Checklist for Alabama filmmakers submitting shorts to regional festivals with APT requirements

Alabama filmmakers submitting short films to regional festivals and to Alabama Public Television must prepare both festival-compliant files and materials that meet APT’s editorial and legal requirements. The checklist below consolidates explicit instructions and deadlines so your short can be eligible for festival screening and possible public airing.

Technical delivery begins with a festival-ready export. One checklist item reads: “This evergreen guide summarizes practical steps Alabama filmmakers should follow when submitting shorts to regional festivals: 1) Format, runtime and technical specs — export a festival-compliant DCP or high-quality ProRes/H.264 file and prepare both 16:9 and any required festival-specific aspect ra” This fragment is incomplete, so confirm final aspect-ratio and file-spec requirements with each festival and with APT before delivery.

Alabama Public Television sets distinct content and broadcast standards. APT is “committed to partnerships with – and promoting the production of – amateur, student and professional filmmakers and their films and broadcasting these works.” Submissions must “demonstrate educational value and relevance to Alabama documenting the ‘Alabama’ story. They should inform, inspire and educate, and cover topics which are relevant to the cultural history of the state, its people and places.” Productions must “demonstrate compelling stories which are accurate and maintain journalistic integrity (truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability).” APT also expects “superior production quality (audio, video, editing, scripting), 56:46 or 26:46 in length, and meet PBS editorial standards (PDF).”

Follow APT’s procedures exactly. Complete the Film Submission Form and review PBS editorial standards. Send both film submissions and proposal submissions with submission release to the APT Film Submission Committee at the mailing addresses shown on APT materials: “APT Film Submission Committee, Alabama Public Television, 2112 -11th Avenue South, Ste. 400, Birmingham, AL 35205” or “Alabama Public Television, 2112 11th Ave South, Suite 400, Birmingham, AL 35205.” Call APT at 800-239-5233 for clarification or to request forms. Allow 4-6 weeks for review. “All filmmakers will receive notification by mail of rejection or acceptance. If accepted, filmmaker(s) will be contacted for subsequent meetings.”

Do not submit films with unresolved rights issues. “All required releases, permissions, and licenses must be secured and there may be no restrictions imposed on APT for possible airing and/or sponsorship opportunities.” That means secure talent and location releases, music licenses, and any distributor or co-producer clearances before sending materials.

This matters because meeting APT’s editorial and legal bar can turn a festival submission into a public broadcast opportunity, reaching APT’s audience and the state’s cultural conversation. Verify technical specs with each festival and with APT, complete the Film Submission Form, secure releases, and allow the stated review window. Call 800-239-5233 to confirm submission details, confirm preferred mailing format, and request the PDFs referenced before shipping or uploading final masters.