We know how competitive all you classic Sci-Fi fans can be, for this reason we've got a couple of competitions that we hope will get you into the creative spirit of the convention.

See below for the following...

• Short Fan Fiction competition
• Neuvo Retro short film competition
• Costume competition

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SHORT FAN FICTION COMPETITION

Con 9 From Outer Space may be a media based event, but that doesn't mean we need to avoid the written word entirely. For this reason we're running our Short Fan Fiction Competition. To enter this competition the following must apply:

• You do not need to be a member of Con 9 From Outer Space to enter, however, non members will need to pay a submission fee of $10 to enter. Click here to access the submission form

• Existing Con 9 members can enter for free by emailing their story to con9fromouterspace@gmail.com, be sure to quote your membership number

• The story must be no longer than 1,200 words and must be written specifically for the convention

• The story must directly relate to an existing 1950s classic science fiction film (ie: using the same characters, planets or events) and you must advise upon submission what the reference is

• The story must not contain any profanity, adult tones nor excessive violence (keep it clean)

• All entries are to be emailed to the convention either as a PDF or a MS Word Doc softcopy: Times New Roman, 12 point font. Please do not supply printed hard copies

• The Con 9 organisers reserve the right to refuse any entry if they feel the story does not meet the required guidelines

• Entries may be uploaded to the Con 9 From Outer Space website for anyone to read and may result in a "public choice award" to be announced at the closing ceremony of the convention

• Finallists as selected by the Con 9 judging team will be printed in the convention's Con Book

• Entries must be submitted to Con 9 From Outer Space no later than June 1st, 2012

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be presented with an exclusive "Golden Gort" trophy made especially for the convention

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NUEVO RETRO SHORT FILM COMPETITION

"Yesterday's Tomorrow Today!"

Dear to the heart of Con 9's own Nigel Honeybone is our Retro Short Film Competition designed to honour the great black and white science fiction films of yesteryear. Nigel himself, being an avid devotee of short films, is very keen to see what budding film makers out there can produce for the convention. To enter this competition the following must apply:

• You do not need to be a member of Con 9 From Outer Space to enter, however, non members will need to pay a submission fee of $15 to enter. Click here to access the submission form

• Existing Con 9 members can enter for free by sending their films to Con 9 From Outer Space, PO Box 2045, Rowville Victoria, AUSTRALIA 3178. Be sure to include your name and membership number on the envelope.

• The film must be between 1 minute and 12 minutes in duration and must be created exclusively for the convention - ie made in 2011 or 2012 only

• There is no restriction on themes so outer space, alien invaders, space wars, large monsters, etc are all accepted

• Any format film will be accepted - live action or animated (either traditional or CGI)

• The film must look like it was made in the classic 1950s science fiction era. Any contemporary film simply converted to black and white will not be accepted

• All films must be original works using original material - ie no film footage from existing films is permitted, however, audio and/or music is acceptable. Further to this, compilation video clips will not be accepted

• The film must follow the Hays Code of censorship, ie no profanity, adult tones nor excessive violence (keep it clean)

• The Con 9 organisers reserve the right to refuse any entry if they feel the film does not meet the required guidelines

• Do not send your only/original copy of the film as the DVD will not be returned

• All entries will be screened during Nigel's Retro Film Festival a part of the convenion's programme and selected entries may even receive a nationwide screening via Nigel's TV programmes

• Entries must be submitted to Con 9 From Outer Space no later than June 1st, 2012. Finallists will be announced at the closing ceremony of the convention

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be presented with an exclusive "Golden Gort" trophy made especially for the convention

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COSTUME COMPETITION

It is a long standing tradition for a science fiction convention to hold a formal costume parade with various awards and honours. Here at Con 9 we have decided NOT to hold a formal costume parade, however, we encourage our attendees to whip our their best 50s attire, silver space suits and fish bowl helmets and wear them throughout the convention itself.

Why?

Because we WILL still be handing out special prizes to those who we feel have embraced the concept of Con 9 From Outer Space in the costume that they wear throughout the day.

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