We've hammered out the details, (ok, well most of them at least) the rest is up to you to show the world what you've got!

And for those of you who want to really make your competition entry have lasting impact, sign up for the Young Filmmakers Track Two – "Doing Good" category. It's a double bottom line: you use your good work to do more good in the world.

You can read more about your different options below. Be sure to submit only entries your sponsoring teacher has oked, and go easy on the blood and guts. We don't want any judges to get hit in the eye with a character's DNA. We'll also allow entries from up to two years ago, so anything created Fall 2006 or later will work. We're also aware that most everything in the film world is a result of group effort, so groups can submit entries as well.

If you have any questions about the categories feel free to contact us at info@youngmindsdigitaltimes.com



In the Freeform track, you may submit films on any topic, not to exceed four minutes in length. There are six categories:

Documentary – The true stuff. It can come via documentary, news feature, historical narrative and pretty much any other way you churn it out.

Short Film – Storytelling 101. Any fictional films you create. Be sure to keep 'em under four minutes or your heroine will meet an untimely death when we stop rolling the tape!

Animation – Bring it to life. If you find actors and actress to be more hassle than their worth, and prefer to create your own characters, we want to see what you can do.

Music Videos – Rock On! Set your favorite song on fire by creating a music video made to inspire. These submission are strictly original music compositions. No copy-cat, copyright or other break-the-law-make-Big-Brother-hunt-you-down material.

Cell Phone – Video on the go. Just because you don't have fancy film equipment, doesn't mean you don't have talent to share. Using only your cell phone to film, send us your best work.

Non-Moving Movies – If a movie doesn't move, is it really a movie at all? We think so. Maybe all you've got is a great script and some screenshots. That's still talent.



In the Doing Good track, you can choose from one of the three categories below. By choosing this route, you can do more than simply share your talents, you'll be "doing good" for others in ways that will maximize the impact of your talent. (Not to mention, this can probably serve as community service hours if you check with your teacher, club or organization sponsor. If you need us to help you validate your hours, drop a line to info@youngmindsdigitaltimes.com)

Also, to make it easier for you to get the information you need from the non-profit you choose as your "Doing Good" organization, first, do your research on the organization. Second, if you still need to talk to someone at the organization, drop us a line and we'll get permission to send you a name and contact information.

Create a Public Service Announcement – Maybe it's the endangered lizard population in your back yard or the genocide in Darfur, but whatever cause is near and dear to your heart – put your passion into play by creating a public service announcement (PSA). You can help a non-profit organization lead the crusade for the cause you believe in. If you haven't discovered a philanthropic passion yet, consider making a PSA for one of these worthy non-profits that are eager for your help. PSAs need to be no more than 60 seconds (1 minute) in length.

Non-Profit Documentary – You're the generation with a whole new perspective and a different set of values that speaks to the causes you believe in. So use your talents to create a documentary about the non-profit that speaks to your passion. Create a documentary for the non-profit spearheading the fight for your shared cause. Or select one from our list below. The power of your voice through your passion to generate change is huge – try it out! (These entries need to be four minutes or less too.)

Music Videos – Get Your Cause On! Advance your favorite cause by creating a music video made to inspire. These submission are strictly original music compositions. No copy-cat, copyright or other break-the-law-make-Big-Brother-hunt-you-down material.