If you're looking for something really fun to do over the next two weeks, or just as importantly, you like winning prizes, here's a reminder: you now have only two weeks left to submit entries for the Courier's first video contest, Vancouver Minute, for your chance to win up to $2,500 in prizes.
We're seeking professional and amateur filmmakers to send us your story in a Vancouver Minute - a 60-second (or less) video detailing what you think is important, interesting or fun about this city or neighbourhood. The contest is part of our ongoing "Vancouver Special" year-long series profiling the city's amazing diversity of neighbourhoods, and we're encouraging you to tell your story as well.
All submissions must be filmed within Vancouver city limits. Anything goes subject to taste and creativity is encouraged. It can be stop animation about cats living in alleyways. Or a (60 second) mini-documentary about your grandfather's childhood home. Or maybe a fictional account of love found on a bus or SkyTrain. The choice is yours.
Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 17. Contestants can either submit directly through the contest site or can send their Vimeo or YouTube links to [email protected], with the subject line "Vancouver Minute video contest."
London Drugs has offered up store gift cards for our winners: $1,500 for the Critic's Choice award and $1,000 for the Viewer's Choice. It's conceivable you could win both, which would go a long way to picking up good camera or computer gear. Or a lifetime supply of sunscreen - whatever tickles your fancy. See contest.vancourier.com for full contest details.
Once the submissions period has ended, Courier staff will pick the top 10 finalists and the contest's two-week voting period will begin July 19 to give readers a chance to vote for their favourite video, the winner of which will win the Viewer's Choice award. Two randomly drawn names from readers who vote will also receive a $250 gift card from London Drugs.
A panel of judges from the film industry will choose the winner for the Critic's Choice award. All winners will be announced Aug. 5.
Now go, it's nice outside. The world awaits your one-minute story about Vancouver.
