[Start of shooting: Friday 3. 18:00. Santa María La Rica / Finalists Gala: Thursday 9 16:30 Teatro Salón Cervantes].
As an ideal location for hundreds of shootings throughout its history, Alcalá de Henares has welcomed the gaze of many filmmakers, who have been able to see both in its heritage spaces and in its hidden corners the ideal place to tell their stories. Since last year the Alcalá Film Office has been in charge of facilitating and promoting these film shoots, and now it wants to know your own vision. That's why it invites you to participate in a 72-hour marathon to make the best super-short films, up to 5 minutes, in the city of Alcalá in two categories: Horizontal and Vertical. Whether your thing is the more classic short films or the new formats that go viral in networks, stories and tiktok, don't think about it. Charge your cell phone and make it roll. You can win cash prizes and join the filmmakers of the official sections at the closing gala.
The following is a guide made by Entrebares and El Tornillo de Klaus.
9 tips to participate in the ALCALÁ FILM JAM:
1. READ THE RULES AND COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM
This is the first step for us to know that you exist and for you to be sure of all the deadlines and characteristics necessary to participate.
2. CHOOSE YOUR CATEGORY: HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL
They are different lengths and languages, choose the one that best suits what you want to tell.
3. ATTEND THE INITIAL SESSION AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE KEYWORDS.
Whether in person or by zoom, there we will solve all your doubts, you will have our jury of experts to help you and, above all, we will give you the keywords that you will have to include in your film in very different creative ways.
4. APPLY THE K.I.S.S. METHODOLOGY: KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID!
It's an American saying, we don't want to mess with you. When it comes to the script and shooting, come up with a simple idea that you can easily shoot with what you have on hand.
Another saying: The simpler the better.
5. CHOOSE THE LOCATIONS WELL
Filming in a city like Alcalá de Henares is already a production value in itself. But, beyond its heritage, there are a thousand hidden and original corners to be discovered. Keep an eye out for possible permits and, above all, leave it as clean and tidy as you found it.
6. PLAN AND ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS
A lot can happen in 72 hours. Think about displacements, coordinating the team, daylight hours, noises, weather? The more you have everything prepared, the easier it will be not to get blocked and overcome the obstacles that arise along the way.
7. WHAT DID YOU SAY? NO SOUND...
Sound is the great forgotten. Take care of it as much as you can. Investing in good equipment can make a big difference in your movie.
8. NEVER SAY: "WE'LL FIX THEM IN POST".
Anything you can solve and repeat during the shoot will always be preferable to fixing it in editing. And when the time comes, don't be afraid to eliminate scenes or fine-tune the pacing to get the best possible video.
9. HAVE FUN AND... DON'T FORGET THE FORM!
A jam is to play and have fun doing something with friends in a short time. Don't get overwhelmed, avoid arguments and, above all, don't forget to fill in the last form and hand in your film on time.
Do you want to see the finalists of 2023?
