DIGIPENDENCE - declare yours!

The Reason Project - a non-profit organization with the primary goal of spreading “scientific thinking and secular values. We invite you to help us further our work by submitting a short video that conveys the message of the foundation” - has launched a video contest.

The contest, which has some very generous prizes - U$10,000 for 1st place, U$4,000 for 2nd place and U$1,000 for 3rd place - is open to residents of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. And here’s an explanation as to why only those countries can enter.

Films can be live-action or animated and may not be any longer than 8 minutes and may be of a serious or humorous nature. Here are the Rules & Restrictions. Entries were permitted starting on the 18th, and can be submitted until February 28, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). People can vote on entries from February 12, 2010 until March 21, 2010. Submit your entry here.

The Reason Project:

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation devoted to spreading scientific knowledge and secular values in society. The foundation draws on the talents of prominent and creative thinkers in a wide range of disciplines to encourage critical thinking and erode the influence of dogmatism, superstition, and bigotry in our world.

YouTube Video Volunteers:
“This December, in commemoration of International Human Rights Day, join Morgan Freeman, Amnesty International and YouTube and become an advocate for human rights. All you have to do is create a video about your favorite human rights organization and submit it.” Read the rules here.

The 2009 Machinima Expo - for which I am a judge - has announced it’s date and location: Sunday, November 22 from 9AM (Pacific Time) to 2PM (Pacific Time) on the University Campus Suffolk’s island in the virtual World of Second Life. Here are the complete details.

LG is sponsoring the Life’s Good FilmFest.

There are four categories: Animation, Sports, Fashion/Music, Narrative. There will be a winner in each category; three category winners will each receive C$10 000 and the category winner judged the best overall will be awarded C$100 000.

Entries can be from within or outside Canada, but may not be any longer than 5 minutes and must submitted in accepted HD formats such as WMV, H264, DVC Pro HD or BluRay DVD and have either stereo audio or Dolby 5.1. And good news for young filmmakers, if they’re under 18, they can enter with a parent’s permission. Films must be submitted by 4:59:59 p.m. on October 16, 2009.

Here are the Official Contest Rules (PDF) and the Official Entry Form (PDF). Visit the contest’s Official YouTube Channel.

To celebrate the launch of Pixarpedia– Dorling Kindersley’s guide to the world of Pixar – DK Publishing and Pixar are sponsoring an animation contest. First prize is a trip to the Pixar Animation Studios in San Francisco!

To enter, animators must:

1. Create an original animated short film adventure, ensuring it meets the requirements below
2. Upload your animation to Pixarpedia Contest YouTube Channel and fill in the entry form below
3. Submit your entry before 30 November 2009

Full details may be found on the contest site, including the Terms & Conditions.