Humane Hero Video Contest Rules

1. Theme

The “Humane Hero” theme encourages students to demonstrate acts of kindness that make a difference to animals, people and the environment. In a world where any act of kindness seems heroic, this contest seeks to encourage and reward such actions. Video content can be real or fictional, based on present day actions or those of historical figures.

Some examples could be:

• documenting a service project undertaken by a group of students;
• a fictional representation of someone who rescues a stray animal;
• a current events-type of documentary about someone who helps animals;
• a “how-to” guide for helping animals or caring for animals humanely;
• a critical examination of animal welfare issues in the news;
• a rant challenging people to act more humanely to animals and people;
• a public service announcement to raise awareness of an issue such as pet overpopulation, strays, animal cruelty, etc.;
• a story of someone who learns the benefits of being kind;
• an overview of an historical figure such as Louise McKinney, Grant MacEwan, or others.

Note that this is not meant to be an exhaustive list; it is merely given to help develop ideas. Originality is one of the criteria for award selection.

2. Format of entries

Videos may be in any of these formats: live action video, animated video, PowerPoint, stop motion, digital storytelling. Videos can be made using video cameras, digital cameras, animation or computer software. Videos can be of any length up to 3 minutes and must adhere to the acceptable file types and YouTube Guidelines:
http://help.youtube.com/support/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=55744

Younger students and those without access to technology can create a story with artwork or a series of drawings.

3. Submitting entries

Entries can either be sent by email to animalwise@albertaspca.org or uploaded to the Alberta SPCA’s YouTube site www.youtube.com/albertaspca. You may also burn a copy to a CD and mail it to the Alberta SPCA Video Contest, 10806 1124 St., Edmonton AB T5M 0H3. Entries must be accompanied by the name(s) of the entrant(s), grade level, name of school attended, teacher's name and town/city in which the school is located.

4. Contest deadline

All entries must be submitted by midnight, June 7, 2010.

5. Languages

Videos may be submitted in either English or French.

6. Message

Entries must reflect the Alberta SPCA’s philosophy of animal welfare. To learn more about the Alberta SPCA’s views, read the mission and positions statements at the about us section of our website: www.albertaspca.org/about_us.asp .

7. Eligibility

The contest is open to all students enrolled in school programs (kindergarten to Grade 12) in Alberta. It is open to students in schools as well as those who are home-schooled. Entries may be posted by individual students or groups of students. In the case of a group of students whose entry is selected to receive a prize, the prize amount will be shared equally among the students. Students in primary grades may wish to work with students in higher grades.

8. Prizes

One entry will be selected to win the grand prize of $500. Three additional entries will receive a second prize of $200. The prize will be issued to the student(s) who submitted the entry. If there are no suitable entries, the Alberta SPCA reserves the right to not award prizes.

9. Permissions

Entry into the contest signifies the entrant’s willingness to allow the Alberta SPCA to use and display the entry during the contest and for future promotional and educational purposes.

10. Selection of winning entries

Entries will be selected to win prizes based on:

• impact of the message encouraging humaneness
• originality
• quality of production appropriate to grade level of entrants
• adherence to the animal welfare philosophy and positions of the Alberta SPCA.

Decision of the judges is final.