My Content
- What kind of content can I upload to Openfilm?
You can submit any number of original short or feature films, documentaries or animations. We also encourage web series with multiple episodes, for they tend to develop an audience and encourage professional social networking. We do not limit your creativity or ability to produce or submit. The more you submit, the higher your earning potential!
- How do I upload my content to Openfilm?
In order to post your original work, you must submit it for review. You can do that by logging in, clicking the Submit button under your username in the main menu or Submit in the Content section of your Dashboard menu. You have three Submit Options: direct upload, FTP transfer or mail-in DVD (for Pro and Plus Members only).
If you want to submit a file up to 2GB, choose "Upload", select the file and fill in all the required fields in the upload form. To upload video files larger than 2GB safely, you may use an FTP transfer. Access to your Openfilm FTP space is the same as your account login. Please note that FTP uploads must be accompanied by our submission form for acceptance.
Film Submissions Requirements:- Films should have a 16:9 or 4:3 ratio with a resolution of at least 640x360 or 640x480, correspondingly.
- Bitrate must be at least 700 kbs.
- Pixel ratio must be 1:1 (square) to avoid problems such as stretched or squeezed faces.
- Film should not be interlaced. This may be named "no fields," "not interlaced," "progressive," or "for web." This is to avoid the "comb" effect.
- Only widely known formats and codecs may be used. For example: avi or .mov containers and H.264/AVC or divx codecs.
- All music and images in submission must have been acquired through written consent and/or license allowing their use.
- Submission material does not violate the Openfilm Member Agreement.
We also accept submissions from Pro and Plus Members via mail-in DVD. This can include DVD videos or DVD ROMs with video files on them. Please note that all hard copies of content must be accompanied by our submission form for acceptance.
DVD Submissions Requirements:- The video on the disk should strictly confirm to DVD-Video standards.
- Film should not be interlaced. This may be named "no fields," "not interlaced," "progressive," or "for web." This is to avoid the "comb" effect.
- Only widely known formats and codecs may be used. For example: avi or .mov containers and H.264/AVC or divx codecs.
- All music and images in submission must have been acquired through written consent and/or license allowing their use.
- Submission material does not violate the Openfilm Member Agreement.
You can read more details about our file formats, aspect ratio, resolution, and bit rate in the Upload Help section.
- Is it hard to upload my work?
Uploading to Openfilm is easy! But, in order to ensure that your work looks and sounds the very BEST on our site, here are a few important points to consider before you upload:
File Formats and SettingsWe encourage you to use the highest-quality version of your film and to make sure the file is in a "standard" format with appropriate settings. We use the term "standard" to refer to formats most commonly installed on Mac & PC systems. Our technology enables us to accept many different formats, but here are three we recommend, along with suggested settings:
Aspect Ratio and ResolutionAspect ratio refers to the relationship between the height and width of an image. There are two different aspect ratios on Openfilm:
16:9
4:3
All 16:9 films on Openfilm display at a resolution of 920x518. Works that are 4:3 display at 690x518. If your submission has lower resolution than this, it will be digitally magnified by us during the encoding process, and while we do a careful job of preserving quality, it's no substitute for true high resolution. For best results, the work you upload should be at least 920x518 (for 16:9) or 690x518 (for 4:3) or larger.
File Size and BitrateYou can upload up to 5GB or mail us a DVD. Bitrate is a major factor that controls file size. It defines how much data defines each second of video. The higher the bitrate is, the better the quality, but also the file size is larger. The best approach is to test what bitrate keeps your particular films looking clean while keeping the file size reasonable.
Do you have a feature film that needs a larger file size limit to upload? We'll work with you. Contact us at largeupload@openfilm.com.
File Type Compression Type Settings Quicktime Movie (.mov) H.264 Frames per second 30 (or native fps of your video) Quality Best (100) DV/DVCPRO (NTSC /PAL) Frames per second 30 (or native fps of your video) Quality Best (100) Scan Mode Progressive Aspect Ratio Whichever applies to your video Video for Windows (.avi) Microsoft DV n/a DivX Community Codec Rate Control Mode Multipass, first pass Bitrate 700kbps Windows Media (.wmv) Video Codec : WMV 9 Audio Codec: WMA 9 Videos Bitrate Mode Constant Frame Rate 30 (or native fps of your video) Pixel Aspect Ratio Square Pixels Maximum Bitrate 800kbps Image Quality 100 Audio Bitrate Settings Constant Audio Settings 128kbps, 48kHz, Stereo
- How does Openfilm select or reject content for publishing to the site?
Openfilm welcomes all submissions. Before publication to the site, each and every film is screened for technical and production quality and possible violations of our Terms of Use, Member Agreement and Copyright. We check that your submission has appropriate high picture and sound quality. We determine substantiality and completion of each work. A 10 second clip of an exploding statue of a squirrel set to a popular song and shot in poor focus will probably be rejected.
- How long does it take for my uploaded work to be published?
Premium members are guaranteed publishing within 24 hours. We strive to screen films as quickly as we can, but due to an overwhelming amount of submissions it can be as long as 72 hours before your work is published. If you don't see your work within 72 hours and have not received a response from us, please write us to content@openfilm.com.
We provide a custom conversion for films that have some visual or audio defects. Our team can perform sophisticated corrections to fix quality problems, and in some cases, tasteful censoring of mature content. We believe in freedom of self-expression, but we do look out for our Openfilm members. If we suspect you made a mistake in your description information, we will fix it. All of this is ONLY done with the consent of the author.
- What are some reasons that may cause a film to be rejected on Openfilm?
The following are some reasons for rejection:
- Low resolution - Openfilm displays videos at high quality. Because of that, we require submissions to have a minimum resolution of 640x360 (16:9)/640x480 (4:3). HD resolution (1280x720) is preferred. Please address the the resolution issue in your file and resubmit from your dashboard so that we can review for publishing on Openfilm.com.
- Copyrighted material - Your submission may contain material that is protected by copyright. In order for your submission to be accepted and showcased on Openfilm, we require that you have written consent from the publisher of the material validating your authority to use this content in your specific work. You can send us a copy of your agreement here: copyright@openfilm.com.
- Inapplicable content - While we welcome most forms of filmmaking, this particular submission does not appear to qualify for the site. Our content standards require that submissions be live-action fiction, animation, or documentary in format.
- Incomplete content - We're sorry that we could not immediately publish your content. It appears that your file did not upload completely, or it may be corrupt. Please check the file and once you've confirmed it's complete and without corruption, resubmit from your dashboard so that we can review for publishing on Openfilm.com.
Please, submit your films converted to a common video format using a popular codec, so we can guarantee the best quality of your film on the site.
Please, make sure that your file is uploaded to the server completely. Otherwise please try to upload it again.
If you feel that we have misunderstood the submitted work and you would like to appeal the rejection, please send a clarification note to support@openfilm.com for our consideration.
- How do I manage my content on Openfilm?
Openfilm offers a variety of ways to manage and present your original content. You can take advantage of these opportunities to promote your work by adding descriptions and credits to your channel. You also have the option to create multiple channels on our site. The Openfilm designers may create flash banners for your channels, which are displayed on the Channels page.
My Account
- How do I create my own channel?
To create a channel, go to Dashboard, choose Content, choose Channels and then choose Create New. Next, fill in your pertinent information and customize however you like!
- How do I manage films in my Channel?
Using the drag and drop service, any film in a channel is automatically placed in the “From This User” section when generated from the same user account.
You may provide cast and crew information, production details and other statistics in your Channel. This information, along with production stills, is displayed on your video playback page. Upload your own through the Dashboard or ask us and we'll create one for you for free!
- What are the Quicklists, Viewing History and Favorites options?
Quicklists, Viewing History and Favorites are the service playlists. They are always on the dashboard. Users can delete all videos from them, but cannot delete the playlists.
When you see a film you like and want to recommend it to others, you can add it to your list of Favorites by clicking on the Star icon in playback player menu. This list is displayed in your profile for public view. You can also add films to your Playlists. The Playlists is similar to Favorites except that no one but you can see it unless you indicate it as public.
The Quicklist is a type of Playlist to which you can easily add films by clicking on the “+” icon at the bottom right corner of any work. This is a fun and easy way to keep track of films you wish to view at a later time.
- How can I delete my content?
You can remove your content anytime. To delete a film, go to the Videos section in the Dashboard, and select Published Videos. Click the "Delete" icon on the video thumbnail. (Channels and playlists can be deleted similar to videos). If you wish to delete one of your Channels, please note that all channel videos will be deleted.
- How does copyright work?
If we become aware that you have posted a film containing work that is not your own we will immediately remove it from our site. Your account/profile is also subject to suspension or deletion in cases of multiple copyright violations.
- Do I retain the legal rights to my work?
Yes, we do not ask for exclusive rights. All we need from you is a limited license to display your content. You can find more detailed information in our Member Agreement.
You may post content that has already been licensed for distribution elsewhere as long as it does not violate any agreements with other distributors.
- What if I have been falsely accused of copyright infringement?
If you feel that you have been falsely accused of copyright infringement, please email us at review@openfilm.com.
- How do I view films in high-definition?
All films on site are displayed in normal quality 920x518 (16:9) or 690x518 (4:3) by default. If the video author has uploaded his or her film in high-definition (1280x720) then the HD button is available on the playback player and embedded player toolbar. So, viewers can turn on/off the high-definition screening. The best viewing experience can be reached with a full screen viewing.
- What is the Dashboard?
The Dashboard helps you to manage and control your content, including films, channels, playlists, contacts, stats, earnings, in-mail messages, upload, shopping card, profile info and others.
- How do I manage my email settings?
To avoid any annoying letters and notifications, you may change the email settings by clicking Email Options in the Account section of the Dashboard to select the notifications you wish to receive. You will receive several notifications and Openfilm newsletter by default.
- What types of member accounts are available on Openfilm?
There are three types of memberships available at Openfilm: Free, Plus and Pro. Upon joining the Openfilm community, you will be prompted to select one of these three types.
A Free Membership account on Openfilm allows you to create your own channel, upload films and photos, interact with other members, comment on and rate films and other channels, subscribe to your favorite creators, send and receive messages from members, create your favorite works collections (playlists, quick lists, favorites etc) and share content. Create a free Openfilm account now.
You may upgrade from a free membership to a Premium membership at anytime. The current subscription fees and benefits for Pro and Plus Accounts are listed here .
Your selection of a Plus or Pro account requires that you pay a monthly subscription fee in advance. Your credit card or PayPal account will automatically be charged for your subscription fee each month. If you choose to cancel your membership, you may do so at anytime without penalty by visiting your Dashboard and the Account section. If you cancel during any monthly period, you will not be refunded any amount of the subscription fee. Please see our Member Agreement for complete details.
- How do I delete my account?
The Account section under your Dashboard allows you to delete your account. After clicking on Delete Account, you will need to confirm your password and specify the reason for deleting your account.
My Earnings
- How do I collect earnings for my work?
With Openfilm, you have several ways to earn money: revenue sharing from the ads displayed in connection with your content, collect donations and direct sales. All your earning and payment stats are displayed on your Dashboard under the Account section and Earnings. You may withdraw your accumulated funds if you have a balance of at least $25 in your account.
- How do I use the shopping cart?
The Openfilm Shopping Cart allows you to review all the films you have added to purchase. Upon payment completion you will receive a notification in your control panel. This allows you to download and import your purchased films. You may import to your iTunes to help synchronization to your mobile device. Use of the purchased films is subject to the Terms of Sale and all copyright laws.
- What is revenue sharing?
You may be able to generate revenue through participation as a content provider, through valid, end-user activity relating to content and advertisement and direct sales related to your content. Such activity could include, without limitation, full video content views, clicks on an advertisement, conversion of an advertisement, clicks to a sale, or delivery of an ad impression displayed in connection with video content, or inclusion of video content as part of a segment for broadcast on other affiliate channels in the Openfilm network.
By uploading your video content onto the Openfilm site, you grant Openfilm the right to take advertising actions related to your video content. Openfilm will sell and collect for advertisements when your video content is viewed.
Where the revenue share is related to gross revenue for advertisements on the Internal Openfilm Network, the revenue share shall be 50 percent. Where the revenue share is related to gross revenue for advertisements on the External Openfilm Network, the share shall be 10 percent.
You can find more detailed information about our revenue sharing program in our Member Agreement.
- How can I receive donations?
In order to receive donations, you must have at least one published video. The donation settings are available in the Dashboard, under Settings. You can collect fans’ donations using your PayPal email address. This is a low cost way for you to accept credit card and bank account donations on your Channel, Profile and Videos pages.
- How do I sell or rent my work on Openfilm?
You may be able to generate revenue through direct sales to end-users of mobile or HD versions of your video content. Every Premium Member who submits content to our site is eligible to earn money for his or her work. It is up to your complete discretion to set the sale price for downloadable versions of your work. No matter what you decide to charge, we will only take $.69 for each sale.
The license you will be granting to the end-user will be a personal, non-commercial right to view your content on their mobile device or personal computer, subject to Openfilm’s current Terms of Sale.
- How do I withdraw my earnings?
Openfilm payments are made on a quarterly schedule. If your account balance reaches $25, you will be given about 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter to submit your withdrawal request. The Withdraw button appears in the Dashboard, under Account and then Earnings section.
- Why are my “valid ad impressions” still at 0?
If you have turned on the Ads Option on your content and your valid ad impressions are at zero, it will be due to one of the following reasons:
- 1. Sometimes our ads are geo-targeted, which means they will only play in certain regions or will be restricted in certain regions.
- 2. Some advertisers set limits on the number of times the ads can be played on a site, so it may not always play on your video.
- 3. The ad must be played through to the end for the ad impression to count.
Openfilm Live
- Can anyone submit a question for the Openfilm Live webcam chat host?
Any Openfilm Pro or Plus Account member may submit a question to an Advisory Board Member or guest host of the Openfilm Live webcam chat series. To get your Pro or Plus Account, click here. Any Openfilm registered user can view and vote on the chat questions. All Openfilm registered users have access to the live webcam chats throughout the year. We will notify the community of the upcoming webcam chats schedule.
- Can my question cover any topic related to independent film?
You may submit any question relating to the film industry, filmmaking, film festivals, film history and relating to the professional history and experiences of the webcam chat participant. Please note that we will not accept any questions pertaining to, or inquiring about, the personal details of Advisory Board and/or other Openfilm members. Also, we will reject questions that contain profanity, threats or insults of any form.
- Can I ask about my personal project in my question?
You may ask a specific question that pertains to your work, but we encourage questions that benefit the entire Openfilm community.
- How are the questions selected?
Every question is read to confirm appropriate content before publishing. The live webcam chats are for the Openfilm community, so it’s the community that selects the questions. All Openfilm registered members will be able to vote, up or down, one time on any or all questions. The top 10 questions selected will determine which users are invited into the live webcam chat.
- Is there a limit as to how many questions a Pro Account member may submit?
No. Openfilm has not implemented limitations for question submissions for Pro Account members but moderation is suggested. The Openfilm registered user community is responsible for voting questions up and down, and can react accordingly if one user has submitted more questions than is deemed reasonable.
- If your question is chosen, does this eradicate your chances for future question selection?
No. Question selection is determined by votes from the Openfilm registered user community. Openfilm has not built a limit on the number of times a user’s question can be voted into the top selection.
- When does the question submission process end?
The question submission end time is indicated on each webcam chat page.
- What if my question is not in the top 10?
Openfilm will select 10 additional Pro Account members by random lottery to participate in the live webcam chat. Those members will receive an email, and it will be up to them to join in. Replacement members will not be selected for any invited/selected members who cannot participate. If you are not participating inside of the live webcam chat room, you and your fellow Openfilm Pro Account members will still be able to watch the webcam chat live and chat amongst each other.
Distribution
- What services does Openfilm offer to distribute my film?
The Distribution tab directs users to a programming list of films from the Openfilm library that are being delivered to third party distribution platforms. Openfilm has partnerships with many third party distribution platforms, such as TiVo, Boxee and HCC, that distribute content straight to the televisions of more than 11 million homes. This creates incredible opportunities for filmmakers to gain greater exposure and stimulate buzz with a larger audience. We make new partnerships every day, so be sure to check the distribution page often.
- How can my film be considered for distribution?
Openfilm users may decide whether to opt in or out of distribution by indicating their preference in the 'Syndicate to External Network' box. This preference box is found on the Published Videos page under Edit Info for your film (the Pencil icon on the film thumbnail).
Syndication preference can also be requested by clicking the “suggest a film” button from the Distribution page. Please include a quick note about your desire to be considered for content distribution.
To be considered for distribution, users first need to upload/publish content to their Openfilm channel. Plus and Pro account members are guaranteed distribution, but the Syndicate button must be checked.
Openfilm’s content team is constantly combing through the film library for works to submit for distribution to third party distribution platforms. Works selected for distribution have been chosen to meet the content needs and time constraints of particular providers.
- How can I get my work distributed on TiVo?
Every week we will syndicate a selection of films from the Openfilm library on TiVo. This is an incredible opportunity to gain exposure and stimulate buzz with a huge audience. The Openfilm’s TiVo program can be found here.
Again, syndication preference can be requested by clicking the “suggest an episode” button from the Distribution page. Please include a quick note about your desire to be considered for content distribution.
Openfilm episodes are syndicated to the several TiVo channels: Openfilm.com - Arts, Openfilm.com - Drama, Openfilm.com - Editor's Picks.
- How can Openfilm distribute my work on Boxee?
Boxee is one of Openfilm’s third party distribution platform. An open source, cross-platform program and social media center, Boxee allows its users to watch a rich content of movies, TV shows and videos on their televisions via their computers.
With the Openfilm Application, Boxee users gain access to films greater than three minutes in length. Also, Boxee Movies features Openfilm long form films to more than two million viewers. The habitual ‘share’ and ‘rate’ any content options to the other Boxee members are also available to viewers once they’ve watched it.
Film Festivals Data Base
- Why does Openfilm keep tabs on film festivals?
Openfilm strives to keep its community aware of what's going on in the independent film industry by the most recent film festival and events coverage. If you are a creator, you can gain valuable information and schedule your production accordingly to participate in festivals.
- What is the Film Festival Calendar?
The film festivals calendar was created as a unique outlook widget covering all events of the Film Festival industry around the world. This allows the Openfilm community to stay in the loop about festivals, both national and international. With one glance, you can see how many events are happening during the year. Our film festival database includes thousands listings of the events and international screenings. All of which are provided with detailed information. We hope this unique feature will introduce you to new opportunities and rewards your talent.
- What is the Film Festival Database?
Our comprehensive Film Festival database counts about 4000 listings of more than 2000 film festivals. You may search and browse the database of festivals past, present and future to help find the ones just right for your film. Besides the important dates and competition details for each festival, we also provide the real time film festivals news reel collected from the social communities and film festival web sites. Our providers include festivals directors and industry enthusiasts who keep our listings updated.
You can also use the Modify button to help us stay current with all information and new festivals.
- What type of film festival information is available to me?
The film festival listing page connects all festival activities in one place. More than one hundred film festival managers have already joined Openfilm and we provide their profile links on the appropriate film festival listings. Be sure to take advantage of Openfilm’s communication tools to attract their attention to your work. Also, we are proud to present many talented films provided by more than 40 film festivals. We promote their channels in the Film Festival section and connect channels to the film festival listings.
Contests
- What contests opportunities are available on Openfilm?
Openfilm syndicates and sponsors a selection of great contests to provide you with additional spotlights on these exclusive opportunities. The Contest tab also directs you to Openfilm’s current featured film competitions, along with previous contests sponsored by Openfilm. All information regarding submission and participation requirements can be found under the thumbnail for the contests.
- How do you syndicate a contest to Openfilm?
Please send us your request for contest promotion to marketing@openfilm.com.
- What is the Get it Made Competition?
Openfilm’s Get It Made competition is a biannual online challenge for filmmakers who want the chance to win a prize worth $500,000 as well as the opportunity to produce their dream project with Openfilm Studios. The Openfilm community votes on the short films online. The top ten films, chosen by both the Openfilm community and the Advisory Board, then move on to be finalists in the next phase. The Advisory Board screens each film and selects one grand prize winner. Openfilm will contact the grand winner prior to any public announcement within one month of the Advisory Board’s decision.
All information regarding submission and participation requirements can be found under the contest posters in the Contests section.
- What is the Openfilm Launchpad?
The Openfilm Launchpad is a secure, complete, and easy-to-use white label software system–the service of supporting a product of another source–for you to create, maintain and distribute any contest style project. This innovative software allows you and your company to be a mainstay on calendars all year round.
The Launchpad was created for three purposes:
- To Engage - Participating filmmakers, online viewing/voting community, and sponsor stakeholders stay connected with one another.
- Pro and Plus Accounts are listed Interact - Launchpad makes it easy to host off-cycle contests to stay in the sights of your audience. The easy view and vote software feature lets the audience decide, and easy customization allows for sponsor branding, and the benefit of additional exposure.
- To Expand – You can attract filmmakers outside of your call for entries cycle and keep your website visits up throughout your off season. You can also be a mainstay on calendars year-round and expand your revenue by giving sponsors added value proposition.
Through our quality proprietary technology, we supply you with the tools to build and entertain any interactive idea in easy, manageable steps.
Click here for more info.
What if I have a question that was not covered here?
Please email us at info@openfilm.com or use our feedback form found at the bottom of every page.
