The 8th annual The Method Fest Independent Film Festival, March 31-April 7, 2006, in Calabasas, Calif., is seeking feature films and short film entries. The Early Bird entry deadline is October 15. The entry deadline is December 5, 2005, and the late entry deadline is January 26, 2006 (postmarked). We do not guarantee your film will be viewed after this date. The following formats will be screened at the festival: 35mm, Beta SP, and Digibeta. See below for submission criteria. Please note: The festival does not accept documentaries or animation.

The Method Fest, dedicated to discovering unique independent films showcasing breakout acting performances, is the only film festival in America that puts its focus on the actor, believing acting is the core ingredient to independent film. The Method Fest, presented by Charter Communications, features American and foreign feature films and short films. The festival is named after "The Method" school of acting, which brought truth and realism to the world of acting. Many of today's top actors trace their lineage back to great Method Actors such as John Garfield, Geraldine Page, Robert DeNiro, Meryll Streep, and Dustin Hoffman.

Awards at the festival will include:

Features: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress,  Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Picture, Maverick Award for Quality in a low-budget film

Shorts: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Picture

Additional awards may be added. Winners will receive a festival statuette and may receive additional prizes provided by festival sponsors.

Please include with this application:

1 or more VHS or DVD copies of the project in NTSC format

Project Overview

Principal Cast/credits list

EPK or press kit including at least one still photo

Entry form and required fee

Make check or money order (US dollars) payable to The Method Fest. Send your application, materials and payment to:

The Method Fest
880 Apollo St., Suite 337
El Segundo, CA 90245

Submission Fees:

 Features: $35 per entry, Early Bird (October 15); $40 December 5; $50 late; Shorts: $25 Early Bird entry; $30 ·December 5; $40 late; Student short films: $20 Early Bird; $25 thereafter. 

Terms and Conditions of Entry: No animation or documentary films will be accepted. More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form and applicable entry fee. The entry fee is non-refundable. For confirmation that your entry has been received, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. All entries must be shipped prepaid, insured, packed in proper containers.

The Method Fest does not assume any liability for damage to entries due to improper containers or otherwise. VHS tapes and other materials sent to the Method Fest will not be returned to you. 

Eligibility

Only films completed after December 31, 2004, will be accepted in the festival.

Selection

If a film is accepted, entrants will be solely responsible for delivering their exhibition print/video materials to and from the festival venue. The Method Fest can not be held liable for your exhibition print/video materials which are lost or damaged. The Method cannot provide room, board or travel for filmmakers. Please note, festival dates are subject to change.

Festival Judging

The Method Fest will invite distinguished individuals from the field of filmmaking to serve as impartial judges of the competition. Final judging of the films will be made during the Method Fest. These screenings will be open to the public.

Other

For films accepted into the Method Fest additional information will be sent.

CERTIFICATION OF ENTRANT

The filmmaker/person submitting the film must acknowledge and agree as follows: 1) I am duly authorized to submit this film to the festival; 2) This film is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation; 3) I hold The Method Fest film festival harmless from damages to the print en route or otherwise during the course of the Festival's possession of the film. 4) The festival is further authorized to use up to 3 minutes of the film for promotional purposes. 5) To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true. 6) I have music/festival clearances for the music in my film.

Click to access 2006 Print Entry Form in web format or PDF format (large file).