Entry Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025
Awards Ceremony: Friday, March 21, 2025
The Electronic Media Department of Ohio University Southern presents:
Award Categories
Awards will be given by Ohio University Southern’s Electronic Media Department to 1 st and 2 nd place winners in recognition of high school level excellence in audio, video and multimedia production in the following categories:
Animation
Stop Action Claymation, or CGI. Time limit: 3 minutes
Audio Podcast
Must have a produced open and close with theme music. Time limit: 5 minutes
Digital Photography
Submit three photos – MUST be based on the student's choice of a connecting theme and include one each of a person, a place, and a thing. MUST be original photographs. Submit photographs in electronic format. Please do not submit printed photos
Entertainment
Comedy, horror, drama, or music videos. Time limit: 10 minutes or less. MUST contain the following: Prop – A key; Dialogue – "Who said that?"; Character – Construction/maintenance worker.
Newscast
Full, unedited newscast from beginning to end
News Feature Story
Single news or sports feature story. Time limit: 3 minutes
Radio Commercial
Topic: Choose any product, service, activity or event (can be real or fictional). Must include voice(s), music, and at least one sound effect. Time limit: 30, 45 or 60 seconds
Video Commercial
Topic: Create an ad for a potato. Time limit: 30, 45 or 60 seconds
Please read the guidelines for each category carefully, as entries will be disqualified if guidelines aren't met.
To enter your video using Google Drive, right click on the video you wish to enter. Select “Share” in the drop-down menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
The EMPixx Awards are open to all high school students in OHIO Southern's service area in Ohio (Lawrence, Scioto, Pike and Gallia); West Virginia (Cabell); and Kentucky (Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lawrence) in grades 9 through 12 that have any kind of media production class.
What types of productions may be submitted?
The entry must be a not-for-profit, original student production. If undue professional influence is evident or if the individual is found to have professional standing, the entry will be disqualified.
In what format should I upload my entry?
All entries must be submitted and uploaded in the following file formats: mp4 for video, mp3 for audio and jpeg for digital photography. Image and sound quality of the entries are factors in judging. Be sure to label the submitted file the same as the entry title on the entry form.
Can I use stock footage?
The entry MUST NOT consist of more than 15% stock footage, photography or sampled material.
Do I have to apply through school?
All entry forms must be completely filled out and signed by the class instructor or school official. A winning entry shall have the applicable prize awarded to the school listed on the entry form with certificates awarded to the production assistants listed on the entry form.
How do you judge entries?
Final judging will be by select industry professionals associated with the university and the faculty and staff of the Electronic Media Department at Ohio University Southern. Video entries will be judged using a five-point scale in the areas of Writing, Camera Operation, Lighting Technique, Sound Quality, Talent, Editing Technique, and Concept of the project. Audio entries will be judged using a five-point scale in the areas of Writing, Mix, Levels, Editing, Talent, and Concept. Digital Photography entries will be judged using a five-point scale in the areas of Design, Lighting, Focus, Content and Concept of the project. The winners will be based on the productions with the highest total scores in their respective categories.
When is the deadline?
To be considered, the entry and completed entry form must be submitted no later than 11:59pm Friday, February 28. Late entries will not be accepted.
Will anyone besides judges see my submission?
Submission of an entry gives Ohio University Southern permission to show the work at the awards ceremony and include it in any promotional materials related to the competition or campus. A written notice declining this agreement may be sent along with the entry and will be honored.