CONTEST CATEGORIES

Short Fiction Comedy 

• • TRT: Does not exceed 5:00

  • A film that uses humor in the story. A compelling story in a fictional narrative short format.  The story must be an original script or a public domain adaptation.

Short Fiction Drama 

• • TRT: Does not exceed 5:00

  • A range of genres that can include action, horror, thriller, sci-fi, etc. The short story is a compelling story in a fictional narrative short format.  The story must be an original script or a public domain adaptation.

Short Fiction Animation 

• • TRT: Does not exceed 5:00

  • The short story is a compelling story in a fictional narrative short format.  The story must be an original script or a public domain adaptation. Entries in this category may use 2D or 3D animation or stop motion. 

Human Interest Story

• • TRT: Does not exceed 3:00

  • A human interest feature story is about a person or an event, including a review or preview. It captures drama. The story should pay close attention to storytelling through natural sounds and visuals. It features a reporter stand-up.

News Event

• • TRT: Does not exceed 3:00

  • The news story is timely. It is a newsworthy event that took place and was reported on in a timely manner. It has a clear main topic and is covered thoroughly. This is a story about something that is happening now as opposed to a feature story. It features a reporter stand-up.

Documentary

• • TRT: Does not exceed 5:00

  • It is a non-fiction narrative that may raise awareness about social issues and situations, for example, but is not limited to this approach.

Rules

• Entries are accepted from students who have a teacher that is a member of Northern California Media Educators. 

• Individual students can have their names attached to no more than TWO entries. 

• Submitted work must be completed in the 2024-25 school year. 

• Films content should not exceed the equivalent of a PG-13 rating and be something that could be shown at school. 

• Judges with industry experience will select the top three winners in each category. 

• Award certificates will go to up to FOUR students per film. 

• The entry fee is free, but a teacher can only approve three films for submission in each category. 

• While we are not collecting these, each person appearing in the production should have a Talent Release Form that has been submitted to their teacher.

Send questions about the contest to Brad Clark, NCME Contest Coordinator