Here are some resources to help you create an awesome video! You must use facts, data, and statistics from TakeCareOfTexas.org. You can also download the Take Care of Texas logo below.
Slogan Required
Each video must include the slogan, “Take Care of Texas. It’s the only one we’ve got.” or the Take Care of Texas logo, which you can download high-resolution logo here. You can also download a high-resolution logo with a transparent background here. Videos that do not include the slogan or logo will be disqualified.
Royalty-Free Music and Images
Original images and sound that are not “stock” sources reflect originality and will score better than videos composed mostly of stock images.
However, sometimes a creator needs another source of quality sound and images. Below are some examples of sources for such items that Take Care of Texas has cleared students to use.
- Unsplash – Free Images
- Pixabay – Free Images
- iStock – Stock Images and Music
- Free Soundtrack Music
- Creative Commons
- Pexels
- Free Music Archive
- YouTube Audio Library
- Bensound
- Videvo – (Search by CC license)
- Videezy
Be sure to save the source and URL address of any unoriginal material that is in your video. You will need to submit this with your video by uploading a document containing your references! You can use this Sample Reference Sheet as an example of how to record, save, and submit the sources that you use.
*Images from these sources may contain trademarks, logos, or brands, recognizable images of people, or works of art or authorship. In these cases, written permission may be required from the owner of the trademark, brand, or work of art or the model(s) in the image. Please include written permission with your submission.
Helpful Resources
- Sample Sources sheet each video submission must be accompanied by a list of sources. Any images, sounds, music, video clips, etc. that are not original creations by the student must be cited so that Take Care of Texas staff can confirm these items are not subject to copyright. You can use this sample document as a general guide for citing these sources.
- Checklist for Take Care of Texas Video Contest — one-page PDF to save, share, or print to keep your project on track.
- Center for Digital Education — How to Create the Perfect Public Service announcement.
- Bizfluent — How to Make a Good PSA.
Common Reasons that Videos are Disqualified
To help students submit the best possible video, we put together this list of the top reasons that videos were disqualified or lost points in previous contests. This list is not a substitute for reviewing and following the Contest Rules.
Students are encouraged to save/share/print this Checklist to help avoid common mistakes.
Problem: Video does not meet basic physical requirements.
- Each video must be 30 seconds long, give-or-take one second. Videos longer or shorter than this 29–31 second window will be disqualified.
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The video must have a horizontal orientation (wide, like a movie screen). Many social media trends use vertical (tall) orientation for short-form videos, but Contest entries must be horizontal to qualify. Videos with a vertical format will be disqualified.
- The ideal video resolution is 1920x1080p. Videos with very low resolution are less likely to score well.
- The video must feature the slogan “Take Care of Texas. It’s the only one we’ve got.” The slogan can be spoken, expressed visually with the visual logo, or both! Videos what do not feature this slogan or logo will be disqualified.
Problem: data and references are not from the Take Care of Texas website.
When using data, tips, or statistics in your video, the source can only be Take Care of Texas. You can use Take Care of Texas blogs, videos, publications, and other information found throughout the site. Data and information taken from other sources, such as newspapers, journals, other organizations — no matter how reputable they may be — are not permissible sources.
Problem: Music choice disqualified some entries.
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Ensure music and sound effects are royalty-free, not copyrighted, and okay to use on commercial projects.
- Do not use popular music unless you can submit proof that you have the artist’s permission.
- Do not use music provided in iMovie software. (Terms and Conditions state music cannot be used for commercial purposes. Prizes are considered a commercial purpose.)
- Do not use music downloaded from YouTube videos.
- Ensure that you cite all sources on your submission webform. Students can look to this sample Sources document for an example of how to cite these sources.
- Review the video requirements in the Contest Rules. Videos that include copyrighted materials or materials that are not cited will be disqualified.
Problem: Uncredited stock images and video footage disqualified some entries.
- Ensure images are royalty free, are not copyrighted and are okay to use on commercial projects. Visit our Tips for Creating Videos above to find sources for royalty free images.
- Microsoft clip art cannot be used for commercial projects.
- Pictures from news websites, blogs, government agencies, and other sites are often copyrighted and therefore cannot be used.
- Cite all unoriginal images, sounds, and music and upload a document with this information with your entry. You can use this Sample Reference Sheet as a general guide.
- Review the video requirements in the Contest Rules.
Problem: Some videos were disqualified for issues with the Take Care of Texas slogan or logo.
- Use the high-resolution logo provided in the links above.
- Spell the slogan correctly. “Take Care of Texas. It’s the only one we’ve got.”
- Pronounce the slogan correctly if it is said out loud.
- Review the video requirements in the Contest Rules.
Problem: Some videos lost points because of grammatical and spelling errors.
- Review your script and video for errors.
- Check spelling and grammar in any text that appears in the video.
- Have a friend, teacher, or family member review your video. Better yet, have more than one person review your video.
Problem: videos convey a negative message.
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Remember the basic premise of the Video Contest: positive ways Texans can help keep our air clean, keep our water clean, conserve water, save energy, or reduce waste.
- Keep it positive.
- Videos that portray the message in a negative way — condescending, violent, bossy, rude, mean, or threatening — may be disqualified or receive low scores.
Problem: video contains branded content like logos and brand names.
- When in doubt, blur it out. Do your best to remove brand names and logos from your video.
- Do not “advertise” specific products.
- Avoid showing images of litter or products with visible brand logos or blur them out in post-production.