This page contains everything you'll need to know about SOFA screenings. Screenings are held at the end of fall and spring semesters. While it is mandatory for you to be present for your own film when it screens, screenings is also a lot of fun and you'll be missing out by not attending. It's both thrilling and relaxing; arguably the best part of the year.
Screenings take place in the Wegmans Theater in MAGIC Spell Studios, a map can be found here.
When screening your film at the end of each semester, you have two tiers of exhibition available to you:For a more detailed explanation of Tier 1 and Tier 2, please refer to the document MSS-2191-01P: SOFA Screenings Policy found at fvasa.cad.rit.edu/documentation.
In order to submit your film via Tier 1, please have your film formatted and exported following the requirements detailed in the document MSS-2191-02P: SOFA Tier 1 Technical Policy found at fvasa.cad.rit.edu/documentation. Remember to include the SOFA bumper which can be found at https://sofatube.cad.rit.edu/screenings/landing Select the 1080p or 720p bumper for Tier 1 according to your films resolution.
The exact submission date for screenings changes semester to semester. Please look out for an email from FVASA which will state the exact dates for the current semester.
SUBMISSION OPENS 2 MONDAYS before the submission deadline at 8:00 AM. You can submit your film anytime up until 10pm on the submission deadline date. Films that are late will not be accepted after this time, unless they have been granted a specific technical amnesty via official means please see MSS-2191-01P for information regarding technical amnesty. Once your film is finished, go to https://sofatube.cad.rit.edu/screenings/landing, sign in, and follow the steps using the sign-up wizard. You will be asked to transfer your film to a network fileshare. Keep in mind that this connection does not work well off campus and requires the RIT VPN.
Name your film Lastname_Filename_MMDDYY.mp4. Please stick to this convention as it matches the Tier 2 DCP naming convention which simplifies the process for the screenings team and allows us to search for your file quickly.
When your film is submitted, you will be given a receipt. Please print out that receipt and have it with you when you arrive at the sign up table which is open from 7PM to 10PM on the submission deadline date. You will only be assigned a time slot if you are present. Once you have solidified your time slot you should be all set for screenings.
Please note your screenings time slot as you'll need to SHOW UP IN THE RIT MAGIC WEGMANS THEATER AT LEAST 2 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FILM SCREENS. DO NOT MISS IT. Missing your screenings time slot may result in a failing grade.The schedule will shift due to variation in film length and commentary. If a film screening is in progress when you arrive, refrain from entering the auditorium until after the film is complete and the filmmaker is taking comments. Entering while a film is in progress is not permitted. The digital signage outside of the theater will also show the current schedule of films for that day.
Please have your film formatted and exported following the requirements and guidelines detailed in the document MSS-2191-03P: SOFA Live Action Tier 2 Technical Policy.
In order to create a DCP you must first create your DSM (Digital Source Master) export by following the instructions in MSS-2191-04W: Exporting DSMs for Tier 2. You will create DSM files for your film’s image and sound. Remember to include the SOFA bumper which can be found at https://sofatube.cad.rit.edu/screenings/landing. Select the appropriate bumper format based on your DSM format.
These DSM files will then be used to make the DCP. Follow the instructions in MSS-2191-07W: Using DCP-o-matic 2 to make the DCP. Remember that Tier 2 has two files you need to deliver: a DCP and a SOFATube Trim H.264.
All documentation can be found at fvasa.cad.rit.edu/documentation
When creating the DCP in DCP-o-matic 2, your DCP deliverable will be automatically sent to the screenings system.
The exact submission date for screenings changes semester to semester. Please look out for an email from FVASA which will state the exact dates for the current semester.
Creating a Tier 2 film allows the benefit of seeing/hearing your film play in the theater before screenings - DCPs cannot be played back for review on a computer. Sound mixers are allowed to choose a custom theater fader level for their mix during the QC process. The QC also gives filmmakers a chance to redo their DCP if they feel it is necessary and the time allows. Please use the signup link here to signup for a QC time block. Your DCP must be completed/uploaded to QC your tier 2 film.
DCPs are not used for SofaTube or archival. In order to prepare your film for SOFAtube archive and potential honors show DVD submission, please render an H.264 video trim file along with your DSM. Instructions on how to do this can be found in MSS-2191-04W: Exporting DSMs for Tier 2.
Please sign up with your SOFATube trim file following the same instructions as Tier 1. When using the signup wizard, please check the Screen Tier 2 DCP checkbox to signify you have submitted a DCP you want screened.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact fvasa@rit.edu