Do you have something to say about teen dating violence? Do you want to use film to make our communities safer? Do you want to win amazing prizes like a video camera, $500 cash, and getting to see your film on TV?

The Look Closer Teen Dating Violence Video Contest is as easy as 1-2-3: Think. Shoot. Win.

If you have already entered the contest and received an e-mail receipt, please click on the following link to fill out a contestant survey to complete your submission:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=JgRxiKRVVUZBBj6_2b8t3DLA_3d_3d

Think!

Figure out what you think about the following questions:

1. What does dating violence look like to you?
2. How can you help a friend in an unhealthy relationship?

Then tell us how you would communicate your ideas through film. You can describe your film idea in an essay, on storyboards, or by recording an audio explanation.

Shoot!

Up to five semi-finalists will win a digital video camera and the chance to make their ideas into a real short film! Local video experts will be available to provide support and advice for semi-finalists as they shoot their videos.

Win!

One video created by the semi-finalists will win the Grand Prize! The creator of this video will receive a $500 cash award! The winning video will also be broadcast on TV and the Internet and presented at the 2009 King County Children and Families Experiencing Domestic Violence Conference.

Contest FAQs

Entries for the Look Closer Contest should address the topic of teen dating violence by focusing on one or both of the following themes:

1. What does dating violence look like to you?
2. How can you help a friend in an unhealthy relationship?

Who can enter?

Any resident of King County between the ages of 13-17 can and should enter! All participants must have the permission of a parent/legal guardian.

How do you enter?

All "Look Closer Contest" entrants must fill out the Contest Application and provide a description of their film idea in one of the following ways:

1. Write a one-page essay describing your film idea (max. 200 words).
2. Draw a six-panel story board describing your film idea (six panels with descriptions).
3. Record a one-minute audio file describing your film idea (max. 3 minutes)

All entries must be postmarked by June 9, 2008 and include:

1. Contest Application
2. And an audio CD, typed essay, OR storyboards

All entries must be sent by June 9, 2008 to:

Natalie A. Lente
King County, DCHS
401 5th Ave, Suite 510
Seattle, WA 98104

Entries must be sent by mail. Entries sent by e-mail will not be accepted.

You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your entry. Your entry is not complete until you have received an e-mail acknowledging your entry; if you do not receive an e-mail within five days of your entry, please contact Natalie Lente.

What are the important dates for the contest?

The contest begins on May 1, 2008. Entries must be postmarked by the contest deadline of June 9, 2008. Semi-Finalists will be announced on July 1, 2008.

How will entries be judged?

Entries will be judged by a panel of qualified individuals, including film production professionals, service providers, and local teens. Submissions will be judged as follows:

• 50 percent on overall effectiveness at conveying an important message to the public about dating violence
• 50 percent on originality and creativity

How will the winners be announced?

We will notify winners by e-mail. We will also post the winners’ names on our Web site, if the winners permit us to do so.

What are the prizes?

Up to five semi-finalists will win digital video cameras and technical assistance in the production of their film. One grand prize winner will receive a $500 cash prize and dissemination of their video on TV and the Internet.

Will entries be returned?

No. Entries become the property of the "Look Closer Contest" and King County.

Does it cost anything to enter the contest?

No. There is no charge for submitting an entry to the "Look Closer Contest."

Can I submit more than one entry?

No. No individual can submit more than one entry.

Can entries be disqualified?

Entries that are lewd, obscene, pornographic, or otherwise contain objectionable material may be disqualified by the judges’ sole and unfettered discretion.

Can I use images of violence in my entry?

While entrants are encouraged to approach the issue of teen dating violence from many perspectives, we want to encourage all participants to avoid violent images that are more dramatic than educational.

How many people can work on one entry?

Project may be executed and submitted by an individual or a team. For communication purposes, please identify one person as the team representative and note that person’s name on the entry form. We will provide technical assistance for up to three members of your production team if you are selected to go on to the next round of video production.

How did the idea for this contest come about?

In 2006, the King County Domestic Violence Council identified youth affected by domestic violence as a priority area for their scope of work. A professional project team of King County government staff and local domestic violence and sexual assault human services agencies convened to address this priority area. The contest is the result of this collaborative effort. Download the Focus Group report. (100KB PDF)