1998 Videomaker/Panasonic Contest Winners
We rolled out the red carpet for over 100 entries ranging from action-oriented feature-length movies, documentaries and music videos, to dramas and industrial training videos. Since there were no category or time constraints placed on the contest, it was extremely difficult to choose only a few "winners." However, we felt that those that did win gave more attention to lighting, audio quality, directing, editing, shot selection and framing. The combination of technical quality and creativity put these winning videos above the rest.
Unfortunately, we couldn't select everyone as a prizewinner. However, those who entered should be very proud of their accomplishment. What stood out and made us most proud was that the production standards definitely rose over the last few years. All the entrants demonstrated good fundamentals, techniques and creativity. This means that you have been paying attention to all those Videomaker articles and tips.
The pre-ceremony hype and suspense is over, and we selected this year's best videos. Thank you to all who entered, and congratulations to this year's winners. As mentioned, the competition was fierce, but our judges felt that the following videos deserved the highest honors. The envelope please...
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Beach Rich? Fish Poor!by Art NelsonPrize: Panasonic PV-DV710 Digital Palmcorder ($2,500 value) View a Clip |
Art Nelson's documentary style fills his video with scenes depicting the beauty of underwater sea life. Yes, we said underwater. He shot the majority of this video submerged beneath the Atlantic off the New Jersey shore. Nelson captured the natural habitat of the numerous species of marine life living beneath the sea. A sample of these range from rock crabs, baby black sea bass, snapper blue fish, bandit rudderfish, northern puffers and the shy box fish, which were showcased in a way that would have made Jacque Cousteau proud. The video went beyond showing pretty fish; its main purpose was to protest the destruction of the same marine life. The cause of this destruction is the widening of beaches via a method called sand pumping. According to Nelson, this so-called "restoration" process is a method used to extend beaches for the special interest of real estate improvement. This action is being funded, unknowingly, by public tax dollars and is causing a multitude of marine destruction in the process.
With the footage being acquired over a period of four years, we were given a before and after look at the effects of the sand pumping process. What was once a beautiful beach, thriving with underwater life, transforms into a demolition site for sand dumping bulldozers. The impact of this, from an underwater point of view, adds a new perspective to this story that gives sympathy to Art Nelson's cause. Looking like a scene from Mad Max, Art shows a desolate underwater habitat, which had previously flourished with life. A few dead starfish and a lonely bass are all that are left. Gone are the rock crabs, schools of rudderfish and the platoons of squids.
Several superb factors helped make this video a winner. First, the pleasant sound track wasn't too loud or distracting. To add more drama to a scene, the audio changed to a menacing tone. The beautiful underwater shots added a fresh perspective not seen in other videos. Art timed the narration to match the visuals. It was a great story and a worthy cause for action. All these combined made this video stand above its competitors.
This video not only protests the sand pumping process, it also educates about the variety of marine life and its habitat. It opened our eyes and saddened our hearts by showing bulldozers "restoring" the beach. This video exposed a problem, and educated us about the delicate balance of sea life's habitat. Our hats go off to Art for his ability to appeal to our intellectual and emotional sides. Art Nelson exemplifies what we at Videomaker hold close to our hearts; empowering the individual armed with a camcorder to make a difference in their community. Way to go Art, you are the Grand Prize winner of the 12th annual Videomaker/Panasonic Contest.
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Hands Like Suitcasesby Chris CosgravePrize: Videonics MXPro Digital Video Mixer ($1,799 value) View a Clip |
The quality of this video was more like a short film than any other video we've seen. Like the box claims, this movie will appeal to those who like guns, the sounds of gunfire, and people dodging bullets. Before the story begins, this video treats us with a dynamic opening title sequence that was rivaling some Hollywood movie openings we've seen. The design of the box cover gives the impression that attention to detail was a priority.
The plot is about a young assassin who is loosing his touch. After missing another big hit, he goes on the run from a dozen FBI agents. In what turns out to be a dazzling display of a quick trigger finger and slick action stunts, the assassin kills all in his path and escapes to fight another day. However, because of the botched hit, his mysterious boss demotes him to hitman status. What's the difference between a hitman and an assassin? Glad you asked. According to the video, the difference is a 60-percent cut in pay and the loss of your 401k and health care package. Let's not forget the less glamorous assignments, like getting contracted to do a hit on a poodle named Fifi.
After assignment to what is supposed to be another unglamorous hit, the video turns the tables, as the victim is just as good of a killer as our hitman. He's actually another assassin, on the run from the same organization. The battle ensues, complete with a car full of bullet holes, ala Lethal Weapon. In the finale, the two ex-assassins face-off in an intense battle that director John Woo would envy.
We were all very impressed with the intensive level of effort and quality that went into this production. Hands Like Suitcases could have easily qualified for the Grand Prize. Although the video took its inspiration from Hollywood movies, in some cases it surpassed them. By combining well-choreographed moves and special effects, Cosgrave produced one of the most creative videos we've ever seen. After watching it for the first time, we all agreed unanimously that this was a great video. Good work Chris to your and your crew for all your efforts, they paid off. Winning First Prize is only the beginning, as the future looks very bright for this director.
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Mandrel Rod Change Procedureby Pimalco Video Dept.Prize: Elite Video BVP-4+ Video Processor ($995 value) View a Clip |
Second Prize goes to a team of videographers, Wayne Cook and Liz Massey from Chandler, Arizona. The duo tackled the difficult task of making an instructional industrial video. The objective was to instruct employees about the proper procedure when changing a Mandrel Rod. So what is a Mandrel Rod you ask? Well, we're still not sure, but it's a difficult procedure to change one. Shot entirely on S-VHS, and edited on a Pentium 266, the crew did a capable job of making an effective instructional video. Computer graphics were used to create titles and highlight the important concepts throughout the video.
There is big demand for instructional videos these days. Just ask Wayne and Liz, whose company Pimalco is currently commissioned to produce 50-100 short training videos like this one. The pacing of the transitions and edits were very smooth. The shots looked well framed and planned, and the audio quality was clear. This tape showed us good fundamentals and creativity for another well-deserved spot on the Videomaker prize list.
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Slave to the Coffee Cupby Kristin AtwellPrize: Iomega Buz Multimedia Producer and Jaz 1GB Drive ($500 value) View a Clip |
Kristen Atwell received Third Prize for this documentary about the excessive consumption of coffee. The plea is to end our dependence on the "little cup of Joe." Atwell captures the essence of an excessive coffee drinker with quick cuts and extreme closeups. This is a frantic trip through the mind of a "slave to the coffee cup." The documented behavior, of the interviewees, was proof enough of the effects too much coffee can have on the nervous system.
The quality of the video was superb, at least partially due to the camcorder of choice, the Sony DCR-VX1000. Although we tell you to use a tripod during your shoot, in certain instances such as this creative one, it was not necessary. Applying "shaky" video helped heighten the message the video producer was trying to convey. The Third Prize, an Iomega Buz Multimedia Producer and Jaz drive, should be a welcomed addition to an already impressive list of equipment.
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Education Reform: Building Scholars, Leaders, & Citizensby Laura DupontPrize: NRG Resources 780-11 DayPro Power Belt ($319 value) View a Clip |
Laura Dupont perfected the extended news format in this video. Armed with a Panasonic S-VHS Camcorder, a JVC A/B-roll editing system and a few other essentials, she was able to produce a 35-minute broadcast-quality program. The use of interviews, graphics, cutaways, clean video, crisp audio and lighting were combined to produce a high quality in-depth video of the Holyoke school system. The focus of the video was building young children into scholars and leaders in the community. The way to do this, according to the video, was to encourage reform of the public school system, with Holyoke serving as an example. Dupont stressed that the more active the learners are in a collaborative learning process, the more likely they are to become lifelong learners. This, in turn, not only produces valuable members in society, but also contributes to a changing workforce.
One well-framed shot after another was cut together to give the appearance of a big-budget multi-camera shoot. Over the shoulder, wide-angle and closeup shots were all used to add visual interest. The program includes numerous interviews with children, teachers, school administrators and politicians. With the extensive amount of footage needed to make this 35-minute video, the Fourth Prize of an NRG PowerBelt would have come in handy. We have a feeling that she will put it to good use on her next production. Congratulations to Laura, for submitting such a well-made video.
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Break-inby Michael HuangPrize: MediaStudio Pro 5.0 Nonlinear Software ($595 value) View a Clip |
The winner of the DTV Bonus goes to Michael Huang for Break-in. Michael's equipment list totaled $3,100, and included an Intel Pentium 133 with a Miro DC10plus capture card. A Sony DCR-VX700 was used to capture images along with a Steadicam Jr.
The story opens with a suspicious character breaking into a home. The unsuspecting burglar could have gotten away with a box full of valuables if it wasn't for a watchful neighbor. When their eyes lock, the chase is on, as a well-choreographed battle begins, complete with sound effects. The cat burglar steals a car and escapes, or so he thinks. The adventurous neighbor catches up to the car on a borrowed bicycle. Okay, so the story is not too believable, but who cares, it's the techniques we're judging. Besides, we get to see some good stunts as the neighbor leaps from the bike to the roof of the car to fight the burglar. A collision with a light pole is imminent, so the neighbor-turned-action-hero, leaps from the moving car and rolls down the street (By the way, Break-in is also the winner of the unofficial "Don't try this at home" award). We hope the actor is all right, as that tumble looked too real. The video ends with a cinematic view of the burglar bent over the steering wheel and the neighbor sitting against the car wondering if it was all worth the loss of a life. Good question, we were left wondered the same thing too.
The use of multiple camera angles, slow and fast motion clips, rack focus, good acting and excellent editing make Break-in the winner of the Desktop Video Bonus. Congratulations Michael, and keep developing your talent. You have a great sense of timing, and the ability to tell a story through visual images.
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The Cultby Ethan ShaftelPrize: Azden 111LT Wireless Microphone System ($495 value) View a Clip |
The winner of this year's Young Videomaker Award is an impressive entry called The Cult. This feature-length drama starts with Shepherd, a cult leader, commanding Michael, a new recruit, to commit an execution-style murder of a bound enemy. Michael chickens-out, and ends up shooting Shepard, before escaping from the building. Five years later, Michael is leading a peaceful life, when you-know-who shows up. Shepherd, with the help of his henchmen, are seeking revenge by brutally murdering Michael's partner and kidnapping his wife. Michael confronts the past, as he and Shepard square-off in a final battle filled with automatic weapons and hard-hitting punches. After much suspense, Michael makes his ghost from the past a real ghost, by dealing Shepherd a fatal twist of the neck.
Ethan Shaftel who played Michael, and Alec Joler who played Shepherd were excellent. These are also the two who created the video. They used two Sony Hi8 camcorders and edited with the help of a Macintosh running Avid Cinema, and a Sony SVO-2000 S-VHS VCR. The budget of the equipment list, not including the computer, was $2,700. We really enjoyed this video production, Ethan. It's always a pleasure to see rising talent. Good luck with your future video projects. And all you kids out there, stay away from violent cult groups.
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