Frequently Asked Questions

1. So many rules and regulations. Do I really have to follow them all?
Yes. MetroCAF is a professionally-run event that will be shown across the country and around the world. The rules and regulations are set up for your protection, to best insure the highest-quality exposure for your work.

2. Can't we talk about this? Can you make any exceptions?
We cannot make any changes to policies or consider any special circumstances.

3. May I submit more than just my own work?
No. All submissions must be made by the artist him- or herself. Important signatures granting permissions and declaring ownership of the submission's contents must be executed by the submitting artist. (Also see Group Submissions, below.)

4. I worked with several other classmates on one piece. Are group projects permitted?
Yes, just follow the ordinary submission guidelines. However, each student who participated in creating the piece must fill out and sign his or her own permission form, with the title of the piece and the indication that it is a group project.

5. Are group submissions (more than one piece from one school submitted at the same time in the same package) permitted? May group submissions be made by anyone or any school?
Group submissions are permitted, but there must be a separate signed Entry Form together with separate media for each piece submitted; no more than one piece may be contained on each tape or disk. And, of course, each application must be signed by the student submitting the work; no one else can sign it for the artist.

6. May I submit updated work after the deadline if I hand-deliver it to your address?
As a matter of policy and professionalism, we cannot accept any work after the deadline.

7. May I submit updated work after the deadline if previous work has been submitted before the deadline?
No. In order to meet our judging and production schedule, we cannot accept any work after the deadline.

8. May I submit my work in a format or a medium different from those requested on the Entry Form?
No, because the format guidelines have been set up to reflect equipment readily available to us. We cannot procure additional equipment or download specific software that may be uniquely required for your particular submission.

9. I don't have permission to use certain audio, video or images in my piece. If I just take responsibility for this in writing, would that be okay?
No. You may under no circumstances submit any content you do not own unless you have the owner's permission. Any such submissions without proof of permission will be immediately disqualified.

10. I sort of have permission to use the audio, video or images, but I can't exactly offer written proof of this. If I just take responsibility for this in writing, would that be okay?
No way. You must sign a declaration on the application form stating you have permission to use all the contents of your work. If you are submitting work containing audio or visual elements that are not your own, please submit documentation to show you have permission to use it. No submissions will be accepted unless they fulfill these requirements (see above).

11. My work has been accepted into the festival! I want to bring my entire family and all my friends to the screening! Can they all get in for free?
You may bring two guests for free. Everyone else must pay the admission fee.

12. Permissions Checklist:
* Is everything contained in your animation your own original work? If not, are you certain you have permissions for everything in your work? Can you produce proof of this permission?

* Did one or more people collaborate with you in creating this work? If so, in addition to crediting them, do you have their permission to submit it to MetroCAF? Can you produce proof of this permission?

* Does any of your animation contain materials from a commercial product? Can you produce proof of permission to use this material?

* Does any of your animation contain materials from a public domain or shareware product? Can you produce proof of permission to use this material?

* Does any of your animation contain materials from an unknown or unclear source? Can you produce proof of permission to use this material?