Introducing the MAGIC Mini Movie Contest!
The MAGIC Mini Movie Contest is a short film competition hosted by MAGIC Spell Studios. All RIT students are encouraged to participate in creating a film that incorporates a random object, selected and provided by MAGIC. All qualifying submissions will be judged by a professional panel of RIT alumni, with their selection of the best overall film winning a grand prize.
The MAGIC Mini Movie random object is:
Wacky Inflatable Tube Friend!
Contest Rules:
Films must be no longer than 3 minutes in total length, including titles and credits.
The wacky inflatable tube friend must appear somewhere in your film, either inflated or deflated. This could be in the background, as the main character, in a dream, as a mom – whatever! Get creative!
A MAGIC facility must appear somewhere in your film. The facility does not need to be specifically highlighted as MAGIC but should be one of your locations. Dressing and using the soundstage would meet this requirement. The wacky inflatable tube friend does not need to appear in the MAGIC facility.
Films must be appropriate for all audiences.
All films must be captioned.
Filmmakers grant MAGIC permission to post their films on social media, with appropriate credit granted to the filmmaker.
The Grandest Prize:
The winning filmmaker gets to KEEP the Wacky Inflatable Tube Friend along with a gift bag of assorted production essentials!
Submissions Open: March 1, 2026
Submissions Close: March 31, 2026 at 11:59pm.
How To Submit:
1. Create a shareable google folder
2. Use this naming convention: Mini_Movie_Spring2026_[StudentName]
3. Add Amanda Hughes (arkpph@rit.edu) with editor permissions
4. Email folder link to Amanda Hughes at arkpph@rit.edu with subject line: MAGIC Mini Movie Submission [FilmName]
Meet the Judges
Aaron Gordon, BFA ‘13
Chief Operating Officer, Synapse Virtual Production
Founder and CEO of the forward-looking technology innovation firm, Optic Sky Productions, Aaron built a global team of award-winning directors, digital artists, storytellers, producers, and creative technologists that has reaped double & triple-digit growth each year. He has spearheaded projects for Google, Amazon, Wegmans, Zillow, Zeplin, and many other globally-recognized agencies, winning accolades from the American Advertising Awards, Webby Awards and The One Show.
Mark Ignatius Davis, BFA ‘13
Cinematographer
Since his start in fashion films (Tom Ford, Calvin Klein), Mark has gone on to shoot feature films (The Tomorrow Man), episodic TV in LA, Netflix Comedy Specials, and Apple commercials. He is a student of the world and lives coast to coast, filming travel documentary series all over the world. RIT has given him the tools to excel in every environment.
Tori Dunn, BFA ‘20
Camera Department
Tori is a local 600 loader & camera assistant based out of Brooklyn, New York. You’ll find her name in the credits for features, shorts, and television series, including Marty Supreme, Poker Face, and the Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Gordie Earle, BFA ‘13
Editor and Director
Gordie has been a sizzle and trailer editor for MGM (recently acquired by Amazon) for over 10 years. He has also directed standup comedy specials for Preacher Lawson, Ashley Gavin, Danny Jolles, Michael Blaustein, and Joe Dombrowski, including "Danny Jolles - Six Parts" which was listed on New York Times Best Comedy of 2021. He has also co-directed hundreds of stand-up sets for Don’t Tell Comedy (Hulu/Youtube), and the TV pilot “Oddjobs” which premiered at SeriesFest.
Carly Cerquone, BS ‘15
Digital Artist & VFX
Carly Cerquone moved to LA shortly after receiving her BS in Motion Picture Science. She accepted a position working with a visual effects company, and has since worked her way into roles as an artist, designer, animator, supervisor, and art director. Her work focuses on creating fictional and future technology across film, television, and special venue projects. Some examples include holograms, heads-up displays, screen graphics, and other sci-fi interfaces.
In 2023, she transitioned to remote work and moved back to the East Coast. Carly continues to collaborate with teams and clients including Marvel Studios, Sony Pictures, and The Walt Disney Company.
Winner Announced:
Friday April 10, 4pm - 6pm
Wegmans Theater, MSS-2180
Enjoy a screening of the top selected films, along with recorded critique and feedback from our judges.
FAQ:
How big is the wacky inflatable tube friend?
BIG. About 20ft tall with a wacky arm radius around 12ft.
How do I reserve the wacky inflatable tube friend?
You can reserve the wacky inflatable tube friend just like any other piece of MAGIC equipment, by visiting the MAGIC PAs! General equipment rules apply:
- 24hr checkout.
- Automatically extended over the weekend until 5pm on Monday.
- Yes, you will get docked if you do not return it on time.
- NOTE: To provide as much opportunity to as many students as possible, we will NOT be honoring the spring break holiday checkout extension. This means wacky inflatable tube friend MUST be returned following normal equipment rules over spring break.
Can I check out the wacky inflatable tube friend over spring break:
Yes, the wacky inflatable tube friend will be available for checkout over spring break, however, spring break holiday rules DO NOT APPLY. This means wacky inflatable tube friend will be due back following normal 24hr checkout and weekend rules. Actual production equipment will follow the holiday extension and must be checked out on Friday 3/6 and will be due back Monday 3/16 by 5pm. This is to allow access to as many users as possible to the wacky inflatable tube friend.
Where do I go to reserve or check out the wacky inflatable tube friend?
On the Soundstage with the MAGIC PAs (MSS-2020 & MSS-2060).
What happens if the wacky inflatable tube friend is damaged on my shoot or before my shoot?
There’s only one of them, so don’t do that! Treat them with care!
What happens if I can’t get access to the wacky inflatable tube friend?
If you have any concerns or issues in accessing the wacky inflatable tube friend, reach out to Amanda Hughes at arkpph@rit.edu. We’ll work together on a solution!
Any tips for wrangling the Wacky Inflatable Tube Friend?
We suggest you secure the tube to the fan base as securely and tightly as possible to avoid air leakage. Wacky Inflatable Tube Friend does not like to get wet and will be too heavy to flap freely with strong winds or precipitation. Remember to clear your surroundings before inflation. The tube friend does require power, and does not take direction well, so be patient with their performance.
Other questions or concerns?
Contact Amanda Hughes at arkpph@rit.edu directly.