Calling all film makers: Fantastic Fest needs a bump. And if that sounds inappropriate, you’re thinking in the right way.

Yes, it’s the return of the annual bumper contest: Those little intros that appear before each film being screened (for an idea of what we’re talking about, above is a personal favorite from 2009: “The Number to Heaven” by Hobo With a Shotgun director Jason Eisener.)

Read the full submission guidelines here but the rules are simple: Each bumper must be 15 seconds. It must include the word “Fantastic.” Nothing illegal or that results in injuries. Oh, and this year’s theme is “Inappropriate.” Considering this is the film festival that brought Austin The Human Centipede: First Sequence and A Serbian Film, go hog wild. The winner/biggest cinematic degenerate gets two VIP badges for Fantastic Fest 2011, a $250 Alamo Drafthouse gift certificate and a Mondo Tees gift pack.

This is a sprint, people: All bumpers must be received by the good people at Fantastic Fest on standard definition DVD by September 17, by mail or hand delivery. Mark your envelope:
c/o Tim League
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
1120 South Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

Fantastic Fest runs Sept. 23-30. Check back at our FF 2010 blog for more coverage.

Youtube video

This article appears in September 3 • 2010.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.