Rules and Guidelines

 

1. All entries must be submitted as a digital audio or digital video format.

2. Only one (1) entry can be submitted per teacher.  The "teacher" is defined as the individual primarily responsible foe delivering daily instruction to the class.  The applying teacher cannot be assigned to teach "specials" (ie. art, music, foreign language, etc.)  While a "specials" teach can assist, the primary teacher must lead the project.

3. Each entry must fall into one of the following categories:  (a) Original Song, (b) Original Poetry, (c) Original Prose and (d) Original Short-story

4. Poetry submissions must not exceed 300 words.  A written copy of the poem must be submitted.  If the poem is being performed, an audio or video submission must also be made.

5. Short story or dramatic play submissions must not exceed 5000 words.  A written copy of the short story or play musst be submitted.  If the short-story or play is being performed, an audio or video submission must also be made.

6. Audio submissions must be between 3 - 5 minutes, not to include introduction and closing credits.

7. Video submissions must be between 5 - 7 minutes, not to include introduction and closing credits.

8. All participating students must be credited and have a role in the production.

9. There is no entry fee.

10. Entries may be submitted through our website, www.sandscriptpublishing.com, starting on September 22, 2014. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm (eastern time, US) on Friday, October 24, 2015. Winners will be announced no later than Tuesday, November 14, 2015.

11. No copyrighted materials (music, images, etc.) may be used for this contest unless you own the copyright or have a license to use the material for this contest. Written permission must be obtained and provided upon request for all copyrighted materials.

12. No professional assistance is allowed. Adults may assist with production but are limited to verbal guidance only. Adults are allowed to be actors or cameramen but not content contributors.

13. All portions of the online entry form must be completed when you upload your project for it to be eligible.

14. Content must comply with all local and national laws of the United States.  Content must not 1) promote illegal behavior; 2) support racial, religious, sexual or other invidious prejudice; 3) advocate sexual or violent exploitation; 4) violate rights established by law or agreement; 5) invade the privacy of any person; or 6) be otherwise inappropriate as determined by Population Connection in its sole and conclusive determination.

15. The judges’ decision is final. Entries will be judged by topic, in the semi-finals round with ONE final winner for the contest.  Decisions will be made based on the "Be the Story" Judging Rubric.

16. The only compensation for submitting an entry is the opportunity to be awarded a prize if the entry wins.  Sandscript Publishing will pay no additional compensation nor be liable to the participants under any circumstances.

17. Entrants should keep at least one copy of their submission.  Sandscript Publishing is not responsible for any submissions that are lost, damaged, or that do not upload properly.

18. Ownership of the underlying intellectual property of the project remains with the entrant, with the following exceptions:

    • Entrants grant Sandscript Publishing the right to use their names, photographs, statements, quotes, testimonials, andio and/or video submissions for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes without notification or further compensation.

    • Entrants also grant Sandscript Publishing the right to use, reproduce, reprint, distribute, perform, and/or display the entrant’s project audio/video without further compensation or notification to the entrant.

    • Sandscript Publishing maintains the right to reproduce, reprint, distribute, perform, display, or exhibit the project for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes on their website, at conferences, or at any other venues.

19. By accepting the prizes, winners agree to hold Sandscript Publishing, its parent company AZAR, LLC and its employees harmless against any and all claims and liability arising out of use of such prizes.  Winner assumes all liability for any injury or damage caused from participation in the contest or use/redemption of any prize.

20. Entrants agree to be bound by the official contest rules and decisions of the judges.