Help & Support for Filmmakers

Dead Northern is open to;

• • Short Film
  • Feature films
  • Documentaries
  • Music Videos

In the following genres:

• • Horror
  • Fantasy
  • Thriller

All production techniques, forms & budgets are accepted.

Dead Northern's commitment to celebrating excellence in horror cinema shines through our prestigious awards ceremony. Our panel of judges, comprising industry experts and enthusiasts, meticulously evaluates and selects the best horror films showcased at our festival. These awards not only honour exceptional talent but also inspire filmmakers to push boundaries and innovate within the genre. Awards are given for the following;

• Best Feature Film
• Short films
• Dead Northern Award
• Best International Feature Film
• Best Short Film
• Fresh Meat Award
• Best Cinematography
• Best Performance
• Best Supporting Performance
• Best Special Effects
• Bloody Good Death Award

You can submit your film through our official submission platform, Film Freeway

Simply create an account, upload your film, and follow the instructions to complete your submission. Make sure you meet all technical and eligibility requirements outlined on our submission page.

We currently only accept online screeners submitted Via Film Freeway please follow this link to submit your film.

Short film means short. Ideally around the 15-minute mark but a maximum of 25 minutes - If you want to submit a film longer than 25 minutes please submit as a feature film

There is a submission fee to enter your film. All submissions are final, and there are no refunds.

Short film pricing

Short films in fantasy, thriller, and horror of all production techniques, forms, and budgets.

• Regular Deadline
• Standard: £10
• Student: £5
• FilmFreeway Gold Members: £4.50

Feature Film Pricing

Feature films in fantasy, thriller, and horror of all production techniques, forms, and budgets.

• Regular Deadline
• Standard: £30
• Student: £15
• FilmFreeway Gold Members: £15

Documentary Pricing

Documentaries in fantasy, thriller, and horror of all production techniques, forms, and budgets.

• Regular Deadline
• Standard: £30
• Student: £15
• FilmFreeway Gold Members: £15

Music Video Pricing

Music VideoMusic Video in fantasy, thriller, and horror of all production techniques, forms, and budgets.

• Regular Deadline
• Standard: £5
• Student: £2.50
•  Gold Members: £4.50

Please note all prices are correct as of Oct 2024 - Prices are at the discretion of Dead Northern Ltd and may change at any time.

Submit your film at FilmFreeway

Whilst FilmFreeway can accept most formats please note that any accepted submissions will need to be provided in DCP format.

The Cinema cannot accept any other format than DCP

All films (including Features, Short, Documentaries and Music Videos) screened in our cinema must be provided as;

• DCP
• Flat 1:89 or Scope 2:39 video format
• 5.1 Sound

Your DCP (Digital Cinema Package) should be formatted to industry standards with a resolution of 2K or 4K. We recommend providing it on a USB drive, formatted as NTFS or exFAT, to ensure compatibility with our screening equipment.

DCP files can be very large

Ideally, we'd like all submissions provided on SSD / HDD*

USB Drive*: Please note the transfer speed of the USB Drive, those with low transfer rates have been known to have issues when transferring large files

Online File Transfer such as Dropbox, Google Drive, We Transfer or similar

*Please Note: we cannot guarantee returning SSD/HDD/USB Drives

**Please note: Google Drive can alter the file names of large files when compressing

Yes, you can submit multiple films, but each must be entered separately with its own submission fee. This applies whether you're submitting multiple shorts, features, or a combination of both.

Yes, if your film is not in English, it must have English subtitles. Subtitles should be clear, easy to read, and timed correctly. Films in English do not need subtitles, although we do recommend them for accessibility.

Absolutely! We encourage filmmakers to attend the festival, interact with the audience, and participate in Q&A sessions. Selected filmmakers will receive a complimentary pass, and additional tickets will be available for purchase at a discounted rate.

Waivers are available on a case-by-case basis, primarily for student filmmakers, films from underrepresented communities, and special partnerships. If you believe you qualify, please contact us with a brief explanation of your situation.

Yes, you must have the rights to all music and sound used in your film. This includes original scores, licensed tracks, and sound effects. Proof of rights may be requested, so please ensure all necessary permissions are in place.

Subtitles should be embedded in the digital file or provided as a separate SRT file. Make sure the subtitles are accurate, properly timed, and easy to read. If your film is selected, we may request additional formats for subtitles to ensure compatibility during screenings.

Yes, Dead Northern welcomes submissions from filmmakers around the globe. Horror is a universal language, and we are excited to showcase films from different cultures and perspectives.

By submitting your film, you agree to adhere to our technical compliance requirements, including file formats, resolution, and sound quality. Films that do not meet these standards may be subject to disqualification. Please refer to our submission guidelines for full terms and conditions.

Yes, we accept films that have been screened at other festivals. However, we ask that any online releases or premieres be clearly noted in your submission, as this may affect the film's eligibility for certain awards.

Dead Northern does not cover additional fees for screening or licensing. Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring all necessary rights and permissions are secured before submission.

We do accept works in progress, but they must be clearly marked as such when submitted. Please indicate what aspects of the film are incomplete (e.g., colour grading, sound mix). Final versions must be completed and provided if the film is selected.

Once a film has been submitted, modifications are not permitted through the submission platform. However, if you need to make an urgent change, please contact us directly, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Our selection committee consists of experienced professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and taste in the film and horror industry. Each film is evaluated based on originality, storytelling, direction, production quality, and overall impact. We aim to curate a diverse and exciting line-up that showcases the best in horror.

We are looking for films that push the boundaries of horror, whether through innovative storytelling, striking visuals, or bold thematic exploration. From psychological thrillers to supernatural tales, we value creativity, originality, and a passion for the genre.

If your film is selected, you will receive an official acceptance email with further instructions. This will include details on supplying your DCP, promotional materials, and opportunities to participate in Q&A sessions and panels. You'll also be eligible for awards consideration.

If your film is not selected, don't be discouraged. Film selection is a competitive process, and many factors come into play. We encourage you to keep creating and consider submitting your future projects. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback on films that are not selected.

Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide individual feedback for all films. However, filmmakers whose work is shortlisted or selected may receive insights and notes from our selection team.

Ensure every section of your FilmFreeway submission form is filled in. Missing information, such as a synopsis, genre, or runtime, can negatively affect how we judge your film.

Double-check that your email address and phone number are correct. If we can't get in touch with you, it may delay or impact your submission.

Subtitles are essential, even for films in English. They make your film accessible to a wider audience and ensure clarity during judging.

Make sure you've read and understood the festival's submission rules. Ignoring requirements (e.g., file formats, eligibility criteria) could result in disqualification.

Your film's synopsis is often the first impression we get. Write a clear and engaging summary that captures your story and tone without revealing too much.

Ensure your video upload is of the highest possible quality within the allowed limits. Poor image or sound quality may affect how your film is received.

Upload an eye-catching poster and production stills. These materials make your submission more appealing and can be used for promotional purposes if your film is selected.

Confirm your film meets the festival's requirements, including production year, runtime limits, genre categories, and premiere status (if applicable).

Submit your film as early as possible. Early submissions not only save you money but also give you time to address any issues with your application.

Share your story as a filmmaker. A well-written biography can give the judges insight into your vision and make your submission more memorable.

Watch your film on multiple devices to ensure the picture, sound, and subtitles work perfectly. This helps avoid playback issues during the judging process.

Keep your opening and closing credits concise. Long credit sequences can detract from the impact of your film, especially for short films.

If possible, provide a short statement explaining your creative vision and what inspired the film. This can give judges deeper insight into your work.

Submit your film to the correct genre category. If your film doesn't fit a specific genre, consider how it aligns with the festival's overall theme or audience.

Be polite and professional when communicating with the festival team. This reflects positively on you as a filmmaker and ensures a smooth submission process.

Double-check your synopsis, biography, and any other written materials for spelling and grammar errors.