ALHC Soundies Film Fest

Entries must use music selected from the public domain or music by a band who has granted permission to use their music. (Click here to go to BAND PERMISSION FORM as a Word doc. Click here for a PDF.)

First, pay the registration fee of $25. Then fill out the registration form. (Click here to go to reistration form.) You are limited to uploading 1G.

To be considered, your video should not contain any obscenity, profanity, or indecency. People who are included in your video must have agreed to be filmed, or be filmed in a public place. Names of agreeing participants must be included on the submission application for each video you enter. You may submit as many entries as you would like. All entries must be original, and you must be the sole owner of any copyright in any video submitted (other than the music). All entries must be original productions.

Entries are void if they are determined to not be an original work of the contest entrant or if the Sponsor determines the entry to be illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error or obtained through fraud or theft.

Start here if you want to make a video
Want to make a video, but not sure how to start? Maybe you have ideas already but don't know how to execute them, or perhaps you are committed to making a video but don't have any specific ideas nailed down yet. Here are some suggestions on how to get started.

First, find a song that inspires you. You might find that inspiration strikes while listening to a particular song. Turn on a song and close your eyes... what imagery comes to mind? Is part of a story forming in your mind? Listen to specific instruments. What do they say to you? What do you see, or think, as the song progresses. If a song does not speak to you, move on to other options. If you plan to share your creation on the internet, you should plan to arrange for rights to use the music in your film. Many band leaders are happy to let you use their music, under circumstances which protect them legally or financially. Additionally, bands that are trying to make a name for themselves might welcome the exposure. Don’t hesitate to ask, but always ask before using a song in your film.

Second, look at films from other contests such as Jazz Dance Film Fest on YouTube. This can help you generate ideas by seeing what other people brought to the table with their films.

Third, write out your ideas. Let your imagination run wild, and don't limit your ideas. You can always go back and rework your ideas later to make them more feasible. Think your ideas are too simple? That's okay too! Sometimes simple can be just as good, if not better, than something that's more elaborate. You might find it beneficial to storyboard your ideas to work through the thoughts you have. Keep working on your ideas until you end up with something doable.

Fourth, talk with friends. You never know who will be interested in helping or collaborating with you on a video until you ask! You may find that you have friends that would love to make a video but, like you, may have trouble seeing themselves doing it alone. For example, you might find some friends that are shy and feel daunted by the idea of coordinating others to make a music video happen. These friends might make great behind-the-scenes players, like camera operators or editors, while more outgoing friends might love the task of coordinating a small to large group of people for a video.

Is swing dance required? Some form of vintage jazz dance (Swing Dancing, Tap, Charleston, etc.) is required, but does not have to be included for the entirety of the video.

Can I use a company's logo? Please avoid featuring logos without permission as, depending on the context, that may be interpreted as trademark infringement. You can always, of course, get a company's permission to use their logo, or blur out the logo.

Can I submit an animated video? Yes! You are free to use animation of any form (computer-generated, hand-drawn, stop-motion). However, please do not use any copyrighted material or characters (e.g. Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, etc.).

Does the dancing in my video have to be choreographed No. As long as the dancing qualifies as vintage jazz dance, you can do what you'd like.

Editing video seems daunting to me! Can I just not do it? We'll take your video even if there's no editing, however, editing can affect the overall artistry, which the judges may take into account.

What kind of music can I use? If you can dance to it you can use it.

Please choose music from the Public Domain, iTunes Royalty Free Music, Faceboook Creator Studio, YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, http://www.archive.org/index.php and http://www.jazz-on-line.com.Feel free to contact bands in your area. Most are happy to allow you to use their music. Use the Band Permission Form if you do.

May I submit more than one video? Yes.You are free to submit more than one video. Be advised that if you may incur additional charges to upload more than 2.

Entry Submission and Terms and Conditions

To have your video/film judged you must have completed the following:

1. Pay the $25 registration fee. You may include more than one film.
2. Do not submit more than 1G.
3. Submit by October 15, 2022.
4. Is the content matter appropriate to the contest theme , in other words like a 1940-era Soundie?
5. Was proof of permission submitted for any and all copyrighted materials used in the video?
6. Has the video entry been properly identified, named and/or tagged as requested in the rules?

Your entry window is open unitl October 15, 2022. No exceptions.