Video Contests, Film Festivals, and Awards

Words Not Weapons in 30 Seconds
Video Contest Proposal


The Association for Dispute Resolution of Northern California (ADRNC) is an organization made up of conflict resolution professionals, established in response to the rapidly growing interest in newly emerging methods of dispute resolution, also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

ADRNC works to increase public understanding and acceptance of ADR processes and of the roles of collaborative dispute resolvers.

ADRNC is the Northern California chapter of the national Association for Conflict Resolution.

In the interest of creating awareness of the importance of alternative dispute resolution, ADRNC is sponsoring the Words Not Weapons in 30 Seconds Contest.

The winner(s) will receive:

* Submission of video for consideration as a video display at Make Talk Work�, an exhibit on ADR that will run until December 15, 2004, at The Atrium Lobby of John Jay College Theater, which is located near Lincoln Center, New York City, NY. The Theater has hosted events for Lincoln Center as well as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater/Repertory Ensemble, HBO and many others. The Make Talk Work� exhibit is a component of the City University of New York's Dispute Resolution Consortium housed at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
* Submission of video to the Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco as a video display in the 'Blur Project'.
* Promotion by ADRNC of their video to San Francisco Bay Area television stations for use as a public service announcement (PSA).
* Inclusion of their video on ADRNC's website (adrnc.org)
* In addition to the forementioned submissions of their video, the first prize winner will also receive a $1000 cash prize.
* The second and third place entrants will have their videos submitted for consideration to the forementioned venues and outlets but will not receive a cash prize.�
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What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR?

ADR is the professional practice of non-violent conflict resolution through facilitated communication. ADR professionals help people resolve their disputes through facilitated communications and negotiations. The many ADR practices include mediation, negotiation, facilitation, arbitration and collaborative dialogue. With the assistance of an ADR professional, people often avoid going to court or ending a relationship. The public often does not realize that, when faced with overwhelming conflict, there are options besides, "I'll see you in court!" or "You're fired!" ADR helps people avoid the long, burdensome and expensive process of litigation and helps people rebuild broken relationships.

Contest Challenge!

The contestants will create a 30-second video that can be used as a public exhibit piece, PSA and as website content to inform the public and motivate them to consider using ADR in business and personal disputes.

The winning entry will educate the viewer about the value of ADR through the storytelling, graphic and creative medium of film. Examples of ADR subjects for film include, but are not limited to depictions of:

* Creative settlements of disputes
* ADR professionals at work
* Communications that prevent violent outcomes
* Everyday peaceful outcomes to aggravating situations
* Prevention of bullying
* Effective harassment education
* Inspiring communication breakthroughs
* Individuals who dissolve cultural barriers
* Understanding between groups in conflict
Video Format:

Entries should be sent in VHS or DVD format that can be viewed on a TV monitor.� Subsequent to selection, the winner(s) will be required to release a copy of their master tape to ADRNC for post-production reformatting.� The master tape copy will remain in the possession of ADRNC.

The filmmaker will prominently feature the following credit on the video:�������� "This video was brought to you by Association For Dispute Resolution Of Northern California."

ADRNC is an organization of professionals dedicated to mediating and facilitating the resolution of conflicts at work, in neighborhoods, in schools and at home. Visit us on the web at adrnc.org.


How to Enter:

Read the Contest Rules located below. By participating in this contest, you agree to accept these Contest Rules.

You may submit multiple entries. Keep copies for your records. ADRNC assumes no responsibility for lost, misdirected, illegible or late entries or for failed computer transmissions or technical failures.

Judging:
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges that will include ADRNC board members. The judges will include respected Bay Area professionals drawn from fields such as conflict resolution, film, television and education.�

The judges will grade entries using the following criteria:
* General appeal
* Creative representation of ADR
* Potential to educate a diverse audience
* Elegance of communication
* Clarity and efficiency
The judges shall have the sole authority and discretion to select the award recipient(s).

Contest Rules:
Rules for participating in the Words Not Weapons in 30 Seconds Contest:
* Entrants must be at least 18 years old.
* Entrants agree to grant to ADRNC license to make, sell, or use the video, including the film, video, stills, concepts, etc., associated with the contest entry.
* The winner and runners up agree that ADRNC may publicize their name(s), likeness, and the description of work done to win the contest. ADRNC is not obligated to compensate entrants in any way for such publicity.
* Each entrant agrees to indemnify ADRNC from any third party claims arising from or related to that entrant's participation in the Contest.� ADRNC is not liable to an entrant for acts or omissions arising out of or related to the Contest or that entrant's participation in the Contest.
* Entrants may submit multiple entries. Keep copies for your records. ADRNC assumes no responsibility for lost, or late entries or for incomplete computer transmissions or technical failures.
* ADRNC reserves the right not to accept entries that are considered inappropriate for the contest.
* Deadline to submit entries is October 15, 2004.

Notification:
The winners will be contacted by phone and/or e-mail by October 21, 2004.� The winners and titles of their entries will be announced on the ADRNC website, adrnc.org; the winning videos will be forwarded to John Jay College of Criminal Justice-City University Of New York for consideration as a display piece in their Make Talk Work� exhibit; the winning videos will be forwarded to the Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco for consideration as a video display in the 'Blur Project;' the winning videos will be promoted by ADRNC to San Francisco Bay Area television stations as a PSA; and soon thereafter, the winning videos will be loaded on the ADRNC website, adrnc.org.

Questions?
Contact ADRNC Publicity Committee at [email protected]

Starting in late August, adrnc.org will post answers to frequently-asked-questions about the video contest.