What kind of video do viewers like?
We hope that people will look at the videos’ connection to the Micah theme, but, ultimately, people like videos they feel a connection to – whether it’s in the music choice, the images they see, the authenticity of it. People respond emotionally to concepts, images and sounds, not to technical precision or perfection. So trust your creative instincts! Comedy is a huge draw in online videos, but you’ll need to make the call of how or where or if you integrate humor into your video.

What format should my video be for uploading?
Your video must be less than 100 megs and in QuickTime/MOV, WMV, MPEG.

What’s the length of the video?
The video length is recommended to be a minimum of 2 minutes, but no more than 4 minutes. It doesn’t take much time to be very creative with your message!

I've never produced a video and it sounds complicated. Any suggestions to help me get started?
Absolutely, you don't have to be a professional producer to create a great video. Check the website for the toolkit we have provided that will help you with your video - we have music selections, tips, etc to make this fun and simple to create!

What’s the Submission Deadline?
Submissions are open from March 1 to May 31.

What kinds of programs are available for video editing?
Most Macs and PC’s come with built in movie programs – like iMovie and Windows Moviemaker, respectively. If you have access to a program like Final Cut - Go for it – but make sure YOU or someone on your team does the editing!! If you feel ambitious – consider “in camera” editing – this technique is a way of shooting your video every scene sequentially, just one take per shot, so that when you play back the tape – your piece is complete! This isn’t the easiest way to make a video, but it can yield a very creative piece!

Should I keep a “hard copy” of my video?
Absolutely! Be sure to Master your program to DVD!!! Winners may be contacted for a hardcopy of the program. As a rule, ALWAYS output a copy of any video you make – computers and hard drives are great – but if they crash, you may lose your hard work!

Can I use clips from movies?
No! We’re looking for your creativity in generating a fresh, original video! You can use still photography of your own, but no copyrighted film or video.

What kind of music can I use in my video?
Use music that you think really supports your message! You can create your own or you could obtain permission from local artists to use their music.  ymiLIVE's partner, "the muckrakers", has given us a license to offer several of their tracks to youth groups to use in the video challenge.  These downloadable tracks will be coming soon.

What’s a Talent Release and do my actors need to sign one?
A release is a document that explains the purpose and future use of the video that actors sign to acknowledge their consensual participation in the program and to “release” you from any future claims for money or rights to the program. You can download a ymiLIVE approved release here. And, yes – they should sign one!