The summary:
This is a contest designed to inspire and demonstrate creativity though photography and videography. Entrants will have approximately one month to create and enter a video or photograph that corresponds to the contest’s theme, and a winner will be selected in both categories (video and photo). Read on for detailed information.
The guidelines:
The theme of this contest is “impossible talent.” Entrants are to submit a video or photo that shows them (or someone else) doing something that seems impossible. (Or at least very difficult). The main idea is to make it appear that the person is doing said talent even if he/she isn’t actually doing it.
For example, a video could show someone running a mile in 20 seconds. We all know that’s not humanly possible, but by cutting between the runner and a stopwatch (and having the runner cross the ‘finish line’ when the stopwatch hits 20 seconds) it would appear as if the feat is actually being done.
If you are entering a photo, it could, for example, show someone standing upside-down on the ceiling eating ice cream. We all know that’s not humanly possible, but by pasting a rotated image of someone eating ice cream on an image of a ceiling, it could appear as if the feat is actually being done. You could also use trick photography, not doing any computer effects but simply tricking the viewer into thinking they’re seeing something that they aren’t.
These specific examples have not been tried and could possibly end up looking rather odd, but their purpose is to inspire you to think of your own crazy “impossible talent” ideas and to think of creative ways to use them. I will be posting my own, complete video example soon, so stay tuned for that.
Entrants may enter as many videos and/or photos as they wish.
- Entrants may use any equipment they wish to create their entry, and may use any kind of editing tools and effects they wish to enhance their final product. Use of copyrighted music and sound effects is permitted, provided the final product isn’t being sold (which it isn’t).
Videos must be 1 minute or less in length. Make your video only as long as it needs to be to best display your impossible talent.
- Photos may be as large as you want and in any shape that you want. No restrictions there, provided you can send your photo to me (as explained below).
The submission:
If you are entering a video (or videos), please upload your film(s) to Youtube, Google Video, Facebook, or another site, and email me (nathan@mancini.name) the link to your video along with your name and any other information you want to include. If you can’t find a way to upload your film, please let me know and I’ll try to arrange a way to enter it.
If you are entering a photo (or photos), please simply email me (nathan@mancini.name) your photo(s) along with your name and any other information you want to include. If you would rather upload your photo(s) and send me the link, that is perfectly fine as well.
The judging:
A small panel of judges will determine the winners in both categories (video and photo). If you do not wish to enter the contest but are willing to be a judge, please email me (nathan@mancini.name) or comment. I would love to include you.
- Video entries will be judged on the following criteria: creativity (how well does the video relate to the contest theme? How awesome is the impossible talent?), cinematography (how interesting are the shots? How well are the shots cut together to form the video?), integration of visual effects (if any), and sound design (Do the music and/or sound effects, if any are present, complement the movie in a good way?)
- Photo entries will be judged on the following criteria: creativity (how well does the photo relate to the contest theme? How awesome is the impossible talent?), composition (how good is the photography?), and integration of image effects (if any).
You may submit your entries any time before October 5, 2008, when judging will begin. Winners will be announced as soon as possible after that date.
The prizes:
There will be a winner in both categories (video and photo). However, please note that, while you are allowed (and encouraged) to work as a team on an entry, there will be only one prize awarded per winning entry regardless of the size of the team.
The winner of the video category will receive an iTunes album of his/her choice (up to $10 in value). I will either burn a CD of the album or gift the album through iTunes, whichever the winner prefers.
Also, the winner’s video will be posted on the front page of Tommy and Timmy, displayed in all its winning glory.
The winner of the photo category will receive three iTunes songs of his/her choice (up to $3 in value). I will email the winner the songs.
Also, the winner’s photo will be posted on the front page of Tommy and Timmy, displayed in all its winning glory.
The prize for the photo category is smaller simply because a photo entry generally takes less time and preparation than a video entry does. Also, due to my interest in movie-making, I would love to see what you all can do with video, hence the larger prize. Also, due to limited funds, I can’t offer exorbitant prizes in general. Please don’t be offended, and please enter if only for the fun of it.
(By the way, if you happen to have any audio/video/photo related stuff that you want to donate for a prize (such that the prizes are improved), let me know. You would be much appreciated and get awesome points for that.)
The eligibility:
- Entrants can be any age, grade, etc. No restrictions there.
- No fee, purchase, or anything else is required for entry.
- I have to know you for you to enter. If you send me an entry and I don’t know who you are, I’m sorry, but you will not be included.
- If you win the video category and want your prize as a CD, you have to be someone I’ll see at some point. I won’t be mailing the prize anywhere. Sorry for any inconvenience.
What to do next:
If you’d like to enter, please do! Don’t not enter on account of lacking the necessary equipment; you can borrow a camcorder or camera from me or someone else. And, again, if you’re not entering, please let me know if you’re willing to be a judge. The more judges I have, the more accurate the judging will be. (Being a judge is easy, by the way…I’ll explain in greater detail as October 5 approaches).
Don’t know how to edit your video? If you’re using Windows, you have Windows Movie Maker pre-installed. If you’re using Mac OS X, you have iMovie pre-installed. Both are simple, easy-to-use video editors. There are other free video editors available as well.
Need help with an entry or have questions about the contest? Email me at nathan@mancini.name, comment on this entry, or post in the Questions section in the forums.
So…what’s your impossible talent?
[contest begins]
