Graduate student video competition 2022

• Video entries must be submitted no later than 6:30 p.m. CT March 7 to qualify. Video format as either .mp4 or .mov is acceptable. Submit to the link we will provide.
• All entries must be accompanied by a signed UM photo/video waiver completed by everyone who appears in the video.
• Submissions must fit within the conference theme Sustainability of Canadian Agriculture to qualify and must include how your research can potentially benefit farmers and the sustainability of Canadian agriculture.
• Maximum video length is 3 minutes (2.5 minutes minimum).
• The graduate student must appear in at least 2 minutes of the video and must introduce themselves at the beginning of the video (name, program, degree being sought and University).
• Videos must be based on research conducted by the graduate student that is part of their graduate program thesis.
• Research results are nice, but are not required.
• No text-based visuals (e.g. powerpoint slides) although slides can be used to convey a graphic, such as a map, pie chart, bar graph, etc.
• No written notes or cue-cards can be visible on the video.
• Other people are permitted in the video, providing they are relevant to the story. Please ensure they are aware the recording will be publicly posted by having them complete the /photo video consent form.
• Images, photos, diagrams or other visuals used in the video that are not created by the graduate student must be properly credited and permission obtained prior to use (if in doubt, contact the UM Copyright Office).
• For videos selected to be shown during the conference, entrants are required to take part in the live Q & A session about their research in their assigned slot, either March 16 (10:00–10:30 am) or March 17 or 18 (1:00–1:30 pm)
• For any interactions with additional people (video guests, recorder, etc.), adhere to social distancing recommendations/requirements for your area.

Before you record:

• Tailor your video for a general audience – avoid using technical language or abbreviations/acronyms, and assume your audience is new to your topic.
• Use active language and keep it simple by being succinct, and using shorter words/ sentences that convey clear messages.
• Be sure your story has a beginning, middle and end. As a starting point, outline the key messages of your video, sketch content for each message, then flesh out in more detail.
• Crystallize your story hook to connect with your audience - the "so what, who cares" of your story (the 5 W’s of who, what where, when, and how). Give real-world context as to why is your research needed.
• Prepare a script and storyboard – identify the materials/resources/people/places you want to feature in your video ahead of time and plan how your narrative fits within these scenes.
• Practice your script (out loud!) and storyboard logistics before recording.

During and post recording:

• Use your favourite recording device (your phone?!) and editing app(s).
• Be aware of background noise or other interference whilst filming or recording that may reduce the quality of your video.
• Show yourself! Put yourself front and centre – this is your research and viewers want to both see and hear you…plus it is in the rules. Consider recruiting a friend or family member to (safely!) help with shooting the video so that you are free to be in the video.
• Connect with your audience – be personable, relatable, genuine, maintain eye contact. For example, share something about yourself as part of your narrative.
• Show and tell! Mix it up to keep it interesting – show still images, graphics, pictures, etc., vary your video location, voiceover background video, feature a guest or two, etc.
• Prepare your video in chunks to test what works and use editing to bring it all together.
• Watch your video with a critical eye then edit, removing any ums or ahs.
• Ask a few trusted people to review and provide constructive feedback then edit/re-record as needed.

Prizes:

• Cash prizes of $200 each will be awarded to the top videos, as selected by our panel of judges.
• Conference attendees will vote on the recipient of the People’s Choice prize of $100.
• All prizes will be announced at the end of the conference. All decisions are final.