Contests, Awards & Events

How well action is arranged, presented, and kept believable and safe.

Dialogue supports the scene and characters without distracting.

Setting feels intentional and visually interesting while remaining practical.

Camera choices make the action readable and support pacing.

Sound design reinforces tone and timing.

Cuts and pacing keep the scene clear and engaging from start to finish.

1. Rehearsal & Video Safety

Maintain a serious, focused approach. Participants under 18 need adult supervision; under 14 require parental consent forms submitted with the entry. Incorrect or unverifiable forms cause disqualification; teams may correct and resubmit.

2. Leverage Your Strengths

Build choreography around techniques your team performs well. Avoid unfamiliar gymnastics or weapons; highlight each member's strengths to raise overall entertainment value.

3. Communication & Planning

Discuss the scene in detail so everyone understands the final objective. Clear communication makes practice safer and more productive.

4. Cinematography

Camera angles add intensity and can make characters appear faster and stronger. Realism and how the camera complements the action remain key judging factors even when visual effects are used.

5. Music

Music sets atmosphere and emotional tone and supports the narrative. Choose music that complements the narrative.

6. Location

Pick a setting that enhances the scene's emotion — a dark alley, a scenic path, or another location that amplifies mood and character.

7. Dialogue

Keep dialogue clean and concise. Good dialogue reveals character and pushes the plot; weak dialogue costs audience connection.

8. Comedy

Comedic fight scenes require careful planning, timing, and the right mix of dialogue and camera work. Done well, comedy raises entertainment value.

9. Fight Choreography

Rehearse thoroughly with no spontaneous changes. Start slow with controlled power. The reaction sells the hit as much as the hit itself.

10. Weapon Use

Only fake weapons are allowed. Real weapons cause immediate disqualification with no refund. Research safe use of breakaway props before filming.

11. Sound Effects

Use sound apps to add punches, gunshots, glass, etc. Strategic effects support the action without overshadowing it.

12. Editing

Tight editing ties the scene together and creates flow without hiding sloppy timing or unsafe technique.

13. Stunts

Keep stunts simple. Falls, rolls, and basic gymnastics are allowed with prior training. Dangerous car work, fire, explosives, and unsafe heights are prohibited.

General Rules

• No foul language
• No drugs or drug-related content
• No disrespectful conduct, hate, or degrading material
• Credit all music used
• Content must be appropriate for public viewing
• Teams confirm they own or have permission to use submitted material

Name & Duration

• Each entry must have an original title
• Finished scene must be at least 3 and no more than 6 minutes
• Exceeding the duration limit may result in disqualification

Contact Rules

• No physical contact — safety is the highest priority. Maintain approximately 6 inches to 2 feet of separation on strikes, adjusted for camera angles.
• Padding under clothing encouraged for repeated rehearsal
• Practice thoroughly before filming
• Unsafe contact or reckless behavior can lead to disqualification

Teams & Eligibility

• Original team or production name required
• One entry per team per contest year
• Open to the public — not limited to federation members
• Amateur filmmakers, schools, gyms, and clubs welcome
• Adult supervision strongly encouraged when minors participate
• Judging favors creativity, discipline, and safe execution over expensive equipment