vendors to NASA or HCAS that have contracted to provide services to or in connection with the Competition, members of the Selection Committee, the Competition judges, and members of the households of the foregoing persons (collectively, the “Competition Parties”). However, if they would like to submit videos for viewing and possible inclusion as finalists, individuals affiliated with NASA should contact Dan Jacobs at daniel.v.jacobs@nasa.gov. NASA contractors may submit under certain circumstances.By entering, you agree to these Rules and warrant that you are eligible to enter the Competition.

THIS COMPETITION IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

2. PRE-COMPETITION AND KEY DATES

At any time, the General Public may visit the NASA IMAGE ARCHIVE and download imagery for public use. Access to this Archive is always available year-round, with the exception of any technical or maintenance related shutdowns. Note that the Archives are constantly updated and refreshed with new material.

The general use of these images is governed by NASA and US Federal Regulations and these regulations supersede any CineSpace Guidelines or Terms. The CineSpace Guidelines, Terms, and FAQ endeavor to indicate important NASA regulations for the use of imagery in connection with this Competition.

You must submit an audiovisual work (a “Submission”) that complies with the requirements of these Guidelines and Terms between March 1st, 2019 and July 15th, 2019 at 12:00 PM PST (the “Submission Period”) using the means described below. Entries will be judged between July 16th, 2019 and August 30th, 2019  (the “Judging Period”). Finalists will be notified on or before October 31, 2019. The date of a public announcement of Finalist is to be determined at this time.

3. HOW TO ENTER

There is no entry fee to submit to CineSpace. You may submit up to 5 short films.

Submissions MUST contain at least 10% (based on total running time exluding credits) of NASA imagery. More than 10% can be used and still photos can also be used in addition to the video imagery. This imagery may be obtained through the NASA IMAGE ARCHIVE or other publicly available means such as YouTube, etc. 

The Tongal (“Submission Portal”)  CineSpace Submission Phase is open from March 1, 2019 – July 15th, 2019 12:00 p.m PST.

To enter the Competition, you must:

1. Navigate to Tongal.com/NASACineSpace to access the Challenge Brief, Instructions, and the Submission Form. (You will need to log-in to, or create a Tongal Account to enter your submission).

2. Upload your video to Tongal through the "Awards/Submit" tab of the project page. This will allow judges to view and download the submitted videos. Initial review copies of your works may be uploaded to the Tongal website at HD 720p 16X9 with acceptable file formats: .mov, .mp4, .wmv,  and acceptable codecs: H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4.  However, Cinespace screens all selections at the highest resolution, 1080p format. Should you win, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec. If your film is in any aspect ratio other than 16X9, you are responsible for adding in appropriate pillar boxes or letter boxes, so that the final file comes in at 1920X1080 without distorting your creative intent.  In addition, any non-English language works will be required to submit a version without subtitles and provide either an English subtitle transcript or SRT file with English subtitles – based on 1080p file.

3. Fill out the required information on the Submission Form, and Agree to Terms in the Submitter’s Agreement.

CineSpace may use third parties such as Film Freeway for marketing and visibility but all Submissions must come through Tongal.

If you have any issues accessing our submission page or with the submission process please contact info@tongal.com.

The video file that you submit must comply with Tongal’s recommended compression and uploading guidelines (see item 3 above for uploading instructions).

If your Submission is selected as a Finalist (as defined below), you must provide a high-resolution version upon CineSpace’s request.

Once you have submitted a work, it will not be returned. Submissions may be disqualified at any time for non-compliance with the Official Rules and Submitter’s Agreement. CineSpace makes the final determination as to which Submissions are eligible to take part in this Competition. NASA is the sole judge of the prizewinners. CineSpace will not notify you of any disqualification or the reasons for such disqualification.

ANY ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE COMPETITION EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE IS VOID.

4. REQUIREMENTS AND JUDGING CONSIDERATIONS

Each Submission must comply with the following rules:

• It must be an original work by you (apart from the NASA imagery), meaning that you (or the minor you as a parent are submitting for) were one of the work’s principal creators and have the right to submit it to the Submissions Portal and grant the licenses set forth in the Terms below.
• It must have been created after January 1, 2016.
• It must either be in the English language or have English subtitles (to the extent it contains dialogue or text).
• It must be no longer than 10 minutes, including credits.
• It must contain at least 10% (total time basis of actual work – not including end credits) of NASA imagery, which may be found on the NASA Archive or other publicly available sources. (NASA Imagery may be altered with After Effects or other techniques).
• Initial review copies of your works may be uploaded to the Tongal website at HD 720p (16X9) with acceptable file formats: .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv,  and acceptable codecs: H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4,. However, Cinespace screens all selections at the highest resolution, 1080p format. Should you win, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec. If your film is in any aspect ratio other than 16X9, you are responsible for adding in appropriate pillar boxes or letter boxes, so that the final file comes in at 1920X1080 without distorting your creative intent.  In addition, any non-English language works will be required to submit a version without subtitles and provide either an English subtitle transcript or SRT file with English subtitles – based on 1080p file.
• If your film was created using a cell phone, please be advised that portrait cell phone footage is difficult to present on screen. It is highly recommended to shoot any video using a cell phone in the landscape or horizontal orientation.
• It must not be an excerpt from a longer work.
• It must comply with all of the content restrictions set forth in the Terms. Among other things, ANY USE OF THIRD PARTY MUSIC IN THE SUBMISSION MUST BE PRE-CLEARED WITH THE APPLICABLE OWNERS/LICENSORS.
• You must have the right to grant the licenses set forth in the Terms.

When submitting to the Submissions Portal you must select the best-fitting genre from the drop-down menu in the submission form. CineSpace reserves the right to re-categorize the genre.

Selection of Finalists

A team of specialists from NASA and HCAS and special judge Richard Linklater will select Finalists based on the considerations set forth below. All Finalists will be “CineSpace 2019 Finalists” and their works will screen at the Houston Cinema Arts Festival November 14-18, 2019. The Finalists’ works will also be posted on the HCAS website and various NASA websites. Subsequent screenings may take place at special events throughout the remaining year and a compilation of the finalists may be submitted for screening in its entirety to other collaborating film festivals internationally. All Finalists will be notified of website posts and all screenings.

Awarding of Prizes

One or more NASA judges will award the prizes as listed below:

Competition Awards

• Grand Prize: USD $10,000
• Second Prize: USD $5,000
• Third Prize: USD $3,000

Special Judging Categories and Awards 

• Best Documentary: USD $4,000
• Film That Best Depicts "Humans in Space": USD $3,500
• Film using the most unusual or obscure Imagery from NASA: USD $500

Please reference prizing above as the platform lists the prizing numerically rather than by ranking or category.

Judging Criteria for Special Categories: In general, the Jury is looking for Submissions that elevate the featured themes using creative and original cinematic and/or storytelling techniques. If the jury feels that a Submission meets these criteria, the Submission may be considered for this Award. If no Submissions sufficiently meet the criteria, this category may not be awarded this year.

Best Documentary: USD $4,000

• Designated for best film in documentary format using NASA imagery.  Can be any topic or style, but should have an editorial or journalistic element.

Film That Best Depicts "Humans in Space": USD $3,500

• Awarded to the film that best captures the spirit and concept of humans living, working and exploring space.  Films can be documentary or narrative in format or simply inspirational in style.

Film using the most unusual or obscure Imagery from NASA: USD $500

• Prize goes to film that incorporates NASA imagery that has not been used before and/or is most obscure or unusual.

All remaining finalists will receive Official Selection mention.

All genres will be considered for all prizes.

The Selection Committee and Competition Judges (collectively the “Jury”) understand that various genres and formats have different artistic qualities.

5. CONTENT RESTRICTIONS

Your Submission must comply with the content restrictions and guidelines set forth in the Terms and any NASA Imagery Archive restrictions.

This summary of key points of Restrictions and Limitations on Use of NASA Material is provided for convenience. The full restrictions are available here: NASA MEDIA USAGE GUIDELINES

Please Review the Submitter’s Agreement for additional restrictions.