Submission FAQ

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about submitting a film to VisionGateFilm.com. If you do not find an answer below, please contact us.

How do I submit my film to VisionGateFilm.com?

To submit your film to VisionGateFilm.com, simply fill out the Submission Form* and mail it along with your tape to:

Vision Gate Film
P.O. Box 415
Turnerville, GA 30580

Once the film is received, it usually takes a couple of weeks to be posted on the site, depending on the number of submissions that have been received before your film. You will receive a Welcome Packet from VisionGateFilm.com in the mail shortly after we receive your film, which will provide the estimated posting date for your film(s).

*One Submission Form per film. You can send multiple films on one tape.

Back to Top

What are the technical requirements for the tapes submitted?

  • MiniDV and VHS are the preferred formats for submissions. BetaSP and 3/4 are accepted as well. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM* submission are okay, but you must follow the guidelines below.
  • The audio level must be of a high enough volume without any clipping.
  • The video signal must be clean and without any generation loss and have at least a minute of pre-roll at the beginning of the tape so that the film can be digitized.
  • If you shot on film, it must be professionally transferred to video. No rogue "shot off the wall" film transfers of your film are accepted. Besides, a professionally transferred film looks beautiful.

* Data DVD-ROMs only. DVDs that can be played back on a set-top DVD player on not accepted.

Back to Top

Is there a maximum length that my film can be?

Yes. Currently the limit is 30 minutes. This will have a bigger file size, but for broadband this really isn't an issue.

Back to Top

Can I submit my film over the web?

Yes! Please click here to go to the online submission form.

Back to Top

Can I submit my film on a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM?

Yes. Use the following settings:

  • Video Compression - QuickTime Motion JPEG A, 100% Quality or any QuickTime DV codec (if your film was edited on an Avid Xpress DV system, please use "same as source" when exporting. Only use a DV codec if you are editing using the DV codec).
  • Audio Compression - No Compression, 44.1 or 48kHz, 16bit, stereo
  • If you shot and edited using DV:
    • NTSC: Frame size of 720x480, frame Rate of 29.97 frames/second
    • PAL: Frame size of 720x576, frame Rate of 25 frames/second
  • If you shot and edited using a non-DV codec:
    • NTSC: Frame size of 720x486, frame Rate of 29.97 frames/second
    • PAL: Frame size of 720x576, frame Rate of 25 frames/second

If using these frame sizes does not allow the file to fit on one CD, you may span it across several (make sure the frames overlap a little) or you may send it on a DVD-ROM. However, it must be a data DVD.

Please send movies in QuickTime format with the above settings only.

MPEGs and AVIs will not be accepted.

Back to Top

Will the tape be returned to me?

No. We need it in case we need to re-digitize the film.

Back to Top

Do you accept international submissions?

Yes! However, there is a problem with different formats. We need an NTSC tape of the film. If you submit the film digitally on a CD (see above), this is not an issue.

Back to Top

My film has copyrighted music. Can I still submit it to the site?

One should get the rights for all music used in a film. Having original music composed for you is a great option. VisionGateFilm.com assumes that all filmmakers have received permission to use all material within a film and will not be held liable for any legal action that may occur by posting a film that has copyrighted music that was used without permission.

For further reference, see the following:

Back to Top