Beyond the basics — turn on, press record and go (which is certainly a good start) — make sure your video camera is ready to go, make sure your scene is right and make sure you have all the material you need or want. Here's a checklist:
How long should the ad be?
It has to be a minimum of 30 seconds but cannot be longer than 60 seconds.
How will my entry be judged?
After the period for submitting entries has closed, our judges will evaluate all the submissions and narrow the field down to five finalists for Round 2. This will be based on originality (40%), overall appeal (30%) and likelihood to motivate people to go out and buy ScoopFree (30%).
The videos that make it to Round 2 will be voted on by you (and others like you or the results would be pretty obvious and we might as well give you the top prize now). So make sure you encourage everyone you know to go out and vote. The general public gets the final say – but if there is a tie, an independent judge will make the final decision.
How much time do I have to produce my commercial?
Participants have six weeks to film and submit their ideas (May 18 through July 1), at which point the judges will narrow the field to five finalists.
How will I know if I won?
Other than the balloons, skywriting and singing telegram (all of which aren’t really going to happen), finalists will be notified via email after the judging is completed on or around July 1, 2007. Grand prize and runner-up winners will be notified by express mail on or around July 17, 2007 once the voting period ends.
Who can be in my commercial?
Well, anybody. Commercials can star anyone (we encourage your cat or a cat to be in it). But you need legal permission from everyone (except the cats – at least not yet). And if anyone is under 18, we need his or her legal guardian's permission. We expect to be able to see this in writing if asked.
Are there rules for what can be in my commercial?
There are really only three rules. First, you need permission as mentioned above. Second, you can’t use any previously copy-written material. And third, it must be in keeping with ScoopFree’s image so nothing too obscene, offensive or demeaning. Beyond that, commercials can be in any setting and utilize any idea or theme so use your utmost creativity.
Can a group of us submit a commercial?
Of course. But you will need to pick one person to be the video’s “sponsor.” This person will be responsible for everything, from following the rules to collecting the prize. If your group wins, only one prize package will be awarded. How you divide it up is up to the group. And if you still aren’t satisfied, there’s always small claims court.
If my commercial wins, do I get to sell it to ScoopFree so they can use it?
You can find answers to this – and other related questions – in the Official Rules. But the short answer is no – when you upload your video and submit your entry form, you forfeit all your rights to the content.
Make sure you label your video on YouTube so people can find it.
To make sure as many people as possible can find your video, use one of the following descriptors ScoopFree, Lucky Litter, Cat, Litter Box, Self-Cleaning Make Your Cat A Star, etc . (YouTube will prompt you.) If people can’t find your work, what’s the point?
What format should my commercial be in for uploading it to YouTube?
YouTube accepts the following formats: MOV, MPEG, WMV and AVI. Here is the link to YouTube's Uploading Instructions. And if you don’t know what a format is, then maybe this contest isn’t for you.
How do I upload my commercial anyway?
There are two key steps for you to follow:
Commercial entries will be accepted from May 18 through July 1, 2007.
SAVE YOUR ORIGINAL FILES. If you end up winning, we need what’s called an uncompressed copy if we ever choose to air it on TV. When you upload the video to YouTube, they compress your files.
If I’m having problems uploading my video, where can I find help?
For uploading and other technical issues, contact the YouTube Help Center.
Why isn’t my video showing up on YouTube?
There is usually a short gap of time between when you upload your video and when it actually shows up given their review process. Be patient.
My commercial was on YouTube but I can no longer find it. What happened?
If we determine the content to be inappropriate and in violation of our Official Rules, we will remove it. So please use your best judgment in developing your video.
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