Our World, Our Fate:
A true idea doesn't end thought, it activates it!

The film must relate to an environmental topic that fits the theme, Our World, Our Fate. This can be on a local, national or global level. Need an example, here's a 2 minute public service announcement on bottled water http://vimeo.com/1855327

Open to New Hampshire students in grades 6, 7 & 8 from schools in SAUs 3, 7, 9, 20, 23, 35, 36, 58, 68, 77 & 84 and Vermont schools in SUs 19 & 21. For K-6 schools, you may include grade 5 students on the team if necessary.

A team size is recommended to be 2 to 5 students. The minimum is 2 students, the maximum can be set by the adult team supervisor. The team can consist of any combination of grade 6, 7 & 8 students (and 5th graders for schools that only go through 6th grade). There is no limit on the number of teams per school, however, only one video submission per team will be accepted.

Entries (DVD with completed Entry Form) must be postmarked (or hand delivered by 4:00 PM) on or before Thursday, February 16, 2012 to Lori Langlois, Film Festival Entry, North Country Education Services, 300 Gorham Hill Road, Gorham, NH 03581. Late entries will not be considered for awards. The review of videos will begin on one week following the deadline to allow for postal delivery. NCES is not responsible for video arriving later than one week due to postal or carrier delays.

Best Picture
All of the elements of the film bring a powerful emotional impact that convincingly conveys the message of the film and leaves a lasting impression.

Best Cinematography
The overall visual impact of the film: lighting, composition, photography/videography and framing of the film contribute to an overall dramatic effect that sends a compelling message.

Best Editing
Assembles a variety of film components (smooth transitions, steady shots, balanced sound) skillfully to facilitate the telling of a compelling story or message.

Best Sound
The choice of music and sound effects, sound levels, and sound elements (music choice, sound effects, voiceover, dialogue and mixing) help convey the message of the film.

Best Creativity
The content of the film demonstrates original thinking or a unique presentation of a concept or idea.

Best Performance
The actor(s) remain in character, are believable and overall play their role(s).

Best Props & Set Design
Authentic props are utilized and the setting is appropriate for the content of the film.

Best Animation
At least 30 seconds of the film must be animated in order to qualify for this category. Hand-drawn, paper-cut out, computer, clay, and puppet animation are all acceptable.

In general, judges will consider the following elements:
1. Originality – uniqueness of the work
2. Technical merit – assesses lighting, sound quality, image quality
3. Execution – overall quality of components, including, but not limited to, acting, use of props and setting, where applicable
4. Audience appeal – how well the work engages the audience

Scoring rubric for basic elements in all categories. Awards may not be given in each category depending on the number and quality of the submissions.

Cash and/or prizes valued up to $1,000 will be awarded to the team for school related use.

There are stipends available to adult team supervisors. There is only a fixed amount of funding for stipends, so in order to be fair, we are going to start with the amounts below. Should we have fewer teams, we may be able to adjust the stipend amount upwards.

If the team is making the video primarily during school hours, the supervisor stipend is $75/team.
If the team is making the video primarily as an after-school project, the supervisor stipend is $150/team. In either case, the maximum stipend per school is $300 regardless of the number of teams. If you are willing to supervise additional teams without a stipend, that is at your discretion.

We will ask the building principal to verify whether the team's work will be during the school day or an additional extra-curricular activity.

Supervisors must be a member of the staff at the team's school. The supervisor does not necessarily need to be skilled in making videos since this is a student production.

Though we were able to provide some equipment last year, we are not providing it this year. Please contact Lori Langlois if your team needs to borrow a HD hand-held camcorder or shot-gun style boom microphone. A limited amount equipment is available and will be loaned on a first come, first serve basis.

NCES reserves the right to exclude any film from the competition without explanation (for example, content deemed inappropriate, failure to use a tripod or inadequate sound levels). NCES reserves the right to notify registered adult team supervisors of any changes to these guidelines or overall program.