Tech Video Showcase - a video contest for MIT students

faqs >

Most of your questions should be covered here.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to read the Entry and Submission Requirements carefully.

What's the purpose of this contest?
To generate interesting, appealing multimedia content about science, engineering and technology for MIT TechTV, a beta YouTube-like site currently under development. Some of the content will appear on MIT TechTV's first "channel," dedicated to generating interest in science and engineering among seventh- through ninth-graders nationwide, particularly girls and underrepresented minorities.
Who is sponsoring the contest?
The MIT School of Engineering in partnership with Academic Media Production Services (AMPS).
What's in it for me?
A chance to win up to $1000 in cash prizes. Plus, the first 100 individuals/teams who submit a video for the contest will get a $5 coupon to Anna's Taqueria or Dunkin' Donuts.
How can I participate?
Follow the instructions on the Sign Up page. Competing videos are due May 14 at midnight.
Where do I upload my video?
First, register for the contest. When you have done that, you may sign in to MIT TechTV and upload your video. BE SURE TO CHECK THE "ENTER THE TECH VIDEO SHOWCASE" BOX AND CATEGORIZE YOUR VIDEO WITH THE TAG TVSContest.
What if I don't own a video camera?
You can shoot video with your digital camera or cell phone, or you can borrow a video camera.
What about editing software?
You can use iMovie on your Mac or MovieMaker on your PC. If these options aren't available to you, see Tips & Support for info about free editing software and editing facilities at the New Media Center.
What/when are the TechAdemy Awards?
Dean of Engineering Thomas L. Magnanti came up with the idea of TechAdemy Awards as a way to showcase the winners of the Tech Video Showcase to the MIT community. The award ceremony will take place at 4:00 in the Bush Room on Thursday, May 17, as part of MIT TechTV Expo.
What kind of video content is acceptable? How crazy can the videos be?
Anything within the guidelines is acceptable, and your video can be as inventive as you want—no PR fluff allowed! That said, make it
  • nonfiction,
  • related to engineering, science, and technology
  • appropriate for and accessible to a wide audience, including middle-schoolers (you know—keep it clean).
See these example videos if you need ideas.
Can I use digital photos, PowerPoint slides, etc?
Yes, as long as you integrate them into video format (see acceptable video formats).
Who's the audience for my video?
Videos uploaded to MIT TechTV, including the videos in the contest, will be viewable by anyone in the world. Contest videos should be accessible to a broad, non-technical audience, including middle-schoolers.
What happens to my video after the contest?
Your video will remain on MIT TechTV and be viewable to the world. It may also appear on TechTV's first "channel," dedicated to generating interest in science and engineering among 7th-9th graders nationwide, particularly girls and underrepresented minorities. If you have further questions about what happens to your video after the contest, contact techtv "at" mit "dot" edu.
How do I vote?
Contest voting opens to the MIT community after April 20, when the MIT TechTV pilot website launches and student contestants have begun uploading their videos. Stay tuned for announcements via the web, email and campus newspapers about contest voting.
How do I win?
A combination of votes from the MIT community and a panel of judges will determine the top winners of the contest.
Who are the judges?
The judging panel has not yet been chosen. Judges will be members of the MIT community and be named toward the end of the contest.

Still have questions? Contact techtv "at" mit "dot" edu.
sponsored by:
the mit school of engineering