awards / current
To participate in the Game Marketing Making the Cut competition, follow these steps:
1. Register and create a profile
2. Download footage from Ubisoft to create either a :30 or :60 trailer.
3. Use the music library provided Man Made Music
4. Visit www.jmtalent.com for a list of professional voice over talent to use to read your copy
a. Choose an artist who you think works best with your trailer
b. Send your first three choices along with your script and any direction to Brittney McDade
at Brittney@jmtalent.com
c. Allow two business days for Jason Marks Talent to get your narration back to you
d. Please note you do not have to use Jason Marks Talent
5. Read the advice provided by game marketing professionals
What you could win
The winner will have his or her work highlighted on the “Assassin’s Creed” website and Facebook page as well as Ubisoft’s Facebook page.
The winner will also receive a one-night hotel stay at the Intercontinental Hotel and Resorts and a complimentary registration to the 2012 Game Marketing Summit & Awards in San Francisco on April 17 at the Yuerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Is this competition open to high school students or college graduates?
No. This competition is only open to current undergraduate college students.
Can I submit more than on trailer?
Yes. You can submit as many trailers as you’d like.
Does it cost anything to submit?
No. Submitting your trailer to the Game Marketing Making the Cut competition is free.
Do I have to use the music provided for my trailer?
Yes. The only music you can use outside of the library must be your original composition.
Can I create my own footage to use in the trailer?
No.
If I am not a US citizen, am I eligible to compete?
Yes.
Question: If you were going to provide a student with a few tips on cutting a trailer for games, what would it be?
1) Know your audience
A good video is one that your core demographic can relate to. Understand your audience's tastes, and tailor the heck out of the video so that it resonates with the viewer.
2) Tell a good story
The saying "All flash and no substance" applies here. No matter how flashy a video is, it will only be effective if its viewers can derive meaning from it. Think about your favorite movies. Behind every great cinematic feature lies a good story. While the dissection of good story telling can be discussed ad nauseum, know that the basic structure of a good story applies: it should have a beginning, middle, and an end.
3) Make it stand out
In the age of Youtube, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make a video stand out from the crowd. Here are a few suggestions...
- Try using motion graphics, or even dynamic static graphics! Graphics can be the dynamic element that takes your video to the next level. Paired up with effective storytelling, motion graphics can be the difference between a video looking amateurish and professional. Caution! Bad graphics can also lead to a video looking amateurish. Do it right or don't do it at all.
- Implementing good music and sound design. The use of audio as a dynamic element in video production cannot be understated. Music and sound design can invoke moods/feelings. It often sets the tone for excitement, melancholy, suspense, joy, horror, or humor. Spice up a boring video with good audio design.
- Think outside the box! The best videos are those that are wacky, unconventional, and weird. Try to come up with an idea that strives to be different from the others. Whether it's a twist on normal storytelling conventions, strange visual aesthetics, or a humorous parody of its source material, don't be afraid to make a statement by being bold and different
To download files right click the links below and select "save link as" (or "download linked file as") to save the file to your drive.
Footage
Download Ubisoft footage (zip)
Sound
Download Man Made Music audio files (zip)
Other Material
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Logos (zip)
Questions? Contact Miracle McClain, industry development and diversity program coordinator, at miracle@promaxbda.org or 310.789.1539.