Best of Photojournalism 2012: TV News Photography: Entry Rules
Registering Yourself for the Contest
Everyone must obtain an identification code to enter Best of Photojournalism 2012. Please note that:
- you must register even if you entered in a previous year
- you cannot simply re-use last year's entry code
Registering for the contest is easy: simply complete the online Contest Registration Form, and you will be enterd for the contest (uploading your clips is a separate step, of course).
Note that if you are entering more than one division of the Best of Photojournalism competition (for example, TV News Photography and Web Sites), you only need to register once: you can use the same Contest Identification Code for all divisions.
Changes to the 2012 Contest
This year, entries in the video contest can all be submitted online! In previous years, entries in the TV News Photography and Editing divisions had to be sent in on DVD or tape.
General Rules (How to Enter)
Entries must have been originally broadcast or posted between January 1st and December 31st, 2011.
Entries will be accepted beginning January 3rd, 2012, and must be received by 3PM EST on January 27th, 2012.
Any entries received after the deadline will NOT be accepted.
There is to be no re-editing of any piece.
There is no penalty to the entrant if file or historical video is used. File video is defined as video that has previously aired in a newscast, video that originated from a network feed, and stock video that was shot previously that may or may not have already aired. File video includes surveillance video, amateur video, VNR’s, or any other video not originating with the entering photojournalist. Any questions about the use of file video will be left to the discretion of the judges. File video can not exceed more than 10% of total story run time.
Some stories might fit in more than one category, but you may only enter any story once. Failure to follow the rule will result in the disqualification of the entry.
Preparing Your Entry
- All entries should be submitted online. Clips should be uploaded using the online entry form.
- All entries should be compressed for smooth playback online. Videos should be compressed as H.264 (please do not use High Profile features) at 640x480 (or 640x352 for widescreen clips), and a bitrate of 1024 kbps or less. If you already have a video compression tool that you're familiar with, use it. If you don't, Handbrake is a popular choice.
- Eliminate any slate or title showing your name, station or city at the beginning of each TV entry. There should be nothing on the clip but the entry. Failure to do so will disqualify the entry. Station reference is only permitted in the Station of the Year air check and Deadline Photography entries that include live shots (including Deadline Photography stories submitted as part of an Ernie Crisp Television News Photographer of the Year or Station of the Year entry).
- The online entry form must be submitted for each entry. Clips will be saved to the contest server, and compressed if needed.
See the specific rules and categories for the News Video Photography and Editing divisions for additional details — including information about where to send your entries.