FilmTheNext

If you’re like me, you love playing with all the amazing applications the iPhone has to offer. A new app by Smule, called “The Ocarina”, specifically caught my attention when it claimed to mimic the little instrument of the same name in Nintendo’s “Legend of Zelda” series. Turns out I wasn’t alone. Smule has had an overwhelming response to this applications release and in celebration, is holding the “This Contest Blows” video contest. To enter, create a video featuring the Ocarina in a creative way. While the rules don’t give specifics, the contest page does feature some entries that might engage your imagination. 10 winners will receive a $1000 cash prize so the odds are pretty good that you could take this one. Good luck! 18+, ND, January 10th 2009

Calling all AFI fans! Create a 2 minute video telling the band about yourself (your life, friends, hobbies, inspiration, etc) and upload it to the YouTube contest group. 6 winners will be selected for a 3 day/2 night trip to LA and a recording studio experience with the band (valued at $2000). The winners will also have the opportunity to perform backup vocals on the band’s upcoming album! 13+, 2mins-, January 5th 2009

The “Solo Star Video Contest” deadline has been extended to February 13th 2009! Remember everyone, this is a really easy opportunity to win $5000 so visit the CONTEST PAGE and upload your videos.

Earth Class Mail is a new service dedicated to the elimination of your paper snail mail. The company claims they will take on a physical address that your mail can be shipped to, after which they will be able to scan it all and email it to you…cleaning up your home or business mail box. The company has teamed up with Zoopa in order to find viral videos which communicate and advertise this service. To enter, create a 1 minute video that best explains this service and you could win $5000! 18+, 60secs, February 1st 2009

Vimeo.com is hosting a video contest for a good cause…energy conservation. To enter, create a 10 minute (or less) entry on this subject and upload it to Vimeo’s website. The winner will get a $1000 check and may get his/her entry aired as a national campaign. 15+, 10mins-, December 31st 2008

Sick of your job? Out of work? Well it might just be time to enter the “SnagAJob Video Contest. To enter, create a 2 minute or less video explaining why you deserve a vacation and you could win $1000 cash toward your dream getaway. 18+, 15secs-2mins, December 31st 2008

Sony BMG is holding a video contest for country music artist Brad Paisley. To enter, visit the contest site and download any of the 3 clips provided to create a music video for his single “Start a Band.” Each clip is shot over a green screen background allowing you the creative freedom to put whatever you want in there! Upload your video to YouTube and you could win a brand new Sony High Definition Camcorder ($1000 retail). 10 runner ups will walk away with a Flip Camcorder ($130 retail). Those are pretty good odds. 13+, Song Length, January 19th 2009

Ok, so this isn’t strictly a video contest. You can, however, upload a video, image, or audio file along with story explaining how Intel’s processors have a positive impact in your life. Maybe you are a digital artist and rely on Intel to power your creativity or possibly you have a blog and depend on your Intel based machine every day. The grand prize is your choice of any Intel Centrino based laptop up to $3000, $300 cash, and a $200 Amazon gift card. 1st and 2nd place also take home notebooks valued at $2000 and $1000 respectively. Not bad eh? Don’t wait to long to enter because the first 100 submissions receive a FREE contest t-shirt. 18+, No Duration, January 15th 2009

“The EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Computer and Network Security Task Force, in cooperation with the ResearchChannel, is conducting its third annual contest in search of posters and short computer security awareness videos developed by college students, for college students.” To enter, create a 30 second PSA or a 2 minute instructional video on a computer security topic (outlined on the contest page). The first place videos will receive a $1000 followed by $800 and $400 for 2nd and 3rd place. Good luck! College Students, 30secs(PSA)/2mins-(all other video), April 30th 2009

Every year the Super Bowl brings out some of the wildest beer ads ever created. The only problem is, a large part of the audience is under 21! That is why the Marin Institute, the Alcohol Industry Watchdog, is holding a video contest for commercials that tell these big beer companies to stop exploiting youth during the Super Bowl (Hence the contest name). The winner will receive a brand new Apple Macbook loaded with Final Cut Express 4! 13-20, 30-60secs, January 25th 2009 UPDATE: The site is currently down.

Now that the presidential election is over, our country faces its greatest challenges yet. While many think that Barack Obama will turn this nation around, others may not agree. Brickfish, social media site, is looking for video entries outlining what YOU think our country will look like after 4 years under the new leadership. Will we free our oil dependence and kick-start the job market? Or will we be in economic turmoil and become a divided union? Keep your entries under 2 minutes and it could earn you a cool $1000! Good luck. 15+, 2mins-, February 5th 2009

Are you the next Solo Star? Solo Foods, manufacturer of retail foods, is looking for videos of YOU preparing original and delicious recipes using Solo or Baker Brand dessert filling. The concept is easy but be sure to mention “Solofoods.com” either in the dialogue or on screen graphics. The winning video will receive $5000 and a year supply of Solo Dessert filling. MMMMmm. 18+, 30-60seconds, December 15th 2008.