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Video Bible Drama 2008

Josette DePasse
101 N Jessica #140
Tucson, Arizona 85710
(H) (520) 886-9380
poohbearus@msn.com

PURPOSE: In this videotaped event, participant actors dressed in appropriate costumes and using suitable props, dramatize a Bible story which illustrates the current year's LTC theme.

PROCESS: Each participating group or individual will:

• Select an appropriate Bible story which illustrates the current LTC theme.
• Create a script based on the Scripture.
• Provide costumes, props, and participant actors.
• Ensure a maximum of 20 participants work on a Bible drama.
• Tape the play.
• Mail the following to the Event Director
  • The Video tape or DVD
  • Three copies of the typed script (Copies should be attached to video with a rubber band.)
  • Any required narrative
  • Cover sheet
  • A stamped postcard with the Church Coordinator's mailing address if receipt confirmation is requested. Or an email address may be placed on the cover sheet to receive confirmation.

THE PACKAGE MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MONDAY, February 25, 2008

The Event Director will:

• Send confirmation of receipt to the Church Coordinator if a stamped postcard or email address is included
• Return judging and critique sheets to the Pre-Convention Director with all award recommendations. (Retain copies for future inquiries.)
• Provide master video for display at the convention.

RULES:

Video Production:

1. There are three grade categories for this event:

   Grades 3 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12

2. The drama may include participants from more than one grade category; however, the drama will be judged in the category of the oldest participant. (See Video Production Rule #7 for exceptions.) NOTE: No more than 20 participants are to work on a Video Bible Drama.
3. Bible Drama stories are to be selected from anywhere in the Bible; however, the story you select must clearly represent the current LTC theme.
4. The video play must be a re-creation of a Bible story that illustrates the current LTC theme. It may include a modern day application; however, the Bible story must be 75% of the total story length. NOTE: This is not a modernistic or futuristic retelling of the Bible story.
5. Every attempt should be made to adhere to authenticity in costumes, speech, set design, and events. Creating additional/composite characters to tell your story must be done carefully and with attention to the speech and customs of Biblical times. If you create additional/composite characters, please include a typed narrative explaining the character.
6. Participants may receive outside assistance in the following areas: Script writing, set construction, costumes, make-up, lighting, directing, and filming. Outside assistance is defined as an adult or an older participant.
7. An older participant may choose to serve as the director, camera person, or technician in a younger grade category. The older participant may not perform in the video; however, he/she may still receive an award with the group as the director/technician. The participant director's/technician's age will not affect the grade placement of the team. NOTE: The word "DIRECTOR" or "TECHNICIAN" must be included on the team form next to the older participant's name.

   (EXAMPLE: If a 10th grader directs the 3-4th grade drama, the team is still entered in the 3-4 grade division and the 10th grader's name is listed with the other participants as DIRECTOR/TECHNICIAN.)

   NOTE: If a participant serves as director/technician in a younger grade category and is listed on the team form, he/she may not participate in a drama at their own level; however, if a participant serves without recognition as director/technician in a younger grade category and is not listed on the team form, he/she may enter in their own grade category. A participant may not receive more than one award in the Video Bible Drama category.

8. Maximum length of the video Bible drama is ten minutes. A drama which exceeds the ten minute time limit will be penalized five points.
9. Chewing gum is not appropriate during performance. A five point penalty will be assessed for any actor chewing gum, unless expressly required by the character.

Video Submission:

1. Video cassettes are to be VHS format or on DVD.
2. Only one Bible Drama per video.
3. Typed documentation for each drama submitted must include:
1. Cover Page containing:

   Story Title
   Scripture Reference
   Names & grades of each participant
   Congregation name
   Name of Church Coordinator
   Congregation or Church Coordinator's Address
   Congregation or Church Coordinator's Phone Number

2. Three copies of the script with the title and Scripture reference at the top of the first page.
3. Typed narrative on special techniques used in filming and/or the use of additional/ composite characters. NOTE: Failure to comply with this rule will result in a five-point penalty.
4. Participants may be part of only one entry. (For exception see Rule #7 above.)
5. Videos and corresponding documentation are to be sent to the Bible Drama Director at the address listed above. Videos are to be postmarked by the Pre-Convention due date.
6. While ratings are not based on the video quality, they will be affected by the ability or inability to use the equipment at hand. It is difficult to judge a poorly recorded video. Be sure you preview the video before mailing. While previewing your video, ask yourself:

   Are all characters clearly visible? Have we cut off heads or left necessary people out of the shot? Can all actors be heard? Is background noise/music too loud or does it detract from the overall story?

   NOTE: Use of special dubbing equipment is discouraged; however if specialty equipment is used to enhance the video (i.e. computer enhancement and blue screen), a typed narrative describing the technique is required. Failure to include narrative will result in a five point penalty.

7. All materials, including scripts and videotapes or DVDs that are submitted for judging, become the property of LTC-SW. It is understood that LTC-SW reserves the right to use these materials for promotion, instruction, or any other manner deemed appropriate by the LTC-SW Board of Directors.

AWARDS:

1. Each grade category will be rated by the following scale:

   Gold Rating = 95-100,   Silver Rating = 85-94,   Bronze Rating = 70-84;   No Award = 0-69 points

2. A team event plate will be awarded to the teams of two or more to hang on the congregational plaque. An appropriately colored engraved plate for the individual's award plaque will be awarded to the members of those Gold, Silver, and Bronze rated teams.

JUDGING CRITERIA:
There are five major components used as judging criteria in the Video Bible Drama event. The assigned point values are provided on the sample judging form on the next page.

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