We at the Firefly Student Film Series love to hear from students or others who are interested in our shows. However, this is a student run organization, staffed by a small number (1) of very busy volunteers. For this reason, we ask that before emailing us with your questions, you try to find your answers here first. If you have any questions that are not covered in the FAQ, we welcome you to contact us directly. If you’re emails have not been responded to it is either in error, or because the information is listed here. We apologize for the inconsistent use of the ‘royal we’ tense on this page.

Q:  Do I really have to be a current university or community college student to enter my film?
A:  Yes.  This is a series for students, by students. Viewing, however, is open to the public.

Q:  Do you really need my student ID number?  Can’t you just trust me?
A:  I’d like to, but I’m also a filmmaker too, so I know how it works. Because I’d try anything to get my films shown to an audience, I’m just assuming that there are people out there who could muster the gumption and ingenuity to pose as a student.

Q:  I want to submit but my films suck.  What should I do?
A:  Of course you’re movies aren’t perfect, but that’s the point. We’re all students here. We’re all learning. Trust us, the high quality of your talent will show through despite the low quality of your technical skills.

Q:  In what formats are you accepting the films?
A:  VHS Tape or DVD. That’s it. All must be in North American NTSC format. No PAL encoding will be accepted.

Q:  How should I label my film?
A:  Glad you asked! Start with the title of the film and the total run time. Include at least the name of one of the principle filmmakers and his or her email. If you list just one name, it should be the one whose email address is in the submission form. Labels don’t need to be a computer printout, but should be in pen and legible.

Q:  Will you be accepting all submitted films?
A:  I’d like to, but there may just be too many. Also, some films will be rejected due to subject matter.

Q:  How will we know if our films have been picked?
A:  It may take as much as a week to get your answer. After the film has been screened by our staff and the program has been set, an email will be sent to the email address listed on the submission form. This email will let you know when your film will be shown.

Q:  When our film is picked, how do we know which show it will be a part of?
A:  The show, date and time will be listed on your acceptance email.

Q:  How much does it cost to submit my film?
A:  Nothing. It’s free. This is a service for students.

Q:  So it’s totally free?
A:  Let me take that back. Submission is free. Entrance to the Firefly club is free for the 3 filmmakers listed on the entrance form. However, there is a $3 cover charge for everyone else. Also, there is a $5 drink minimum for everyone, including filmmakers.

Q:  A drink minimum, but I’m a poor college student!?
A:  So am I, but the Firefly Club has graciously donated their facilities for this film series, and in return all they want is some business so that they can pay their staff, who, by the way, will be cleaning up after us.

Q:  But I’m not 21 years old, how can I drink?
A:  The Firefly Club has a wide variety of non-alcoholic drinks including, but not limited to, soda, fruit juices, coffee and tea. Also, they are cheaper than at the movie theaters.

Q:  Is there an age limit?
A:  Yes. The show is 18 and up with picture ID. I apologize to any ‘Doogie Howser’ type film students, or anyone else underage. You can still come, but you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Q:  Where is the Firefly Club?
A:  In Ann Arbor, Michigan. Take a look at the Map.

Q:  When should I get there?
A:  7pm to hear the speaker, 8pm to see the films. Once we hit the summer months we’ll push the times back to allow for the later sunset.

Q:  Will there be speakers?
A:  Yes. The speakers will be listed on the Calendar ASAP.

Q:  Who will the speakers be?
A:  Different people with different, real life experiences from different parts of the industry. For example, teachers, directors, cinematographers, or costume designers, etc.

Q:  Will you announce the program for each show in advance?
A:  I will produce a program for each show but it will not be displayed on the website, it will only be available to the audience. In my retirement years, I plan to sell the leftovers at auction.