ABOUT THE CONTEST
(After you read about the contest, read our ideas for GETTING STARTED.)
WHAT IS "CAMPAIGN CAM"? 2004 is an election year—a time when people think seriously about issues that affect our communities and our nation. C-SPAN's "Campaign Cam" is a competition inviting students to identify a campaign issue of interest and to then produce a video that creatively explores and persuasively presents a point of view on that topic.
WHAT CONTENT SHOULD MY VIDEO INCLUDE? Video documentaries may include different elements—i.e. straight documentary, interviews, entertainment, promotional, news report, magazine style, or public service. Limited use of copyrighted material would be permitted in an entry so long as it is a lawful or so-called "fair" use, and so long such use does not overwhelm the "voice" or contribution of the student.
Videos may include clips or stills from C-SPAN- produced programming. In addition to expressing an opinion on a campaign issue, successful entries will also follow C-SPAN's principles of "editorial balance" and "fairness" by including at least one other point of view on the chosen topic.
WHAT MEDIA FORMAT CAN I USE? VHS, DVD or video file (i.e. QuickTime) submitted on a CD.
WHAT IS THE VIDEO TIME LIMIT? Up to 10 minutes in length.
WHO CAN COMPETE? Middle school students (grades 6-8) and high school students (grades 9- 12) in the United States as individuals, or teams of students may create and submit entries. Teams are limited to 3 students. Videos must be the original work of students, however, teachers may provide guidance and critiques. Teachers of top winners will receive digital media equipment for their schools.
HOW WILL THE VIDEOS BE JUDGED? We recognize that students have varying degrees of access to video production equipment and encourage all to apply! Entries will be judged on the following criteria: capturing the contest's themes; quality of expression, persuasiveness, and creativity.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE? Monday, May 17th, 2004; Winners announced June 3rd!
WHAT ARE THE PRIZES? Multiple cash prizes of $500, $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 will be awarded in both middle and high school categories; one Grand Prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the best overall entry.
WHERE DO I SEND MY ENTRY?
"Campaign Cam" Student Video Contest
c/o C-SPAN in the Classroom
400 N. Capitol St., NW
Suite 650
Washington, DC 20001
WHAT DO IN NEED TO INCLUDE WITH MY ENTRY? You must submit an official entry form with your video. Download the entry form (pdf | word) and read the complete rules.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS I STILL HAVE ABOUT THE CONTEST? Review the "Getting Started" page. If you still have questions, you can e-mail C-SPAN in the Classroom at educate@c-span.org or call between 8:30am-5:30apm ET at 202-626-4858.
