Win $2000 with Howcast in the How-to Video Challenge

June 16, 2009 - PRLog -- Howcast.com announced today the launch of its first contest, The How-to Video Challenge; a call for filmmakers, web video artists, and inventors to push the envelope and reinvent the how-to video format.  Sponsored by the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program, The How-to Video Challenge gives online filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their creativity by inventing a fresh, original approach to the how-to video.  A distinguished panel of judges from the filmmaking, online, television, magazine, and DIY industries will review videos from the top 10 contest finalists to select winners, with a grand prize of $2,000.  The contest is open to submissions between June 16th and July 28th, and the Howcast community will vote on their favorites from July 29th to August 10th.

The How-to Video Challenge will allow the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program (EFP) to expand its efforts to highlight opportunities in online video, and to promote up-and-coming filmmakers who have not yet had large scale exposure.  Launched in February 2008, the EFP offers emerging filmmakers the chance to gain experience, exposure, and some extra income by creating short how-to videos distributed across online, mobile and off-line platforms.  Provided with the guidance of Howcast producers, along with scripts, voice-overs, graphics, and access to a music library, emerging filmmakers are encouraged through the EFP to flex their creative muscles while building their professional reels and launching their filmmaking careers.

"The contest is a fantastic opportunity for the EFP to reward the creativity of web video producers, to invite more traditional filmmakers to take the dive into web video, and to challenge DIYers and inventors," said Heather Menicucci, Managing Producer of the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program. "We're looking forward to expanding our goals of fostering an innovative community around how-to video, and helping to cultivate the careers of filmmakers."

The How-to Video Challenge is accepting submissions from June 16th to July 28th.  Once the submission window closes, the public will vote on their favorites from July 29th to August 10th, with the videos that receive the most votes being reviewed by the contest jury, which consists of industry experts:

   * Peter Baxter, Cofounder/President, Slamdance; Filmmaker
   * Jeff Cooperman, Managing Producer, The Colbert Report
   * Justin Johnson, Promotions Director, Next New Networks
   * Darlene Liebman, Vice President of Production, Howcast Media
   * Charles Merzbacher, Chair, Department of Film and Television, Boston University
   * Tim Sullivan, Director of Development, Magical Elves (Top Chef, Project Runway)
   * Katherine Sharpe, Online Editor, ReadyMade Magazine
   * Hunter Walk, Director Product Management, YouTube


Howcast will announce the winners on August 10th, with the first-prize video awarded $2,000, second prize awarded a Sony Webbie HD Camera and accessories, and third prize awarded an 8GB iPod Nano and $50 iTunes gift card.

To learn more or enter the How-to Video Challenge visit: http://www.howcast.com/videochallenge

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Recently named a top web site of 2008 by both TIME and PC Magazine, Howcast engages consumers to watch and share, useful Howcast produced how-to videos and guides as well as by innovative media partners, trusted brands, and individual contributors.