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The Rules

Disclaimer: The following are the rules from the previous Great Canadian Commercial Contest. New rules subject to change.

  1. Subject matter: Each filmmaking group will receive information about the client they are making the commercial about (e.g. Red Cross). Each group may also receive a prop and/or other items to incorporate into their commercial (e.g. a police uniform and a character description to be portrayed for a Police Department commercial). Completed films will be judged on their creativity, originality and entertainment value, in addition to how well they meet the needs of their client.
  2. All commercials must meet the CRTC/CBSC standards (the ratings system for all broadcast commercials); no swearing, nudity, etc. For a complete list of these standards, visit the following links:
  3. Use your own equipment: Or somebody else's - beg, borrow or invent!
  4. Original work: Do not use part or all of a previous project, or footage that has not been filmed during the 48-hour period. Credit any sources / artists of 'copyright cleared' music, artwork, logos etc. used in your commercial. Films must be entirely copyright free (music, logos, etc.).
  5. Running time: Exactly thirty seconds, excluding filmmaker credits. The credits may run up to an additional minute, however they do not count as part of the advertisement, must not complete the story and will not be judged.
  6. 48 hours: No more! Tapes must be handed in by 8 p.m. on Sunday.
  7. Contest entry fee will be announced soon. It will be a flat rate for your group. The group details, registered by the registration deadline are final. No additions or substitutions are permitted after the registration deadline.
  8. Credit The Great Canadian Commercial Contest: "Made for / as part of The Great Canadian Commercial Contest", etc. - a mention at the end of your film, along with our website address.
  9. If a film does not credit The Great Canadian Commercial Contest (including the website), or is not thirty seconds in length (not including filmmaker credits), or is submitted after 10 a.m. Sunday, or is not copyright-free, it is subject to being disqualified. This includes not screening the film, and not considering it in the competition.

Rules are applied at the discretion of the judges and the contest organizers.

The rest of the rules and details will be explained Saturday morning.

See the plan for specific information about the next contest.