The judging guidelines to select winners in each of the categories in both the Junior and Senior Divisions will be as follows:

Each film that meets all submission criteria will be viewed and judged by a combination of video production professionals and educators. Each of the criterion listed below will be judged based on a ten point rubric scale with 10 points being high and 1 point being low. The highest scoring film within each division will be awarded the Superintendent’s Sweepstakes Award. The next three highest scoring films (within each category and within each division) will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within their respective category. In the instance of a tie both films will be granted the award. In addition, if any film is over the allotted time for the category it was submitted to points will be deducted.

Judges will provide feedback to the students at the bottom of each judging page. They are highly encouraged to provide a few positive comments about each film. Some of these comments may be used at the awards ceremony.

Public Service Announcement (PSA)

• Evidence of research/project development
• A variety of resources were used
• All sources are cited
• Project is organized in a logical and interesting sequence
• Quality of images, multimedia elements and audio
• Message clearly benefits the audience
• Use of emotion to powerfully convey a serious issue

Documentary

• Evidence of research/project development
• A variety of resources were used
• All sources are cited
• Project is organized in a logical and interesting sequence
• Quality of images, multimedia elements and audio
• Tone is consistent with the message of the film
• Quality of the evidence presented

Personal Narrative

• Evidence of research/project development
• A variety of resources were used
• All sources are cited
• Project is organized in a logical and interesting sequence
• Quality of images, multimedia elements and audio
• Personal voice and artistic license enhances the content of the story
• Narrative conveys the significance of the event