This year, our theme for the festival is Connect. Dictionary.com defines “connect” as “to join, link, or fasten together; unite or bind”. How do we connect with God? As a signature scripture, we suggest reading John 15:15-16, however any scripture can be used as long as it is in line with the Outtakes theme.

The following will give you some insight on what we are looking for in Outttakes entries for this year. We’re excited that you’ll be submitting a piece in our festival, as this your opportunity to truly express yourself through the creative arts. Entry forms for these categories can be found by clicking here, and you can enter more than one category.

Each film must be based on the official Outtakes theme for 2008, by retelling; responding to; reflecting on; or making reference to scripture based on the theme, in a creative manner. With our films, Outtakes receives a classification exemption which means that all films screened must be the equivalent of an M classification rating from the Office of Film and Literature Classification. We advise you to follow these restrictions so for a complete rundown of the classification guidelines please visit http://www.oflc.gov.au. Don’t forget, we’re here to help you produce your film so if you want some assistance about classifications, please contact us. We can view your short film prior to your submission to ensure it is within this classification.

Your film must not be longer than 5 minutes in length including titles and credits and and can be made to which ever Genre you choose e.g. Documentary, Animation, Silent Movie, Music Video, Action Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama etc. Can we please ask that Films be submitted on DVD or VHS (Preferred format is ratio 4:3)

You must ensure that you have the rights and permission to use all music, talent, images and locations in your film. This means for example, that all music used must be either copyright free or an original composition you have written permission to use.

Finally, we want to present teasers of your great work for the festival celebration. If you could provide us with still photos of your film shoot, or perhaps some bloopers (…outtakes!) of your footage, that would assist us greatly

The grand prize for the Photography section includes this Fuji Finepix S8000 digital camera provided by our sponsor Photo Barn of Pakenham:

All Artwork and Photos must be based on the official Outtakes theme for 2008, by retelling; responding to; reflecting on; or making reference to scripture based on the theme, in a creative manner.

In previous years, entrants have had a few pieces entered in either art or photography, or even in both. This year will be no different, but we ask for this to be limited to 3 entries per person. This can be a combination of Artworks and Photos. Preferred size of Artwork is 12"x I0" (30cm x 25 cm), and Photos is 8”X10” (20cm x 25cm), however Exhibits may be smaller or greater than these preferred sizes.

As it the festival is presented and organised by volunteers of Winepress, it is the artist's/Photographers responsibility to ensure that Painting/Photos are suitably mounted for hanging (either framed, mounted to cardboard, foamcore or similar). In addition, could we ask that large artworks be provided with picture wire for hanging, securely fastened to either side of the artwork approximately one third from the top.

It helps us also if exhibits are clearly marked on the back with the Title, the Artists name and address. Finally, in the event of an exhibitor entering a combination of Photography and Artwork, each piece will be in the running for the prizes within that category.

Poetry and Song are relative newcomers to the Outtakes festival. Not unlike other categories, all poetry and song must respond, retell, reflect on or make reference to the theme by way of Biblical scripture. Your pieces need to be original pieces and on the festival night, they will be presented as part of the evening. We would love to encourage you to be the performer of these pieces, or you can ask someone to perform them on your behalf.

Your pieces will be judged before the festival evening, so song entrants will also need to provide a recording of their song when entries to the festival are due.

Film workshops – to be advised
Photo workshops – to be advised
Art workshops – to be advised
Poetry workshops – We invite you to attend The Winepress Writers Group, who get together every 3rd Saturday at Winepress, 40 Intrepid St, Berwick.

We would love for you to come along. Our group is a wonderful blend of experienced writers and those with a passion to write, but never had an avenue to try. Everyone is welcome! If you wish to have further details, please email contact@outtakesfestival.org

This year, we are allowing a week for entrants to get their pieces of work to us, in the hope it will be of assistance to you as an aspiring or established artist. Entries can be received from July 7 to July 11 at our reception desk between (confirm times) or at our Church services on July 12 (6pm) or July 13 (9am and 11am). We look forward to seeing your entry!

For any further enquiries regarding your entry, and due dates, please email contact@outtakesfestival.org

All your hard work and dedication to your field of creative passion is celebrated at our Outtakes festival that we ask you and your family or friends to attend. It’s an evening of colour and vibrance, as we allow the opportunity to view our photography and art gallery of 2008 entrants before the official ceremony begins.

The ceremony celebrates also the song, poetry and film entrants by way of a presentation of their work on the night. After the visual presentation of song, prose and film, we will announce the winners of this year’s festival (with some great prizes to win!)

To see photos and videos of previous festival celebrations, please click here.