Commercial
Sell it with style. Use a given prompt to develop a 30-second promotional video for an original product, service, brand, or concept. The idea must be created by the student team and not based on any existing name brand. You may promote fictional products, school events, clubs, fundraisers, or even small, locally owned businesses (with permission). Entries may include live action, animation, or graphics but must deliver a message that’s clear, creative, and compelling. Entry Time Limit: Exactly 30 seconds | Max team size: 6 students
Commentary *New*
Share your voice and your viewpoint. In this category, a single student will deliver a video commentary on a topic of their choice based on a given prompt. The piece should reflect a clear opinion or perspective, supported by reasoning, evidence, or personal experience. While it may be persuasive, the tone can range from serious to humorous. To maintain a strong, personal connection with the audience, only one student should appear on camera. Creative use of visuals, graphics, or sound is encouraged to help engage the audience and strengthen your message. Entry Time Limit: 2 minutes or less | Max team size: 4 students
Human Interest Feature *New*
Shine a light on people with stories worth sharing. Based on a given prompt, this category highlights individuals or groups whose personal experiences, passions, or challenges leave a lasting impact. Whether heartwarming, inspiring, or emotional, these stories should connect with viewers and showcase strong character-driven storytelling. Entries must include interviews, b-roll, natural sound, voiceovers, and reporter stand-ups. Entry Time Limit: 3 minutes or less | Max team size: 4 students
News Story
Deliver the facts with clarity and impact. This category challenges students to create a timely, fact-based story based on a given prompt. Stories must include interviews, b-roll, natural sound, voiceovers, and reporter stand-ups, and should answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how. The goal is to inform your audience with accuracy and purpose. Entry Time Limit: 2 minutes or less | Max team size: 4 students
Original Segment *New*
Create a pre-produced, standalone segment that could air as part of a broadcast show. This category celebrates creative content that doesn’t fit the structure of a traditional news package. Segments may be comedic, informative, artistic, or narrative in tone, but they should feel polished, purposeful, and broadcast-ready. Think satirical skits, how-to segments, lifestyle breakdowns, creatively edited montages, talk-show mini segments, or parodies of popular formats. This is your chance to experiment with voice, format, and style while maintaining strong production value. Entry Time Limit: 3 minutes or less | Max team size: 4 students
PSA
Make an impact in 30 seconds. Based on a given prompt, students will create a clear, creative message about a current societal issue. Each PSA must include a statement of the issue, a supporting statistic, and a strong call to action. Entries may use live action, animation, or graphics to engage and inform the audience. Entry Time Limit: Exactly 30 seconds | Max team size: 6 students
School & Community Feature *New*
Shine a light on what makes your school or community unique. Based on a given prompt, this category focuses on local events, traditions, issues, or programs tied to your campus or the surrounding area. These stories should go beyond the basics to offer context, connection, and meaning. Use strong visuals and a full storytelling package—including interviews, b-roll, natural sound, voiceovers, and reporter stand-ups. Entry Time Limit: 3 minutes or less | Max team size: 4 studentsSchool PromoPromote what makes your school shine. In this category, students will create a short promotional video based on a given prompt that highlights a school, club, group, or event. Use live action, animation, or both to deliver a clear and creative message. This is your chance to showcase spirit, pride, and purpose. Entry Time Limit: 60 seconds or less | Max team size: 6 students
Short Film
Craft a complete cinematic story from start to finish. Based on a given prompt, this category is open to original short films in any genre or format, including documentary, live-action, and animation. Entries must include a clear beginning, middle, and end, with strong structure, pacing, and visual storytelling. Title graphic and credits are required and count toward the total runtime. Entry Time Limit: 3 minutes or less | Max team size: 6 students
