Short Film

  1. The title of your film is:  “Plot Twist”  You choose the genre and approach. 

  2. Required sound you must use at least twice is a barking dog.  (We do not have to see the dog(s)—that is up to you)

  3. Required:  The story must include one character handing another character a flower (or several flowers) in a scene.

Vertical Film

  1. Required Beginning:  A character opens a fortune cookie (or a sealed envelope if you can’t find a fortune cookie) in the first ten seconds, reads the contents aloud, then faints.

  2. Required line of dialogue that can only be used in the last 30 seconds of the film:  “Somebody needs to cut back on the caffeine.”

  3. Required sound:  Breaking glass must be heard at least once. 

Movie Trailer

  1. Required:  Your trailer must include a scene of a really awful karaoke performance, only 5 -7 seconds long, by a teenager (any song allowed, school appropriate).  

  2. Required:  Sweet junk food (candy, pastry, sugary soda, etc.) must play an important role in the trailer.

  3. Required:  At least one short scene must only be lit by a flashlight. Your cell phone flashlight is acceptable.

Wild Card Film Production

“The Chase Scene”  

  1. In the first 15 seconds establish the motivation for the chase in any manner you choose—dialogue is optional throughout this production. 

  2. You may use any school appropriate music you have permission to use. Effects, graphics, color grading, slow motion, any production techniques/effects you want to incorporate are allowed. 

  3. Judges will look for continuity of shots, a STORY with a beginning, middle and end, appropriate and effective music (if used), and how dialogue (if used) moves the piece along.

  4. Required:  Someone loses a shoe during the chase. 

Narrative Podcast

  1. Tell a story centered around food. Any angle is fine—but remember, this is a narrative story, not just interviews.  

  2. Limitation:  The person or persons featured in your story may not be related to anyone in your broadcast/video class.  

  3. Limitation:  This is an audio-only event. The only visual is the logo, thumbnail or slate you must attach when you export this entry as an mp4 file when uploading.

  4. Reminder:  This is a narrative story, which can include interviews, but also includes narration to weave a story together. You may use any school appropriate music you have rights to use.

  5. Branding Note:  If you already have a podcast, your regular logo or thumbnail may be used, and you can reference your show’s title, and use your normal opening and/or closing theme if you want.

  6. Reminder:  Do not add commercials to this entry.  

Morning Show

  1. General Theme: The month of December has something for everyone.

  2. Background:  https://www.thespruce.com/special-days-and-observances-in-december-1448884   

  3. At least two segments (package, quiz, VOSOT, etc.) of your show has to be about that theme in some way.

  4. Judges are not concerned with which morning during the contest you build your show around. Don’t worry about specifying the date unless you want to.

  5. All video used for this contest must be shot by students during the contest period EXCEPT for your opening. You may use your regular show opening if you choose, or create a new one.

  6. You may use still photos for back story. You may not use video from local or national news, or video from your past school broadcasts. 

    NOTE: The December theme is just part of your show. You can add elements that are not about the theme (i.e. fun features, a package, news updates, sports updates, entertainment segment, a quiz, a guest, etc.). Or you can stick with the theme throughout. Your option. 

Wild Card Broadcast

  1. Background: Mr. Rogers used to teach kids to “look for the helpers.”  

  2. Prompt:  So do just that—tell us the story of someone who is a helper. 

  3. Required: Include an interview with at least one of the people the helper has helped.  

  4. All video used for this contest must be shot by students during the contest period. You may use stills or photos for back story. No archival video allowed.

School/Community Feature Story

  1. Topic: Tell us about a passionate teen artist, musician or performer, or a passionate group of teen artists, musicians or performers. 

  2. The story does not have to be about anyone at your school, but it can be. 

  3. Requirement:  All video used for this contest must be shot by students during the contest period. You may use still photos for back story. No archival video allowed.



CONTEST PROMPTS

All prompts are the same for high school and middle school divisions. Since Fall Frenzy is a brand-new contest, we’ve seen a smaller turnout in this first year. To ensure fair and exciting competition, we’ll be combining regional zones based on the number of​ entries. New zones will be posted later today.​ This adjustment allows for a more robust and rewarding experience for all participants while maintaining the spirit of the contest.​ All questions and concerns about contests can be sent directly to dave@studenttelevision.com.