About : FAQs
In 2009, the Crown Point Festival is returning to its roots and a structure similar to the first festival in 2004. This is an effort to promote community among artists while maintaining high production standards. We think you'll like what's in store.
Already know the facts and want to submit? 2009 Applications
Q: Will you consider films longer than 30 minutes?
A: Two things are at play in the film sector of Crown Point in 2008. First: Times have changed and the public through the glory of You Tube has embraced short form content. The entire basis of the festival was founded off of the Phat Shorts Festival which always programmed the best short films and videos from any genre around the world but limited to up to 30 minutes. We're going back to this time standard to reintroduce short films mainstream because this is the genre of choice for emerging filmmakers, and major festivals are still not giving short films the prime time they deserve. Second: Other festivals have got us beat when it comes to showcasing feature films. So, let's not compete - let's instead enjoy the multi-media ride that only Crown Point creates.
Q: What genres do you accept?
A: For films and videos: Narrative, animation, documentary, experimental and music videos. For plays: classical, contemporary, avant garde, etc. For music: rock, hip hop, country, pop, punk, classical, jazz, etc etc etc. The point is: what do you do in film, theater or music - show us - if it's good well put it in here.
Q: What format should I use for submissions of films and videos? What format will you be screening the films in?
A: Send us a DVD. DVD is what we’ll be playing at the festival.
Q: Can the film have played in previous festivals? Can it be older than 2008?
A: Absolutely and yes. We love seeing work that is still relevant regardless of when it was produced.
Q: Is Crown Point competitive?
A: Nope. What’s the point of being the “best” film, theater and music? How does a doc film compete with an animated short video? How does a play by Maria Irene Fornes compete with Sophocles? If the point is that we bring in the best filmmakers, actors, directors, playwrights, DJs and musicians, it seems cheesy and annoying that we now ask these people to “compete” with each other. We’re more interested in building a community and helping them go on to do more awesome work.
Q: Are there submission fees?
A: Yes, $20. In the interest of expanding our community of artists, we have waived the requirement of a referral prior to submission. The referral policy of the past festivals worked very well for those times. At present, however, we want to open submissions to a larger pool of New York City artists and have therefore decided to do away a referral requirement.
Q: Do you pay festival screening fees?
A: No. To make sure we get out of the red we're not at that place yet.
Q: When will I know if I am part of the festival?
A: Latest by October 1st, 2009.
Q: will you consider rough cuts of my film?
A: Uh... no.
Q: What’s the status of the union peoples?
A: We've had to make the touch decision, based on financials, that at this time, auditions will only be open to non-union actors.
Q: What’s the deal with rights?
A: You must secure the rights to anything you submit. When you send your submission, you are entering an agreement that says you have the rights.
Q: Can it be a previously produced play?
A: Yes. However, see the previous question and answer to address the issue of “rights."
Q: I want to submit an existing production? If accepted, will you be able to accommodate me in the fashion to which I’ve grown accustomed?
A: Maybe. Crown Point fully produces the plays as part of a festival, not as a single stand alone production. Submit the production. If the curators are interested, we’ll start talking with you to determine if it can work.
Q: Can I submit old/classic work?
A: Yes. See previous questions for “issues” surrounding “rights.”
Q: How many performances does each play get?
A: Anywhere from one to 20 – it all depends on how it gets curated which won’t be decided until much closer to the festival.
Q: How many rehearsals will each play get?
A: Four weeks, plus one week of tech and dress.
Q: Is there a limit on the length of the play?
A: 45 minutes.
Q: I don't have a director for my play. Can I still submit it?
A: Yes. Crown Point hires most of the directors and produces any plays that do not come to us as existing productions.
Q: My play was submitted last year and didn't get in. Can I submit again?
A: Yes.
Q: How do I submit to be a director for Crown Point?
A: Send the Theater Producer your resume/CV, referral (see the Referral Policy) and a letter explaining a little about yourself and your artistic goals.
Q: How do I submit to be an actor in Crown Point?
A: If you are an Equity actor, we will be working with Equity to provide Equity approved auditions. It is still advisable, regardless of union status, to get on our database list of Referred Talent as we schedule auditions by appointment. If you are non-union, you have two choices: 1) Be an active member of our partner, One on One Productions. Mention "The Fall Collection" and receive half off membership registration. 2) Follow the Referral Policy to contact a member of our organization, such as the Theater Producer.
Q: What kind of music does Crown Point program?
A: Anything that sounds amazing.
Q: Do you have an account to submit music through Sonic Bids?
A: Yes.
Q: How long a set are we expected to play?
A: Depends on the music and what’s needed but anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Send the Music Producer what YOU do and if we like it, we’ll talk to you about time.
Q: Can we sell stuff at the festival?
A: Absolutely. We want you to sell out of CDs, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and posters. The profits from the sale of your merch is all yours.
Q: What’s the sound system like?
A: So awesome. We have techs who work with each act at sound check to make sure it sounds great.
Q: Do you pay anything to help us get our gear there?
A: Unfortunately, this year paying people is not fiscally possible.
Q: Why should we want to play at your festival if we're not getting paid?
A: Because it will be a chance to have a show in downtown New York City in front of hundreds of people who previously were unaware it existed.
In 2004, no one got paid; in 2007 we tried to pay everyone. Both years were greatly successful, and both years helped the participating artists with their careers. We would never expect you to submit and participate out of sheer selflessness. CPF provides the opportunity to have one’s work showcased in front of hundreds of audience members who hitherto were not aware it existed. In a city that is never short on people clamoring for attention, Crown Point should be a safe haven where artists know they will be taken care of , most notably by being handed an audience and a platform.
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