Frequently Asked Questions

My PSA Contest

Who can enter?

Only currently enrolled students (grades 6 to 12) who attend school can submit entries for consideration. Participants under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian consent before submitting entries. Participants must be legal residents of the United States. Please see the Disclaimer for more information.

How do I submit a PSA entry?

Upload your PSA to YouTube.com using the following title format for your video:
HensonFuerst PSA Contest (Your first name, last initial).
Example: HensonFuerst PSA Contest (Chris S.)

Email us a link to your video on YouTube at abbey@mypsacontest.com.

Fill out the necessary forms (which can be found on the left sidebar) and e-mail, fax, or mail to:

By mail:

By e-mail:

abbey@mypsacontest.com

By fax:

Once we receive the link to your video and your completed forms, we’ll add your entry to our PSA contest on www.LawMed.com/Contest.

How will PSAs be judged? Who will judge?

Entries will be judged by a panel of professionals in the media and broadcast industry. Refer to the judging rubric for more details.

How will the winners be announced?

Winning entries will be notified by HensonFuerst via e-mail or phone.

Can participants use other people's material?

Entries must contain all original material (including music, images, etc.). No trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise branded materials, logos, products, etc., may be used without express written permission from the owner, business, and/or organization. This can include logos on t-shirts, trademarked brands on products, etc. If entries contain copyrighted, branded, and/or trademarked materials without proper permission, those entries will be disqualified.

Can I use real-life experiences?

Yes, HensonFuerst encourages people to share their true stories. Depending on the nature of the PSA, students may be asked to submit additional waivers that give express permission to use photographs, names, and/or other pertinent material in the PSA. Completed Talent Release Forms must be turned in with entries, if applicable. All participants must knowingly agree to appear in entries and must complete and sign any required Talent Release Forms.

What are the prizes?

One winner from each age category (grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12) will choose between a new Mac laptop with movie-making software or a $1,500 gift card to a local electronics store. One of the two winning entries will be aired on local television. The schools where the winning students attend will receive donations as well.

Does it cost anything to enter?

There is no charge for submitting an entry.

Can I submit more than one entry?

Yes. Participants may submit up to two entries.

Can entries be disqualified?

Entries will be disqualified if they contain vulgar or inappropriate content; are not turned in with all proper paperwork; have postmarks later than the specified due date; or use copyrighted material. No trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise branded materials, logos, products, etc., may be used without express written permission from the owner, business, and/or organization. This can include logos on t-shirts, trademarked brands on products, etc. If entries contain copyrighted, branded, and/or trademarked materials without proper permission, those entries will be disqualified. Completed Talent Release Forms must be turned in with entries if applicable. All participants must knowingly agree to appear in entries and must complete and sign any required Talent Release Forms.

Can adults assist in production?

Adults may assist with production, but they are limited to only verbal guidance. Adults are allowed to be actors, but not content contributors.

How many students can work on one PSA?

There is no limit on the number of students who can work on a PSA. The PSA must be entered under one name, and there will only be one prize awarded for the winning PSA. Participants can choose to divide the prize on their own terms, if applicable.

What is the deadline?

Monday, April 18, 2011

What does each entry need to include?

Entries will only be considered once we receive the proper registration forms, waivers, compliance statements, and releases.

Can participants make Flash videos with hand-based sketches or drawings of their own?

You can use Flash.

May it be a silent movie with a background song?

Music and sounds may be used, but they can’t be copyrighted. See the Student Release and Waiver form for complete details.

For questions not answered here, contact Abbey Smith, PSA Contest Coordinator, at abbey@mypsacontest.com.