The Life Channel Young Filmmakers' Competition Guidelines

We want to hear what you really think about knife crime. Use your film to show us how it has affected your life or the lives of people you know. Tell us what you think about the way that knife crime is reported on TV and in the papers. What new ways can you think of to tackle the problem?

Your film needs to be less than 1 minute 30 seconds long, but there's no minimum duration.

You can shoot your film on a video camera, mobile phone or any device that can record video. As long as you can send us a video file (MPEG, WMV or QuickTime format) that’s great! When you upload it to the web site include a short written piece (up to 250 words maximum) about your film.

We don’t think you should be portraying knife crime, but thinking more about its causes, consequences and new ways to deal with the issues involved. Don’t show any knives in your film: it will be disqualified!

Do not put yourself or anyone else in danger: be aware of hazards like cars and other traffic if you are filming on the street. Keep your wits about you and don’t take any risks. If you’re filming in a group watch out for each other (or choose someone to be in charge of location safety). Respect other people and don’t disrupt or inconvenience them.

Here are The Life Channel's Ten Top Tips for Young Filmmakers:

• Know what you want to say
  It might seem obvious, but make sure you know what your story, message or idea is before you do anything else.
• Be Different
  Try to think of an original, maybe surprising way to tell your story, but...
• Keep it Simple
  You don’t need Hollywood budgets to make a great movie, just a good idea. A straightforward approach often works best if you’re on a tight budget (or no budget!)
• Don’t Trust to Luck
  Plan as much as you can beforehand. Successful filmmakers know exactly what they want long before they take their first shot.
• Draw it First
  Sketch your ideas in pictures (storyboard) before you start, it really helps to get you organised and tell your story the best way.
• Keep it Quick
  Don’t take any longer than you really need to tell your story.
• Who Does What?
  If you’re working in a group decide what everyone is doing (and try to stick to it!)
• Travel Light
  Don’t lug around lots of gear you don’t need, you’ll soon get fed up.
• Be Safe
  Don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger.