Watch a brief clip of the 2026 award winners: https://ocps.instructuremedia.com/embed/609a5295-5547-4876-838c-e291a28866cb

2026 ENTRY STEPS

Step 1: Decide what videos you want to enter.   You can enter as many videos as you want in any category. However, one video cannot be entered in multiple categories.  The only thing to consider is the $10 per video entry fee.  Your entry fee funds the trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, decorations and concessions to make the festival special for the students.  

NEW:  We are NOT sending in Parent Permissions.  Those should be done digitally at the school level.  If at anytime we have an issue, we will direct the parent to the school.   The parent permission can be downloaded HERE.

Step 2: Scripts or storyboards are scored on the rubric.  Without a storyboard or script you will lose a significant number of points.  You will upload this and copyright docs with your video submission. Click here for screenshot.

Step 3:  Prepare ONE copyright document with music/art/video clip/clip art permissions, emails, licenses, etc.  Be specific, so that the judge can verify.  Note:  Some photos and video clips look professional.  Please give credit to yourself if you think the judge won't think it is original. 

You will include this document and the storyboard when you attach to the FilmFreeway contest.  Read the rules carefully.  (i.e. No LEGO or Trademarked toys allowed without permission and no adult input, etc.)   Note:  the Westar Music permission letter at the top of this page.  If you use Westar you need to include the letter in your Copyright Document.  Again, include permissions for student produced work to eliminate questions about content origin.  

You will upload copyright docs and storyboard/script with your video submission. 

• Click here for screenshot  

• Click here for a how to video

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Step 4: ENTER by March 13, 2026.  You will need to create a Film Freeway account.  When you go to upload, film freeway will ask you a lot of questions specific to your video.  Then you will attach to our contest: https://filmfreeway.com/OrangeCountyStudentMediaFestival

Once you attach to OCSMF you will be asked Orange County Specific questions, ( i.e. Sponsor Name, FAME Member Name, School Name, etc. ) Remember there must be a FAME member on your campus.

Step 5:  Payment should be received by April 3rd. Please print order form HERE to submit to your bookkeeper.  Send monies and order form to Sharon Powers at Lake Nona Middle School. PAYMENT made payable to OCAEM,  Vendor # 133483.  You can also use the school credit card and submit using Paypal link below.  Entry fee will be $10.50 to cover the processing fees to use a credit card.  

• Pay with PayPal

Your entry fee pays for the trophies and concessions to make this event special for your students.  Please do the math and enter $10.50 for each entry to cover the cost of using the Credit feature. 

Key Dates & Deadlines

January 5: Film Freeway opens for entries. www.filmfreeway.com  

March 13: All entries are due by midnight, using the Film Freeway link.

Week of April 1: Judges will be assigned videos to judge.

April 3: Payments due on or before.  Made payable to OCAEM.  Send toSharon Powers at Lake Nona Middle School or use Paypal Button above.

April 1-11: Judging will take place online

April 15:  Invitations for those placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd will go out.

April 24: Live Film Festival, Location: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 

Lake Nona High School

12500 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832 

May 1: All 1st through 3rd place winners must upload to STATE competition on Film Freeway site.

August 1: Winning entries for State are announced

October 31: State Level Winners announced at the Jim Harbin Student Media Festival @FAME