Secondary school students in the Blacktown Solar City project area have the chance to create a short film or documentary based on the message 'make a difference' to climate change in your household or community through energy efficiency activity. The shortlist of finalists will have their films shown at a special screening event at Hoyts Blacktown (date to be announced) with the two winners being announced at the Blacktown Solar City Science Fair. The director of each winning entry will receive admission to a 5-day 'Introduction to Documentary' course at the Australian Film Television and Radio School. The winning entrants' schools will both also receive a Scientific Solar Explorer Kit.

How do you get started?

Complete the online nomination form and download the entry form. The entry form must be included with your entry submission in hard copy.

Eligible students should seek permission from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) before downloading any competition materials.

Deadline

Completed entries must be placed in the entry submission box in the Foyer of Blacktown City Council, 62 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown NSW by 4:30pm, 30 September 2008. Entries not meeting the entry requirements or not submitted by the deadline will not be considered for the Short Film/Documentary Competition.

Short Film/Documentary Brief

• The short film/documentary should do one or more of the following:
  • demonstrate the link between energy consumption and climate change
  • show household, community, school or business energy efficiency tips
  • demonstrate how to save money through energy efficiency
  • show alternative energy solutions
• Your entry (including the film title) must be your own original work and must include the 'make a difference' message.
• Your film must not have been previously screened or published in any media anywhere in the world.
• Your entry can be dramatic or documentary in style.
• Your entry can use video and/or animation.
• Image Consent Forms must be provided for every person appearing in the entry.
• You must have the rights to use all media (music, animation, video footage, etc) featured in your entry. Please see Important Information about Copyright for more information.
• Film entries must be suitable for viewing to children aged 15 years and under. Please do not include any swear words, sexual, violent or offensive conduct or visuals in your film. Film entries which include any language or conduct which is deemed to be offensive by the Blacktown Solar City project team will be disqualified in the team's absolute discretion. Any decision is final in this regard.

Entry Requirements

• Your entry must consist of two DVD copies of your film (at 16:9 widescreen ratio).
• You must include your entry form. If submitting a group entry please nominate one director only. (Note that for each winning entry only one prize will be awarded.)
• Supply each DVD in a separate case; both copies must be clearly marked with the film title and Entry Number received when entering on-line at www.blacktownsolarcity.com.au/schools.shtml.
• DVD should be in PAL TV format.
• DVD Regional code should be set to ALL REGIONS.
• You can record on any DVD disc EXCEPT DVD-RAM.
• Please check that the DVDs playback in your DVD player before you submit them; if your DVD doesn't work your entry will be disqualified.
• Finalist films will be screened at 16:9 widescreen.
• Your film must be no longer than five minutes. Any films running over five minutes will not be considered for the competition.
• Your entry must include your signed consent form and a signed image consent form for anyone appearing in your short film/documentary.
• Please keep hold of the original format of your short film/documentary as this will need to be supplied should you be shortlisted.

A short list of entries will be chosen by the Blacktown Solar City project team and these will be shown at a special screening at Hoyts Blacktown. After the screening, one winner will be chosen by the Blacktown Solar City Consortium. Another winner will be chosen via on-line voting open to the public.

Both winners will have their tuition paid for the 5-day 'Introduction to Documentary' course at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

Click here for full competition terms and conditions.

Resources

Nomination Form
Entry Form
Student Consent Form
Image Consent Form
Terms and Conditions of Entry
Important Information about Copyright

Privacy

Any information provided by entrants will be used by BP Solar Pty Ltd for the purpose of conducting each competition. BP Solar may disclose entrants' personal information to members of the Blacktown Solar City Consortium, contractors and agents to assist in conducting each competition. BP Solar is bound by the National Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Entrants may request access to personal information held by BP Solar or obtain a copy of BP Solar's privacy policy by visiting Blacktown Solar City's Privacy statement.