Fiction ~ Drama (FD) or Comedy (FC)~ (5 min.)
The Fiction category is a creative presentation that can be a dramatic or comedic work that presents an imaginative story that is not based on fact. This fictional presentation should display originality where the story can take a humorous or dramatic approach and shows the development of the character and concludes with a lesson learned. The comedy is a humorous story that usually has a happy ending and a drama is a situation involving a conflict or suspense. The fictional story should show the beginning, middle, end and define the character’s needs and wants.
Local Hero
The "Local Hero" category highlights a local unsung person that students see in their world and whose words or deeds have influenced another person, group, or community. The Local Hero can be a family member, teacher, or a special person in the community.
Health, Science & Technology (HST) ~ (5 min.)
The “Health, Science & Technology” category centers on positive issues related to the world of science (i.e., biology, physics, or nature). The topics can explore a positive aspect of science such as new technologies, the environment, advancements in health & medicine and new inventions, i.e., Severe Weather Conditions (Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Earthquakes); Ozone Layer-Its effects on health and the environment; the advantages of proper nutrition and exercise.
News ~ (up to 5 min.)
The "News" category provides factual information on a specific event found in today’s news – national or local. This is a brief presentation of recent events concerning politics, public policy on an important event or topic of concern or person/people, i.e., Interviews, the hottest trends on the market, sports, politics, and the environment.
Public Service Announcement (PSA) ~ (00:30 sec. to 2 min.)
The "Public Service Announcement" category is a 30-second to two-minute presentation that addresses topical community and social issues in a commercial form. The aim of the PSA is to raise the consciousness of a person or community, i.e., alcohol, smoking, stay in school, the importance of recycling or saving energy.
Racism. Stop it! (RSI) ~ (00:90 sec.)
The “Racism. Stop It!” category is a chance, in 90
seconds or less to communicate how you feel racism can be eliminated in
your school or community. Schools that choose this category are encouraged
to enter their video in the "Racism. Stop It!" national video competition.
Technical Awards
Editing
Editing is the way in which the equipment is used to select cut points, trim footage and assemble shots in order to tell a story and create a smooth and flowing video.
Production Design
Production Design incorporates set design - the creation and arrangement of scenery and props to set the mood or identify locale of a show. Production design also includes originality and creativity when using costumes and makeup.
Sound
Sound considers the quality execution of audio recording as well as additional sound effects to enhance the story.
Special Effects
Special Effects are utilized to enhance the overall video production using technical skill and artistry. We are looking for videos that use extraordinary technical enhancements.
Videography
This is the use of a camera to tell a story. It incorporates building and developing scenes, overall composition, movement, lighting, colour, exposure, brightness, focus, steadiness or movement.
Writing
Writing examines how original scripting in a fictional or non-fictional story allows the viewer to better understand the video’s theme or message.
Original Score
An original score is a substantial body of music written and performed specifically for the video by the Kid Witness News team.
