Use your creative talent to help restore the Gulf of Mexico's coast and communities. Enter the Defend the Gulf Short Film Showcase hosted by Charitable Film Network, Gulf Restoration Network and Timecode:NOLA. We are now accepting submissions from the public to help tell the stories of the Gulf’s environmental issues and support Gulf Restoration Network's work to restore and protect the Gulf. Winners will receive great prizes and winning videos will be featured in Defend the Gulf Home Screenings all over the country, the Timecode:NOLA FFone film festival, and at the Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleans!
From the history of the Atakapa-Ishak tribe that has witnessed the wetlands disappear over generations to surfing (or not surfing due to pollution) off the panhandle of Florida, the Gulf has many an environmental story to tell. Video is a great way to share these stories, and we want to see yours! Winners will be selected in two categories by a panel of judges based on their environmental focus, compelling storytelling, and production quality. A third winner will recieve the People's Choice Award based on voting by the public. Entries are due by August 15, 2012. Competitions details and examples of past winners are below. You can also watch more GRN videos and past entries at www.youtube.com/healthygulf1.
"The Human Cost" - Grand Prize Winner in 2009
- 2012 CONTEST DETAILS AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES -
Prizes
Winners of the Best Short Video and Best PSA categories will receive prizes valued at over $1,000, including 2 VIP passes to Voodoo Music Experience and more. The videos will also be featured in the 2012 Defend the Gulf Short Film Series, which will be screened at over 200 events hosted by GRN volunteers, the Timecode:NOLA FFone, as well as the Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleansl. The videos will also potentially be used online and on TV to help promote GRN's campaign to restore and protect the Gulf of Mexico.
Winner of the People's Choice Award will receive 2 Full Weekend passes to Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleans.
Categories
Prizes will be awarded in three categories:
Best Short Video - maximum video length of 7 minutes.
Best PSA - maximum video length of 25 seconds.
People's Choice Award - chosen by the public!
Judging
Films will be evaluated by a panel of judges and the "Best PSA" and "Best Short Video" winners will be selected based on the following criteria:
Personal stories, strong narrative arc, great interviews, powerful images . . . all these and more can be components of a good environmental story. For some tips on good storytelling, watch this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxDwieKpawg.
3. Production Quality
Good editing, clear images, a killer soundtrack . . . quality video production helps deliver a powerful story. For tips and tricks, visit http://vimeo.com/videoschool.
Submission Guidelines
1. All entries must be submitted in DVD National Television System Committee (NTSC) format.
2. Public Service Announcements (PSA) must be no more than 25 seconds long. All other entries must be no more than 7 minutes long.
3. All DVD entries must be clearly marked with a title and the name of the filmmaker or organization submitting the video. Title and name should be displayed on the DVD as well as on the accompanying case.
4. No copyrighted material, including videos, photos, and songs, may be used in contest submissions without written approval of the lawful owner of the material.
5. All cast and crew members must be properly credited on each video submission.
6. There is no language or geographic restriction. However, if a language other than English is spoken, English subtitles must be used.
7. There is no entry fee or maximum number of entries per contestant.
8. A completed entry form must accompany each submission. More than one PSA or video may be submitted per DVD. However, separate entry forms must be submitted for each submission and each title should be clearly marked on the DVD.
9. Any statement of fact must be true and scientifically established. Please include citations of environmental facts and data in writing with the application.
Entry Deadline
We must receive your postmarked submission(s) no later than August 15, 2012. The contest winners will be announced in the fall of 2012. All contest submissions become the property of the Defend the Gulf Short Film Showcase and will not be returned.
Please mail your contest application and a (NTSC) DVD copy of your PSA or short video to:
Gulf Restoration Network 338 Baronne Street New Orleans, LA 70112
Dan Favre, Communications Director Gulf Restoration Network
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
504-525-1528 ext 209
The Defend the Gulf Short Film Showcase is a joint initiative of the Gulf Restoration Network (GRN), Timecode:NOLA, and the Charitable Film Network (CFN).
GRN is a diverse network of local, regional and national groups and individuals committed to uniting and empowering people to protect and restore the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico region. Timecode:NOLA is an organization dedicated to helping independent filmmakers find a greater audience by distributing films on our television show, website, screenings, and film festival. Timecode:nola is founded on and remains committed to presenting film, animations, and filmmakers to a broader audience with a uniquely New Orleans feel and presentation in a perspective as inimitable and complex as the city of New Orleans itself. CFN is a diverse community of media-makers, dedicated to connecting and collaborating with local nonprofits, activists, and artists on noteworthy campaigns that benefit the community-at-large.
