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Contest Details « Back to Entries

Welcome to the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program How-to Video Challenge!


Filmmakers, web video artists, and DIY experts, show us your coolest, baddest, flat-out flyest how-to video in 3 minutes or less!

Want a chance to prove your filmmaking mettle and win some serious dough? Impress us with a unique visual style, an unexpected story, or a topic we've yet to cover, and you could win $2,000 and score exposure across Howcast's distribution network. Go on, we dare you: Knock our socks off.

How It Works


  1. Read the guidelines and rules below. You've got complete creative control, but there are still some basic guidelines you'll need to follow.
  2. Get creative! Shoot and edit.
  3. Upload. If you're not already a Howcast member, sign up first. When uploading, be sure to submit your video using the "Enter Now" button on the contest home page to mark your upload as a contest entry. (Note: You'll see a contest logo on the upload page if your video is being properly entered into this contest.)
  4. Got another idea? Try again ... you can enter as many times as you like!

Video Guidelines


  • Your submission must be a video no longer than three minutes that presents a lesson on how to do something, and experiments with a creative approach to the how-to video. We're looking for a fresh take on how-to--and you've got complete creative control! (Tip: Your video doesn't have to look like a Howcast video. We really are looking for something totally new. So, go ahead, knock our socks off!)

  • Videos should do one or more of the following:
    • Employ a fresh shooting, editing, or graphics technique
    • Teach the world to do something unique and original
    • Tell a story with a how-to lesson subtly weaved within it
  • We recommend obtaining release forms for the actors, locations and artwork you want to use. You can access all our online releases (no faxing or mailing required) here.

  • We created an animated Intro and Outro graphic for the contest. If your editing program can process .MOV's, edit the graphic in at the head and tail of your video with a simple hard cut. You can download the animation that matches your shooting and editing format here.

  • Your video must not include music you don't own. You're free to simply download tracks from the Howcast music library, royalty free, here.

  • Videos may be SD or HD, live-action, or animation, using any animated technique.

  • Topics can cover anything in Howcast's top 25 categories or thousands of subcategories, including, but not limited to, technology, home improvement, cooking, and lifestyle. For sample ideas to help get you started, please visit our FAQ.

Specific Content Requirements


  • Videos must include a clear lesson on how to do something, or include a how-to task as a central element
  • All content must be owned by entrant. Please, no stock footage or photography that is not your own.
  • Logos and any trademarked or copyrighted material are not permitted in any video submission. For a complete description of these items and ideas for avoiding them visit our FAQ.
  • Anything depicting violence, bodily harm (including cigarette smoking), profanity, nudity or explicit sexual content, or unlawful activity, including underage drinking, binge drinking, or gambling is not permitted in any video submission.

Specific Technical Requirements


  • Videos must be less than three minutes in length (not including the required Contest Intro/Outro Animation explained below) and under 100 MBs in size. For help getting the best quality image with the smallest file size, please review our export and upload guidelines in the FAQ.
  • Videos may be SD (Standard Definition/DV NTSC) or HD (High Definition), but please follow our guidelines in the FAQ for exporting your video so it's the correct size for the Howcast player. For suggested camera specs, please take a look at our FAQ.
  • If your editing program can process .MOV's, your video should include the official Howcast Contest Intro/Outro Animation at the head and tail of your video. You can download the animation that matches your shooting and editing format here. If you're unsure how to do this, you may email us for help. But, rest assured, your video will still be accepted either way!
  • We recommend obtaining release forms for the actors, locations and artwork you want to use. You can access all our online releases (no faxing or mailing required) here.
  • Your video must not include music you don't own. You're free to simply download tracks from the Howcast music library, royalty free, here.
  • After the contest is completed, winners, finalists, as well as a top pool of entrants selected by Howcast, may be asked to submit master files (deliverables) via mail or FTP for distribution to Howcast's distribution partners across the web (on AOL, Yahoo!, Hulu, and others) and beyond (to the iPhone, TiVo, and iTunes). Email will be sent to applicable entrants with easy directions on how to do it. Please don't get rid of your master files until the winners are selected. If you have any questions about this before entering, please contact us.

If you have any questions about any of the contest requirements, please read our FAQ. If you still have questions, email us at videochallenge@howcast.com. We're happy to help!

Submission Period


Submissions may be uploaded from 12:00 PM EDT June 2, 2009 to 11:59 PM EDT August 11, 2009.

Winner Selection


At the end of the submission period, viewers will have one week to vote on their favorite videos to select the pool of finalists. During the voting period, viewers may vote for as many videos as they like, but may only vote for each video once each day. Finalists--the top 10 entrants with the most votes--will be judged by a panel of film, video, web, and how-to professionals to determine the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

Voting Period


Viewer voting will take place from 12:00 AM EDT August 12, 2009 to 11:59 PM EDT August 24, 2009.

Meet the Jury


We knew we needed nothing less than creative, cutting-edge professionals to weigh in on the entries, so Howcast assembled a stellar panel of film, video, web, and how-to pros to judge the finalists:

Peter Baxter, Cofounder/President, Slamdance; Filmmaker
In 1995 Peter cofounded Slamdance as an independent alternative to the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Since its inception, Peter has been responsible for developing and maintaining all areas of Slamdance. As Slamdance's president, he has built an organization synonymous with the discovery of emerging talent. Peter's current film work includes the documentary feature Wild in the Streets.

Jeff Cooperman, Managing Producer, The Colbert Report
Jeff is a journalist and television producer. Prior to joining Colbert in 2005, he was the medical editor of Dateline NBC, where the laughs were far less intentional. During the course of a rich and varied career spent mostly in network news, he has received multiple Emmy awards, as well as the Peabody and Edward R. Murrow awards.

Justin Johnson, Promotions Director, Next New Networks
Justin is one of the founding members of Indy Mogul, winner of a 2009 Streamy Award. He was also one of the first video bloggers, as well as an early pioneer of sketch comedy on the net. His short political satire, Hillary in Bosnia, has over 2.4 million views, and was featured on Fox News and other TV outlets. In 2006 he created the number one site on the internet for finding and submitting to video contests, OnlineVideoContests.com. Justin is currently the head of promotions for Next New Networks, an internet television start-up created by the minds behind cable juggernauts Nickelodeon, Sundance Channel, Hanna-Barbera, and MTV.

Darlene Liebman, Vice President of Production, Howcast Media
Darlene Liebman was born and raised in Manhattan and is a diehard New Yorker. Beginning her production career working on independent feature films in New York City, she quickly learned how the film community functions and the difference between a Best Boy and a Key Grip. Called by the sunny rays of California, she worked with Don Johnson and Cheech Mairin and The William Morris Agency. After returning to New York, Darlene continued to work on feature films until she was asked to help launch the show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. This was followed by the opportunity to explore short-form animated content with the Nickelodeon On Air Promos Department and shows, SpongeBob Square Pants and The Fairly Odd Parents. While working at Nickelodeon, Darlene got a call from her twin brother asking her to help launch Howcast. Darlene is now the Vice President of Production responsible for running Howcast Studios, building a community for emerging directors, and finding the perfect filmmakers to turn the vision of cool how-to's into a reality. Her work was recognized in 2009 when she was named one of the Most Influential Women in Technology by Fast Company.

Charles Merzbacher, Chair, Department of Film and Television, Boston University
Charles is a motion picture director and the Chair of the Department of Film & Television at Boston University. Merzbacher's films have won awards at the San Francisco International Film Festival, the Chicago International Film Festival, the Houston International Film Festival, the Columbus International Film and Video Festival, and the National Educational Film and Video Festival. They have also been shown at such prestigious events as the Sundance, Seattle and Montreal Film Festivals. For the past decade, he has been primarily involved in film education initiatives. At Boston University, Charles co-founded a program that permits students to produce professional quality television pilots and he helped implement courses in the production of content for new media and mobile devices.

Tim Sullivan, Director of Development, Magical Elves
Tim attended the University of Vermont and upon graduation moved to Boston, where for two years he worked copy-editing math textbooks and routing telephone circuits. As exciting as that was, he left Boston for Los Angeles in 2001 to pursue more creative ambitions. He quickly got his start working in production on numerous commercials, music videos and independent films. In 2006 he took a role working in development at Magical Elves Productions, where he remains to this day. The company is behind television programs such as Last Comic Standing, Project Runway and Top Chef, among many others.

Katherine Sharpe, Online Editor, ReadyMade Magazine
Katherine Sharpe is the online editor of ReadyMade, a magazine about people who make things and the culture of making. Previously, she worked as the editor and community manager of Seed Media Group’s ScienceBlogs.com. She holds an undergraduate degree in English from Reed College, and a master’s degree in English from Cornell University. She was a founding editor of the literary journal and website 400 Words, and her written work has appeared in a variety of magazines and newspapers; today, she writes and blogs frequently for ReadyMade. Her two great loves are literature and a good project.

Hunter Walk, Director Product Management, YouTube
Hunter leads consumer product management at YouTube, delivering hundreds of millions of playbacks a day to the world's largest video community. Since joining Google in 2003, he has also lead the development of Google Video's Syndication & Distribution and managed product and sales efforts for AdSense, Google's contextual advertising business. Prior to this, as a founding member of the product and marketing team at Linden Lab, Hunter helped build the noted virtual world Second Life. Earlier, he was a management consultant and also spent a year at Late Night with Conan O'Brien, broadcasting to an audience of insomniacs, truckers and college students. Hunter has a BA in history from Vassar and an MBA from Stanford University.

Judging Criteria


The contest jury will judge finalists in two primary areas: the quality of the video and the quality of the instruction. Specifically, the jury will be judging according to the following criteria:

  1. creativity, originality and freshness of video
  2. technical execution: camera/sound/lighting/editing
  3. creativity and originality of lesson
  4. degree to which lesson is presented in a compelling way
  5. degree to which lesson is presented in a clear way

Prizes


Frequently Asked Questions


What do I need to do to get started?

  1. Read the guidelines and rules below.
  2. Get creative! Shoot. Edit. And upload. (If you're not already a Howcast member, sign up first.)
  3. When uploading, be sure to submit your video using the "Enter Now" button on the contest home page to mark your upload as a contest entry. (Note: You'll see a contest logo on the upload page if your video is being properly entered into this contest.)
  4. Got another idea? Try again ... you can enter as many times as you like!

I'm not sure what kind of how-to video to make. Can you explain the guidelines further?

Sure, we created three sample treatments based on the guidelines. Please note, these are only examples – they're not meant to be produced into submissions for the contest. Your challenge is to knock our socks off with something we haven't thought of or seen yet!

  1. If we were going to make a how-to video employing a fresh shooting, editing or graphic technique, we might make How To Get Paid for Donating Plasma and experiment with a unique visual effect (Hey, wait, we already did that!). Crafted to appeal to a younger audience than usually might donate blood, the video features a heart pumping blood, blood flowing, muscles flexing, and sperm wiggling all done in claymation and complete with squishy sound effects!
  2. If we were going to teach viewers to do something totally unique and original, we might produce How To Make a Water Gun Alarm Clock, (Hey, wait, we already did that too!) a video that will surprise viewers with an inventive household hack and brand new way to wake up in the morning!
  3. If we were going to craft a narrative short story with a how-to nestled within it, we might make How To Creatively Break Up With Your Boyfriend, a love story with a how-to subtly woven in. The video would tell the desperate story of Maura, whose boyfriend Mark cannot seem to get the message, "It's over!" Viewers would watch as Maura considers e-mail, text, bullhorn, even a blimp, before ultimately deciding a video on YouTube might finally get the message across to pathetic Mark. As viewers laugh and cry through the breakup of the young couple, they would also learn a new way to break up with a boyfriend who just won't go away.

Need some more inspiration? Browse Howcast's category pagesand videos made by our filmmakers.

And remember, get creative! Don't use these samples or another Howcast video – make something we haven't see before!

Do you have any other tips for making a great video?

Sure, we can tell you what we tell our filmmakers in the Emerging Filmmakers Program – make sure your video is well-lit and your shots are steady. Use lights and a tripod if you can. Make sure your location, actors and props look great! And, follow our export guidelines to try to get the best image quality for your upload. (Don't forget to watch your video before you hit Upload!)

What if the topic I want to do is already a Howcast video?

Please create a new video that hasn't already been done and choose a topic that has not already been produced by Howcast Studios or the Emerging Filmmakers Program. If you're unsure which videos Howcast produced, you can follow this link to view them: http://www.howcast.com/videos.

Can I use Howcast wikis to make my video?

Many Howcast wikis are already Howcast videos. The wikis will give you some great ideas but please choose a topic that has not already been produced by Howcast Studios or the Emerging Filmmakers Program. If you're unsure which videos Howcast produced, you can follow this link to view them: http://www.howcast.com/videos.

Howcast videos have a lot of graphics. Does my video need to have those elements? If I want to use them, where can I get them?

No, the only graphics required in your contest submission is the Contest Intro/Outro animation, explained below. In the future, if you'd like to use the Howcast graphics and voice-overs to make a video, check out our Emerging Filmmakers Program where filmmakers make Howcast videos using our assets.

Howcast videos are all made using voice-overs. Does my video need to need to use a voice-over?

No. You may use sync sound or a voice-over – you have complete creative control. In the future, if you'd like to use the Howcast graphics and voice-overs to make a video check out our Emerging Filmmakers Program where filmmakers make Howcast videos using our assets.

What is the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program and how can I be a part of it?

The Emerging Filmmakers Program is a chance for up-and-coming filmmakers to build their reels, get experience working for a client, and gain exposure across the web and beyond as they make stellar how-to shorts for Howcast.com. You can learn all about and apply now at www.howcastfilmmakers.com!

If my contest submission is accepted, am I also automatically accepted into the Emerging Filmmakers Program?

Your contest submission won't make you an automatic accepted filmmaker but you can apply any time (even while the contest is running) and get started on your application video. We can't wait to see what you make!

What is the Contest Intro/Outro animation and how do I add it to my video?

The Contest Intro/Outro animation was created especially for the How-to Video Challenge so that all video submissions can be clearly marked as entries no matter where they are seen by viewers. The animation is a short clip with sound that is added to the head and tail of your video with a simple hard cut. Select and download the graphic file that matches your video (SD/DV NTSC; HD 720p; HD 1080p; etc.). Import it into your editing program. Place it at the beginning and end of your video in your time line with a simple hard cut. If you need help doing this, we're happy to help. Just e-mail us at videochallenge@howcast.com with your questions. If you're not able to edit it in, no worries, your video will still be accepted!

What copyrighted material must I avoid and how can I avoid it?

Copyrighted material means labels on products; logos on clothing; ANY sports team logos and images; movie posters; record albums; photos of celebrities; or any footage, images or music that’s not your own. Think of solutions for working around them. For example, if an actor is drinking a beer, peel off the label, or turn the bottle so all you see is the back. Ask your actors to avoid clothes with logos. Use black tape to cover the name brand of a car; put food ingredients in alternate containers; or just frame your shot to keep the name out. If you’re unsure whether you can include something, it’s always best to ask us first.

Is there any other content I should not include my video?

Yes, please make sure you read our rules and guidelines before you get started. Your video should not include anything depicting violence, bodily harm (including cigarette smoking), profanity, nudity or explicit sexual content, or unlawful activity, including underage drinking, binge drinking, or gambling.

Can I use my own music for the soundtrack to my video?

Any music used in your video must be owned by you. You can also access our music library and freely use any of our tracks. We've got a lot to choose from!

Do I need to provide release forms before my video is accepted?

Release forms for all your actors, locations and artwork are recommended. You can use ours, which are all online (no mailing, no faxing) on the contest resources page.

What file types can I upload?

Howcast accepts most file types (including .MOV, .AVI., .WMV, .MPG), though for the best quality we recommend uploading a QuickTime file (.mov) encoded with the H.264 codec. Files must be smaller than 100 MBs.

How should I export my SD video to get the best looking video on Howcast?

If you shot SD (on DV either NTSC or PAL), there are certain specs to follow that we recommend to get the best looking video for the Howcast player. Here they are:

  • Shoot full-frame 720x480
  • Edit full-frame 720x480
  • Export at 640x480
  • Export using H.264 compression to export with either Quicktime, MPEG-4 or AVI file; keep quality high (limit the bit rate to about 3000 kbps); use a de-interlace or blur filter

How should I export my HD video to get the best looking video on Howcast?

HD formats vary, so first just make sure they you edit in the same format you shot in. When you go to export, there are certain settings we recommend to get the best looking video for the Howcast player. Here they are:

  • Export at 640x360
  • Export using H.264 compression to export with either Quicktime, MPEG-4 or AVI file; keep quality high (limit the bit rate to about 3000 kbps)
  • If you shot or edited in an interlaced HD format (like 1080i) also use a de-interlace or blur filter

Do you have any recommended cameras or editing software?

We don't have any favorites, but we can tell you that our filmmakers generally use 3CCD MiniDV cameras or prosumer HD cameras. For editing software, many prefer Final Cut, Premiere, Avid, or Sony Vegas.

How can I increase my chances of winning?

Follow the contest guidelines and rules carefully. Read the FAQ and use our recommended export settings. And make a truly unique how-to video that uses a fresh visual style, teaches a new lesson, or tells a story with a how-to woven carefully within.

How can I use Howcast's sharing tools to promote my video and get more viewer votes?

At the end of the submission period, viewers will have one week to vote on their favorite videos to select the pool of finalists. The best way to get more votes is to tell everyone you know to vote once a day. Howcast has easy sharing tools next to every video that allow you to post your entry to your favorite sites including Facebook, Digg and MySpace. There's also an easy way to e-mail your video to the contacts in your address book. Spread the word and get more votes!

Who will be judging the top 10 finalists?

Howcast assembled a stellar panel of film, video, web, and how-to pros to judge the finalists. The panel includes: Peter Baxter, Cofounder/President, Slamdance; Jeff Cooperman, Managing Producer, The Colbert Report; Justin Johnson, Promotions Director, Next New Networks; Charles Merzbacher, Chair, Dept. of Film and Television, Boston University; Katherine Sharpe, Online Editor, ReadyMade Magazine; Tim Sullivan, Director of Development, Magical Elves; Hunter Walk, Director Product Management, YouTube; and our own Vice President of Production, Darlene Liebman. You can read more about them here.

What is Howcast's distribution network and where will my video be shown?

Howcast's distribution network includes our partners across the web (on AOL, Yahoo!, Hulu, and others) and beyond (to the iPhone, TiVo, and iTunes). Our Emerging Filmmakers' videos can be seen in all these places. After the contest is completed, winners, finalists, as well as a top pool of entrants selected by Howcast, may be asked to submit master files (deliverables) via mail or FTP for distribution to Howcast's distribution partners. E-mail will be sent to applicable entrants with easy directions on how to do it. Please don't get rid of your master files until the winners are selected.

Winners Selected
This contest is now over.

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