The NPPA Solo Video Contest is a vital function of the NPPA and provides an important service to its membership. The contest stands to recognize outstanding work performed by NPPA members on a quarterly basis. The SVC also serves to promote, encourage, and teach the highest levels of photojournalism and ethics.
The NPPA Solo Video Contest is open to NPPA members in good standing. In order to be eligible to enter any particular quarter, membership payment must be current on or before the 10th of the month following the end of that quarter. For example, to submit a first quarter entry the entrant must become a member by April 10th; to submit a second quarter entry the entrant must become a member by July 10th; etc. Timely dues payment is each member's responsibility. With membership and participation comes the expectation to serve as a judge.
The SVC is open to solo video journalists, one-man bands, backpack journalists, or any other journalist who shoots, reports/writes, and edits video for a television news model. The SVC runs parallel with the Television Quarterly Clip Contest and the Online Video Contest. This means on a quarterly basis, each entering journalist must choose to enter only one of these three contests; the one that best suits his or her talents and working environment.
Currently there is no contest specifically geared toward online solo video journalists. Journalists who fall into this group should participate in the Online Video Contest. Because of deadline differences between the two styles of news distribution, it would be unfair to combine television and online SVJs together.
Eligibility questions should be directed to the contest chair.
Quarters are defined as 1st: Jan 1-Mar 31; 2nd: Apr 1-Jun 30; 3rd: Jul 1-Sep 30; 4th: Oct 1-Dec 31. Entries must be received by the contest chair on the 10th of the month following the end of the quarter – 1st: April 10th, 2nd: July 10th, 3rd: October 10th, and 4th: January 10th. Late entries will not be accepted.
Since this is a new contest, the 2009 SVC will draw from an international pool. In future years geographical divisions may be created if participation warrants.
A maximum of two entries (stories) are allowed each quarter. An entry must have been published on television for the first time during the contest quarter. The entrant must have shot at least 90% of the entry. The entrant must have reported and written (if applicable) the entry. The entrant must have edited the entry. Re-editing is not allowed. There is no penalty to the entrant if file or historical video is used, although historical or file video cannot exceed more than 25% of the total story run time.
File Video is defined as video that was shot previously and used in previous news report. File video also includes network feed video, surveillance video, amateur video, VNR's, or any other video not originating with the entering journalist. Any questions about the use of file video will be left to the discretion of the contest chair. Any questions by the judges concerning file video should be addressed to the contest chair.
There are three categories. A solo video journalist may enter two clips each quarter. Both clips may be entered in the same category or in two different categories. The same clip may not be entered in more than one category. Live shots may be included in every category if deemed necessary. It’s not required for the entering solo video journalist to have shot the live portion of the entry.
A story about an issue or an event, planned or unplanned. The piece must have been shot, edited, and aired within 4 hours. At least 90% of the video must have been shot by the entering solo video journalist.
A story about an issue, a feature or an event, planned or unplanned. The piece must have been shot edited, and aired within 24 hours. At least 90% of the video must have been shot by the entering solo video journalist.
A story or feature where the solo video journalist puts considerable time and effort into the story’s planning and production. There is no time limit for production. At least 90% of the video must have been shot by the entering solo video journalist.
The contest chair or the judges will determine the qualifications of each entry and may disqualify an entry or change the category in which it is to be judged.
Entries in the Solo Video Contest are judged by your journalist peers including reporters, photographers and solo video journalists. Judges are selected and assembled by the contest chair. Judges will represent and act in the best interest of the NPPA. Judges must choose a first, second and third place in each category if there are at least four entries in a given category. If there are fewer than four entries in a particular category a first, second and/or third place may or may not be awarded. There can be no ties. Judges may at their sole discretion award an honorable mention in any category.
Points awarded will be as follows:
Continuing education is essential to the NPPA and its members. The NPPA values the sharing of professional techniques and ideas. Judges will provide a thoughtful and constructive critique for every entry.
The title "NPPA Solo Video Journalist of the Year" will be awarded to the entrant who accumulates the most points during the year. If there is a tie, the person with the most first places wins. If there is still a tie, then the tie stands and the title awarded will be "Co-Solo Video Journalist of the Year."
Certificates will be awarded for each quarterly 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention winner. A plaque will be awarded to the Solo Video Journalist of the Year.
