Each video must portray positive ways Texans can protect the environment, including keeping the air clean, keeping the water clean, conserving water, saving energy, or reducing waste. It is important that the video portrays a positive message. Due to the time limitations of a 30 second video, students are encouraged to explore just one of these topics.
Each video must include the slogan “Take Care of Texas. It’s the only one we’ve got.” to qualify. The slogan can be expressed either verbally or by using the Take Care of Texas logo. We recommend you download and use one of the following high-resolution image files:
TakeCareOfTexas.org is the only allowable reference for statistical information, facts, and data. Videos with information from newspapers, other websites, or anything other than Take Care of Texas will be disqualified.
Groups cannot enter the contest. While students may work in groups to create a video, only one student may be listed on the Video Contest Entry Form, and this student will be awarded the prize if they win.
Each student may submit only one video.
Videos may not have been previously submitted, distributed, or aired or have won any other award in any other competition.
Video must be 30 seconds long, give or take one second.
The ideal video quality is 1920 x 1080p.
Videos must feature horizontal (wide) orientation, like a movie screen. Vertical (tall) videos will be disqualified.
Videos must be original work created by the contest participant. Students may receive guidance from a teacher, parent, or guardian.
All visual and audio content must be original and royalty free (not copyrighted), or the student must submit written permission from the copyright holder granting use of the copyrighted material.
Student must provide the sources of unoriginal material, including:
- All unoriginal content must be documented, otherwise missing information will result in disqualification.
- All unoriginal content must be copyright free and/or royalty free, otherwise it will be disqualified.
- If any music, sounds, videos, photos, graphics, or other video elements were created solely by the student, identify it as “original content.”
- Unacknowledged sources may result in disqualification.
- Each entry form must include a document that identifies the source: name of work, creator, type of work (usually music, sound, video, or image), and the URL where the source can be verified.
Video must not contain any copyrighted materials such as company logos, product brands, or store names. Any video containing such video or audio references may be disqualified. Please see the Video Tips and Resources page for some helpful pre-approved sources of stock sounds, music, and images. (Note: iMovie music is not allowed.)
No obligation or liability is assumed by TCEQ in connection with the contest.
TCEQ owns all submitted videos. Winners and their parents or guardians agree to the use of the winners’ names and likenesses to promote the Take Care of Texas program and future video contests.
Save, share, and print this simple, one-page checklist of Video Contest requirements to take with you as you work on your video!
