Volume 56, Number 5

Long before there were 48-Hour Film contests around the country, Jones Productions sponsored a 24-Hour Film Contest here in Little Rock.  And this was before cheap HDSLRs and non-linear editor software on everyone's laptop.  (Come to think of it, there weren't even many portable computers around.....but I digress.) With the COVID-19 pandemic playing havoc with filmmaking schedules and livelihoods, we are introducing a modest film  contest, open to Arkansas filmmakers of all experience levels.  My first thought was calling it the "Stir-Crazy, Shelter-in-Place, Sky-Is-Falling, Cabin Fever Film Contest" --but decided that upon something less wordy.  Introducing:

Isolation Imagination Film Contest
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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.