The Emerging Cinematographer Awards Committee is seeking qualified members of Local 600 to volunteer their time and be a judge for the ECA film entries. Each year, the ECAs receives approximately 108-120 short films (30 minutes and under) for consideration. Approximately 8-10 films are selected through our judging process.

The short films are typically assigned online to judges in the month of March through Film Freeway. Judges have approximately a 1.5 – 2 month turnaround period to complete their assignment. Once judges have been secured, they will be sent the films electronically through Film Freeway along with instructions. When judges commit themselves, reliability and follow-through is a crucial part of the process. Judge names remain confidential to all entrants.

There are two types of Judges: Regional Judge and Blue Panel Judge. Judge types are assigned based on the individual’s preference and time commitment. Below are the details and the requirements for each Judge type:

Regional Judge

This requires less of a time commitment. ECA film entries are divided between judges from around the country. Each judge may receive anywhere from 12-25 short films in one category or categories that are similar. The quantity of short films that judges receive changes depending on how many judges are secured. Approximately 18-21 judges are usually involved with this process so that each film entry can be viewed and balloted multiple times, and equally. Judges must complete one electronic ballot in Film Freeway for every film they are assigned.

Following are the basic requirements to be an ECA Regional Judge:

• Directors of Photography preferred, but not required.
• Must be a member in good standing with Local 600.
• Must not be a current film entrant.
• Must have an electronic device (e.g. PC, MAC, tablet) and internet access to view the films online through FilmFreeway (judges must sign up for a free FilmFreeway account).
• Must have an eye for detail and solid knowledge of cinematography.
• Must be available to meet the deadlines given.
• Must have the strong ability to maintain integrity and fairness when judging a film based on cinematography and not on personal feelings.

 

Blue Panel Judge

This requires more of a time commitment as all short films are viewed and hand selected by each Judge. This means that if there are 100 short film entries, then each Blue Panel Judge will view 100 shorts using guidelines that will be provided. Each year approximately 4-5 qualified members are assigned as Blue Panel Judges. Although this is a larger commitment, it’s been reported that the experience is rewarding.

Following are the basic requirements to be an ECA Blue Panel Judge:

• Directors of Photography preferred.
• Must be a member in good standing with Local 600.
• Must not be a current film entrant.
• Must have an electronic device (e.g. PC, MAC, tablet) and internet access to view the films online through FilmFreeway (judges must sign up for a free FilmFreeway account).
• Must have an eye for detail and solid knowledge and experience with cinematography.
• Must be available to meet the deadlines given.
• Must have the strong ability to maintain integrity and fairness when judging a film based on cinematography, and not on personal feelings.

Judges are typically secured by March. Not all applicants are assigned as Judges each year, but names will remain on our list for future opportunities to volunteer as a Judge.