Divisions

Division I (Grades 2 & 3)
Division II (Grades 4, 5 & 6)
Division III (Grades 7, 8 & 9)

Categories

All video projects to be produced, written, filmed, and edited by students. The subject matter should be school appropriate (no violence or inappropriate language) topics. The maximum length of the film includes any titles and credits. Entries which exceed the time limit will have points deducted from judges' score sheet total. Entries with extraneous materials, such as "bloopers" will not be accepted.

DOCUMENTARY

Film footage from another source must be referenced
Maximum length: 5 minutes

ANIMATION/CLAYMATION

Animated story
Maximum length: 3 minutes

NEWS BROADCAST

Original news cast format featuring topics of interest to the school's student population
Maximum length: 5 minutes

DRAMA/COMEDY

Fictional with original footage,
Original work or adapted from public domain material.
Maximum length: 5 minutes

PSA

Public Service Announcement with original material that supports, educates, or inspires solutions to community or student concerns
Maximum length: 3 minutes

COMMERCIAL

Original commercial for a product, "student-created" products encouraged. Maximum length: 3 minutes

Awards

The entries will be judged by professionals from the film and media fields. Awards will be given in the various categories and divisions according to the judges' decisions. Decisions of the independent judges will be final. Awards can be delivered by mail at the request and expense of winners.

Evaluation

Entries will be judged (see Judges's Evaluation Form) using the following criteria:

• Technical ability: audio, camera work, lighting, and editing
• Expression of creativity
• Ability to communicate message or storyline
• Specific criteria related to the different categories

Entry Fee

The fee for each entry is $5. Checks should be made out to "Reel Spirit."

Format and Deadlines

Send an email indicating your intention to participate in the Showcase to:

Please list your name, the names of your school and district, contact email address, and the grades of student filmmakers participating. Please put "Reel Spirit Showcase" in the subject line of your email.

Each entry must be on a separate DVD and accompanied by a completed Entry Form. Each DVD should be labeled with the title of the film, category, division, and length in minutes. All entries must be received by midnight February 22, 2010. Failure to comply will result in disqualification of entry. The Showcase will not accept any entry requiring postage due, and will not be held responsible for entries damaged or lost in mail. DVDs will not be returned. Participants automatically consent to having their entry and likeness used for promotional purposes.

Mail to:
Reel Spirit Young Filmmaker Showcase
Attn: Rebecca Palmer
13614 S. Harris Road
Greenwood, MO 64034