Click Here for the Rules
Note:
Programs may only be entered into one category with ONE exception: Two separate episodes of a series, those with different names and/or subject matter, may be entered into two different categories. Duplicate entries will be eliminated for any category after the first one submitted with no refund. Please read each category carefully and choose the one that best fits your entry. Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners.
1. Arts and Theater (Including Comedy & Drama)
A scripted and/or acted dramatic show or series; scripted action/adventure, re-enactment or suspense program; a humorous show or series; traditional or innovative art, poetry, spoken recital, theatre, or other art medium such as video art or experimental videos; other non-musical art medium; or artist profiles.
2. Children and Youth
Informational or entertainment show or series designed for/by children ages nursery through grade 6.
3. Community Impact
“Making a Difference” program that generates community involvement and interest through awareness, empowerment or education.
4. Diversity Empowerment
Program that explores culture, people or ideas not generally explored in the mainstream media; speaks to a human understanding of diversity, i.e. a specific culture, ethnic group, the LBGT community, a differently-abled group, or alternative lifestyles.
5. Documentary
Program that profiles true-to-life people, places, or organizations and presents factual information for a better understanding of the current issue and its impact on the community.
6. Historical Documentary
Program that examines a person, place or event that happened over 10 years ago where usage of archival material or reenactments offer factual information for a better understanding of the history’s impact on the community.
7. Instructional & Training
Programming of a “how-to” nature… informational and skill-building feature (often hands-on) to help viewers accomplish a goal.
8. Issues and Political Process
Program about town politics or community issues which explores points of view, or that involves viewers in the political process, pre-election interviews or coverage of local election night results, commentary, debates, or forums…democracy in action!
9. Event Coverage – Single Camera
Local event coverage whether it be a concert, lecture, sports game, festival, parade, or other event in your community that is covered LIVE OR PRE-RECORDED with a single camera.
10. Event Coverage – Multiple Cameras
Local event coverage whether it be a concert, lecture, sports game, festival, parade, or other event in your community that is covered LIVE OR PRE-RECORDED with a multiple cameras either switched live or edited for airing.
11. News and Magazine Format
Entertainment, information, or variety show or series comprised of short, self-contained segments; or an edited series, or a program that offers reports on local topics and events around a town, city or school.
12. Municipal/Government Programming
Local government programming, features of government-at-work, or coverage of city or town-hosted events and meetings (but not elections, see category 8). New in 2017…both budget divisions may enter this category.
13. Music and Performance
Traditional or innovative musical/dance performance, creative or experimental music videos, dance, or music/dance artist profiles.
14. PSA/Short Program
(UNDER 5 MINUTES) non-commercial public service announcement or a short piece meant to raise awareness about an issue, event or nonprofit organization including a specific PEG program or organization.
15. School/Educational Program
School related programming, profiles or coverage of classroom projects, school events, activities, meetings, and etc.
16. Science, Health & Spirituality
A program that deals with theory and concepts related to science and the natural world, or events and traditions of religion, inspirational music or religious and spiritual topics or events.
17. Student Programming
Show or series produced by a student or students in grades 7-12. All student programming will be judged together, regardless of budget category.
18. Sports Programming
Program or series about topics related to sports and/or athletics. Coverage of a sporting event, sports competition, or a program about a sports team or athletes.
19. Profile Talk Show
LIVE or PRE-RECORDED monologue or opinion/interview-based discussion of a person or event to generate interest and educate the public.
20. General Talk Show
LIVE or PRE-RECORDED talk show on any subject or topic, including but not limited to sports, activities or entertainment.
Special Category: PEG Advocacy
Videos of any length about Public, Educational, and Government access media which advocate for its preservation, explain its benefits, or educate the public about PEG in their community. The idea of this category is to find videos that could be shown to government officials, educators, and the general public in support of PEG access for all communities. NO FEE TO ENTER THIS CATEGORY!
Videos from this category will be used by Community Media Centers through ACM-NE Region Website on their channels. Category is mixed professional/non-professional. By submitting your video, you agree that it can be used on the ACM-NE website, and by PEG Access channels regionally or nationally.
Special Category: Overall Excellence
This professional-only award recognizes excellence among access organizations in the NE Region. The entry compilation should demonstrate the effectiveness of the center’s Public, Educational, and/or Government programming efforts, diversity of programs produced, and value to the community served over the course of the year.
The organization will be asked to submit a short narrative and sample video(s). Keep this in mind when selecting which programs to include in the entry. This award judges the PEG Media center on several key components.
- The variety of programming for different audiences in your community
- The technical quality of the programs (video, audio, shot selection, graphics, etc.)
- The extent of the center’s involvement in the community as shown by examples
Your entry can be either an edited 10-20 minute compilation of clips from a minimum of six different productions OR links to a minimum of six individual programs representing your best of the best. The latter option might be ideal for smaller access centers that don’t have the time or staff to put a compilation together. But keep in mind that all entries will be judged together in their respective budget categories, whether those entries are compilations OR clips. Programming examples should include shows created by media center staff, community producers or non-profit organizations with editorial control, by students, school employees and/or education access staff, or by government employees or government access staff.
This category is available to Access Centers only, based on budget categories. Note that the budget categories have changed this year:
- Under $200K
- $201-350K
- $351-500K
- $501-750K
- $751K and over
When entering online, (1) state if your organization is P, E, and or G or all that apply, (2) the number of staff, full and PT, and (3) your annual budget for the entire operation (not just P, E, or G). NEW THIS YEAR: For the first time, judges will have the option of awarding an Honorable Mention in each Overall Excellence budget category for those circumstances when there is a second strong contender that deserves recognition.
The ACM-NE Video Festival raises the level of excellence in our local community media… Please support this festival and celebrate our local freedom to communicate!