The 2009 rainchasers video film competition is openfor entries between Jan 1st 2009 and April 30th 2009. The brief is simple, make a 2 minute film about paddlesports, send it to us it will be shown on this site and others. After the closing date, our panel of judges will award first, second and third prizes according to the criteria of which film they think is 'best'.

Ok, so now for the terms and conditions stuff;

Entries.

• All entries must be between 1min 50s and 2min 10s. Content is up to you. The only steer we would give is that it is the film that we are judging, not just the kayaking. Footage used should be largely unseen in the public domain, but can be of any age.
  
• Send us the film on a disc to the following address;

Rainchasers film comp, Jenny Hill, Arrad Foot, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7SN

Please include a low res version for web purposes and a high res version for use (with your permission) at festivals etc. The entry should include the details of the entrant(s). This may be a single filmaker who uses unspecified 'models/actors', or a filmaker/kayaker combo or any other variation on that theme. This must be specified at the time of entry. The 'models' should be aware of, and in agreement with, the use for which the film is being used. The low res film should comply to the follow sepcification as closely as possible. Dont fret if you cant get it exact, you wont be disqualified.

• Codec/Format

  Ideally choose quicktime H.264 for the video codec. Mpeg and Avi files are acceptable. Choose AAC for the audio codec if possible.

• Frame rate

  Set it at 25. If there is an option that says “current” just go with that.

• Data rate

  1800 kbits/sec (for regular video) or 5000 kbits/sec (for high definition).

• Size

  640x480 (for regular video) or 1280x720 (for high definition).

• Sound sample rate

  44.100 kHz

• Audio quality

  Bit rate of 128 kbps.

There are some tutorials for specific programs that you can view here and here.

Your film will be embedded with the sponsors logos and uploaded to vimeo. The film remains your property, and you retain full rights, but we ask that you only share it in competition format for the duration of the competition (i.e. The competition version, with sponsors logo, can be embedded elsewhere during this time).

There are no age limits and no limits to the number of entries you may submit. Entrants should be nationals of, or resident in, the UK. Entrants who have existing sponsorship deals with major companies may enter films but will not be considered for prizes (please contact me if this requirees arbitration). There are no entry fees. Judges decision is final.

Prizes

1st - One year membership of Team Pyranha for up to two people (This should be specified when the film is submitted). The winner or winners will be welcomed into the team, and allowed to choose from the pyranha range of boats at incredibly favourable prices and conditions (mail of you want details of the deal). Weather the deal gets extended is between you and pyranha at a later date, but if you keep coming up with the goods ...

2nd - £100 vouchers for Windermere Canoe and Kayak (Vouchers are redeemed at full RRP of goods, and if entries are pairs then you can sort it between you!)

3rd - £50 vouchers for Windermere Canoe and Kayak (Vouchers are redeemed at full RRP of goods, and if entries are pairs then you can sort it between you!)

Sorry to be formal, but its best to get things straight before we start.

If there any other queries please get in touch with me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it