Participate in the Schoolcraft Film Challenge

A 48-hour filmmaking challenge for creatives

ready to build, shoot, and deliver

What is the Film Challenge?

The Schoolcraft Film Challenge is an annual 48-hour filmmaking competition that encourages creativity, teamwork, and digital storytelling. Students receive a prompt and must write, shoot, edit, and submit a complete short film within two days.

Rules & Requirements

  • Attend Kickoff: Friday, June 5th at 7:00 PM (YouTube).
  • Register: Submit Participation Agreement by Friday, June 5th at 7:30 PM.
  • Film Window: June 5, 7:00 PM → June 7, 6:00 PM.
  • Film Length: Max 7 minutes, including credits.
  • Required Elements: Include announced prop and line of dialogue.
  • Submissions: Upload via WeTransfer or bring USB by Sunday, June 7th at 6:00 PM.
  • Crew & Equipment: Volunteers only; use your own gear.
  • Content Rules: No nudity or obscene content; censor strong language.
  • Screening & Awards: Sunday, June 7th at 7:00 PM (VisTaTech Center).
  • Rights: Must have permission for any music or copyrighted material.

Submit Your Film

  1. Export your final film as MP4
  2. Name your file: TeamName_FilmTitle.mp4
  3. Upload using the submission link
  4. Email confirmation

FAQ

Q1. Who can participate in the Schoolcraft Film Challenge?A. The challenge is open to the public, as determined and approved by the Schoolcraft College Media Arts Department.

Q2. Do I need prior filmmaking experience?A. No experience is required. The challenge welcomes both beginners and advanced creators. Faculty and staff may offer general guidance, but all filming and editing must be completed by the participants themselves.

Q3. Can I participate alone, or do I need a team?A. You can participate individually or with a team. Collaboration is encouraged, but solo entries are also accepted.

Q4. How is the theme or prompt shared?A. The official prompt (and any required elements) will be announced at the kickoff meeting. Each team must attend or have at least one representative present.

Q5. Am I allowed to use music from the internet?A. Only original, licensed, or royalty-free music may be used. Participants are responsible for copyright compliance and must submit the proper documentation.

Q6. What happens if we miss the submission deadline?A. Late submissions may not be judged or screened. Deadlines are firm to maintain fairness and event scheduling.

Q7. Where will the films be shown?A. Completed films may be screened at an on-campus showcase event and may also be shared on official Schoolcraft College platforms, as permitted by the Participation/Media Release Agreement.

Q8. Who do I contact if I have questions?A. For questions, contact the Media Arts Department: Email: jsalo@schoolcraft.edu Office: 734-462-7107

CONTACT

Contact the Media Arts Department

For questions about the Schoolcraft Film Challenge please contact:

Jeremy SaloFaculty Coordinator, Media ArtsEmail: jsalo@schoolcraft.eduOffice: Forum Building – Media Arts Lab

Designed by Schoolcraft Media Arts

Copyright © 2025 Schoolcraft College

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Participate in the Schoolcraft Film Challenge

A 48-hour filmmaking challenge for creatives ready to build, shoot, and deliver

What is the Film Challenge?

The Schoolcraft Film Challenge is an annual 48-hour filmmaking competition that encourages creativity, teamwork, and digital storytelling. Students receive a prompt and must write, shoot, edit, and submit a complete short film within two days.

How it works?

Register Your Team

1

1

Registration starts on April 7th, 2026. Sign up online with your contact details. Registration confirms your spot in the challenge.

Receive the Prompt

2

2

At the kickoff event, you’ll receive the required prop and required line of dialogue. Your film must creatively include both elements.

Write & Plan

3

3

Use the first hours to brainstorm, write a script, assign roles, scout locations, and organize gear. Strong planning helps you stay on time during filming and editing.

Film + Edit

4

4

Shoot your scenes, record audio, and edit your final cut-all within the official 48-hour window. All footage must be created during the challenge. No pre-recorded clips allowed.

Submit Your Film

5

5

Export your film as an MP4, follow the naming rules, and upload it using the submission form. Late submissions cannot be accepted.

DEADLINES

Registration Opens

Friday, June 5th, 2026 by 7:30 PM

Teams can begin signing up online. Spots are limited.

Kickoff & Challenge Starts

Friday, June 5th, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Teams receive the required prop and line of dialogue.

Submission Deadline

Sunday, June 7th, 2026 by 6:00 PM

Completed films must be exported and uploaded by this time.

Screening & Awards

Sunday, June 7th, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Eligible films will be showcased in Kehrl Auditorium.

Rules & Requirements

  • Attend Kickoff: Friday, June 5th at 7:00 PM (YouTube).
  • Register: Submit Participation Agreement by Friday, June 5th at 7:30 PM.
  • Film Window: June 5, 7:00 PM → June 7, 6:00 PM.
  • Film Length: Max 7 minutes, including credits.
  • Required Elements: Include announced prop and line of dialogue.
  • Submissions: Upload via WeTransfer or bring USB by Sunday, June 7th at 6:00 PM.
  • Crew & Equipment: Volunteers only; use your own gear.
  • Content Rules: No nudity or obscene content; censor strong language.
  • Screening & Awards: Sunday, June 7th at 7:00 PM (VisTaTech Center).
  • Rights: Must have permission for any music or copyrighted material.

Submit Your Film

  1. Export your final film as MP4
  2. Name your file: TeamName_FilmTitle.mp4
  3. Upload using the submission link
  4. Email confirmation

FAQ

Q1. Who can participate in the Schoolcraft Film Challenge?A. The challenge is open to the public, as determined and approved by the Schoolcraft College Media Arts Department.

Q2. Do I need prior filmmaking experience?A. No experience is required. The challenge welcomes both beginners and advanced creators. Faculty and staff may offer general guidance, but all filming and editing must be completed by the participants themselves.

Q3. Can I participate alone, or do I need a team?A. You can participate individually or with a team. Collaboration is encouraged, but solo entries are also accepted.

Q4. How is the theme or prompt shared?A. The official prompt (and any required elements) will be announced at the kickoff meeting. Each team must attend or have at least one representative present.

Q5. Am I allowed to use music from the internet?A. Only original, licensed, or royalty-free music may be used. Participants are responsible for copyright compliance and must submit the proper documentation.

Q6. What happens if we miss the submission deadline?A. Late submissions may not be judged or screened. Deadlines are firm to maintain fairness and event scheduling.

Q7. Where will the films be shown?A. Completed films may be screened at an on-campus showcase event and may also be shared on official Schoolcraft College platforms, as permitted by the Participation/Media Release Agreement.

Q8. Who do I contact if I have questions?A. For questions, contact the Media Arts Department: Email: jsalo@schoolcraft.edu Office: 734-462-7107

CONTACT

Contact the Media Arts Department

For questions about the Schoolcraft Film Challenge please contact:

Jeremy SaloFaculty Coordinator, Media ArtsEmail: jsalo@schoolcraft.eduOffice: Forum Building – Media Arts Lab

Designed by Schoolcraft Media Arts

Copyright © 2025 Schoolcraft College

About

Tracks

Contact

Student Work