Categories
An entry in the Comedy category must rely on and exploit comedic elements to deliver its message effectively.
An entry in the Design category must demonstrate excellence in overall design accomplished primarily in post production. The individual submitting the entry--editor, designer or artist--must have been the lead designer of the work. Any and all techniques are acceptable, from motion graphics to CGI to compositing and editorial collage. Excellence will be judged on art direction, pacing, impact, conceptual integrity and originality.
An entry in the Dialogue category must be driven by the spoken interaction between or among characters. The message must be delivered largely through the interactive lines of two or more characters.
An entry in the Montage category must rely on intentional editorial technique as the most influential element to deliver its message effectively.
An entry in the Music/Sound category derives its effectiveness from the artistry with which the images are molded to and work with and against the music track or sound design.
A Music Video must be made for the purpose of promoting a song or other popular music in an exciting and compelling manner.
Three spots are required in the National Campaign category. The effectiveness of the campaign's message is dependent on three spots, aimed at a national audience, which complement each other, broaden the message and deliver a more persuasive message together than separately.
An entry in this category must be an advertising or marketing message, presented as a commercial release commissioned by a client, and produced specifically for a New, Emerging or Alternative media platform. The entry may not exceed 5:00 minutes in length.
An entry in the Public Service category must be made for a client whose sole purpose is to deliver a moving and effective, socially responsible message which raises awareness of the issue in a compelling manner.
A Spec Spot must be made for the purpose of promoting the work of the entrant, a director or both and must deliver its message in a clear and compelling manner. An entry in the Spec Spot category is not eligible for the Best of Chapter category because a Spec Spot is not for commercial release.
An entry in the Storytelling category must rely on the unique storytelling techniques of filmmaking to deliver its message effectively.
An entry in the Under $50,000 category must have been produced in its entirety for under $50,000 including all production, editorial and finishing.
An entry in the Visual Effects category will demonstrate excellence in visual effects, 2D, 3D, CGI and other techniques to deliver a compelling message. The entrant should have not only edited the spot but also participated in the effects planning and/or execution. Because it is very difficult to assess contribution in a visual effects-driven spot, the entrant is strongly encouraged to provide an explanation of his or her contribution which will be made available to the judges for consideration.
All entries will automatically be included in the appropriate Best of Chapter category at no additional cost. Best of Chapter entries will be honored for excellence in the art and craft of editing. The entrant of a Best of Chapter spot must live in the metropolitan area of his/her home chapter though the entry need not have been edited there. The intent is to have entrants from one chapter compete against each other.
