1. When is the deadline for submissions?

No entries will be accepted after 5 pm EST on Thursday, February 21, 2013.

2. What will I be judged on?

The videos will be judged by topic with winners in each topic area. See the World of 7 Billion Judging Rubric for more details about how the entries will be judged.

3. What are the prizes?

Awards will be presented as follows:

Topic: Food Security:

• One (1) First Place: $1,000
• One (1) Second Place: $500
• Two (2) Honorable Mentions: $250

Topic: Global Status of Women/Girls:

• One (1) First Place: $1,000
• One (1) Second Place: $500
• Two (2) Honorable Mentions: $250

Topic: Wildlife Habitat:

• One (1) First Place: $1,000
• One (1) Second Place: $500
• Two (2) Honorable Mentions: $250

4. When will the decision of the winners be made?

All winners will be notified directly no later than Tuesday, May 7, 2013. A complete list of winners, along with the winning videos, will be posted at www.Worldof7Billion.org

5. How many people can work on one PSA?

There is no limit on the number of students who can work on a PSA. However, the PSA must be entered under one name ONLY (the Lead Producer) and there will only be one prize awarded for the winning PSA. Participants can choose to divide the prize on their own if they choose.    

6. How many entries can I submit?

As many as you want! We will judge each entry individually, though, so it is better to spend more time perfecting one great PSA than to turn in several PSAs that aren’t well crafted.

7. In what format should I submit my project?

All videos should be entered in digital format. We will not accept audio-only PSAs or PSAs recorded on VHS tapes.

8. What forms do I need to fill out, and where should I send them?

You need to fill out an online entry form when you upload your video. You will also need to submit a signed Parent Permission Form, and for each person who appears in your video, you will need to submit a signed Actor Release Form. 

Signed forms may be sent to:
    Population Connection
    Attn:  World of 7 Billion
    2120 L St. NW, Suite 500
    Washington, DC 20037
    You can also fax them to 202-332-2302 or scan and email to Worldof7Billion@populationconnection.org

9. How do I submit my PSA?

Once you have perfected your video, Upload It Here. You’ll need to browse your computer files, choose your video, and upload just as you would an email attachment. Let us know if you have any technical problems.

10. Who can enter?

Any high school student (grade 9-12, or it’s international equivalent) is free to enter. Students may be located anywhere in the world.

11. Can I use copyrighted materials?

No copyrighted materials (music, images, etc.) may be used for this contest unless you own the copyright or have a license to use the material. Written permission must be obtained and provided upon request for all copyrighted materials. You may write your own music or use “stock” music that is included in some editing software. If you choose to write your own music, make sure you have the composer sign the Actor Release Form. 

12. Can entries be disqualified?

Yes.  If there is inappropriate content, use of copyrighted materials, problems with length, or lack of the appropriate forms, we will have to disqualify your entry.  If you are unsure whether an item is copyrighted or inappropriate, run it by your parents or teachers.  If there are still questions, just don’t use it. Better safe than sorry!

13. How involved can parents be?

This is a high school student contest, and therefore, all of the research, writing, and editing should be done by students. If you want a parent or teacher to act in your film or hold the camera while you act, that is fine. However, you are the director of your film and all content should be yours alone!

14.What equipment do I need?

You can use any equipment that you have. Use a still camera to make a photo montage, or use an iPod, FlipCamera, or video camera to get a motion picture. When you are putting your media together, there are several types of editing software that you can use. iMovie comes free on all Macs and is very easy to use. Ask your teacher if your school has access to a Mac computer lab that you would be able to use before or after school. If you have a PC, check to see if it has Windows Movie Maker on it, or download it free from here: Movie Maker.You may also be able to get free trials of editing software through Sony’s Vegas Products (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegassoftware) or Pinnacle Studio. However, these are a little more technical and may require some time to learn how to use.  Remember that we are judging entries based more on content than on style, and so you shouldn’t worry if you don’t have experience with these technologies. You can make a great PSA with even the most basic equipment.

15. I’ve never made a PSA before.  Can you give me some ideas about where to start?

Yes! Visit our PSA Tips page to guide you as you start the process. Also, there is a short Background Reading for each of the three topics and lists of other potential places to start your Research. You can also check out some Sample PSAs for inspiration as well as the videos of previous winners.

16. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Contact Worldof7Billion@populationconnection.org if you have any questions. You can also ask your teacher for guidance or extra resources.