About The Contest

WHAT IS INNERSECTION?

Innersection is an open source freesurfing event. Based on filmmaker Taylor Steele's "section based" style of surf filmmaking, now surfers partner with filmmakers to make their own sections. Team load their sections onto the Innersection website during one of four annual rounds, where members then vote to see which sections should be developed into finished pieces for an annual DVD release of the 20 best sections. There is also a $50,000 grand prize for year's single best section.

WHO CAN ENTER?

In theory, anyone with a video camera and surfboard can enter a section - but we do have a certain minimum performance standard to keep from wasting our viewer's time. Keep in mind that you're competing for the best freesurfing section of the year.

HOW DOES THE VOTING WORK?

Voting occurs in two stages. In the first week, we boil the entries down to the ten best. In the second week, we eliminate down to the best five. Those five all advance on to the final movie release.

WHAT ARE THE ROUNDS?

Winter Round: May 1st (submissions opens April 20th)
Spring Round: July 1st (submissions open June 20th)
Summer Round: September 1st (submissions open August 20th)
Fall Round: October 1st (special seeded round - sorry, invite only)

IS IT FREE?

Yes, Innersection is free to watch all the sections. However, only Premium Members can vote for which sections become part of the DVD, since they're the ones who will be watching it (all Premium Memberships include a download of the movie and a vote for the Grand Prize).

WHAT IS A PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP?

Premium Membership is essentially a pre-order of the movie. By becoming a Premium Member and participating in the four Rounds of Innersection, you take part in creating your own surf movie, as well as supporting the freesurfing community.

WHAT IS THE FILMMAKERS FORUM:

ARE THERE RULES I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Innersection videos must comply to a few simples rules:

No re-used footage (original content only)
No mechanical assist (jet-ski, paddles, boats, etc)
One surfer per section.

Sections must also be between 2-5 minutes and use pre-approved Innersection music, available on this site.

FAQ

Q: I signed in but never received a verification email?: A: CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL. It's an automated system, so if you typed your email correctly, one got sent (but junk filters often detect automated systems). If you still can't find it (ugh!), just send us an email at info@innersection.tv ...we'll sort you out
Q: What happens if I win one of the Event Cycles?: A: For each of the four cycles, five section will qualify for a guaranteed a spot in the next Taylor Steele movie. Winner may (and should) re-edit and re-submit their section after qualifying. But don't worry: if you qualify, we'll be in touch.
Q: Do I need a surfer's permission to upload a video of him?: A: Any surfer may request a section featuring him removed from site at any time.
Q: Do I need a surfer's permission to upload a video of him?: A: Any surfer may request a section featuring him removed from site at any time.
Q: Can one surfer submit multiple sections?: A: No. One section per surfer. Qualifiers may not re-enter later cycles, but non-qualifiers may.
Q: Do I still own the rights to my footage after I upload to the sight?: A: While your footage is on the Innersection site, your footage is considered property of Innersection Limited. Qualifiers will be paid market value for up to 3-minutes of footage. Non-qualifiers retain all rights to their footage following each round of competition.
Q: If I don't win, can re-submit the same footage and section in later months?: A: Yes.
Q: What happens if a qualifying section is later disqualified?: A: In this instance, the next highest scoring section will move into the qualifying position. If prize money has already been paid, it must be repaid.
Q: Can I use my own music?: A: Yes. You must have rights to any music used. See the MUSIC page for info clearing your own music tracks and full music related information.
Q: I know a band that would like to make their music available to contestants. How should I let people know?: A: Great. See full info on the MUSIC page.
Q: What are the best video specs for uploading to the competition?: A: Most file formats are accepted, but we recommend: Quicktime. H264 codec, to your settings. 756x568. File size will probably be around 250 MB.
Q: What are the best out-put setting for my video for upload?: A: Our site will accept most formats, however, here is what we recommend:
Q: What's this about "cover art"?: A: Your cover art is what viewers will click on to view your section. It should be vertical oriented, like a DVD box for your section. 2x3 is a good size ratio, and 200 dpi is plenty. Include your name and an image that promotes your section and stands out.
Q: My section is a little longer/shorter than the 2-4 minute time limit - am i going to be disqualified?: A: The time limit is a loose guideline and we generally won't DQ anyone for a few seconds over or under. If you have concerns about your length, just contact us and we'll figure it out. (info@innersection.tv) But we'll tell you this right now...shorter is usually better.
Q: How is the Wild Card selected?: A: Four sections are picked via the voting. The fifth is a wild card selected by Innersection staff, based on a number of factors; primarily, a surfer who has proven (via both his section here and previous experiences) that he will created a strong section and competitive for the final movie.
Q: If the previous year's winner (2010 = Matt Meola) gets an automatic spot on the next movie, are they still competing for the Grand Prize?: A: Yes. All sections on the final movie are applicable for the Grand Prize...even the defending champ.
Q: You still haven't answered my question. Now what?: A: Sorry about that. Shoot us an email in the "Contact" box below and we'll sort it out.

OFFICIAL RULES:

INNERSECTION ONLINE SURF VIDEO CONTEST

OFFICIAL 2011 RULES

This contest is sponsored by Innersection, Inc. ("Innersection" and/or "Sponsor" located at 330 Barbara Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075. The Innersection Online Surf Video Contest ("Contest") is operated through the Innersection Video Contest Web Site located currently located at http://www.innersection.tv ("Website"). BY ENTERING OR OTHERWISE PARTICIPATING IN THE CONTEST, ALL ENRANTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS AGREE TO ABIDE BY THESE OFFICIAL RULES, WHICH ARE FINAL AND BINDING ON ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THIS CONTEST.Eligibility: NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST. VOID WHERE RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED BY LAW. The Contest is open to individuals from all countries and territories worldwide who are registered members of Innersection.tv ("Entrant") and at least 13 years of age at time of entry. To enter the Contest, Entrant must be a member of Innersection.tv ("Registered Member"). Registration is free. If Entrant is not a member, Entrant may register by clicking on the link as indicated on the Contest entry page and following the instructions. During the Innersection.tv registration process, Entrant will be asked to provide his or her name, physical address, email address, telephone number, birth date, gender and to select a password. Entrant will also be asked to consent to receive promotional emails. Consenting to receive promotional emails is optional and does not have to be agreed to in order to become a member or to win a prize. As a member, Entrant may enter the Contest by first logging in to the system with Entrant's current username and password. Entrant may then be asked to answer survey questions or to consent to receive promotional emails from the Sponsor. Answering survey questions or consenting to receive promotional emails is optional and does not have to be agreed to in order to be eligible to enter the Contest or to win a prize. Entrants are responsible for insuring that all contact information is up-to-date and accurate. Sponsor is not liable for any disputes between collaborators arising under or related to the Contest. Employees of Innersection, their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, agents, and the immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate in the Contest in any manner except as otherwise expressly provided herein (e.g., as non-Entrant individuals judging Entries during specific stages of the Contest) or to win any prize. Misrepresentation of age, upon discovery by Sponsor will disqualify the applicable Entrant(s). Sponsor reserves the right, at any time and in its sole discretion, to refuse to allow any individual to participate or continue to participate in the Contest, or to disqualify any individual it suspects to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or the Website, to be in violation of any terms and conditions governing the use of the Website ("Terms of Use") or any privacy policy governing the submission of information through the Website ("Privacy Policy"); to be in violation of these Official Rules; to be acting in bad faith, or in a non-sportsmanlike or disruptive manner; or to be annoying, abusing, threatening, or harassing any other person. ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR TAMPER WITH OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES AS WELL AS CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO, DISQUALIFY THE ENTRANT AND SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES FROM ANY RESPONSIBLE PARTICIPANT(S) TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

All elements used, incorporated into or otherwise appearing in a Section including, without limitation, audio, speech/voiceovers, stills, video, supers or any other audio-visual materials (collectively, "Elements") must be performed by the surfer or Entrant, and must be cleared by the Entrant.

Sections not meeting all entry requirements stated herein will be disqualified.

Selection of Cycle Winners/Grand Prize Winner: Five (5) Cycle Winners will be selected within one (1) month from the date the respective Cycle began. Once the Cycle Winners are selected, the five (5) Cycle Winners then be posted on the Innersection.tv Website for public viewing, and the same will be repeated for all four (4) Cycles of the Contest. Once the Cycle Periods are over, the twenty (20) Cycle Winners will be featured in the Innersection DVD, after which point the Grand Prize Winner will be selected, which will be on or before January 31, 2011.

Judging Criteria/Winner Notification: In the Initial Judging Period, all Sections submitted will be ranked by Registered Members and then be judged by the Judges, in their sole discretion, based on the following criteria: highest average rating by Registered Members (on a scale of 1-10), highest number of views, and Registered Member Feedback ("Judging Criteria"). The final top 10 selection is to be determined by a Select Panel chosen from Registered Members. The Select Panel will submit their non-sequential Top Ten (10) list, awarding one (1) point to each section on the list. The ten (10) sections with highest point totals will determine the Top Ten (10). The decisions of the Judges are final and cannot be appealed. The Top Ten will then be ranked by Registered Members in the Secondary Judging Period, in their sole discretion. Registered Members will select four (4) Sections out of the Top Ten and rank those four (4) Sections in ranking order from 1-4. A fifth (5th) "WILDCARD" section will be determined by Innersection, to complete the Top Five (5) list. The decisions of the Registered Members are final and cannot be appealed by Entrants. The Five (5) Cycle Winners from each Cycle are then chosen as the Cycle Winners of their respective Cycles. There are four (4) Cycles in the Contest Period, which will total twenty (20) Cycle Winners for the Contest and will be featured in the Innersection DVD. Once the Innersection DVD is released, Registered Members will then get one vote through a vote code that is to be included with each DVD purchase or digital download, at their sole discretion, to decide who will be the Grand Prize Winner. The Cycle Winner with the highest number of votes at the end of the Final Judging Period will be the Grand Prize Winner. Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, contact each Cycle Winner and require any such Cycle Winner to answer additional questions or participate in additional screening procedures; require such Cycle Winner and all individuals appearing in such Cycle Winner's Entry to sign consent forms and/or releases; and or disqualify any Cycle Winner who is unable or unwilling to do or provide any of the foregoing. Without limiting the foregoing, each Cycle Winner who is under 18 years of age or is a minor in his or her state of residence will be required to have his or her parent or legal guardian affirm in writing such Cycle Winner's acknowledgement and agreement to the Official Rules and Submission Agreement, in order to continue to participate in the Contest. In the event that any Cycle Winner or the surfer filmed elects to end his or her participation in the Contest, is unable to participate further in the Contest for any reason, or is, in Sponsor's discretion, deemed to be ineligible to participate, Sponsor reserves the right to replace such Cycle Winner with an alternate non-Cycle Winner Entrant. When all Cycle Winners have been finally determined, Sponsor will announce the Cycle Winners and the Grand Prize Winner on the Innersection Online Surf Video Contest Website, and may announce the Cycle Winners and Grand Prize Winner on certain Sponsor-affiliated sites or services. Notification of Grand Prize Winner must be kept confidential until the Grand Prize Winner is publicly revealed by the Sponsor. The Sponsor reserves the right to select fewer than twenty (20) Cycle Winners in the event that there is an insufficient number of Sections that are deemed to meet the applicable criteria or if any potential Cycle Winner, in the sole opinion of the Sponsor, does not comply with the Sponsor's eligibility and verification requirements. Cycle Winners: After a Cycle Winner has been named, Cycle Winner has sixty (60) days from date of announcement to submit their Final Section for the DVD, unless otherwise agreed with Sponsor. Final Sections shall be physically submitted, via a hard-drive containing all necessary elements for production: Editing Timeline, All Clips, Music Tracks in Mp3 format, and Signed Athlete and Filmer Release Forms. Submission of Final Section is free. Any additional costs associated with submission of the Entrant's Final Section are the sole responsibility of the Entrant. Cycle Winners who fail to meet the deadline may be excluded from the final DVD, or defaulted to their original submission. Sponsor reserves the right to use the Original Section in replacement of Final Section for any reason. Once a Surfer has become a Cycle Winner, they are no longer eligible to enter the later Cycles of Innersection 2011. Once a Filmmaker has become a Cycle Winner, they are no long eligible to enter the later Cycles of Innersection 2011.

Prizes: (1) Cycle Winners: The Entrants who are deemed Cycle Winners for each Cycle will be featured in the Innersection DVD and will receive advice and tips from Sponsor on filming/editing/surfing. (2) Grand Prize: The Entrant who submitted the winning Final Section shall be considered the Grand Prize Winner. The Grand Prize will consist of US$100,000.

Prize Restrictions: ALL COSTS, INCLUDING FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAXES AND OTHER EXPENSES ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNERS.

Entry Details: The name of the "authorized account holder" associated with any given email address will be deemed to be the Entrant and must comply with these Official Rules. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, an online service provider, or another organization that is responsible for assigning email addresses or the domain associated with the submitted email address. Proof (to Sponsor's satisfaction) of being the authorized account holder may be required by Sponsor. Sponsor is not responsible for: lost, incomplete, late, damaged, or misdirected entries, email messages; failures or malfunctions of phones, phone lines or telephone systems or other communications malfunctions; interrupted or unavailable network, server or other connections including those through www.innersection.com; miscommunications, failed computer hardware or software or other technical failures; garbled, lost, misrouted or scrambled transmissions; any error, omission, interruption, defect or delay in any transmission or communication; traffic congestion on the Internet or for any technical problem, including but not limited to any injury or damage to Entrant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation in this Contest; printing or other errors appearing within these Official Rules or in any Contest-related advertisements or other materials; other errors or problems of any kind whether mechanical, human, technical, electronic or otherwise; or the processing or judging of entries or Trailers. The use of automated entry or similar devices, as specifically set forth above, is prohibited and entries through such prohibited devices are void. By entering this Contest, Entrants give their express permission to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone, email and/or postal mail for Contest purposes only.

Miscellaneous: No transfer, assignment, cash redemption or substitution of prizes (or portion of prize) is allowed except by Sponsor due to prize unavailability and then only for a prize (or applicable portion of prize) of equal or greater value as determined by Sponsor. If any prize notification letter or prize is returned as undeliverable, winner will be disqualified and an alternate winner may be selected. By participating, each Entrant acknowledged and agrees: (1) to be bound by these Official Rules (and the Contest Terms and Conditions of Submission, as applicable) and the decisions of the Sponsor and judges which are final and binding in all respects; (2) that Sections (and all components thereof) will not be acknowledged; (3) that Sponsor and its designees shall have the right and permission to use (unless prohibited by law) Entrant's name, voice, city and state of residence, photograph and/or likeness for advertising and/or trade and/or any other purpose in any media now or hereafter known without further compensation, permission or notification to Entrants or any third parties; and (4) the Sponsor shall have no liability and will be held harmless by Entrants for any liability, loss, injury or damage to participants or any other person or entity, including personal injury or death to participants or any other person or damage to personal or real property, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by reason of Entrant's participation in this Contest, the use of any Section or acceptance, possession, use or misuse of a prize. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to void suspect Sections or to modify, cancel, terminate or suspend the Contest (or any portion thereof) should virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes beyond the control of Sponsor, including but not limited to war or armed conflict (whether or not officially declared), labor controversy or threat thereof, and/or acts of God, corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play of the Contest and, in the event of such cancellation, suspension or termination, at its discretion, as applicable, select Section from among all non-suspect, eligible Section received prior to event requiring cancellation, termination or suspension.

Email Change of Address Policy: It is the sole responsibility of the Entrant to notify Sponsor if his or her email address changes. To do so, visit www.innersection.tv.

Disputes/Choice of Law: Except where prohibited, each Entrant agrees that: (i) all issues and questions concerning these Official Rules shall be governed by California law without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction; (ii) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action at law or in equity arising out of or relating to this Contest or any prize awarded shall be (A) resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and (B) filed only in the state or federal courts situated in San Diego County, California, and Entrant hereby consents and submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purposes of litigating any such disputes, claims or causes of action; (iii) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (iv) under no circumstances will any Entrant be permitted to obtain awards for and hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental, special, consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased.

Privacy: Personally identifiable information that is submitted by Entrants as part of this Contest will be used to administer the Contest, select prize winners and fulfill prizes, and will be treated in accordance with Innersection's Privacy Policy accessible on its website at www.innersection.tv.

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