Choose a genre

The genres of movies you can film are endless- there are many different ways to send your message.  Pick a genre and go with it.   Here are some options:

1. Action and Adventure
2. Comedy
3. Drama
4. Animation
5. Mystery/Thrillers
6. Documentary
7. Musical

Tips when shooting video

1. Give an extra couple of seconds before and after your footage clips. This ensures that speech does not begin or end too abruptly. If too long, it can be trimmed in editing.

2. Keep the light between you and the actors. Don't shoot from a bright area indoors. Never shoot into bright sky or from a window outside (unless you are very near the glass).

3. If your camera has an input jack, a microphone will do a better job of picking up sound than the microphone on the camera. It can be corded and in the "directional" position, if available.

Varied shots add drama. A tight shot often adds sincerity or emphasis. For example, a high shot (looking down), followed by a low shot (looking up).

Trademark and Copyright Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does Copyright mean?
It means the right to copy. Only the owner or creator of the work is allowed to produce or reproduce the work or permit anyone else to do so. Copyright is restricted to the expression of an idea, such as a video, but does not extend to the idea itself.

Copyright includes such things as: books, pamphlets, magazine articles, posters, poems, films, videos, plays, screenplays, scripts, music only, words and music, paintings, drawings, maps, photographs, sculptures.

Not covered by copyright are such things as: names or slogans, short phrases and most titles, such as song titles, and factual information. However, some may be covered by trademark, such as a Canucks t-shirt or a Nike symbol.

What is a Trademark?
Trademarks are used to identify the difference between products of one person or company from those of another. You cannot use things like slogans, names of products, distinctive packages or unique product shapes, such as the Nike symbol, or a t-shirt or cap with it on it, a 7-11 sign in the background, a cigarette package showing a brand name, a Canucks shirt, a specific car make or model, or a government sign about selling tobacco to minors, that you see in stores.

What types of music can I use?

a. Original music, lyrics or score, created by you.

b. Purchased, copyrighted music (see below for more info).

c. Music from a composer or writer with approval, even by email

Keep in mind that you might like the words to a song and want to use them, using a different tune, but that is NOT allowed. Or, you might want to use the melody of a song and put your own music to it – that is NOT allowed.

What pictures can I use?

a. Original photos taken by you are okay, provided they don't contain trademarked or copyrighted material which you would need permission to use, and you also need consent from the people in them. Using a picture taken by someone else also requires permission from the photographer, as well as any trademarked or copyrighted product permission.

b. Purchased or free photos from a stock house or graphic house can be used. For more information, go to Google and search for Free Stock Photos.

c. Pictures in print publications, like those in a magazine or on a poster, require permission from the originator, because they are copyrighted. For example, using pictures from GASP Magazine is not allowed as those pictures are copyrighted and were purchased to use just in that magazine. Using a poster or sign produced by a company or government is NOT allowed, unless you obtain permission from the originator. Governments sometimes purchase a copyrighted poster from another province or country, and it often can only be used for a certain length of time

What is Public Domain?
A public domain work is a creative work not protected by copyright and which may be freely used by everyone. This is because:
(1) the term of copyright for the work has expired
(2) it is something produced by the Government.

In the case of government materials, it is still best to check with the originator. Material available on the Internet is NOT considered to be in the Public Domain. Facts from the Internet can be used, but pictures, music, etc. are restricted.

What is the Release Form?
This form is necessary to allow the Street Smarts Program, and its partnering agencies such as CTV and CCTV, to obtain the rights to the use of the video for other purposes, such as producing a compilation video of the winning entries.

Do I need to get a Release Form and who should sign it?
Yes, everyone involved in producing the video must submit a Form, signed by a parent or guardian, if under the age of 19, and signed by themselves if over the age of 19.

When I get the Release Form signed, am I signing away my right to own the video?
Yes, the Street Smarts Program, and its participating public agencies, will then own the copyright and can use it in any manner whatsoever. However, you can use it for a resume or personal use, but NOT commercial use.