Film categories are listed below. All categories are open to Junior and Senior participants. Review the Scoring Rubrics page to learn more about judging criteria.

NEW!!! Special Public Service Announcement: "CREATIVITY: WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW!"

Creativity is a SUPERPOWER that the world needs! Your PSA should share how creativity can positively impact the world around you and encourage others to do the same!

Length: 20 seconds or less

NOTE: This category is not eligible for regular PTV prizes. Winners in this category will have their films showcased at Maya Cinemas prior to feature movies. Also, all team participants of the winning film get two movie passes.

Correlates to California Common Core Writing Anchor Standard 4. See Common Core Alignment on the about page for more information.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

A public service announcement should inform and benefit the intended audience. Information presented should clearly and concisely convey the intended message using images, and sound.

Length: 60 seconds or less

Correlates to California Common Core Writing Anchor Standard 4. See Common Core Alignment on the about page for more information.

PERSONAL NARRATIVE

A personal narrative develops a story, personal experience, or event using tone, well chosen details, sensory language, and visual and audio effects to convey a vivid picture that connects the audience to the story in a powerful emotional way.  The narrative uses a variety of sequencing, audio, and visual techniques to create a smooth progression of events that lead to a satisfying conclusion.

Length: 3 minutes or less

Correlates to California Common Core Writing Anchor Standard 3. See Common Core Alignment on the about page for more information.

DOCUMENTARY

A documentary presents researched information about a compelling issue, person or event. It is an informative video that conveys complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through effective selection, organization and analysis of content. It may pose a question, present a hypothesis and draw conclusions through scientific inquiry.

Length: 3 minutes or less

Correlates to California Common Core Writing Anchor Standard 7. See Common Core Alignment on the about page for more information.