Categories and Rules for Entering

  • All categories must tell a story. Scripts and/or storyboards must accompany each FAME student entry form and uploaded into the online application.
  • Entries may be produced by an individual, group, class, or club. Awards will be made in four grade classifications: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 for each category. All students involved in winning first through third place productions will receive awards. The criteria for judging are based on content and technical quality. Judging rubrics can be found on the Jim Harbin website.
  • Student groups should recognize individuals contributing to the production of the video. For example, script writer, editor, videographer, and sound tech. Groups should not exceed six in number.
  • Teachers/sponsors are NOT allowed to write, record or edit. Teachers/sponsors are only allowed to advise. Teachers/sponsors should not take a lead acting or singing role in the production.
  • Students working in multiple age groups in the production team, such as a 5th grade editor working with a 6th grade videographer, must submit their projects into the higher age category.
  • Presentations exceeding time limitations will be disqualified. Running time will be interpreted as first fade/visual/sound to last.
  • No entry may be submitted in multiple categories. Categories are listed below. Category submitted with the application will be the category in which the video is judged.
  • We do NOT have permission to use LEGO products in entries.  You must ask for permission and attach written permission if you are granted permission to use LEGO products.
  • All work should be original.  If clips, music, photos are used that are not original works of the students submitting the video credit should be given via a Works Cited page that is submitted with the video.  Copyright laws should be respected.  Copyright infringement will result in disqualification.

Categories

If a time limit is not specified for the category, it remains at 7 minutes or less. Show intros do NOT fit in any category.  

Animation:​ Characters created on film, video, or computer. Includes two and three-dimensional animation using clay, objects or models. MUST TELL A STORY!

Book Trailers:​ A video advertisement for a book, which employs techniques similar to those of movie trailers.  If book covers are used, the copyright owner must grant permission in writing.  (Exception:  SSYRA titles) Time limit:  60 seconds 

Comedy:​ A humorous story. May incorporate comedic elements, such as misunderstandings, sight gags, or satire. 

Documentary​: Original programs that document real facts by providing a view of real events and people. 

Drama:​  Original programs that tell a story using emotion and feeling in a dramatic, creative, and colorful way.  

Instructional Video:​ A program that helps people learn something by giving instructions. 

Music Video:​ Video pictures (still or live action) set to music. Score and/or lyrics can either be original or prerecorded. (Must abide by copyright law – no fair use.)

News Feature:​ Any original news package that highlights a real event, i.e. interview, current event, sports update within a news show. Time limit:  2 minutes (Show openings do not qualify.) 

News Show:​ A schoolwide informational show including various segments/packages (news features).  (Show openings do not qualify.) 

PSA:​ A Public Service Announcement includes short messages, which inform the public or changes public opinion, actions, or feelings. (60 sec. - absolute maximum) 

Public Service Video:​ A video with a maximum length of 7 minutes that is intended to change public interest by raising familiarity of an issue, affecting public opinion, and fueling action. An infomercial can be considered a public service video. 
  • Presentations completed after a district competition, or May 1, can be entered in the next year’s competition. The video will be submitted into the age category when the video was made. For example: A video made in 5th grade must be submitted as a 5th grade project, even if the student is currently in 6th grade.
  • Before May 30th, all regional entries will be judged. All district contacts in the region will be contacted with regional results and asked to attach winning videos to the Jim Harbin FilmFreeway contest.  
  • Regional winners must have all the video and all required paperwork (copyright documentation and storyboard/script) uploaded or attached to https://filmfreeway.com/JimHarbin  before June 1​ , in order to be eligible for inclusion in the state competition.
​Last Revised: December 2021