Contest Resources

This page contains resources -- graphics, release forms, and music -- to help you complete your submission to the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program How-To Video Challenge. Please contact us at videochallenge@howcast.com if you have any questions.

Contest Intro/Outro Animations

The Contest Intro/Outro graphic animation was created specifically for the How-to Video Challenge so that all video submissions can be clearly marked as entries no matter where they are seen by viewers. It's a short clip with sound that you download and add to the Intro and Outro of your video, with a simple hard cut. To add these graphics to your video submission:

1. Select and download the graphic file that matches your video (SD/DV NTSC; HD 720p; HD 1080p; etc.). NOTE: If clicking on the title does not download the track properly, please right-click and then choose Save Target As... (Windows) or Save Link As... (Mac):
   • 1080i, 30 FPS
   • 1080p, 24 FPS
   • 1080p, 25 FPS
   • 1080p, 30 FPS
   • 1080p, 60 FPS
   • 720p, 24 FPS
   • 720p, 25 FPS
   • 720p, 30 FPS
   • 720p, 60 FPS
   • NTSC, 24 FPS
   • NTSC
   • PAL
2. Import it into your editing program.
3. Place it at the beginning and end of your video in your time line with a simple hard cut.
4. If you need help doing this, we're happy to help. Just e-mail us at videochallenge@howcast.com with your questions.

Release Forms

We recommend obtaining release forms for the actors, locations and artwork you want to use. You can use these releases detailed here:

• Talent Release (Adult) Form - every adult (18+) in your video should complete this release
• Talent Release (Minor) Form - every minor (under 18 years of age) should sign this release; this can be downloaded, completed, and emailed to videochallenge@howcast.com
• Location Release Form - the owner of any privately owned public location should complete this release. (It's not necessary for the owner of a private home or apartment to sign a release, but a store or restaurant owner must sign a release. If you are shooting in a national chain store, or large corporation, the release must be signed by a representative from the corporation, not the local branch manager. In general, it's best to avoid shooting in malls, department stores or national chain stores.)
• Artwork Release Form - any artist whose artwork you use in your video should complete this release. (This includes photography.)

These releases (with the exception of the Minor Talent Release) are all available online so there is no need to fax, scan and email or mail them in. Simply send the link to your actor, location owner or artist and have them complete the form online. Be sure to tell them the title of your video and that it is a How-To Video Challenge submission.

Music Library

You can freely use any tracks in the Howcast music library. We've got a lot to choose from!