Several exciting new initiatives have been announced since our last roundup of contests and programs. For all of these things, you can parlay your video-making skills and natural talents into one-of-a-kind opportunities:
Next Food Network Star: The Food Network is taking to YouTube to find culinary talents to compete for the chance to host their own TV show. DUE: July 16, 2010
YouTube Play: Submit your dazzlingly creative art video for the chance to be part of a special exhibit at the Guggenheim this fall. DUE: July 31, 2010
Dance Studio:Step-Up 3D director Jon M. Chu is looking for the next generation of hip-hop, jazz-funk and b-boy/girl dancers on YouTube. You could win a trip to L.A. to hang with Chu, participate in a special jam session, and the chance to be in an upcoming Ultra Records music video. DUE: August 2, 2010
Filmmakers may want to take note of this contest from Philips, inviting you to create the sixth film in the "Parallel Lines" series. Watch this video for details:
Ridley Scott will choose the winning videographer, who will get a home cinema system from Philips and one week's worth of work experience at RSA Films in New York, London, Los Angeles or Hong Kong.
There will also be a public vote winner who'll get some cool stuff, too.
You've got until August 8, 2010 to enter. Official rules and more details are here. Good luck!
When it comes to opportunities to make videos and win cool stuff (from exposure on YouTube to cash to appearing on mainstream TV), there's a lot going on on YouTube right now. For this week's Weekend Project, a roundup of some current programs, their deadlines and what your participation might earn you:
Video Volunteers: Make a video supporting a women's organization and you could be featured on our homepage alongside Diane Von Furstenberg. DUE: May 26, 2010
Last year, Arturo Perez won the Project Report contest for aspiring journalists. This year, he's back with a short documentary film called "Jerusalem: War in My Land," which is now playing in the Screening Room. Here, he discusses the intersection of citizen reporting and documentary filmmaking, winning contests on YouTube.
As a winner of Project Report, what advice would you give someone who's entering a YouTube contest for the first time?
Read the rules and be strict about following them. There's a reason why they exist. Then, (and most important) be creative and think outside the box. Try to go above and beyond what the contest is asking. You want to make something that will surprise the judges and that will immediately stand out.
With the advent of video, the line between citizen reporting and documentary filmmaking is becoming more blurred than ever. Can you talk a little bit about the differences and where you see this trending?
I agree. Everyone has a voice now. But this comes with responsibility for being balanced, fair and honest. Citizen reporters have to take this seriously. But how exciting is it that anyone with a compelling story can make a film now? Five to 10 years ago this would not be possible. I see citizen journalists playing a very important role in how we get our news and how important and compelling stories will be told.
What are the elements of a great piece of citizen reporting?
I think it’s the same elements that any good narrative or good doc have. A good character(s), a focused narrative and narrative device, and a unique story.
Can you tell us a bit about your process for getting the most from the subjects you interview?
Listen. Listen. Listen. Too many interviewers ask questions and don’t listen because they are worried about asking the next question. If you listen to your subjects and ask questions based on what they are saying, it will be much better, you’ll get good interviews. Also, smile. If you smile, you’ll make them feel at ease. Weird? Maybe. But it works.
What new opportunities do you see for young documentary filmmakers trying to establish their voice? What are the new challenges?
A young person right now doesn’t have to wait to raise money to tell a compelling story. They can just do it, and that’s very exciting. The challenges? It can seem like there are too many people trying to do the same thing and you can get discouraged. But you just have to work harder than anyone else, and trust that people will enjoy and feel moved by your work.
This one's for all the teens out there with nothing to do this weekend. AFIScreenNation is teaming up with YMCA Y-Arts for a contest called TEENDOCS. The top three films will be screened at the AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs International Documentary Conference held in June 2010 in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The task is simple (sort of): make a video about something you have an emotional interest in.
Outside of that, visit TEENDOCS.com for the official rules, but right here, right now you should also know that:
- It's open to all 13- to 19-year-olds living in the U.S.
- The films must be 10 minutes or less
- You must upload your film to YouTube, and then submit the link to your film at TEENDOCS.com
- You may enter as many films as you wish
- Films are due by May 1, 2010
For inspiration, check out some of the powerful films submitted by teens so far, as well as the "how-to" videos on the AFIScreenNation channel:
Videographers who are also good cooks might want to use the weekend to start thinking about this cooking video competition sponsored by Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
Queen of Southern cooking Paula Deen is hosting a contest to find recipes that incorporate Philadelphia Cream Cheese in new, creative and, of course, tasty ways. During the next eight weeks, she'll be launching weekly competitions, giving aspiring chefs a chance to win a trip to Savannah, GA, and become one of the "Real Women of Philadelphia." (Sorry, guys. Deen says: "We're only looking for female chefs, but to all my men out there, you are welcome into the community.") Each Monday, she'll post a video of a side dish, appetizer or dessert to inspire your video submissions. All you have to do is submit a video featuring a recipe that includes cream cheese by that Friday. You can enter each competition as many times as you like, for as many weeks as you like.
If you're new to creating cooking videos, Paula's made a series of tutorials to help:
The first round starts on Monday, March 29, so be on the lookout for the latest video from Paula at http://www.youtube.com/user/LoveMyPhilly and get ready to show off you cooking (and video producing!) skills.
