MCA-I Media Festival Rules, Entry Process and Forms

Entry form and electronic payment must be submitted online by November 30, 2011. The complete entry package to be judged must be postmarked no later than December 9, 2011. Any questions? Please contact >>> mcaimediafestival@gmail.com     

 

Sponsored in part by ProductionHUB

Programs entered in the festival must be produced by a media communications professional or by a production company.

• Entrants must own and/or have clearance for all visual and audio elements (including music) in the program.
• All entries on behalf of a client must be submitted with written authorization from the client.
• Each program from a series is considered a separate entry.
• Entries are not limited to programs produced in the previous calendar year.
• Entries may have been created on any media and presented live or for playback on any media including the Internet.   
• Entries with an audio track other than English must be accompanied by some form of English translation.
• All programs (other than web-based programs with URLs) must be submitted on DVD. No CDs will be judged.

Program Categories

A single program or project may be entered in only one program category. However, the same individual or company may enter multiple programs in various program categories. And, a single entry may be entered into a program category and the editing craft category. However, separate applications (including fees) are necessary. Select from the following categories:

General Categories

• Documentaries/Shorts - This category includes short and feature length programs intended for general distribution, festival competition or educational course requirements.
• External Communications - Includes programs designed to present information to a company’s or organization’s external audiences. Examples include community service programs, image presentations, position statements, issues discussions, etc.
• Internal Communications - Includes programs designed to present information to an organization’s internal audiences. Examples include orientation programs, customer service presentations and meeting openers.
• Meeting Opener - The message should be an excitementbuilding, thought-provoking, or introduction video. This entry is judged on the effectiveness of the message to establish a theme. A common thread is that this video should be short (under 2 or 3 minutes).
• Public Service Announcement (PSA) - Includes a single PSA, up to 60 seconds in length. The PSA must have been produced for a nonprofit organization or government agency. Each PSA in a series must be entered as a separate entry.
• Sales and Marketing - Includes programs that urge viewers to take a specific action such as purchasing a new product or service or accepting a new concept or idea. Examples are new product introductions, point of purchase videos, sales meeting presentations, product demonstrations and programs which urge signing up for a cause or donating money.
• Training/Educational - Includes programs that help viewers to learn a skill. Successful entries will create the desired change in performance or behavior. Examples are programs that teach office procedures, interpersonal management and supervisory skills, technical skills and knowledge, crafts and other specialized procedures.

Craft Categories:

• Editing - This category salutes and recognizes professional editors. Programs will be evaluated on how creatively and effectively the editing helps the audience focus on the message and achieves desired results. Again, you may enter a single entry into a program category and this craft category. However, separate applications (and fees) are necessary.
• Writing Category - This entry is judged solely on the effectiveness, creativity and clarity of the script. The script must be submitted as a PDF document and accompanied by a printed script, as well as a copy of the finished program on DVD or via URL. If the script is longer than 8 pages, please indicate which 8 pages should be reviewed.
• Graphics/Animation - This entry is judged by the quality, originality and effectiveness of the graphics (backgrounds, supers, etc.) and/or animation (ie. modeled vehicles, characters, architecture, robotics, etc.) incorporated into the program. Entriesshould demonstrate artistry, creativity and effectiveness in supporting the program.
• Sound Design - This entry is judged solely on the sound design of the program (sound effects, voice over, music, etc.), specifically its quality, creativity, clarity, and effectiveness in the overall program.
• Web / Interactive - This entry is judged on the overall effectiveness of the programming on an interactive project; including its ease of navigation, style cues and use of graphics to guide the user through the interactive session. This category includes websites, games, Flash-type development and interactive presentations, such as PPT and DVD authoring. Must be submitted on DVD with URL listed on label (if applicable).

Student Works:

Open to current high school and undergraduate college students. Post-graduate students must enter as professionals. Includes programs produced as a class assignment and projects done for submission to a contest. The entrant must be the student(s) in charge of the production, which could be classified under any of the formats identified above. All student Goldeen Reel Award Winners will compete for the G. Warren Scholarship. The winner will receive $500.

Recognition Process

• Message Design (48%)
• Creative Elements (32%)
• Production Elements (20%)

The Media Festival uses the Olympic Scoring Method. Panels are made up of 7 judges. The high and low scores are omitted and the entry receives the average of the five remaining scores.

Viewing Limits

If your program is 20 minutes or longer, identify a five-minute continuous segment which you feel is most representative of your work.

Honors

Authorization, Warranty and Signature

(In order to enter your work, you must indicate that you have permission to do so and agree to the following statement.)