FREE NEXT GEN FILMMAKER WORKSHOP
Open to Grades 5-9
Shepherdstown Public Library
September 21st from 2 – 4pm
ABOUT OUR WORKSHOP
An informal time to gain valuable skills to create and enter a short film in the Nex Gen Conservation Film Contest.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS:
EXPERT GUIDANCE
Learn from your peers and professionals who will share knowledge and tips so you can create a 2-4 minutes short film about nature and conservation.
HANDS-ON PRACTICE
We’ll provide chances for you to apply techniques that you’ve just learned
CREATIVE COMPOSIITON
Discover ways to tell your story and inspire others with a short documentary or narrative film on your device.
Next Gen Capture
Conservation Contest
NEXT DEADLINE: DECEMBER 1, 2024
Each year, ACFF encourages youth ages 5 to 18 to create a conservation film of their own about what the environment and nature means to them. Award winning films receive cash prizes and their films are shared on the ACFF website.
Get Started!
Click Here for Guidelines, Tips, Examples and Instructions on Entering
Video Guidelines
- OPEN FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS NOW!
- Each student may submit up to three short videos.
- High school students – Videos, including title and credits, must not exceed 10 minutes in length.
- Elementary and middle school students – videos must not exceed 4 minutes in length.
- Videos may be made on mobile devices, cameras, laptops, or desktops.
- Videos may be documentary, animation, fiction, or music video.
- All films must be produced in 2024 and feature the entrant’s relationship with environmental, cultural, and/or historic conservation. The theme is intentionally wide-reaching to allow for diverse creativity, interpretation, and message.
- Any video-editing app may be used in post-production.
- All videos must be the original work of the entrant. Entrants should NOT use music, graphics, or footage that was created by others without obtaining rights (a license) to use it.
- Please download and read the full guidelines»
Age & Contest Categories
- 10 & under – Individual students 10 years of age or under as of submission date.
- 11 to 14 – Individual students 11 to 14 years of age as of submission date.
- 15 to 18 – Individual students 15 to 18 years of age as of submission date.
- Team Project – can be mixed ages (up to 18) and open to groups of up to five (5) students creating one submission.
Prizes
- Prizes of $100 cash will be awarded for the best video in each of the four categories (10 & under, 11 to 14, 15 to 18, and Team Project)
- A top prize of $250 cash will be awarded for the video that tells the most compelling story of the student’s relationship to conservation.
Contest Criteria
Videos will be judged by a jury on the power and relevancy of the conservation message, originality/creativity, and the overall production value, in that order. Components to be considered include use of imagery, sound, messaging (verbal or nonverbal), and surroundings.
Congratulations to our 2024 winners!
Best Overall: Zach Koehler, Ryan McNee, Liam Hoheusle, Ethan Putnam, and Garrett Mothershead for HTB vs. RM
Winner Age 15-18: Jonathan Htut and Joshua Velasquez for What is Nature
Winner Age 15-18: Kana Hutchens, Kavi Myers and Lara Cyriana for Tiny Particles, Big Impact
Winner Age 11-14: Arthur Cech for There Was a Cedar Forest
Winner Age 10 & Under: Isabella Pena for Water Pollution
Honorable Mention Age 10 & Under: Lyla Lyng for Cleaning the Coast
Many thanks to the Two Rivers Giving Circle of the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation for their past support of our Next Gen Contest!
THANK YOU to the founding funders of this youth project!
PRODUCER LEVEL
Michael Hobert & Mary Jane Lee
Jennifer A. Jones
Natalie Klein & Jess Druszkowski
Tim Lawrence & Allison Spensley
Kirsten Martin & Sean Murtagh
Tom & Lisa Murphy
James Remuzzi -Sustainable Solutions LLC
Patrick Shunney
John & Susan Skinner
Michael & Nancy Spensley
Barbara Spicher & Martin Burke
STORYTELLER LEVEL
Brick & Diane Brewer
Jack & Page Carter
Bruce & Carol Flax
Carrie Gauthier
Randy Hilton
Julie Miles
Nick Snow & Cathleen McCoy
CINEMATOGRAPHER LEVEL
Adam Book
Michael & Lori Boswell
Candy Cain
Ben Franklin
Bonnie Kazepis
Jane Tarner
Gabrielle Tokach
Robert & Patricia Wright
EDITOR LEVEL
Don Briggs
Carolee Youngblood
THANK YOU to intern Miranda Palladino for all of her hard work on this project!
Sponsorship of and donations to the project are welcome!
Questions? Contact carolyn@conservationfilmfest.org.
Click here to add your own text
