Challenge Schedule

August ‘06 - April 2, 2007
Create an original video, not to exceed 6 minutes total (see Challenge rules).

April 2 , 2007
All videos must be received by The School of Communications office. Any video postmarked after April 2nd will not be accepted. All videos sent will be the property of SOC. Download the entry form here.

April - May 2007
Videos will be processed by the staff of SOC and Reel Challenge judges.

May 21, 2007
Winners will be posted on the Reel Challenge website and prizes will be awarded. Academic portfolio certificates will be mailed to all participants.

Copyright Guidelines

1. The emphasis of the SOC Reel Challenge is on original creativity. Collaboration between students can draw upon artistic, musical, written and technical skills that would result in an “original” production. Copyright is not an issue when students produce their own original material.
2. In the instances where it is desired to incorporate copyrighted material, in addition to appropriate credit being given as to the source (within the video), the production entry form submitted to the SOC Reel Challenge must be accompanied by a copyright permissions letter from the copyholder(s) unless copyright use is covered under state copyright guidelines.
3. Student produced video projects that were originally created to meet the requirements of a class, may not meet SOC’s copyright guidelines for using portions of copyrighted material. Copyright laws are different for projects used solely in a classroom setting. Entry videos for Reel Challenge are not protected under classroom copyright laws. (see rule #2) Basically, students should attempt to create original components for every aspect of their video along with using royalty-free music.
4. If, as part of a production, a brief portion of a copyright work is included as a result of “incidental” activities, permission is not required.

Examples

a. Students videotaping a community parade, “briefly” take footage of a band’s performance. (incidental) However, if the taping concentrates on the band’s performance, it is no longer “incidental”.
b. The same video team, as in the preceding example, briefly pans the audience. While doing so, they sweep by a person holding a copy of “Newsweek” Magazine. This brief sweep could be considered “incidental” to the production. However, if the camera was to zoom in on the person holding the magazine and emphasize the magazine, it is no longer “incidental”.
c. The use of trademarked symbols, logos, characters, etc. in a production would require prior permission, unless their use meets the condition of being “incidental” to the production.

Entry Guidelines

1. Each entry must define as its theme, the character trait specified. Scripts and/or storyboards must accompany each final student entry form and video tape. (3 copies must be submitted.)
2. All non-student written and produced materials must include a signed release specifying permission for use from the owner of that material (see section #3 of the entry form). Name, address, and phone numbers must be included with the release, giving SOC permission to copy and broadcast the student production at no charge. This includes all copyrighted and non-copyrighted materials.
3. Copyright permission must be credited in writing for use of clip art, non-original music and authoring programs.
4. Presentation exceeding 6 minutes will be disqualified. Running time will be interpreted as first image/text/sound to last.
5. A completed entry form must accompany each student video production. Entry forms must be typed. The forms on the website may be filled out online, saved and then sent as an e-mail attachment. Sponsor e-mail address (es) must be included.
6. All entries must be submitted on ½ inch VHS videotape recorded at standard play, DVD or digital tape. You may send only one entry per tape. Three identical copies of each entry must be sent.
7. Each entry must be on a separate tape and “show ready”. Each entry submitted must include black lead at the beginning and end of the production. Entry tapes will not be returned.
8. Only material produced during the current school (August, 2006– April 2, 2007) year may be submitted.
9. Entries may be produced by an individual student, group, class or club. Only one prize and/or trophy will be awarded per winning entry.
10. The criterion for judging is based on content and technical quality. A sample judge’s form is located on the website. Completed and signed judging sheets will be sent to students at the competition of the contest. Each entry will be viewed and judged by judges as well as the faculty of SOC.
11. Registration fees: $25.00 per entry ($18.00 for SBACS member schools)
Make check payable to SBACS and mail to
SBACS/School of Communications
PO Box 1204
Windermere, FL 34786-1204

Contact us to request further information.