2024 HIGH SCHOOL CONTEST DESCRIPTIONS

THURSDAY CONTESTS

CRAZY 8'S MORNING SHOW *

Teams will plan, record, and edit a daily-style morning show based on a given prompt, led by a team of hosts with the purpose of informing and entertaining the audience as they get ready for their day. Segments may include news headlines, human interest and lifestyle reporting, sports-related topics, national weather forecasts, and light-hearted infotainment. The show should include an intro and outro, and may include a commercial break and/or other creative elements not to exceed 45 seconds of total time.  Max TRT: 8 Minutes  |  Team Size: Unlimited  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

CRAZY 8'S NEWS MAGAZINE

Teams will plan, record, and edit a news magazine show based on a given prompt, led by a team of anchors and reporters with the purpose of informing viewers on current events. Segments may include in-depth features, investigative reporting, and editorial commentary, with a focus on showing the importance of the events beyond the basic facts. The show should include an intro and outro, and may include a commercial break and/or other creative elements not to exceed 45 seconds of total time.  Max TRT: 8 Minutes  |  Team Size: Unlimited  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

CRAZY 8'S SHORT DOCUMENTARY

Teams will plan, record, and edit a short-form nonfiction story with a clear, compelling story based on a given prompt that focuses on a subject and reflects an authentic exploration of a person, topic, place, or theme. Like feature films, short films tell closed-ended stories with a distinct beginning, middle, and end.  Title slate and credits are required and count toward your total run time.  Max TRT: 8 Minutes  |  Team Size: Unlimited  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

CRAZY 8'S SHORT FILM *

Teams will plan, record, and edit a short-form movie with a clear, compelling story that can be any genre (drama, comedy, horror, etc.) or form (documentary, live-action, animated) of filmmaking. Like feature films, short films tell closed-ended stories with a distinct beginning, middle, and end.  Title slate and credits are required and count toward your total run time.  Max TRT: 8 Minutes  |  Team Size: Unlimited  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

CRAZY 8'S VERTICAL SHORT FILM

Teams will plan, record, and edit a mobile-ready, 9:16 ratio short-form fictional movie with a clear, compelling story for vertical social media distribution that can be any genre of filmmaking and based on a given topic. Like feature films, short films tell closed-ended stories with a distinct beginning, middle, and end.  Title slate and credits are required and count toward your total run time.  Max TRT: 8 Minutes  |  Team Size: Unlimited  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

CRAZY 8'S PODCAST SHOW  NEW!

Teams will write, record audio, and edit a podcast show based on a given prompt. The entry should include a host or hosts reporting on the given topic through discussions, interviews and soundbites. The show should include an intro and outro, and may include a commercial break and/or other creative elements not to exceed 45 seconds of total time.  Max TRT: 8 Minutes  |  Team Size: Unlimited  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

FRIDAY CONTESTS

TELL THE STORY NEWS EDITING

Teams may write, voice, and edit a feature story using raw interview and b-roll footage provided.  Teams will be given a folder of assets to download that they will use to create the feature package.  One student on the team will assume the role of the reporter by writing and recording the voiceovers for the project.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 2 Students  |  Entry Limit: 2 Teams per School

SPORTS HIGHLIGHT EDITING

Teams will write, voice, and edit a sports highlight segment with play-by-play and color commentary using provided game footage and stats. Teams will be given a folder of assets to download that they will use to create the project.  While it is not required, shows may include graphics to assist in the report.   Max TRT: 60 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 2 Students  |  Entry Limit: 2 Teams per School

ACTION SPORTS EDITING

Teams will edit a creative, fast-paced video montage set to music that uses the best moments from sports footage provided. Teams will be given a folder of assets to download that they will use to create the project. Teams should include music, graphics and special effects to enhance the video.  Max TRT: 60 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 2 Students  |  Entry Limit: 2 Teams per School

SPORTS PROMO EDITING  NEW!

Teams will produce a 30-second promotional piece based on given footage to promote a sports team.  Teams will be given a folder of assets to download that they will use to create the project. Teams should include music, graphics and special effects to enhance the video.   Max TRT: 30 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 2 Students  |  Entry Limit: 2 Teams per School

MOTION GRAPHICS EDITING  NEW!

Teams will produce an original graphics package based on a given prompt that reflects the needs of a client. The completed entry should be uploaded to the STN Dashboard before the assigned deadline. Prompts will be released on the STN website and all social channels.  Max TRT: 60 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 2 Students  |  Entry Limit: 2 Teams per School

VLOG *

Teams will produce a narrative-style vlog based on a given prompt that captures the life of an individual or individuals, and demonstrates their interests and skills while also entertaining the audience. Vlogs may cover various topics including entertainment, lifestyle, and issues, or more.  Max TRT: 2 Minutes  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

VERTICAL SHORT FILM

Teams will produce a mobile-ready, 16:9 ratio short-form fictional movie with a clear, compelling story based on a given prompt that can be any genre of filmmaking. Like feature films, short films should tell closed-ended stories with a distinct beginning, middle, and end.  Max TRT: 2 Minutes  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 2 Teams per School

MUSIC VIDEO *

Teams will produce a visual performance of a provided recorded song, accompanied by cinematic imagery, visual effects, or musicians performing to provide a dramatic visual interpretation of a song.  The music video should capture the essence of the song’s message through compelling visuals and storytelling.  Teams will be given a folder of songs and lyrics to download that they will use to create the video.   Max TRT: Exact Song Length  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

SHORT FILM *

Teams will plan, record, and edit a short-form movie with a clear, compelling story that can be any genre (drama, comedy, horror, etc.) or form (documentary, live-action, animated) of filmmaking.  Like feature films, short films tell closed-ended stories with a distinct beginning, middle, and end.  A title slate is required and does count toward your total run time.  End credits are not required.  Max TRT: 2 Minutes  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

NEWS STORY

Teams will produce a video package, containing interviews, b-roll, natural sound, interviews, voiceovers, and optional reporter stand-ups, presenting a clear and fact-driven style (including who, what, where, when, why, and how) that gives a timely account of a recent, interesting, and significant event or development in your school or community.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

NAT PACKAGE

Teams will produce a feature story solely driven by sound.  These should not include reporter track or voiceovers, but rather tell a complete and compelling story using only interviews/soundbites and natural sound.  Topics may range from news to features.  These stories should feel complete, even without a reporter closing, so they should close with a strong sound bite.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

ARTS & CULTURE FEATURE STORY

Teams will produce a video package, containing interviews, b-roll, natural sound, interviews, voiceovers, and optional reporter stand-ups, focused on arts and culture and the impact being made by a person, group, business, or event. Features should contain less of a news angle and need not be timely. The story should be an in-depth look at a particular subject, event, or location that keeps the audience’s attention throughout, delivering a compelling narrative to create a lasting impression.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

VERTICAL MAN ON THE STREET  NEW!

Teams will plan, record, and edit a man on the street segment based on a given prompt for vertical social media distribution.  Teams will scout the city streets to seek out individuals with unique perspectives, skills, and stories. Content can range from lighthearted and comedic, to serious and opinionated depending on the topic.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

SATURDAY CONTESTS

CONVENTION PROMO

Teams will produce a promotional video based on a given prompt with the intent to inform the audience of the mission and purpose of the 2024 STN National Convention.  The prompt release will take place during the Opening Ceremony pre-show and students will capture content throughout the convention to use in their entry.  This is a “free edit” contest, meaning teams will edit on their own and not in the Edit Room.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

ANCHOR TEAM

Teams will write a script and record an anchor team segment based on provided newswire copy.  Team will rewrite the copy for broadcast, record an edited live take of the anchors and submit it for judging.  Graphics are not required for this contest as they will not be a judged criteria.  Anchor teams will be judges based on strong delivery, poise, and teamwork on camera.  Max TRT: 60 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 2 Teams per School

COMMENTARY

Teams will produce a commentary piece based on a given prompt that expresses the reporter’s personal opinion about a current event or controversial issue. It should reflect a biased, subjective point of view with a clearly stated opinion that focuses on persuading the viewer’s feelings on the issue instead of informing on the facts.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 2 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

SPORTS COMMENTARY

Teams will produce a sports commentary piece based on a given prompt that expresses the reporter’s personal opinion about a current event in the sports industry.  It should reflect a biased, subjective point of view with a clearly stated opinion that focuses on persuading the viewer’s feelings on the issue instead of informing on the facts.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

SILENT FILM

Teams will plan, record, and edit a story with no synchronized sound for dialogue, but may include music. The music should be an essential part of the story, providing the audience emotional cues for the actions and reactions taking place on the screen. There can be no use of sound effects. There should be an emphasis on body language and facial expression, so that the audience could better understand what an actor was feeling and portraying on screen.  A title slate is required and does count toward your total run time.  End credits are not required.  Max TRT: 60 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

MOVIE TRAILER *

Teams will produce a movie trailer based on a given prompt that portrays scenes, basic plot, and mood of a fictional film in order to gain audience interest and promote the film.  Max TRT: 60 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

COMMERCIAL *

Teams will produce a 30-second promotional piece based on a given prompt meant to sell a product or service. These can involve actors and live action, or can be completely made up of graphics.  It should send a strong message to the audience through narrative, visuals, or both to catch the audience’s attention while also promoting the brand.   Max TRT: 30 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

VERTICAL CONVENTION RECAP  NEW!

Teams will produce a promotional video for vertical social media distribution based on a given prompt with the intent to inform the audience of the mission and purpose of the 2024 STN National Convention.  The prompt release will take place during the Opening Ceremony pre-show and students will capture content throughout the convention to use in their entry.  This is a “free edit” contest, meaning teams will edit on their own and not in the Edit Room.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Teams will produce a creative piece highlighting a current issue in society.  It should bring awareness to the problem and include a mention of the issue,  statistics to support why it is a societal problem, and a call to action. These can involve actors and live action, or can be completely made up of graphics.  Max TRT: 30 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 6 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

WEATHER REPORT

Teams will plan, record, and edit a weather report based on a given prompt.  The report should inform the audience of the current weather conditions, predicted conditions, and any weather alerts.  While it is not required, shows may include graphics to assist in the report.  Max TRT: 60 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

PODCAST SEGMENT  NEW!

Teams will write, record audio, and edit a podcast segment based on a given prompt. Teams will also need to create cover art and export the entry as an MP4 video file. The completed entry should be uploaded to the STN Dashboard before the assigned deadline. Prompts will be released on the STN website and all social channels.  Max TRT: 5 Minutes  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

HUMAN INTEREST FEATURE STORY

Teams will produce a video package, containing interviews, b-roll, natural sound, interviews, voiceovers, and optional reporter stand-ups, focused on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Features should contain less of a news angle and need not be timely. The story should be an in-depth look at a particular person or persons that keeps the audience’s attention throughout, delivering a compelling narrative to create a lasting impression.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School

VERTICAL NAT PACKAGE 

Teams will produce a mobile-ready, 16:9 ratio feature story for vertical social media distribution solely driven by sound. These should not include reporter track or voiceovers, rather tell a complete and compelling story using only interviews/soundbites and natural sound. Topics may range from news to features. These stories should feel complete, even without a reporter closing, so they should close with a strong sound bite.  Max TRT: 90 Seconds  |  Team Size: Up to 4 Students  |  Entry Limit: 1 Team per School