EQUIPPING STORYTELLERS OF TOMORROW

This competition welcomes entries from any student who is currently attending a public high school within Dale, Geneva, Henry, or Houston County in Alabama.

Prompt: Outside the Spotlight Time Limit: 2 Minutes In a culture dominated by loud voices and social media highlights, countless meaningful stories remain untold. “Outside the Spotlight” asks you to turn your camera toward the people whose quiet influence deserves recognition. They might be the unassuming friend who’s always there, the humble janitor who keeps everything running, or the relative who offers steady support without seeking praise. Illuminate the genuine moments of everyday impact that so often slip by unnoticed.

Creativity is Key: Your video will be judged primarily on its creativity. Feel free to express your unique vision and style. Use What You Have: Don't worry about using professional equipment. Any camera, including smartphones, and any editing software are acceptable. Video Length: Ensure your video is less than 2-minutes.

1. Video Upload & Naming: Upload Your Video to YouTube: Students must upload their video to YouTube. File Naming Convention: The video title on YouTube should include the name of the video followed by "2025 Wiregrass Film Exchange Submission". Submission Link: After uploading, share the YouTube link in the submission form available at wiregrassfilmexchange.com/submit. 2. Video Description: Accompany your video with a brief description (minimum of 50 words) that explains the video’s content and/or the inspiration behind it. 3. Format and Quality: Submit your video in a horizontal aspect ratio. Please note that vertical videos will not be accepted. 4. Deadline: All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM on Friday, April 4, 2025, via the Wiregrass Film Exchange website. For any technical difficulties with the submission process, please contact studentcreativeexchange@gmail.com by 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 5. Announcing Winners: Winners will be announced on the Houston County Film Exchange website at 10 AM on Friday, April 18, 2025. Make sure to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your submission is considered. Good luck!

• Video Upload: Students must upload their video to YouTube. • Submission Portal: After uploading, provide the YouTube link on the submission portal at wiregrassfilmexchange.com/submit. • Accessibility: Ensure that your YouTube video is set to be publicly viewable so that the judges can review your submission.

Winners will be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, all of whom are professionals in the filmmaking industry. Five students will be awarded, receiving a comprehensive Creator Kit and film exchange training on May 1-2, 2025 as their prize.

Winners will officially receive their Creator Kit, which includes a MacBook Pro, DSLR camera, studio headphones, professional-grade software, and more, after they have successfully participated in the Film Exchange event and completed the associated project. This event is scheduled for May 1-2, 2025 during school hours, with the project completion date on May 2 at the Houston County Academy in Dothan, AL.

Yes, each of the five distinguished winners will be granted two excused absences, allowing them the opportunity to participate fully in the Film Exchange event.

If you require help with transportation to or from the Houston County Career Academy, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all winners have the support they need to participate fully.

If you are selected as the winner from your high school, you will be officially entered into the Film Exchange. As part of this group, you will each receive an extensive array of tools and equipment to jumpstart your filmmaking career: Tech and Equipment: - Apple MacBook Pro - Canon DSLR Camera - Canon 18-55mm Lens - Tripod - SD Card - Camera Bag Software Suite: - Final Cut Pro X - Logic Pro - Motion - Compressor - Mainstage Audio and Recording Gear: - Audio-Technica Studio Headphones - Professional Shotgun Microphone Professional Development Funds: - Cash allocation for creating a custom website, designing business cards, and purchasing business attire.

To claim your full prize package, participation in both days of the Film Exchange is mandatory. This two-day event will be held on May 1-2, from 9am-2:30pm, at the Houston County Career Academy in Dothan, Alabama. Both days will be excused absences for the program's five winners. What to Expect During the Film Exchange: - Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical sessions to master the use of your new equipment. - Expert Guidance: Learn filmmaking fundamentals directly from real-world professionals. - Work-Based Learning Project: Collaborate on a project to create a short film honoring the life and legacy of Stephen Durham, which will debut at the 1st Dothan United Home Game at Rip Hewes Stadium. Completion and Prizes: On the final day (May 2), you will graduate from the Film Exchange Program. Post-completion, all the equipment, software, and additional prizes are yours to keep, continuing your journey in filmmaking. Transportation Assistance: If you require help with transportation to or from the Film Exchange sessions, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all winners have the support they need to participate fully.