Volume 56, Number 6

4/3/2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic playing havoc with filmmaking schedules and livelihoods, we are running a modest film contest, open to Arkansas filmmakers of all experience levels. Some advisors have suggested that the "Stir-Crazy, Stuck-at-Home Film Contest" would be more descriptive, but "Isolation Imagination Film Contest" sounds a tad more classy. Three $150 prizes (payable in cash or toilet paper) are admittedly mild incentives, but Grandpa is not making any money either during the coronavirus crisis. And, yes, travel and history features are challenging to do at home, but that's the point: to challenge imaginations. I doubt we will be deluged with entries, so your odds at winning are pretty good. Just remember that I've been shooting and evaluating film for going on 57 years. Therefore, shaky smartphone vids shot vertically and spit out as "home movies" are not likely to make the cut.

Here are the complete rules:

Isolation Imagination Film Contest

Create a short narrative film, documentary feature or music video about Arkansas travel or history at home and submit it for a chance to win one of three cash prizes.

Staying at home doesn’t mean you have to limit your creativity. If you have an interest in video production and filmmaking (and have time on your hands), this contest might be for you.

Filmmakers, like the rest of the community, have been deeply affected by the coronavirus situation, with productions and industry events being postponed or cancelled. Organized by Gary Jones Video, this competition Arkansas filmmakers is aimed at trying to uplift the spirit of artists during these times of social distance and self-isolation. The contest is open to diverse filmmakers of all different skill levels.

ArkansasTravelChannel.com and ArkansasHistoryChannel.com are offering two prizes of $150 for the top narrative short films or music videos made while staying at home or observing social distancing.

There is no entry fee.
The film must highlight either Arkansas History or Arkansas Travel (or BOTH—since travel and history/heritage are related), and if an entry concerns “family connections or "family history", broadly defined, it will also be considered for a $150 award from American Dream Genealogy and Research.
The film must be under five minutes.
All filmmaking must follow the health and safety guidelines issued by city and state officials (e.g., limit your crew size; film in your homes or safe outside locations, etc.).
Only original concepts and executions will be considered.
Although family participation and younger filmmakers are encouraged, the film must be submitted by someone 18 years or older to be eligible.
Contest open only to Arkansas residents.
The film cannot include hate speech, adult content or advertising/infotainment.
All films must be submitted as a video link to Gary Jones Video via Facebook Messenger as well as posted on the filmmakers’ social media pages with the hashtag #ArkansasTravelChannel, #ArkansasHistoryChannel or #IsolationImaginationFilm
One behind-the-scenes photo and a short description of the film and filmmaker(s) (200 words maximum) must be included with the submission.

Submissions close on April 30, 2020.

This Isolation Imagination Film Contest was inspired by the Quarantine Film Contest launched in Edmonton, Alberta by 1844 Studios. Our thanks to them for the inspiration and contest guidelines. For more information contact gwj1946@me.com.

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Volume 56, Number 6

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