*Rules are the same for Novice and Varsity

*Find event codes in parentheses

*Total Running Time indicates the maximum running time. There will be no deduction as long as entries come within two seconds either way of the TRT (i.e. a 60 second piece could be between 58 and 62 seconds long)

Wednesday, Nov 5 (all three of these contests are varsity only)

76-Hour Contests (prompts will be e-mailed to teachers at 9:30 a.m. CDT)

“Broadcast Feature Story” (BF76) There will be a general prompt that allows students to find their own unique angle. These are to be journalistic stories, with a clear beginning/middle/end. Strong sound bites and b-roll are encouraged, as well as nat sound. Stand-ups are optional. TRT: 90 seconds *Judges will look for strong reporting (script and VOs) and all technical aspects will be considered (lighting, audio, visuals, etc). Two entries per school, four students per team

“Podcast Show” (PS76) This contest will include an inspiration packet, meaning we will list more than one element you should include in the final entry. There will be plenty of room for creative approaches within the packet. TRT: 8 minutes *Judges will look for sound quality, engaging hosts/reporters/guests, and the overall impact of the podcast. One team of four students per school

“90-Second Silent Film” (SF76) This is a new, varsity-only event with a prompt that will leave plenty of space for creative approaches. In this event, we are allowing music. No dialogue, no sound effects, no captions. Just music and visuals. You may use any visual effects you want. The prompt will allow the teams to choose their own genre. TRT: 90 Seconds *Judges will look for overall production value with an emphasis on strong storytelling. Two teams per school, up to ten students per team

Friday, Nov 7

“Earlybird Madness” (EBM) We will provide a prompt and teams will have from 4 – 10 p.m. to plan and produce a 2-minute video that meets the prompt. This is the only contest where teachers are part of the team and may be as hands-on (shooting, editing, etc) as they want. *Judges will look for creativity and a complete story with a beginning, middle and end. This is not a Sweepstakes event. V and N together Two teams per school, up to ten students per team

Saturday, Nov 8

All Day Contests 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

“Backpack Journalist” (BPJ) Students will work solo to find and report a story based on a prompt. The story should include bites, b-roll, and may include a stand-up. TRT: 90 seconds *Judges will look for a strong story with a beginning/middle end. Elements like nat sound and strong sequences will be considered. V Two entries per school, one student per entry

“Short Film” (SF) Students will receive a prompt and possibly a prop. They will plan and produce a short film that tells a compelling story. TRT: 2 minutes *Judges will look for an engaging film that has a strong narrative. Creative approaches are encouraged. V Two teams per school, up to eight students per team

“Music Video” (MV) Students will receive three songs to choose from, and create a music video based on the one they choose. Songs may not be edited in any way. Teams can add up to 10 seconds of non-musical content in order to set the stage or tie things up. All video must be shot during the contest. *Judges will look for creativity in the interpretation of the song, as well as overall production value. V One team per school, up to six students per team–other non-team members may appear

“Movie Trailer” (MT) A prompt (and possibly a genre) will be provided. Teams will create a movie trailer with a strong opening, a glimpse of the plot without revealing too much, and introduction of the main characters. Entries should gradually build to a climax that makes viewers anxious to see the full movie. TRT: 75 seconds *Judges will look for a cinematic approach, use of music (encouraged), and the overall impact of the trailer. N One team per school, up to six students per team–other non-team members may appear

Saturday, 9:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“Edit the Package” (ETP) Students will receive raw footage, including b-roll and sound bites for a news or feature package. Students should write and include their own voice-overs, but they may not include a stand-up. This story must include at least three VOs (outtro may count as one), and may not be a nat-sound piece. TRT: 75 seconds *Judges will look for a story with a clear focus, with strong editing. V and N Two teams per school per category, two students per team

“Solo Anchor” (SA) A contest for one student to show the ability to anchor a short newscast. Participants with receive a 60-second news script ten minutes before they go on camera to deliver that script, using a teleprompter. Entrants will receive their news script to review and rehearse ten minutes before they deliver it for the competition. There are no do-overs. If you get tripped up, just recover and move on. TRT: Length of the script, but 65 seconds max *Judges will look for delivery, poise, appearance and overall professional presentation. V Two entries per school, one student per entry

“Roving Reporter” (RR) A general prompt will be provided and teams will find at least two subjects to interview. Reporters should do an introductory stand-up that sets up the topic, but this is about the interaction as you talk to subjects about your topic. You may not edit this entry. NOTE: You may not interview teachers or anyone attending or working at the 4-State. TRT 90 seconds *Judges will look for solid interview framing and lighting, clear audio, and conversations that stay on-topic and provide insight. Introductions should set the stage for what follows. V and N One team per school per category, four students per team

“Podcast Interview” (PI) There will be a general prompt and teams will find a subject (or subjects) who address that prompt in a compelling way. This contest is about solid audio quality, an appropriate stage-setting introduction, and good interaction between podcaster and guest(s). You may not interview anyone on your 4-State team, or anyone helping run the 4-State. You may edit and add music as needed. Please include a thumbnail image/graphic with your submission. TRT: 3 minutes *Judges will listen for clear audio and and interesting conversation that meets the prompt. V One team, up to four students

“Sports Commentary” (SC) A general prompt will be provided. The commentary may include no more than two student commentators. You may add any non-copyrighted visuals you want. This is about content and passion and having a strong take on the topic. Back up your opinions with facts/research to convince your viewers of your POV. TRT: 90 seconds *Judges will look for strong opinions about the topic, backed up by facts, not just hot takes with no support. V Two teams per school, up to four students per team

Saturday, 1-6:30 p.m.

“Spot Feature” (SPFT) The signature event of the 4-State, this contest will include a general theme teams should follow while finding their own unique angle. Stories should seek to include strong sound bites, strong b-roll sequences, nat sound, with a solid script and voiceovers. This is NOT a nat sound piece…there must be reporting/voiceovers used. Stand-ups are optional. NOTE: Stories may not begin or end with a stand-up. TRT: 90 seconds *Judges will look for on-topic stories that have a clear beginning/middle/end, great visuals and strong bites. V Two teams per school, up to four students per team

“60-Second Silent Film” (SSSF) The prompt will be a broad focus statement to inspire a creative story told without the use of sound. No music or sound effects allowed. TRT: 60 seconds *Judges will look for strong stories told through visuals, creative approaches, and a clear beginning/middle/end. N Two teams per school, up to four students per team–only team members may appear

“Cinematographer Challenge” (CC) There will be a general prompt provided, and students will shoot and edit their entries. Music is allowed. No interviews, no reporting. Nat sound is optional. The presentation should reveal a strong eye for visuals, including creative angles and approaches. This is basically a cinematic, visual essay. TRT: 60 seconds *Judges will look for bold visuals that reveal creativity in approaching the topic. Strong cinematography work (focus, color, angles) will be evaluated. V One team per school, up to four students per team

“Humorous Segment” (HUM) This contest will include a prompt and a prop to guide the final production. There are few rules–this contest values creativity. NOTE: This should be G or PG content. This will be screened for a captive audience, so you have been warned. TRT: 75 seconds *Judges will look for amusing, funny approaches to the prompt, while considering overall technical quality as well (sound, lighting, editing, etc). V One team per school, up to five students per team

Sunday, Nov 9

9:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“Anchor Team” (ANCH) You will receive wire copy of several recent news stories and features. Teams will write their own scripts, selecting which stories to use, putting them in order, and delivering them on camera, unedited. You may record as many takes as you wish, but only submit the best one. The only editing you can do is adding the slate at the beginning before your best take, which you will submit on a flash drive. You may use a teleprompter, but you must find a site on the Missouri State campus to record your anchors. TRT: 60 seconds *Judges will look for poise and professionalism in delivery of the news, with some interaction between anchors. Annunciation, pacing, and writing will also be evaluated, as well as lighting, location, and audio quality. N and V Two teams per school, per category, up to four students per team

“5-Second Film” (5SF) A theme will be provided. Teams will plan and produce a short film that addresses that theme in a creative way. Music and effects of any kind are allowed. NOTE: These entries must be exactly 5 seconds long. No leeway. *Judges will look for strong production values and overall creativity in addressing the theme. N and V Two teams per school, per category, up to four students per team

“Public Service Announcement” (PSA) Teams will plan and produce a PSA based on a prompt. Creativity is encouraged, but students are reminded to deliver a memorable PSA that makes the viewer think or maybe consider taking action. TRT: 30 seconds *Judges will look for approaches that work well with the prompt. Technical aspects will be considered, as well as the final, overall impact of the entry. N Two teams per school, up to four students per team

“Commentary” (COMM) There will be a topic assigned, and students will be expected to write a strong script that presents a position on the topic. Support/research/facts are encouraged as you make your case. Only one student is allowed to be on camera, delivering the commentary. You may use visuals, music, any creative elements you think enhance your presentation, or you may simply deliver your thoughts. TRT: 75 seconds *Judges will consider the writing, the delivery, the overall presentation, and most of all, a persuasive approach. They will consider the audio and video quality as well. V One team per school, up to four students per team