over 10 years ago
Your video is key
We're on the final stretch here. It is exciting to see the submissions coming in! We will start publishing them this week.
Here are some important tips:
Your main video MUST be no longer than 90 seconds. Please do whatever it takes to come under this duration. Longer videos will risk you being disqualified right in the first round of judging and screening.
You can submit additional videos of whatever duration and related content you want, by leaving links for the judges in the other fields on the 2nd page of the form, but that main video really must be 90 seconds or less.
Focus on Why, not just What. Meaning, use that 90 seconds to show the judges why your project is so important to the industry and to the users you are targeting. Don't just focus on a feature list of what it does. In addition to highlighting key features, offer other convincing detail. Why do people need this? What is different about it? What problem does it solve? This is not required but is a really good tip to help you maximize the attention you will get from judges.
First Impressions. Remember, your main video is your first impression for judges. If you can't convince them to take a closer look after watching your video, it may be hard to get them to vote for you as the judging process proceeds.
Relax, and have fun! The above might make it feel like there is pressure to make a high-end production, but rest assured, that is not the case. This video is all about getting your story and message across and does not need to be a pro-quality, epic, short movie :). Focus on why, and what, and try to be professional and build confidence that your project is the way of the future. Quality and polish here are a plus, not a requirement.
We hope these tips will help you on this final stretch. Please remember to use the discussions forum for questions along the way.
Thanks, and good luck!
The RootsTech Innovator Showdown Team