Do’s & Don’ts

 

This section will help you gain a better understanding of what we are looking for in your submissions to the “THIS IS MY STORY” contest. Please read it over and make use of the info when creating your SPOT.  This isn’t a list of things required, but rather a list of helpful ideas that might give you better insight of what we are trying accomplish with this contest.

The main goal of this contest is to get filmmakers involved in creating quality content, and to improve on shooting techniques. This can be accomplished by actually going out there, lighting, shooting video and capturing sound as well as editing a finished spot featuring interesting and talented individual.

Your SPOT’S DO’s:

1. Choose the Right Candidate:  Choosing the right candidate to feature on your spot is probably one of the most important steps in this project.  It can be anyone but choose wisely.  Choose someone that you respect and admire and even inspires you because of something that they do. They should be passionate about what they do, because if they are, they’ll be excited to tell you about it on film. If they lack passion, this will become very obvious on film, and your spot might lack the energy we are seeking. Keep in mind that their talent and passion can be anything. Accountants are passionate about numbers, Mechanics get excited when talking about the cars they rebuild, local bands show enthusiasm when they talk about the music they create, and so on. Look for someone local that you think will make a good candidate.
2. Format is important:  IndieSpot.TV has created a simple format that works.
• Shoot the interview with your candidate
• Shoot some B-Roll of your subject in action
• Show your candidate doing what they do best:  This will give you content to edit.  Keep the interview down to 2 – 5 minutes and use some of the B-Roll to show a little more insight into what the interview is telling us. We found this to work great and this is definitely what we are looking for, however, if you have a unique concept which will help you better tell your story, by all means, bring it on. Keep in mind that the story is what matters most, so try and keep it simple. If your unique concept or technique is too complex and it takes away from the story, then you’re better off sticking with our simple format.
3. Learn Technique:  Story really is everything, and it’s what’s going to win you the contest, however, using good shooting techniques will definitely help your chances. We want you to create the best possible spot featuring a talented individual, but we also want you to learn good technique while doing it. We believe that the more projects you produce, the better your shooting skills will be.
4. Have a unique concept:  We are looking for a unique and creative way for you to tell us a story.  Be creative in the delivery and the footage that you provide. Remember, we are your audience…. Entertain us!! Be creative, be creative, and be creative!
5. Stay within the theme: Don’t send a great spot on a subject that has nothing to do with this contest.  Stay in tuned with the theme of the contest. The theme of this contest is to submit a spot featuring some interesting person.  Find a good subject to do a spot on. Find an interesting person that has a passion, drive and love for that unique/interesting thing they do.  Such as a local painter, musician, sculptor, barber, tattoo artist, batman … whomever you deem a good candidate.  Just be sure to be clear and tell show us why this person was a good choice for your spot.  You need to find that unique way to keep us interested in that story you are trying to tell. Keep this in mind, if you think the person on the spot is not interesting and boring, then so will we.
6. Follow the rules: Review the rules and follow them accordingly. Especially the “how to enter” section.  We would hate to have not viewed your spot film because you submitted it incorrectly. Read the rules on the contest page.
7. Other items to keep in mind:
1. Choose a good background
2. Framing is important
3. Use appropriate lighting
4. Capture the best Audio you can
5. Prepare questions for your Interview ahead of time
6. Edit sooner rather than later

You’re SPOT’S DONT’S:

1. Be over complex: There are a lot of interesting things that you may want to cover on your spot, but be mindful to the allotted time. Don’t mix up your story because you are trying to cover too much. Keep it nice and simple. Don’t lose us. Have someone view it first and except their criticism. It may help you out.
2. Don’t beat a dead horse: No one likes to see something that has been seen a dozen times.  So creativity is the key here.  Keep it interesting.  Stay within the time frame and don’t repeat yourself on the spot.  Also, you are allowed to submit more than one entry, so again, don’t repeat yourself.  Like mentioned in the list above, we are your audience, keep us entertained.
3. Don’t try to be persuasive: We love our people. Indiespot.tv would not be here if it wasn’t for you independent filmmakers. But don’t try to persuade us in any way, shape or form through your spot or by emailing or anything. This will not help you out in any way and may jeopardize your chances of winning. We are here to maintain the integrity of the contest, so just don’t!
4. Don’t be late: Please submit your spot on time. Deadline of August 31^st 2011. Thank you and good luck.  Keep checking back for more announcements