Students' Competition

1. How can I equip my pupils with the necessary skills in producing a media product?

Basic media production techniques are accessible and can be learnt “on the job" – which is probably the most fun way of learning a new skill. However, as with all skills, it is practice that makes perfect and students will be required to read related literature or attend training to do a good job. Students must dare to try a hand at this new skill and even make mistakes – which is relevant in this age of media literacy.

2. From whom can my pupils learn how to produce a video?

At the moment, we do not provide any training for students. However, we will be organising training workshops for teachers to acquire skills on general aspects of media production. Teachers can then impart these skills to their students. For customised training, schools can also make their own arrangements using their own funds.

3. Is it very difficult to produce a video?

With the development of computer technology and digital editing stations, video production has become a very accessible skill. Most editing stations that schools can buy for their use are very user-friendly. The challenge is in being creative with the way content is communicated to the audience

4. What is the role of the teacher in the team?

The teacher serves as a resource person and facilitator for the team, especially in helping the students to structure their content/ script tightly. The teacher also has a role to play to help monitor the team's progress and work commitments. He/ She can also help the students make the necessary arrangements for their training and use of video production facilities, or contact outside organisations for help.

5. Why is there a need for a time limit to the length of the media clip?

Other than using it as a fair mode of assessment among all teams, the imposition of a time limit plays an even more important role. The time limit helps a team focus on the most crucial visuals and narration that will communicate the message to the audience/viewer. This disciplines the team and forces them to evaluate stringently, the purpose of their visuals or narration. Usually, this evaluative process helps teams create programmes that are well edited.

6. Can I produce media clips in languages other than English?

No. At the moment, the Students’ Competition is conducted in English only. However, if there is a need to document an interview of a person who only speaks in one of the other languages, you may do so. However, do provide English subtitling so that everyone can understand the programme. You must also submit a copy of the English translation of the script.

7.  Must we clear copyrights for the music we put into our production?

Yes. The basic principle behind all copyrights rule is that you cannot use without written permission what you do not own, be it story line, lyrics, music, photographs or video footages. It is not enough to "acknowledge" them in the credits of your programme either.

A way to get around this problem is to be original in your use of music, etc by getting talents within your school to compose an original score or sing for you.

8.  Do we need to obtain copyrights for classical pieces?

Generally, for musical works, copyright lasts 70 years after the death of the composer or the first publication, whichever is later. Hence, for most classical pieces (where the composers have passed away more than 70 years ago), you usually do not require copyright clearance if you perform the pieces yourself. However, if you were to use the classical pieces from tapes/CDs that have been acquired /re-arranged by other musicians/companies, copyright clearance is required.

For more information on copyrights,visit Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.

9. Can we form a team with students from different schools/colleges?

No. At the moment, the SDM Awards recognises the entries as from per school, and as a National Schools competition, we recognise both the participating team and the participating school.

10. Where can we view the past winners' works?

Yes. We have the winners' works put up in the Evideo website.

Teacher's Competition

1. Can I participate as an individual rather than form a team?

Yes, you can take part in the competition as the sole participant.

2. Can we form a group with members from different schools/colleges?

No. At the moment, the SDM Awards recognises the teachers’ entries as from per school. Please also ensure that all team members are MOE employed in-service teachers.

3. Can I participate in both the Students’ competition and Teachers’ competition?

Yes, you can act as the teacher facilitator to provide advice and guidance to the students. (Refer to FAQ for Students’ Competition). At the same time, you can also take part in the Teachers’ Competition either as a team leader or the team member.

4. Can I produce videos in languages other than English?

Yes. For Teachers’ Competition, the entries can be in languages other than English as we do not want to exclude the participation of the Mother Tongue teachers. However, do provide English subtitling so that everyone can understand the programme. You must also submit a copy of the English translation of the script.

5. What is the maximum number of entries per school for Teachers’ Competition?

Each school can submit up to 5 teams of teachers, with no restriction to the number of entries per team. The team may submit as many entries as they can produce within the stipulated deadline.