What is Earth Optimism (www.EarthOptimism.si.edu)
Earth Optimism is a global mission celebrating a change in focus from a sense of loss to one of hope, from apathy to action, in the dialogue about conservation and sustainability. To spread this message we are highlighting examples of conservation success at the first Earth Optimism Summit, a three day event hosted by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC with partner events across the globe.
The Summit will be a gathering of 100 speakers and over 1000 thought leaders, practitioners, pioneering scientists, artists, environmentalists, civic leaders, media, and other conservation-minded citizens. We will convene to discuss and share examples of what is working in conservation and how it can be scaled up for greater impact.
The power of media, including video shorts, is an important part of this storytelling celebration. Help us celebrate Earth Optimism and be part of a conversation about conservation and sustainability successes that inspire hope. Together, we can do this!
Explanation of Video Competition:
The theme of this competition is “Conservation Success”. We are asking students to share a success story that involves them personally or highlight a story that needs to be told through a compelling two-minute video. Examples with real outcomes will be most competitive.
Submissions may be posted on the Earth Optimism You Tube site and select videos will also be shown at the Summit.
Video Competition Rules and Guidelines:
1. Videos must be the original work of the applicant. Applicants must hold the rights to any music, graphics, or stock footage used in their productions. Contestants may use any music that they own the rights to or that is not copyright protected to begin with. For example, contestants may use their own original music, music composed by friends, music that is found through creativecommons.org, or royalty free music that has been purchased from a source such as digitaljuice.com. Contestants may NOT use music that is copyright protected (for example, a song by the Beatles) without obtaining rights to it.
2. The contest is open to any undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution.
3. Videos must be produced and narrated in English.
4. Any factual claims or references to research must be credited.
5. Only one contestant can be named per video, although you can include other people in your video.
6. Videos must be no longer than 2 minutes, including titles and credits.
7. Videos must begin with “Earth Optimism” followed by an opening title. Display credits of those involved in the production at the end of the video.
8. Videos must not directly advertise a product, service, logo, or name of any non-profit
organization, government agency, or private company.
9. See conditions of entry below.
Entry Deadline:
The contest opens February 1st, and ends March 3rd, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest and states that he or she is currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student.
How to Submit Video Entries:
Upload your video to filmfreeway.com at “Earth Optimism Video Contest” before 11:59 PM Eastern Time, March 3, 2017. Include your email and contact information, your full name, address, age, name of the school or institution you attend and program of study. We will review videos to make sure they conform to rules, then post them on the Earth Optimism Summit You Tube channel. Contestants will receive notification when videos are posted.
Judging:
A panel of judges drawn from contest sponsors will decide the contest winners based on content, story telling ability, production quality, creativity, and overall impact. Students with limited resources, technical skill and experience with film production should not feel discouraged from entering the video competition. While we look forward to enjoying creative, well-prepared submissions, the most important part is your ability to communicate an important story in a compelling and effective video.
Winners will be notified via the contact information provided at the time of entry; the Smithsonian may disqualify anyone who fails to respond to the notification within five business days. Arrangements for travel will be made immediately following notification. Winners will also be announced on the Earth Optimism website and social media channels. Please do not contact us about the status of entries or judging.
The Smithsonian will determine winners’ eligibility in its sole discretion.
Sponsors:
Smithsonian Institution, Earth Optimism Summit, American University Center for Environmental Filmmaking, Skyline Indie Film Fest
Online Features:
The Smithsonian may select any video submission and request high resolution file to post on its websites or social media channels or display in a publicly accessible contest archive; such selections will be made in the Smithsonian’s sole discretion.
Helpful Tips on video production
YouTube Creator Academy is a great resource for information and guidance about making videos. Other useful whiteboard resources you may want to visit are ExplainEverything and ShowMe.
Some examples of excellent video shorts can be found at
• filmfreeway.com
• teensdream.net
Conditions of Entry
All entrants and persons involved in the film or production thereof hold the Sponsors and their respective regents, directors, officers, employees, emeriti, fellows, interns, research associates, and volunteers (the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against all claims of any nature arising in connection with entrant’s participation in the contest and acceptance or use of a prize. The Indemnified Parties are not liable for any costs, damages, injuries, or other claims incurred as a result of entrants’ participation in the contest or winner’s acceptance and usage of a prize. The Indemnified Parties are not responsible for incomplete or misdirected entries, technical or network malfunctions or failures, or causes beyond their control. Entrants are solely responsible for their entries. Entrants may not submit materials that introduce any software viruses, worms or other programs designed to damage software, hardware or telecommunications equipment or are off-topic, partisan-political, contain advertising, nudity, personal attacks or expletives, or is otherwise abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, discriminatory, libelous, obscene, false, sexually explicit, or that infringes on the rights of any third party.
The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. The Smithsonian reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. In the event of a dispute regarding the winners, the Smithsonian reserves the right to award or not award the prizes in its sole discretion. The Smithsonian reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose entry or conduct appears in any way to: inhibit the enjoyment of others; tamper with the competition; violate these rules or other applicable law or regulation; infringe on the rights of third parties; or act in a disruptive manner. Decisions of the Smithsonian are final and binding.
Please email any questions about the video contest to EOSummitContest@si.edu
We look forward to watching your videos and meeting you at the Summit! Good luck!
