Calling all teenaged moviemakers. The WAM! Channel has extended the entry deadline for its Teen Video Contest: Superheroes to give aspiring directors more time to develop short movie submissions.
The contest, which launched in November, invites consumers 13 to 18 to submit a short film or video (about seven to eight minutes long) that represents an original idea of a superhero. Submissions can include feature animation, live action, clay animation, stop-motion or a combination. WAM! set the contest deadline for Feb. 28, but extended it to May 13 after consumers requested additional time, said Midge Pierce, VP-programming for WAM!
“It’s time consuming,” Pierce said of the contest. “We heard from a lot of people that the kids needed more time. We were happy to give it to them.”
The contest comes as part of a new branding effort by WAM! focusing on 13- to 17-year-olds, Pierce said.
The contest will award one grand-prize winner with a Panasonic mini DV camcorder with a carrying cases and tripod. Two first-prize winners will receive a Panasonic D-Snap video camera and 12 finalists will receive a WAM! hat or T-shirt.
Judging will be based on originality, character and plot development, artistic expression and quality. New York Film Festival Director Tara Dawn and Starz Denver International Film Festival Director Ron Henderson will serve as advisors. Submission may be sent via mail to WAM!’s Stacy, MN, office.
Winners will be announced in June. TV spots and Internet materials support.
WAM! created its own superhero character, Link. The character talks to computers, makes movies and is a superhero, according to WAM! But for the Teen Video Contest: Superheroes, character submissions don’t have to wear a cape or swing from skyscrapers.
“We want to reward new, fresh talent,” Pierce said. “We’re looking to spark ingenuity and creativity among our teen audience.”
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