The results of the contest are out. Congratulations to the following winners!
1st prize
Soh Wen Wen Zestin and Soh Jia Yu Eunice
2nd prize
Syed Idros Bin Abdul Rahman and Alif Nuramin Bin Abdul Malik
3rd prize
Teh Kiam Poh and Chan Mei Yee
Other submitted videos can be viewed on our YouTube page.
Through Green Lenses is a mini-documentary/ film making contest where you have the chance to capture and showcase the unique co-existence of waste management and rich biodiversity on Semakau. Semakau is a unique offshore landfill located south of the main island of Singapore, and also co-functions as a recreational destination for nature lovers. It boasts of scenic landscaping and vibrant biodiversity, making it the perfect stage for you to show your appreciation of nature and exhibit your documentary/ film making talents.
Here's your chance to go to Semakau to film its interesting flora and fauna and win attractive prizes.
1st prize: Legria HF R 26 and cash worth $1500
2nd prize: Legria FS 46 and cash worth $1000
3rd prize: Legria FS 406 worth $500
Winners will also get to meet Zeb Hogan, National Geographic Explorer, host of highly rated documentary 'Monster Fish' and judge for Through Green Lenses. You can check out Zeb Hogan's profile here.
'I've been interested in fish, rivers and streams for as long as I can remember, and I am excited to work with younger generations to explore the unique Semakau in Singapore. I hope that they will also take action to protect this amazing place and animals.'
Theme: Unique Co-existence of Waste Management and Rich Biodiversity
Duration of mini-documentary/film: 3 minutes or less
Important dates:
22 Apr 2012 (2:00pm - 3:30pm)
Video skills workshop by professional film maker cum briefing session at MEWR Theatrette, Environment Building (along Scotts Road)
28 Apr 2012
Filming on Semakau
- You will have to provide your own video cameras.
- Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.
- You will be loaned binoculars to enhance your nature viewing experience.
So what are you waiting for? To register, download our Entry Form.
Participation details:
- This competition is open to all Singaporeans and PRs above 12 years old.
- Participants can register either individually or in pairs.
- A registration fee of $10 per team applies.
- Registration is restricted to the first 45 teams that submit their Entry Forms and full registration fees to us.
- For enquiries, please email teryang@nss.org.sg.
More information about this contest can be found in our guidelines and terms and conditions.
10 Tips to a better film. By Yeo Wee Han, professional photographer and film maker
Brought to you by Canon Legria.
1) Know your gear. The camera comes with an instruction manual for a reason. Read it from cover to cover. It's tempting to just charge the battery and head out for a shoot but you will only do better if you read the manual and know your hear inside out.
2) Learn photography. Photography is somewhat related to video. If you have a fine eye for photography, then you have won half the battle of filmmaking.
3) See the light. Learning what light is optimal for your subjects is crucial to bringing the best out of your video. Want to differentiate your product from the rest? Master lighting.
4) Do a location scout or two. Location scouting preps you for the challenges ahead. If you were heading to a fine restaurant for dining, you surely will be checking reviews on it. Location scouting helps you to seek information crucial to a successful filming.
5) Good pre-production is the start of every successful film. Write out your ideas, expand it, plan for the shoot, do casting for your actors. All these adds up to a fine product later on.
6) Know the limits of your gear. Small cameras are compact and easy to handle. They however do not perform well in low- light conditions. Knowing the boundaries of your gear will ensure optimal results.
7) Do takes after takes if possible. A little camera shake? A Pan that was not smooth? Do another take! Unless you are shooting Brad Pitt slipping on the red carpet, there should be no stopping you from having a take two.
8) Neglect sound at your own risk. Cover your ears the next time you watch a movie. How does it feel? Sound is important which is why there is radio. Pay at least as much attention to it as the visuals.
9) Editing is the trashing of shots that do not help the story. Have a shot that took an hour to get and yearning for it to be in the film? Sure you can but only if it moves the story along or if there is a point to it.
10) Watch more movies. This is the tip everyone loves. Watching more films while looking at the lighting and angles is going to be of great help. Can't rewind the film in the theatre? Get or rent the DVD and rewind to your heart's content.