Film Fest
FESTIVAL DETAILS & REGISTRATION
Timeline
Open for submissions 09/10/24
Early Bird Deadline 01/10/25
Deadline 02/10/25
Notification Date 02/28/25
Event Date 03/22/25
EVENT REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2025 Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival will open on February 1st
EVENT SCHEDULE
Festival Schedule will be released on 2/28/25
FINANCIAL AID
In order to provide equal access to our festival, The Count Basie Center for the Arts provides Financial Support towards the Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival’s submission fees.
If you require support with your submission fees: [email protected]
If you are an elementary school student and require educational assistance: [email protected]
All entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on 2/10/25.
ABOUT US
The Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for student emerging filmmakers across New Jersey and fostering a creative community.
Throughout the year, the Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest provides programming to support young talent, space and platforms for screenings and visibility, and educational opportunities throughout the year. The festival itself aims to provide an event that offers professional pathways, diverse workshops, roundtables, and development platforms.
Through, the Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest includes:
• Free Virtual Webinars
• Free In-Person Workshops
• Classes at Count Basie Center’s Turner Academy of the Arts (scholarships available)
• Industry panels including today’s relevant professionals and artists
• Networking opportunities with peers and panelists
• Career development classes for the film and television industry
• Educator collaboration to develop skills and share resources
HISTORY
For nine years, the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank has conducted an annual youth-based Film Festival for young filmmakers across the state of New Jersey. Each year, 35 films are screened at the event which highlights professional networking and most recently, workshops, panel discussion, and other educational opportunities. Awards are given in several categories including Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and Best Film.
Formerly the Count Basie Center’s High School and College Film Festival and Project FX, the festival has hosted celebrity guests and representatives from such production companies as Sony Pictures Classics and Netflix as guests on their panels.
WORKSHOPS
OCT 22 • 6PM
Story Creation and Screenwriting Lab
Unlock your storytelling potential with our online Introduction to Screenwriting session! This class is designed for aspiring writers who want to learn the fundamentals of crafting compelling screenplays. Students will explore the essential elements of screenwriting, including structure, character development, dialogue, and visual storytelling. Read more…
Register Inscribase
NOV 13 • 6PM
AI in Film: Revolutionizing Storytelling and Production
Explore the cutting edge world of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on the film industry. This session examines how AI technologies are revolutionizing various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and pre-production to visual effects. Through practical application, students will explore the innovative ways AI is shaping the future of cinema. Read more…
Register Inscribase
JAN 15 • 6PM
The Director’s Eye
Step into the director’s chair and learn the art and craft of film directing. This comprehensive workshop is designed for aspiring directors who want to understand the intricacies of visual storytelling, from pre-production to post-production. Students will explore the creative and technical aspects of directing, gaining the skills needed to bring their cinematic visions to life. Read more…
Register Inscribase
Rules and Guidelines
2025 Festival details will be released on February 1st. Please see below for a list of Rules and Guidelines for your submission.
Rules and Regulations
(1) Eligibility Requirements
– Films previously submitted to the Basie’s “PROJECT FX” or “Teen + College Film Festival” competitions are not eligible.
– Any film submitted must be made after January 1, 2024.
– At the time of submission, emerging filmmakers must be between the age of 11-25, and have proof of a residential mailing address in the state of New Jersey.
– Students may use any type of equipment to create their submission.
– Films may be no longer than 20 minutes, including credits, opening sequences, etc.
– Entrants may be asked to identify legal ownership of the film.
– Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the festival, including usage of all music, images, and content contained therein.
– Only complete submissions will be considered. Each complete submission must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee. Entry fees are not refundable. Fees cover registration, notification that your entry has been received, and notification of results. These fees may be paid by credit/debit card only.
– Films must be submitted via Filmfreeway.com.
– You may not use copyrighted music or video footage in your film. YouTube and Vimeo are becoming increasingly vigilant about this, and we cannot be responsible for films pulled down for copyright violations. If you require additional support in this area, please contact us at [email protected]
– Upon acceptance, films must be provided as a .mp4 file for download.
– All films must not contain any form of nudity.
– All entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on 2/10/25.