CATEGORIES
(a) Animation Programs - animation programs made for television, either as part of a series or as a one-off television special. Programs that combine live action and animation may be eligible, if the animation sequences are paramount to the enjoyment of the program. At the discretion of Festival organizers, entries may be divided into two or more sub-categories, based on running time or other relevant criteria.
(b) Arts Documentaries * - television programs (or webcasts) that analyze, explore or celebrate the arts, including music, dance, drama, painting, literature, etc. Eligible programs should be documentaries rather than recorded performances.
(c) Children's Programs - a television program (or webcast), fiction or non-fiction, that is clearly intended for the entertainment of children. Such programs, whether or not they are about children, must be for children. For programs that are part of a Mini-Series, see category (i) regarding number of episodes to be submitted and appropriate handling fees. Program segments are not eligible.
(d) Comedies - programs featuring one or more characters in comic situations or predicaments. Situation comedies, comedy specials, and programs of satirical sketches are eligible. In the case of series, each episode is regarded as a single entry and assessed a separate handling fee. Program segments are not eligible.
(e) Continuing Series - television dramas (or webcasts), usually half-hour or one-hour weekly episodes, using recurring principal characters. Each episode is a complete story and comprehensible without reference to previous episodes. Only one episode is required. If you enter more than one episode, each episode is a separate entry and will be assessed a separate handling fee. Comedy, children's and animation series should be entered in their respective categories. Continuing Series episodes that are longer than one hour may be eligible in the Made-for-TV-Movie category.
(f) History and Biography Programs * - non-fiction programs that focus primarily on historical documentation and analysis, including biographies of significant persons, living or dead. History and Biography programs are typically but not necessarily always, constructed from archival material and/or the recollection and opinions of persons who have been witnesses to history, experts in historical analysis, or have authoritative knowledge of historically significant events in the lives of individuals, living or dead. NOTE: Depending on their emphasis, biographies of politicians, scientists, sports figures and artists, may be eligible for consideration in the other relevant documentary categories in the Banff competition.
(g) Information Programs - non-fiction programs or program segments such as news magazines and information magazines, or extended self-contained segments of such programs. Eligible programs are characterized by the techniques of news analysis and reportage, including journalists on special assignment. Compilations, light information and "infomercials" are not eligible. Longer-form documentaries should be entered in one of the Festival's documentary categories.
(h) Made-for-TV-Movies - dramas with a total running time of not less than 70 min. and not more than 120 min. (without commercials).
(i) Mini-Series - dramas with a total running time of more than 120 min. (without commercials) usually presented in two or more evening installments that are part of a single story, with continuity of characters from episode to episode. Entire series should be submitted, though judgements may be based on two sequential episodes, usually episodes 1 and 2. Synopses of all episodes should be sent.
(j) Performance Programs - presentations of quality performances by exceptional artists. Opera, dance, popular and classical music are included. The prime consideration will be the extent to which the resources of television and/or film are imaginatively and innovatively employed. Live pick-ups, tributes and similar programs are not eligible. Drama performances should be entered in the appropriate drama category.
(k) Popular Science and Natural History * - documentaries that have as their primary emphasis the exploration of scientific, natural and wildlife phenomena. Programs about earth science, medical advances, and animal behaviour are among those eligible in this category.
(l) Short Dramas - dramas less than 70 minutes in length that are not part of a Mini- Series or Continuing Series.
(m) Social & Political Documentaries * - documentaries dealing in a direct and enlightening manner with significant social and political issues. Programs that are only of local interest, and current affairs programs that are likely to be dated at the time of the Festival, should not be submitted.
(n) Sports Programs - documentaries that explore issues, activities, or personalities in the world of amateur and professional sports, indoors and outdoors. Live pick-ups or coverage of games and matches are not eligible.
* The following rule applies to all documentary series entered in all documentary categories. Individual, self-contained (stand alone) programs within a documentary strand should be entered individually; a separate handling fee is required for each entry from the strand. A continuing documentary series or mini-series should be entered in its entirety; but two episodes or 120 minutes of total program time (whichever is less) should be designated for screening by the Banff selection jury and, if the program is nominated, by the international jury. Only one handling fee will be due. (Contact the Festival if further clarification is needed.)
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