Grand Prize Winner to Be Announced at National Educational Computing Conference in San Antonio June 29 - July 2
(Madison, Wisconsin--May 13, 2008) Sony Creative Software, a leading provider of consumer and professional video and audio editing software applications, today announced the finalists for its Technology in Motion: Vision of the Future student film contest announced last February.
The contest provided all of the tools for high school students to develop video production skills while predicting the future of technology through their short films. While hundreds of schools participated in the program, the three finalists are Alpha School by students from Lisbon High School in Iowa, Contact by students from Ashland High School in Ohio and TECH 178 by students from Tandem Friends High School in Virginia.
Alpha School is a 2D black-and-white animation that looks at the bleak consequences humans will face if we make ourselves tools to technology, rather than making technology "an aid to man," as described in the film's closing scene. Similarly, Contact is a live-action film that showcases a group of teens trying to free their community from a state where human contact is forbidden in favor of communication solely through computerized methods. The film TECH 178 features two friends discussing their different views of the future through paper puppetry and live action sequences.
"Through the Technology in Motion contest, Sony Creative Software and our partners sought to expose students to the technical fundamentals of film production as well as nurture creativity, innovation and leadership skills," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of global marketing for Sony Creative Software. "We applaud all entrants for their efforts and hope that they will continue to grow their creative skills and contribute their talents to the film world."
Presented by Sony Creative Software and Intel, with the support of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and Edutopia magazine, the contest offered participating high school students the chance to experience the process of producing a professional project from start to finish using the Sony Vegas Pro 8 video and audio production platform, which was just honored at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) 2008 tradeshow with a Best Choice award from Student Filmmakers magazine and a STAR Award from TV Technology magazine. From script to screen, students conceptualized, produced and edited short films that present their own visions of how technology will shape their future.
An expert panel rated the three finalists from the submissions entered into the contest, judging entries on creativity and originality. The three finalists' videos have been posted online to
http://www.techinmotioncontest.com, where public voting will determine the final ranking of the top three finalists. All three finalists will receive prize packages from Sony that will be presented at the National Educational Computing Conference in San Antonio June 29 – July 2. The grand prize winner will receive two Sony VAIO laptop computers, a video camera, software and accessories worth more than $25,000 USD. Total prize packages awarded to the three finalists are valued at over $70,000.
About Sony Creative Software
Sony Creative Software inspires artistic expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, and audio production. Sound Forge, ACID, and Vegas software have defined digital content creation for a generation of creative professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts. These signature product lines continue to advance the art of providing powerful, accessible tools to unleash the imagination. Today, there is a Sony Creative Software application for every level of expertise, including a full line of consumer software based on the company's professional applications. In addition, Sony Creative Software produces the extensive Sony® Sound Series collection of royalty-free loops and production music, Sony Pictures Sound Effects Series exclusive sound effects, Vision Series video creation assets, as well as www.ACIDplanet.com, the internet's premier site for independent music and video artists. As a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the company also develops applications that enhance the experience for users of Sony hardware devices including the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. Sony Creative Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, students and educators, hobbyists and enthusiasts, and young children exploring music creation.
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