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

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.