Some things you might want to know!
So what's it all about?
"The Big Gig" was created as a showcase platform for student, amateur and low-budget film and music producers in 2004 to enable their work to be seen by live audiences in public venues.
Who can enter the event?
Anyone over 16 years of age can enter who is an amateur, student or low-budget producer.
Is there an entry fee for submission of films?
No, the event gathers entries either by free submission (subject to annual review) or direct invitation.
Is there a deadline for entering?
Entries can be submitted at any time although the official deadline is June 21st annually.
What happens if I miss te deadline?
If your film misses the deadline (including invited entries) your movie will automatically be passed into the event for the following years or to additional shows at a separate date.
What happens to my films after the event?
When each edition of "The Big Gig" has finished all the films are stored in our archive along with your contact and entry details.
Will my films be used again at any time?
Your films are entered on the understanding that they are only to be shown as part of "The Big Gig" but sometimes we find material we may want to show again. If this happens we have your contact details on file and we will contact you if we want to re-show your films.
Does "The Big Gig" make a profit from my work?
No, "The Big Gig" does charge admission to each show but proceeds are given to charitable causes. "The Big Gig" sells it's own merchandise to recover costs.
Can I have my work back after the event?
If you are resident in the U.K. your films or music can be returned if you provide a pre-paid return envelope with your entry. Sorry we cannot return overseas entries. *A copy of each work is kept in the CFT Group archive.
What about my copyright?
Your copyright remains intact at all times. Within the rules of entry we regard ALL film & music as the property of the entrant and your entry constitutes permission for us to exhibit your work within "The Big Gig".
What happens if my entry breaks the rules?
MOST PEOPLE ARE GOOD LAW-BIDING FOLK!
You the entrant are solely responsible for insuring that your work has not breached any law including copyright. If a copyright has been infringed your submitted work and contact details are passed to the appropriate authority.
For minor rules breaches your film will simply not be shown.
For serious legal breaches an entrants work in extreme cases will be passed without question to the local police who will be advised of the nature of an offence committed
We take legal matters seriously!
Is there a limit on the length or type of film?
As such no, although you should read the rules regarding content of films. The length of film is not an issue with "The Big Gig" although we'd prefer not to show all of your 15hr, 35 minute sweeping epic of "Jam Making In The Cotswalds". We run programme lengths of up to 2 hours approximately so you can submit a short film right up to a full length feature.
Don't forget to view ALL the other pages on "The Big Gig" on this website so that you are fully aware of the rules before sending your entries. We want to you and our audience to be sure of quality content produced within the law for everyones' enjoyment.