Description
Film/video production
entries must be original works of fiction or nonfiction relating to the
current Reflections Program theme. The entries may be with or without
sound.
The student submitting the entry must be the director, screenwriter,
and cameraperson. If using a computer, the student must do all of the
work. If the student chooses to appear in the production, a camera on a
tripod may be used. All storyboarding, editing, etc., must be done by
the student.
Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it
will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her
artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more
important than technique.
Categories
- Animation:
Animation may be drawn; created from a collection of objects, clay,
torn paper, etc.; or computer-generated.
- Narrative: A story
told through the images created on film, video, or computer. (This is
not the same as a storyteller narrating an original story.)
- Documentary:
Nonfiction documentation using narration facts, and images.
- Experimental: Video
that explores movement, light, and montage.
- Media presentations using
computers: Computer-generated media presentations must be
completely original, and the student must do all the work. Cutting and
pasting is not permitted. PowerPoint presentations will not be
accepted. Students must adhere to copyright laws. Software should be
used only to enhance and present the work of the student.
Originality
Each
entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the
creative integrity of a student’s
work. Because the program is designed to encourage
and recognize each student’s individual creativity,
help from an adult or collaboration with other students
is not allowed. Use of copyrighted
material other than music is prohibited.
Plagiarism is defined as
taking and
using another person’s ideas,
writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries
will be disqualified and returned to the students.
Entry
Form
All
participants are
required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who
have not completely filled out
the form will not be eligible to participate in the program.
In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form
or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s
name.
Students
have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official
Entry Form and must answer a few questions about how they created their
works (see Required Information).
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Return
of Artwork
The national PTA
office does not return film/video production
entries.
Judging
All
national entries
are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and
interpretation of the theme.
Music
The title,
composer, and performer of any background music must be credited and
documented on the Official Entry Form.
Presentation
- Entries may not exceed five minutes.
- Submissions should be in one of the following file formats.
- .MPG / .MPEG
- .MOV / .QT (Quicktime Video)
- .WMV (Windows Media Video)
- Submissions should be submitted on CD or DVD. In case of
DVD, the submission should be saved as a file on the disc, not as a DVD
movie.
- The student submitting the entry is not required to appear
in the video.
- Submit the CD or DVD in a plastic or cardboard container;
identify both the CD/DVD and container with the student’s name, grade
division, state, and year.
- Pack the CD or DVD in a large, catalog-style envelope, such
as a 10” x 13” envelope.
- Secure the Official Entry Form to the outside of the
envelope with masking tape.
Recommendations for quality recordings
- Use
a tripod to hold the camera still.
- Make sure there is plenty of lighting, especially if
shooting indoors
- Think about sound. Use an extra microphone (boom mike) if
needed. Turn off all noise-making devices in the room (air
conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.).
Required
Information
On the
Official Entry Form, please answer the following:
- Who appears in your video?
- Was a computer used? If so, name the software and hardware.
- Was any background music used? If so, credit the music.
Optional
Artist
Statement
On the
Official Entry
Form, describe what inspired you to create
this work. |