Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is “Take a Shot at Changing the World?”
Am I eligible to enter the contest?
How do I enter the contest?
I don’t have a camera. Does this mean I can’t enter the contest?
Is there a fee to enter the contest? 
What are the dates of the contest?
What are some examples of the types of videos I should submit?
I’ve never made a video before. How do I do it?
My movie is complete! Now what?
What are the rules regarding the content of my video?
What can I win by entering the contest?
Can a group of students submit a video together?
Who is judging the contest? And how?
Can my parents or teachers help me create the video?
Where can I learn more about the topics?
I still have questions. How can I get in touch with you?

What is the “Take a Shot at Changing the World” A Viral Video Educational Initiative.
“Take a Shot at Changing The World” is a “viral” video competition where students can make films about Pittsburgh Innovations--events of people that began in Pittbsurgh and had an impact on the world at large, or they can make films that feature their own big ideas to change the world. Check our resource links and prompts for ideas and more information about Pittsburgh Innovations. Some include Rachel Carson, the Homestead Strike, Jonas Salk and the polio vaccine, and more.  The contest furthers the belief that with a camera, an idea, and a voice, you can change the world, and that film is a viable way to examine and spur meaningful social change.

Am I eligible to enter the contest?

  • You are eligible if you are in grades 6 through 12, and,
  • You attend a private or public school, or are homeschooled in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland.
  • For more information please review Rules and Regulations page.
  • If your county isn’t listed and you’d like to participate please contact us. This contest is being piloted in Southwestern Pennsylvania, but we are hoping to expand globally in the near future.

How do I enter the contest?   

  • In order for you to participate in the contest, an educator from your school must register your school.
  • If your school is not involved and you would like to make your own video, send us an email at Rachel@steeltown.org or call our office at 412-251-0890. We will do our best to approach educators in your school so that you can participate.
  • You can sign up for more information but only teachers can officially register.
  • Once your school has registered, you can download and fill out the talent release form and location release form.
  • Make sure you read all of the rules and regulations before you start working on your video.
  • Sign up now.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

  • Your video must not exceed 192 MB in size, and needs to be submitted in one of the following formats:
    • .avi
    • .wmv
    • .mov
    • .mp4
  • We cannot accept hard copies (DVDs) of your video.
  • Steeltown is not responsible for any failures to encode any video into a proper format or for the inability to decode and/or play any submission.  Videos in other formats or that prove to be incompatible may be disqualified.

I don’t have a camera. Does this mean I can’t enter the contest?
No. If students do not have access to equipment, teachers can request to borrow cameras from Steeltown Entertainment Project that have been donated by The Pittsburgh Foundation. However, we have a limited supply and because we want everyone to be able to participate, they will only be loaned for 7 days. We ask that if possible, teachers pick up at our offices at 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 708, in the Southside. To make arrangements to borrow equipment, please call 412-251-0890 or email rachel@steeltown.org

Is there a fee to enter the contest?
There is no fee to enter.

What are the dates of the contest?
The contest runs through May 1, 2013. You can submit your film at any point between now and then.

What are some examples of the types of videos I should submit?

  • Please carefully read through the Prompts in the Competition Resources section of the home page.
  • Videos should be creative! Music videos, commercials, or animated films are just a few ideas. Let your imagination be your guide.
  • Check out some of the entries from last year that students made about the Salk Polio Vaccine. This might help give you some ideas for this year's contest.  Remember: only original work. No copyrighted material!

I’ve never made a video before. How do I do it?
You can watch a brief video on the video-making process found on the homepage. There, you will also find a helpful document called How to Create a Quality Video.

My movie is complete! Now what?

  • If you haven’t already, sign and mail your release form, fill out the releases for anyone featured in your video, and write your brief statement. Your statement must be 3-5 sentences long and should provide a description of the video and how it relates to one of the prompts. You can upload your video and brief statement directly on to the site (www.takeashotcontest.org). You must physically mail in your release forms to our offices. As soon as we receive all forms, and approve your video, it will be made visible on the site and available for review.
  • Students should submit their completed videos to their teachers. Their teachers will submit students’ videos electronically through the website www.takeashotcontest.org. All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM on May 1st, 2013 to be considered.

What are the rules regarding the content of my video?

  • All film content must be your own. Any film that contains copyrighted material, like songs you hear on the radio, or clips from T.V. shows, will be disqualified.
  • All credits must be listed within the length of the video. You can learn more about how to do this in “How to Make a Quality Video.”
  • Every person you interview needs to sign a talent release form, granting their permission to be featured in your video.
  • You must also fill out a release form for photographs you use (other than the ones in our cleared images section) verifying that you have permission to use them, or the rights to them. These must be physically mailed to our offices using the address below or faxed to us at 412-251-0893.

    Steeltown Entertainment Project
    Attn: Take a Shot Contest
    2100 Wharton Street
    Suite 708
    Pittsburgh, PA 15203

  • If you want to use music in your video, it must be your own original music or in the public domain. Some public domain music can be found at http://creativecommons.org/
  • If you use pictures of your grandparents, neighbors, etc., you must state in the talent release form that you have the rights to the photos, or their permission.
  • All content must be appropriate for all ages and videos cannot contain offensive language or behavior.

What can I win by entering the contest?

  • All submissions will be featured on www.takeashotcontest.org
  • All attendees to the Take a Shot Film Festival 2013 will get to see their films featured on the big screen.
  • The winning video (popular vote) from each category (middle and high school) will receive $1,000.
  • The winning videos (judges’ vote) from middle school categories will each receive $1,000.
  • The winning videos (judges' vote) from high school categories will each receive $1,500.
  • All prize money will be split between the student filmmakers and their schools.

Can a group of students submit a video together?
Yes, students can submit a video together. Make sure all participants are listed on your registration form. All prize money will be split among the group members.

Who is judging the contest? And how?

  • The judges’ panel will consist of community leaders including educators, filmmakers, social acitivists, and foundation leaders.
  • The top ten videos from each category, as selected by the judges, will be opened to a popular vote on the website.
  • The judges will select their number one choice from each category, and each of those selections will be awarded $1,000.
  • The number one video from each category, as determined by the popular vote will also be awarded $1,000.
  • Videos will be judged on creativity, practicality and feasibility (for social action implementation), and technical and entertainment value.

Can my parents or teachers help me create the video?
All participants can use their parents and teachers as resources to help complete their videos. However, the ideas and the execution of the project should come from the students.

I still have questions. How can I get in touch with you?
If you have questions, please call us at 412-251-0890, or email us at rachel@steeltown.org.

You will need to mail your release forms to our office using the address below or fax them to us at 412-251-0893.

Steeltown Entertainment Project
Attn: Take a Shot Contest
2100 Wharton Street
Suite 708
Pittsburgh, PA 15203