Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD MY VIDEO INCLUDE?
Your documentary MUST include the following five elements:
- A complete exploration of your documentary's topic
- Inclusion of C-SPAN programming relating to your documentary's topic
- Various opinions about your topic
- Adherence to the time limit (5 to 8 minutes)
- Credits at the end of your documentary or a works cited list
Your documentary MAY include, but is not required to include:
- Interviews
- Video pertaining to your topic (B-roll footage)
- Music (preferably copyright free music)
- Graphics
- Diagrams
- Still images
- Narration (Note: If you narrate your documentary, you must write your own
script to avoid plagiarism. You can use online or print sources, but
you have to put any information you use in your own words.)
You may find it helpful to view past winning StudentCam documentaries.
HOW MANY STUDENTS MAY ENTER TOGETHER AS A TEAM?
Students may compete in teams of either 2 or 3 students. Students may also enter the competition as individuals.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE MY DOCUMENTARY?
You should give yourself at least a month to create your documentary. Below is a suggested time frame:
- Researching and choosing a topic: 1 week
- Planning elements (including C-SPAN programming) in your documentary and setting up interviews: 1-2 weeks
- Filming interviews and additional video footage: 2-3 weeks
- Editing final documentary: 1-2 weeks
HOW CAN I FIND C-SPAN FOOTAGE?
Click here for a PDF or visit StudentCam's Facebook Group for a list of all of the current programs available for download. Our Facebook group is an open group, meaning that you do not have to be a registered Facebook member in order to view the page. The "Discussion Board" section of our page has links to downloadable video. It is a great resource for recent C-SPAN Video that can be used in your documentary. A variety of C-SPAN clips are available and updated weekly. When you find a video, click on the corresponding link which will take you to a download page. Choose the "Free Download" option and save the file to your computer. All video clips are in formats (such as .MOV .WMV and .AVI) that should work with your video editing software. If you find a file you want to use in a format that does not work with your video making software, you can try converting it to another format using file conversion software or with a site like Zamzar.com. For a video tutorial of how to download video, click here.
You can check C-SPAN’s schedule online, which lists programs on C-SPAN, C-SPAN2 and C-SPAN3, or sign up to receive C-SPAN Alert, a daily email with up-to-date programming information. These resources will help you identify air dates and times of programs or events related to your topic. Once you have identified a program you think you might be able to use, record it.
C-SPAN’s Video Library is a great resource for past C-SPAN programming. Using the site’s search engine, you may be able to find multiple videos addressing your chosen topic. DVD’s and videotapes of C-SPAN programming are available for a fee. You can however stream the video on your computer for free and use your video camera to record the streaming video directly from your computer monitor. You can ensure the best quality possible by making sure that your video camera is still and placed squarely in front of the computer monitor. Check and modify light and audio levels until the desired results are found.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN’T DOWNLOAD C-SPAN VIDEO?
If you are having trouble downloading C-SPAN video, try streaming the video online, point a camera at your computer screen and record the program.
If a program of interest appears on C-SPAN and you do not have time to record the program, you can also point your camera at the T.V. screen to capture the program.
If you can only capture audio from a C-SPAN program of interest and you include this audio in your documentary, make sure you identify the source of the audio.
*The judges will not critique entries on the quality of the C-SPAN video in your documentary. They are more interested in the content and relevance of the video to your documentary.
HOW MUCH C-SPAN VIDEO DO I HAVE TO USE?
There is no time requirement for your C-SPAN programming. However, do not allow the C-SPAN programming to dominate your documentary. Rather, the inclusion of C-SPAN programming should be used to enhance your documentary. Click here to view examples of how C-SPAN programming was used in winning videos from past StudentCam competitions.
IS C-SPAN’S VIDEO COPYRIGHT PROTECTED?
C-SPAN-produced programming is copyright cleared for use in educational applications like StudentCam.
HOW DO I PRESENT MORE THAN ONE POINT OF VIEW?
In order to present varying opinions about documentary's topic, you may want to interview several people who have different points of view. You can also discuss how your topic affects people differently.
C-SPAN's philosophy is to show multiple sides of an issue. Students should treat their documentary in a similar fashion, providing comprehensive treatment of their topic with different points of view. However, students' personal opinions are welcomed.
WHO CAN I INTERVIEW?
There are no requirements for who should be interviewed. Students can use their classmates, teachers and family as interview subjects. However, we encourage entrants to consider interviewing experts on their chosen topic as well as local and national political leaders. You may be surprised by who is willing to sit down for an interview!
You can click here to find contact information for your regions Federal Elected Officials.
HOW DO I ACCESS A VIDEO CAMERA OR EDITING EQUIPMENT?
Ask your teacher if there are video cameras or editing equipment available. If you are unable to use school equipment, try contacting libraries in your area to see if they may have equipment to lend to students. You may also try your local cable affiliate, local television stations or local public access channel. Finally, many cell phones and digital cameras are able to record video. For your editing you will find that a lot of new computers will already have movie making software that has been loaded on to them when the computer was purchased. Windows computers will typically have Windows Movie Maker and many Macs will have iMovie software. If you don't have movie making software on your computer you can try searching Download.com which has many free software programs including video editors.
HOW WILL THE VIDEOS BE JUDGED?
We recognize that students have varying degrees of access to video production equipment and encourage all to apply!
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Success in capturing one of the contest's topics
- Quality of expression and creativity
- Inclusion of C-SPAN programming
- Inclusion of varying points of view
WHAT DO THE JUDGES LIKE?
Below, you can find comments from past judges.
- Students should try to appear in their video, if appropriate.
- Show varying opinions about your topic.
- Shoot your own B-roll video. An example of B-roll footage includes pictures of medical research labs from last year’s Grand Prize winning video, "Cancer: It's Personal". If you can't shoot your own B-roll video, the StudentCam Facebook page is a great resource for video you may use.
- Explain any graphs or graphics that appear in your documentary.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
Entries must be uploaded by January 20, 2010.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY VIDEO?
Submit your video online in: .avi .mov .mpg .mpg2 .mpeg2 .mpeg4 .mp4 or .wmv format in order to upload your documentary successfully. Videos may be as large as 500mb - an average 8 minute video of around 100mb will be clean and crisp once it is uploaded. Please note that the larger the file size, the longer your upload will take to complete. Depending on your internet connection speed, a 100mb video may take anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes to upload.
Once you have submitted your video, don't forget that you must also complete the Entry Form.
DO I NEED TO PROVIDE PRIOR NOTICE OF MY INTENT TO ENTER?
You DO NOT need to provide any prior notice of your intention to enter. The only requirement is that the video documentary and online entry form arrive at C-SPAN's offices by the deadline, which is January 20, 2010.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS I STILL HAVE ABOUT THE CONTEST?
Review the Competition Rules and Making a Documentary pages. If you still have questions, contact C-SPAN Classroom at educate@c-span.org or call 1-800-523-7586 between 9:00am-5:00pm ET.
WHEN WILL THE WINNERS BE ANNOUNCED?
The 75 winning videos will be announced on a date yet to be determined. Winning students will be notified by phone and email.
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